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It's not common for frontcourt players to be effective playmakers in the NBA. The trend seems to be changing, though, as the game has improved offensively.
Most frontcourt players now have size, strength and speed, which gives them a significant advantage in offense. A skill like playmaking enables them to dominate opposing teams even more.
LeBron James has been a master of playmaking for a while. Several other frontcourt players have also developed their playmaking skills over the years. On that note, here's a look at the five active NBA frontcourt players with the most assists per game.
#5 Blake Griffin - 4.3
Blake Griffin came into the NBA as a dominant scorer and rebounder. He was a decent playmaker back then, too, never averaging below three assists per game in his career. He has always had a feel for the game and good court vision, and is one of the best active forwards.
He had a career-best season in terms of assists per game in the 2017-18 campaign, when he averaged 5.8 assists. Interestingly, it was during the same season when he got traded to the Detroit Pistons from the LA Clippers.
Griffin's assists numbers have seen a dip in the last two seasons, though. But he did not play regularly during this period, as he was often injured. He did show glimpses of his playmaking abilities, and could still flourish as a playmaker.
The Brooklyn Nets have plenty of shot creators, So Griffin may not post the kind of numbers he did during his initial years with the Pistons. But his playmaking skills could come in handy for his team next season.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo - 4.5
Giannis Antetokounmpo arguably has the best resume for a player who is only 26 years old. He has won the Most Improved Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, two MVP and one NBA Finals MVP award in his career so far.
Over the last few seasons, the 'Greek Freak' has made huge strides as a playmaker. He has averaged more than five assists per game in four of the last five seasons.
He is calmer on the ball than he was early on in his career. He is turning into a mature player with age. One can only imagine how good he could be over the next few seasons as he gains more experience.
#3 Draymond Green - 5.4
Draymond Green is one of the most intelligent players in the NBA right now. The Golden State Warriors forward has donned the role of defensive anchor and primary playmaker for several years. Green has brilliantly compensated for his lack of scoring by developing other aspects of his game.
Green took a while to improve his playmaking. The 2015-16 NBA season was when he flourished in that role. He averaged 7.4 assists per game that campaign. Since then, he has averaged below seven assists per game just twice.
The 2017 DPOY winner had a career-high season in terms of assists per game last campaign. He averaged a whopping 8.9 APG. It was important for him to adapt to that role, with lethal shooters and scorers like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson playing alongside him.
#2 Nikola Jokic - 6
Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic is one of the most unique 'big men' in NBA history.
Most centers take a long time to develop other aspects of their game apart from just scoring in the post and rebounding, but not Jokic. The Denver Nuggets talisman has used his brilliant IQ to his advantage.
The 6' 11" Serbian can score, assist and rebound at an efficient rate. Not many big men have been able to do all three things. Throughout his career, Jokic has averaged an impressive six assists per game. It's the most for a center in NBA history, with Wilt Chamberlain behind him with 4.4.
Jokic averaged a career-best 8.3 assists per contest last season. That was better than many playmaking point guards in the league. With Jamal Murray expected to be sidelined for large swathes next season, fans will get to enjoy some more of Jokic, the 'point-center'.
#1 LeBron James - 7.4
Even fans who do not consider LeBron James as the GOAT consider him to be one of the greatest passers of the basketball. His career average of 7.4 assists per game is evidence of how great a playmaker he has always been throughout his 18-season career.
James ranks eighth on the all-time assists leaders list in NBA history. He has dished out 9696 dimes in his career. The LA Lakers talisman is very close to reaching the 10K mark, a feat he could realistically achieve mid-season next year.
LeBron James' best season in terms of assists was in the 2019-20 campaign. The 'King' averaged 10.2 APG that season. The Lakers ended up finishing as the top seed in the West that year, and also captured their 17th NBA title.
Unlike other frontcourt players, playmaking has been a natural skill for LeBron James, enabling him to get the best out of his teammates.
