Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Utah Jazz have one of the richest passing traditions in NBA history. From the precision of John Stockton to versatile modern playmakers and elite passing forwards, the franchise has consistently featured high-IQ facilitators capable of orchestrating elite offenses. These players stand out as the greatest passers the Jazz have ever had.

1. John Stockton

Position: Point Guard
Years with Jazz: 1984–2003
Why He Belongs:
John Stockton is not only the greatest passer in Utah Jazz history — he is arguably the greatest passer in NBA history. Stockton holds both the Jazz franchise record and the all-time NBA record with an untouchable 15,806 career assists. (NBA)

Stockton mastered timing, anticipation, and efficiency better than perhaps any point guard ever. His legendary pick-and-roll chemistry with Karl Malone became one of the most unstoppable offensive actions basketball has ever seen.

He led the NBA in assists nine consecutive seasons and still owns several of the greatest passing seasons in league history, including averaging 14.5 assists per game in 1989–90. (NBA)

No player defines Jazz basketball more than Stockton.

2. Deron Williams

Position: Point Guard
Years with Jazz: 2005–2011
Why He Belongs:
Deron Williams became the franchise’s best modern-era floor general after Stockton retired. He ranks fourth in Jazz history with 4,003 assists and second in assists per game at 9.12. (Land of Basketball)

Williams combined power, court vision, and pick-and-roll brilliance at an elite level. During his peak years, many considered him one of the NBA’s top point guards alongside Chris Paul.

His ability to create offense off dribble penetration and control tempo helped keep Utah competitive throughout the late 2000s.

3. Pete Maravich

Position: Guard
Years with Jazz: 1974–1980
Why He Belongs:
Pete Maravich was one of the most creative offensive players basketball has ever seen. Long before flashy passing became mainstream, “Pistol Pete” was delivering behind-the-back assists, no-look passes, and advanced reads few players even attempted.

Though his Jazz tenure came during the franchise’s New Orleans era, Maravich’s playmaking flair helped establish the organization’s offensive identity early on. His passing creativity influenced generations of guards that followed.

4. Rickey Green

Position: Point Guard
Years with Jazz: 1979–1986
Why He Belongs:
Rickey Green ranks third in Jazz history with 4,159 assists and remains one of the most underrated floor generals the franchise has ever had. (Land of Basketball)

Green excelled at pushing tempo and creating transition offense during the early years of Utah basketball. Before Stockton fully emerged, Green was the engine that organized the Jazz offense.

His speed and aggressive playmaking made him one of the better point guards of the 1980s.

5. Joe Ingles

Position: Forward
Years with Jazz: 2014–2022
Why He Belongs:
Joe Ingles became one of the smartest and most versatile facilitators in franchise history. He ranks fifth all-time in Jazz assists with 2,213. (Land of Basketball)

Ingles thrived as a point-forward within Quin Snyder’s offense, using pick-and-roll playmaking, patience, and elite basketball IQ to consistently create efficient offense. His chemistry with Rudy Gobert became one of the NBA’s most effective pick-and-roll combinations.

Despite lacking elite athleticism, Ingles repeatedly manipulated defenses with timing and decision-making.

6. Karl Malone

Position: Forward
Years with Jazz: 1985–2003
Why He Belongs:
Karl Malone is remembered primarily as one of the greatest scorers ever, but he was also an outstanding passer for a power forward. He ranks second in Jazz history with 5,085 assists. (Land of Basketball)

Malone became increasingly sophisticated as a facilitator throughout his career, especially operating from the elbows and high post. His ability to read double teams and make quick decisions helped elevate Utah’s offense during the dynasty years.

7. Andrei Kirilenko

Position: Forward
Years with Jazz: 2001–2011
Why He Belongs:
Andrei Kirilenko was one of the most versatile all-around players in franchise history. While known primarily for defense, his passing ability was a major part of his value.

Kirilenko ranks sixth in Jazz history with 1,919 assists. (Land of Basketball) His ability to handle the ball, initiate offense, and facilitate from the forward position made him far ahead of his time stylistically.

8. Jeff Hornacek

Position: Guard
Years with Jazz: 1994–2000
Why He Belongs:
Jeff Hornacek provided intelligent secondary playmaking during Utah’s Finals runs in the 1990s. Though primarily known as a shooter, he was an excellent decision-maker and highly efficient passer.

Hornacek’s calm offensive style perfectly complemented Stockton and Malone, helping the Jazz maintain elite offensive balance.

9. Mike Conley

Position: Point Guard
Years with Jazz: 2019–2023
Why He Belongs:
Mike Conley brought veteran leadership and efficient playmaking to Utah during one of the franchise’s strongest modern regular-season stretches.

Conley excelled at pick-and-roll orchestration, ball security, and controlling pace. His steady offensive management helped maximize the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert era.

He also ranks among the franchise leaders in assists per game. (Land of Basketball)

10. Donovan Mitchell

Position: Guard
Years with Jazz: 2017–2022
Why He Belongs:
Although known primarily as a scorer, Donovan Mitchell developed significantly as a passer during his Jazz career. As defensive attention increased, Mitchell became much more effective at creating opportunities for teammates out of drives and pick-and-roll actions.

His offensive gravity consistently opened passing lanes, and he evolved into one of Utah’s primary offensive organizers during his later seasons. (The J-Notes)

Honorable Mentions

  • Ricky Rubio
  • Mark Eaton
  • Gordon Hayward
  • Isaiah Collier
  • Bryon Russell
  • Mehmet Okur

John Stockton remains the unquestioned standard for passing greatness not just in Utah Jazz history, but arguably in NBA history overall. However, the franchise’s tradition of elite playmaking extends across generations — from Pete Maravich’s creativity to Deron Williams’ modern pick-and-roll dominance and the versatile facilitation of players like Joe Ingles and Andrei Kirilenko.

Sources:
NBA.com Utah Jazz assist leaders
Basketball-Reference Utah Jazz career leaders
Land of Basketball Jazz assists leaders
StatMuse Jazz assist leaders