Introduction to the Best Stealer in NBA History
Stealing the basketball is one of the most important defensive skills in the game of basketball. It is a fundamental part of the game, and it is a skill that some players are better at than others. Throughout NBA history there have been many great players who have excelled at stealing the basketball. But who is the best stealer in NBA history?
The Criteria for Determining the Best Stealer in NBA History
When considering who is the best stealer in NBA history, several criteria must be taken into account. These criteria include:
- Career Steals Per Game Average
- Career Steals Total
- Single Season Steals Per Game Average
- Single Season Steals Total
- Defensive Efficiency
- Awards and Accolades
- Impact on Team Success
- Impact on the Game of Basketball
These criteria can help us to determine who is the best stealer in NBA history.
The Best Stealers in NBA History
There have been many great stealers in NBA history. Here is a list of the top five best stealers in NBA history, based on the criteria listed above:
- John Stockton
- Jason Kidd
- Gary Payton
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Michael Jordan
John Stockton
John Stockton is widely regarded as the best stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average of 2.2, and a career steals total of 3,265. He also had a single season steals per game average of 2.7 in the 1989-90 season, and a single season steals total of 301 in the 1987-88 season. In addition to his impressive stats, he was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Utah Jazz’s success in the 90s, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances.
Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is another great stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average of 1.9, and a career steals total of 2,684. He also had a single season steals per game average of 2.5 in the 1998-99 season, and a single season steals total of 212 in the 2000-01 season. He was also a ten-time All-Defensive team selection, and a five-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the New Jersey Nets’ success in the early 2000s, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances.
Gary Payton
Gary Payton is another great stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average of 1.8, and a career steals total of 2,445. He also had a single season steals per game average of 2.9 in the 1995-96 season, and a single season steals total of 259 in the 1994-95 season. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a nine-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Seattle SuperSonics’ success in the 90s, leading them to one NBA Finals appearance.
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is another great stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average of 1.7, and a career steals total of 2,162. He also had a single season steals per game average of 2.5 in the 1989-90 season, and a single season steals total of 246 in the 1989-90 season. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a five-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Houston Rockets’ success in the 90s, leading them to two NBA Championships.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is another great stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average of 2.3, and a career steals total of 2,514. He also had a single season steals per game average of 3.2 in the 1988-89 season, and a single season steals total of 246 in the 1988-89 season. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a five-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Chicago Bulls’ success in the 90s, leading them to six NBA Championships.
Who is The Best Stealer in NBA History?
When considering all of the criteria listed above, it is clear that John Stockton is the best stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average and a career steals total, as well as a single season steals per game average and a single season steals total. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Utah Jazz’s success in the 90s, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances.
The Impact of John Stockton on the Game of Basketball
John Stockton had a tremendous impact on the game of basketball. He revolutionized the point guard position, and his ability to steal the basketball helped to make the game of basketball more exciting. He was also an influential figure in the locker room, and he was an example to his teammates of what it takes to be successful. His impact on the game of basketball is still felt to this day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Stockton is the best stealer in NBA history. He had an impressive career steals per game average and a career steals total, as well as a single season steals per game average and a single season steals total. He was also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a key part of the Utah Jazz’s success in the 90s, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances. He had a tremendous impact on the game of basketball, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.