Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Phoenix Suns have featured some of the greatest offensive orchestrators in NBA history. From legendary point guards who transformed the pace of the game to elite point-forwards and modern offensive engines, passing has long been central to the Suns’ identity. These players stand out as the greatest facilitators in franchise history.

1. Steve Nash

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 1996–1998, 2004–2012
Why He Belongs:
Steve Nash is the greatest passer in Phoenix Suns history and one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. He ranks first in franchise history with 6,997 assists and completely revolutionized Phoenix’s offense during the “Seven Seconds or Less” era. (nba.com)

Nash combined elite court vision, timing, creativity, and efficiency better than almost any point guard ever. His ability to manipulate defenses in pick-and-roll situations made teammates like Amar’e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, and Joe Johnson far more dangerous.

During his MVP seasons, Nash routinely led the NBA in assists while directing some of the most efficient offenses basketball had ever seen.

2. Kevin Johnson

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 1988–2000
Why He Belongs:
Kevin Johnson was the franchise’s premier playmaker before Steve Nash arrived. He ranks second in Suns history with 6,518 assists and helped lead Phoenix to the 1993 NBA Finals. (landofbasketball.com)

Johnson combined explosive athleticism with elite penetration and transition passing. His ability to collapse defenses opened up scoring opportunities across the floor and made Phoenix one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive teams during the late 1980s and 1990s.

3. Jason Kidd

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 1996–2001
Why He Belongs:
Jason Kidd was already one of basketball’s elite floor generals during his Phoenix years. He excelled in transition offense and consistently created easy opportunities for teammates through his anticipation and passing creativity.

Kidd averaged nearly nine assists per game during his Suns tenure and formed a dynamic backcourt alongside Kevin Johnson for part of his time in Phoenix. (basketball-reference.com)

4. Chris Paul

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 2020–2023
Why He Belongs:
Chris Paul immediately transformed the Suns into a Finals contender after arriving in Phoenix. His elite pick-and-roll orchestration, midrange creation, and ball security gave the franchise one of the league’s smartest offenses.

Paul led Phoenix to the 2021 NBA Finals and consistently controlled game tempo with surgical precision. Even late in his career, he remained one of the NBA’s best pure passers. (nba.com)

5. Walter Davis

Position: Guard
Years with Suns: 1977–1988
Why He Belongs:
Walter Davis is remembered mostly as an elite scorer, but he was also one of the better playmaking wings of his era. He ranks among the franchise leaders in assists and provided offensive versatility throughout his Suns career. (landofbasketball.com)

Davis’ smooth offensive game and ability to facilitate from the wing helped define Phoenix basketball during the late 1970s and 1980s.

6. Paul Westphal

Position: Guard
Years with Suns: 1975–1980
Why He Belongs:
Paul Westphal was one of the NBA’s smartest offensive guards during the 1970s. He blended scoring and playmaking beautifully while helping lead Phoenix to the 1976 NBA Finals.

Westphal’s court vision and decision-making made him one of the most complete guards of his era.

7. Devin Booker

Position: Guard
Years with Suns: 2015–Present
Why He Belongs:
Devin Booker evolved from a pure scorer into one of the NBA’s better offensive creators. His playmaking leap has become a major part of Phoenix’s offense, particularly during the Suns’ deep playoff runs.

Booker has averaged over seven assists per game in multiple seasons while handling primary playmaking duties for stretches. His growth as a passer has significantly expanded his overall offensive impact. (nypost.com)

8. Larry Nance

Position: Forward
Years with Suns: 1981–1988
Why He Belongs:
Larry Nance was an underrated passer for a forward during the 1980s. His athleticism and offensive versatility allowed him to facilitate effectively from the frontcourt.

Nance excelled at making quick reads in transition and half-court offense alike.

9. Ricky Rubio

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 2019–2020
Why He Belongs:
Ricky Rubio’s passing immediately stabilized Phoenix’s offense after years of inconsistent point guard play. His leadership and floor general skills helped lay the groundwork for the Suns’ eventual Finals run.

Rubio’s ball movement, transition passing, and pick-and-roll orchestration elevated younger players throughout the roster.

10. Stephon Marbury

Position: Point Guard
Years with Suns: 1999–2004
Why He Belongs:
Stephon Marbury was one of the NBA’s most talented offensive guards during the early 2000s. He combined elite ball-handling with strong passing instincts and averaged over eight assists per game during several seasons in Phoenix.

Marbury’s speed and creativity made him a dangerous offensive initiator in both transition and isolation situations.

Honorable Mentions

  • Shawn Marion
  • Dan Majerle
  • Goran Dragić
  • Dennis Johnson
  • Alvan Adams
  • Leandro Barbosa

Steve Nash remains the unquestioned standard for passing greatness in Suns history, but Phoenix has consistently featured elite playmakers across multiple eras, from Kevin Johnson and Jason Kidd to Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

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