Best NBA Passes 2025-26: The Most Insane Assists This Season
Dunks get the highlights, but passes are the real art of basketball. A great pass requires vision, timing, creativity, and the courage to attempt something nobody else would try. Here are the best passes of the 2025-26 season.
Nikola Jokic's behind-the-back no-look
Jokic caught the ball at the top of the key, looked left, and threw a behind-the-back pass to his right — without looking — that hit his teammate perfectly in stride for a layup. The pass traveled 25 feet and threaded between two defenders. Nobody else in the NBA would even attempt this pass. Jokic makes it look routine.
LeBron's full-court touchdown pass
LeBron grabbed a defensive rebound and, in one motion, threw a full-court pass that hit Cooper Flagg in stride for a fast-break dunk. The pass traveled 80 feet and was perfectly placed. At 41 years old, LeBron's court vision and arm strength are still elite. The pass was a reminder of what makes him special — he sees the play before anyone else.
Trae Young's lob through traffic
Young drove into the lane, drew three defenders, and threw a lob pass over all of them to his center for an alley-oop. The pass went through a window that was maybe 6 inches wide. Young's ability to see passing lanes in traffic is unmatched among guards. He's averaging 11.2 assists per game this season, and plays like this are why.
Luka Doncic's step-back into no-look
Luka did a step-back move that made his defender think he was going to shoot. Instead, he threw a no-look pass to the corner for an open three. The defender was so committed to contesting the shot that he didn't even see the pass. Luka's ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes and body is the best in the league.
The assist leaders
Trae Young leads the league with 11.2 assists per game. Jokic is second with 10.1. Tyrese Haliburton is third with 9.8. LeBron is averaging 6.8 in his final season. The art of passing is alive and well in the NBA, and these players are keeping it that way.
Great passes don't always make the highlight reels, but they should. A perfectly placed pass is just as impressive as a poster dunk — it just requires a different kind of athleticism. The best passers see the game in slow motion while everyone else is playing at full speed.