Last Updated on May 24, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Los Angeles Clippers have featured several elite playmakers throughout franchise history, from traditional point guards to modern offensive engines. The best Clippers passers combined court vision, pace control, creativity, and the ability to elevate teammates in both transition and half-court offenses.

1. Chris Paul

Position: Point Guard
Years with Clippers: 2011–2017, 2025–present
Clippers Assists: 4,076 (franchise record)

Achievements:

  • Multiple All-NBA selections
  • 5× All-Star with Clippers
  • One of the greatest point guards in NBA history
  • Leader of the “Lob City” era

Chris Paul is unquestionably the greatest passer in Clippers history. His elite pick-and-roll mastery, precision passing, and tempo control transformed the Clippers into a perennial contender during the 2010s. Paul averaged 9.8 assists per game during his first Clippers stint and still owns the franchise record for career assists. (Wikipedia)

2. Randy Smith

Position: Guard
Years with Clippers/Braves: 1971–1979
Clippers Assists: 3,498

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star
  • One of the franchise’s earliest stars
  • Franchise leader in games played and points

Randy Smith was one of the most versatile guards in early franchise history. While known for scoring and durability, he was also an excellent facilitator who consistently created offense for teammates during the Buffalo Braves era. Smith remains second in franchise history in assists. (Wikipedia)

3. Norm Nixon

Position: Point Guard
Years with Clippers: 1983–1989
Clippers Assists: 2,540

Achievements:

  • NBA champion
  • 2× NBA All-Star
  • Elite transition playmaker

Norm Nixon brought speed and creativity to the Clippers during the 1980s. One of the league’s fastest guards, Nixon excelled at pushing tempo and finding teammates in transition. He still ranks among the franchise leaders in assists per game at 9.0 APG. (Wikipedia)

4. Gary Grant

Position: Point Guard
Years with Clippers: 1988–1995
Clippers Assists: 2,810

Achievements:

  • One of the best pure passers in franchise history
  • Key starter during the early 1990s playoff teams
  • Strong defensive point guard

Gary Grant quietly became one of the most productive playmakers in Clippers history. He controlled the offense effectively during an improving era for the franchise and produced several massive assist performances, including multiple 20-assist games. (Wikipedia)

5. Blake Griffin

Position: Forward
Years with Clippers: 2010–2018
Clippers Assists: 2,133

Achievements:

  • 6× NBA All-Star
  • Multiple All-NBA selections
  • One of the greatest forwards in franchise history

Blake Griffin evolved from an explosive finisher into one of the NBA’s best passing forwards. His ability to handle the ball, initiate offense, and create from the high post became a major part of the Clippers’ attack during the Lob City years. Griffin’s passing versatility made him one of the most unique playmakers in franchise history. (Wikipedia)

Honorable Mentions

  • James Harden
  • Baron Davis
  • Mark Jackson
  • Ron Harper
  • Ernie DiGregorio

Final Thoughts

The Clippers’ history of elite passing starts with Chris Paul, whose arrival completely changed the franchise’s trajectory. Randy Smith and Norm Nixon starred in earlier eras, while Gary Grant became one of the team’s most underrated floor generals. Blake Griffin later expanded the definition of playmaking in Los Angeles with his rare passing ability from the forward position.

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