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Big men in the NBA are often regarded as good defenders because of their flashy way of executing a block. However, stealing the ball from the hands of an opposition player is an equally effective way to defend the basket, perhaps even more technical.
As expected, guards are quick on their feet, which helps them stay in front of their opposition and effect a steal when the opportunity presents itself. That is why the NBA all-time leaderboard for steals is dominated by guards, with occasional appearances from forwards and big men.
Four active NBA players have recorded 1,500+ career steals, but only three are in the top 25. Russell Westbrook, known as the triple-double machine, recently surpassed Oscar Robertson's tally of 181 career triple-doubles.
But the LA Lakers point guard, despite being an average defender, has completed steals 1,624 times in his career. While he could break into the top 25 in the 2021-22 NBA season, he currently ranks 30th on the all-time steals leaderboard.
Without further ado, here are the three active players in the top 25 for 1,500+ career steals in the NBA:
#3 Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala is not a high-level scorer, but his presence in defense can be a game-changer. In 2015, he won the NBA Finals MVP award mainly for his work guarding LeBron James in the series, where he registered eight steals.
The 37-year-old spent the last two years with the Miami Heat, where he continued to impress in defense. He played a key role in helping them reach the 2020 NBA Finals.
Iguodala is ranked 23rd on the NBA's all-time steals leaderboard, with 1,734 career steals. He recorded 100+ steals in his first nine NBA seasons, but his season tally started to decline after he crossed 30, partly because he was used as a rotation player and played fewer minutes.
Although he registered only 57 steals last season in 63 games, averaging 21 minutes, he tripled his steals count from the 2007-08 NBA season. He featured in all 82 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, and was part of their starting lineup.
Iguodala has reunited with the Golden State Warriors for the 2021-22 NBA season, and could be a significant piece in their championship hopes. His presence on the floor should be a boost for the Warriors defensively, as he will play alongside Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
#2 LeBron James
LeBron James is ranked high in almost all of the NBA's major statlines. He is ranked third-best on the all-time points leaderboard, and eighth on the assists leaderboard. His longevity and continued performance at a high level have made it possible for him to stay towards the top in every statistical parameter.
Despite his offensive prowess, James is also one of the greatest two-way players in the league. He is an elite defender who can successfully guard all positions. Throughout his career, his clutch block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals remains one of the best defensive plays in Finals history.
LeBron James has not played as much intense defense in recent years, but his nifty approach has helped him get a better read and understanding of the game. Although age is somewhat slowing the Akron Hammer down, he still forces turnovers through steals.
So far, LBJ ranks 14th on the NBA's all-time leaderboard, with 2,063 steals. In the first 13 years of his career, he recorded 100+ steals every season, but his tally has dropped since then. He has spent three years with the Lakers, and has registered a total of 198 steals.
#1 Chris Paul
Chris Paul could come close to topping the NBA's all-time steals leaderboard, given his high position in the standings and the few years he has left to play at an elite level. Although he's 36, he recently signed a four-year deal with the Phoenix Suns that will keep him on the floor till 2025.
John Stockton sits atop the NBA's all-time steals leaderboard, with 3,265 steals, followed by Jason Kidd with 2,684. While Stockon appears unreachable for Paul, the Point God could surpass Kidd in the all-time list.
Paul is currently ranked fifth ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season, with 2,332 steals. If he successfully registers 90+ steals in each of the next four years, he will become the second all-time steals leader in NBA history.
In 16 years as an active NBA player, CP3 has led the league in steals on six occasions. He has also recorded 100+ steals in 13 of his 16 active years in the league so far, with his lowest career tally standing at 96. Among all active players, only Paul has recorded 200+ steals in a season, and he's done so twice.
