Top 10 steals leaders for NBA 2012-13 season

Leading the league in steals is largely the domain of smaller players. But there are two forwards among the top 10 league leaders in steals per game.

1. Chris Paul – 2.41

Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the league and the pressure he puts on the ball makes defences think twice about making complacent passes. He has quick hands, great anticipation and a burning tenacity which allows him to rack up the steals. And when these steals are made, that’s when Lob City is ignited. Paul averages 1.18 fouls per steal. “A lot of people think the only way to get steals is to gamble,” Paul said. “I don’t believe that.”

2. Ricky Rubio – 2.40

Ricky Rubio is one of the most fun point guards to watch in the league. His game is incredibly cerebral and he’s been playing at the higher levels from a very young age. Rubio averaged a 0.96 steals per foul ratio. There was a stretch in March when he racked up 43 steals in 10 games, good enough for best over a ten game stretch since 2002 when World Peace (Ron Artest back then) did it.

3. Mike Conley – 2.18

The Memphis Grizzlies may be a low scoring team which doesn’t run and gun as much, but they pressure their opponents into a bunch of turnovers. And a lot of credit goes to Conley. “I think it’s more an educated gamble than anything,” Conley said. “I study everybody’s tendencies. There’s a lot of deception, a lot of anticipation. You can look somebody off, make it seem like you don’t know what’s happening, almost get somebody to go back door so you can turn around real quick and steal it. I’ve done that a few times.”

4. Monta Ellis – 2.06

Ellis is one of the quickest and fastest players in the NBA and his athleticism, coupled with his relentless drive, enables him to rack up steals. He averaged a 1.03 steals/fouls ratio.

5. Kemba Walker – 1.95

Kemba Walker totalled 160 steals while playing 34.9 minutes and had a 1.05 steals per fouls ratio.

6. Dwyane Wade – 1.86

Wade is one of the best defensive players in the league, routinely being among the league leaders among guards in blocked shots. He had 128 steals in total while playing 69 games and had a 0.91 steals per foul ratio.

7. James Harden – 1.82

Harden had 142 steals in total and averaged 0.80 steals per foul. Playing for the Rockets led his numbers to inflate.

8. Paul George – 1.81

Paul George is perhaps the most important player on the Pacers squad right now. His offensive contributions are clear to see, on defence he totaled 143 steals and had a 0.63 ratio of steals per foul. He wasn’t always excellent on the defensive end. “Defense wasn’t something I was always good at.” Paul George said “We had a drill in high school where we used to have to roll the ball to the offensive guy and guard him full court one-on-one. I used to hate the drill because I couldn’t keep the guy in front me.” We can safely say that those days are long gone now.9. Russell Westbrook – 1.77

Everyone is quick to assume that Westbrook simply gambles too much on everything on the court. He had 145 steals this season and had a 0.77 steals per foul ratio. Defensively, he has become a lot more responsible. “I think his focus is better. He’s making it a priority.” Nick Collison said of Westbrook. “Steals are good, but him staying in front of the ball better than he has is more important to our defense. He’s fighting over screens. When he’s really good at the point of the ball, it makes such a difference. It’s not just him, but whoever’s guarding the ball it makes such a difference when you don’t have to help.”

10. Thaddeus Young – 1.75

Thaddeus Young is a tweener forward. He has been called upon to defend guys in the post and on the perimeter. And he’s had to put in work to understand how they work. “The past off season I watched a lot of tape of different guys and of different schemes we used and I’m trying to capitalize on what I started to do last year.” Young said. That has helped him in becoming a formidable presence on defense. He averaged a 0.70 steals per foul ratio.