Assists are the domain of the point guard. There are only a few exceptions to this, most notably LeBron James, Tracy McGrady, Andre Iguodala, and Kobe Bryant. To compete, you’re probably going to have to get at least two of the top 25 assist guys (and one of them really should be from the top 3 tiers), so pay close attention on who you are going to have to draft.

Tier 1

1. Steve Nash (884) – Alone at the top

Tier 2

1. Deron Williams (745) – Deron’s numbers were fairly good last year, but not really spectacular in anything but assists until he made it to the playoffs where he took over. It’s hard to know what to expect, more of the good but not great numbers from the regular season, or the take charge guy of the playoffs.
2. Jason Kidd (736) – He still can’t shoot very well, but he has great three pointers, rebounds, and steals.

Tier 3

1. Andre Miller (625) – Has cut down some on his turnovers, where he used to lead the league. Nice FG% last year. Always good in steals. Nice pick in the 6th round.
2. T.J. Ford (595) – Similar numbers to Andre Miller, but his FG% is a bit low.
3. Chris Paul (569) – Good but not great numbers. Low turnovers in a point guard is nice. Don’t think he’s worth a high second round pick, though, which is where he is going in most leagues.
4. Raymond Felton (545) – Terrible FG% last year will have to improve to make him worth taking. Usually available in the 7th round.
5. Baron Davis (509) – He can be a spectacular player if he isn’t injured, which is almost never the case lately. His 135 steals are fantastic, especially considering that he missed almost 20 games.
6. Chauncey Billups (502) – Nothing wrong with his game. Great second round pick! His FT% always helps, as do his low turnovers.
7. Kirk Hinrich (500) – Great percentages. 140 three pointers. 100 steals. If you can get this guy in the fifth round, you really have to take him. There is no reason why he should be falling so far.
8. Jamaal Tinsley (494) – Assists and steals are all you’re going to get from Tinsley. You can pick him up with a late pick if you’re really worried about your assists.

Tier 4

1. LeBron James (470) – Besides a low FT% and a high number of turnovers, James’ numbers are top notch.
2. Allen Iverson (468) – With Chucky Atkins at the point now, it’s hard to say where his assist numbers are going to go, but I’d bet they are pretty similar. FG% has been improving as he has been able to take better shots. Always has a high number of turnovers.
3. Tracy McGrady (458) – Actually played a decent number of games last year… for once. His FT% has been dropping of late, though, and he probably isn’t worth the high pick he has been getting.
4. Rafer Alston (444) – Probably will not get the playing time this year with Steve Francis taking his spot, but don’t count him out as a midseason replacement if he gets more time than everyone thinks he will get. Or if injuries give him more playing time.
5. Gilbert Arenas (443) – Low FG%. High turnovers. Those are the only knocks against the top three pointer shooter in the league.
6. Earl Watson (437) – Another possible late round pick or midseason replacement. It’s hard to know how good his stats will be because he often shares time with Luke Ridnour. If Luke Ridnour starts, put him in this spot instead.
7. Andre Iguodala (422) – High turnovers is the only knock in an otherwise impressive statline that includes most notably 152 steals. If you pick him in the second round, though, make sure you pick up some other high scoring players.
8. Jason Terry (422) – I’m not sure why Terry doesn’t get picked higher. He is going in the 4th round, but his numbers last year (and every year) always place him as a solid second to third rounder.
9. Tony Parker (420) – His FT% is really starting to improve, which was the biggest knock on him before. He also doesn’t shoot three pointers at all, so be aware.
10. Jarrett Jack (417)- A good 7th round pick if you need assists. No real knocks against him except that he doesn’t get a ton of anything.
11. Mo Williams (416) – There is nothing really exceptional about Mo’s statline, but he got himself a great contract nonetheless.
12. Kobe Bryant (413) – Everybody tells Kobe that he doesn’t pass. His numbers have really never reflected that assertion though.
13. Steve Blake (408) – Might be a good midseason replacement if you are beset by injuries, but he isn’t worth drafting.
14. Stephon Marbury (403) – Bad FG%. Less than stellar FT%. He certainly doesn’t get you the numbers like he used to, but he does still jack up three pointers. Not sure how the addition of Zach Randolph will affect his numbers.