Feb 12

Feb 12 The 5 Greatest Stealers in NBA History

Who Are the Greatest Stealers in the History of National Basketball Association?

Throughout the history of the NBA, the sleight of hand and mobility of some players has made them a threat to steal the ball at any time.

While there are lots of skills in basketball, the ability to steal is arguably the most helpful to an elite player taking over a game.

A player who can steal will be able to have the ball and score whenever they want.

Although there have been so many great pickpockets in NBA history, this article covers the top 5 greatest NBA stealers of all-time!

5. John Stockton

John Stockton was known for his ability to lead the offense, but he was a tremendous stealer too.

To this day, Stockton holds the NBA record for career steals at 3265.

In addition to his career numbers, he averaged three steals a game multiple times and he was often above two steals a game.

Unlike most of the people on this list, Stockton’s stealing prowess came not from his quickness as much as his ability to read the defense.

He would often read passes before they happened, and he was fast enough to put a hand out and intercept the ball. This is probably down to the fact he was such an incredible passer himself.

Another part of Stockton’s stealing power was his team.

Karl Malone, Stockton’s long time teammate and All-Star, was a great stealer too.

Malone helped to make every pass and dribble a threat for the other team.

4. Hakeem Olajuwon

It seems like Olajuwon could pretty much do everything, and stealing is no exception.

Not only is Olajuwon number one all-time in blocks for the NBA, he’s currently number ten all-time in steals, making him the only player to be top ten in both blocks and steals.

During his 16 years on the Rockets, he averaged 1.8 steals and often averaged over two a game during his seasons, by far the most by any center in NBA history.

Olajuwon’s long arms and mobility made him a lethal steal threat for a big man.

While other centers during his era, such as Robinson and Ewing, were focused on protecting the rim, Olajuwon was able to seamlessly transition between the strong rim protector and the mobile pickpocket.

3. Chris Paul

Chris Paul led the league in steals for six seasons, the record for any NBA player.

Like John Stockton, Chris Paul’s ability to foresee passes made him a lethal threat for steals.

Paul’s ability to steal helped supplement a defense that was already way outperforming the height.

While most point guards under 6’3” have struggled defensively in the NBA, Paul’s height (or lack thereof) and strength helped him poke the ball away from taller point guards.

For three seasons on the Hornets and three seasons on the Clippers, Paul led the league in steals.

That, combined with his ability to lead a team on offense, helped make every team he was on a threat for the playoffs.

Through his defense, passing and mid-range scoring, he became known as the one and only Point God.

2. Alvin Robertson

Not many people are familiar with Alvin Robertson. While he only played for 11 seasons- and he was never an All-Star, he did win DPOY in 1986, making a name as an incredible pickpocket.

In fact, Robertson currently holds the record for most steals per game of all-time in the NBA at 2.71.

Alvin Robertson had very quick hands. He could seemingly poke the ball away at ease. That, combined with his speed and play-making skills, made him a threat to score at any time.

The players on his team got so used to his stealing skills that they would often be halfway down the floor before the other team realised what happened.

Alvin Robertson is one of only a handful of guards to ever win DPOY, and his record for steals per game has gone untouched in the 25 years since his retirement.

1. Fat Lever

Fat Lever is another name that a lot of NBA fans probably won’t recognise.

During his time on the Nuggets in the 1980s, they were an elite team and he led the charge.

For two seasons during his prime, Lever averaged 2.7 steals per game and he had one game in which he managed to tack on ten steals.

Lever was an all-around point guard who was known for his ability to grab rebounds as a guard. That, combined with his stealing presence and all-around scoring, made him a great player during his time.

Yet, because of his short time playing in the NBA and a lack of team highlights during this time, his name is relatively unknown.

He only managed to grab an All-Defensive second Team and All-NBA second team, and he never seemed to break through into All-Star calibre.

However, his focus on an all-around game has made him a favourite among NBA fanatics.

Honorable Mentions for Greatest Stealer in NBA History

There were a lot of great stealers who had to be left off this list!

Michael Jordan was a two-time DPOY and an incredible stealer in his own right, but everyone praises Michael Jordan already- so we left him off.

Allen Iverson, a player not known for his defense, led the league in steals three times in his career and is still in the top ten in steals per game of all-time.

Finally, players like Don Buse and Fatty Taylor were great stealers during their time in the ABA, but since the game has changed so much, it didn’t feel right to add them to the list.

What do you think of our list? Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!