Fiba Europe Cup Basketball

Watching the NBA these days feels like witnessing a masterclass in court vision every single night. I’ve been following the league closely for over a decade, and I have to say, the way today’s top playmakers control the game is something else entirely. It’s not just about racking up big assist numbers—though that’s certainly part of it—it’s about dictating tempo, reading defenses two steps ahead, and elevating everyone around them. Players like Nikola Jokić, Tyrese Haliburton, and Trae Young aren’t just stat-sheet fillers; they’re architects of their teams’ offensive identities. As of this week, Jokić is averaging around 9.2 assists per game, which is just absurd for a center, while Haliburton sits comfortably above 11 assists per contest. But what really fascinates me is how they dominate without always dominating the ball.

I remember watching a post-game interview a while back where Coach Victolero spoke about his player Jerom, and something he said really stuck with me. He mentioned, “Si Jerom naman, he gets his minutes. It’s a matter of resting him so that down the stretch, fresh siya. Jerom is a fighter. Actually, the last possessions, gusto ko siya ilabas at ipahinga ng konti but he told me not to sub him. He wants to play. Kita naman natin ‘yung bata.” That mindset—the refusal to come out, the desire to stay in and fight—is exactly what separates good playmakers from legendary ones. It’s not just physical stamina; it’s mental toughness and an almost obsessive will to influence the game when it matters most. When I see Luka Dončić demanding the ball in clutch moments or LeBron James directing traffic in the final minutes, I’m reminded of that same fighter’s spirit. These guys don’t just want to run the offense; they need to.

Let’s talk about Nikola Jokić for a second. The man is a walking anomaly. At 6’11”, he shouldn’t be able to pass like a point guard, but here we are. He’s not just leading the assist charts among big men—he’s redefining what’s possible from the center position. I’ve lost count of the no-look passes and full-court dimes I’ve seen from him this season. What makes Jokić so dominant isn’t just his vision; it’s his patience. He lulls defenders to sleep, uses his body to create angles, and delivers the ball with a soft touch that feels almost gentle. And the numbers back it up: last month, in a tightly contested game against the Suns, he dished out 14 assists without breaking a sweat. But here’s the thing—he also knows when to take over scoring, which opens up even more passing lanes. It’s a beautiful, frustrating cycle for opposing teams.

Then there’s Tyrese Haliburton, who’s quickly become one of my favorite players to watch. His ascent has been nothing short of spectacular. Averaging over 11 assists per game this season, Haliburton plays with a pace that’s both controlled and explosive. He pushes the ball in transition like a seasoned veteran but has the audacity to pull up from 30 feet if you give him an inch. I love how he uses the threat of his shot to create opportunities for others. Defenses have to respect his range, which means they’re often scrambling to close out, leaving rollers and cutters wide open. It’s a simple concept in theory, but executing it at his level requires an almost psychic connection with his teammates. Haliburton reminds me of Steve Nash in his prime—always looking ahead, always one pass away from breaking the game open.

But let’s not forget the veterans who’ve been doing this for years. Chris Paul, even at 38, is still averaging around 8.5 assists per game and remains a maestro in half-court sets. His ability to manipulate pick-and-roll coverage is like watching a chess grandmaster at work. I’ve always admired how he changes speeds, uses his body to shield the ball, and finds the open man with pinpoint accuracy. And then there’s LeBron, who—let’s be honest—could probably average double-digit assists in his sleep if he wanted to. He sees the game in layers, anticipating rotations before they even happen. What stands out to me about these older leaders is their understanding of tempo. They know when to push, when to slow it down, and how to make everyone on the floor better.

Of course, dominating as a playmaker isn’t just about flashy passes or high assist totals. It’s about making the right read consistently, even when you’re tired, even when the defense is keying in on you. That’s where the mental side comes in, and why Coach Victolero’s comments about Jerom resonate so deeply. The great ones don’t want to sit; they want to be on the floor when the game is on the line. I see that same hunger in players like Jokić and Haliburton. They demand the responsibility, and more importantly, they deliver. It’s what separates All-Stars from superstars.

Looking at the current landscape, I’m excited about where the NBA is headed. We’re in a golden age of playmaking, with big men, wings, and guards all contributing as facilitators. The game has evolved to prioritize versatility, and the assist leaders reflect that shift. Whether it’s Jokić’s revolutionary passing from the post, Haliburton’s electric pace, or the timeless brilliance of veterans like Paul and James, these players aren’t just accumulating stats—they’re shaping how basketball is played. And as a fan, I can’t wait to see what they do next. The art of the assist has never been more captivating, and honestly, I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.