Steals are one of the five statistical categories in basketball. This statistic is a way of measuring the number of times a player steals the ball from an opponent. It may seem quite straightforward but in reality, it’s almost impossible. The defensive player can’t touch the offensive player when attempting a steal because it can result in a foul.
Steals are also incredibly hard to make because of the speed of dribbling by the professional players. It is like getting the blood from a stone, for us, the mortals, but some of the NBA steal leaders seem to do it effortlessly.
NBA History: Steals Leaders
In the history of the NBA league, some players excel above others with their athleticism and abilities. A player needs to have a high level of agility and a quick mind to steal the ball from the opponent. Here is a list of players of all-time NBA steal leaders, who made the most steals in NBA history.
#10 Hakeem Olajuwon
The tenth place belongs to Hakeem Olajuwon with 2162 steals made in his career. He was one of the best 90s players, he won two NBA championships, becoming NBA Finals MVP during both of them. He is also 1994’s NBA MVP, a 3-time block leader, and a 2-time rebounding leader.
#9 Clyde Drexler
In 9th place, we have Clyde Drexler with 2207 steals. He was a part of the famous “Dream Team” of the 1992 Olympics and a ten-time NBA All-Star. He won the NBA championships in 1995.
#8 Julius Erving
8th place is occupied by Julius Erving who made 2272 steals in his career. He played both in the ABA and the NBA, was 11-time NBA All-Star, NBA MVP of 1981. To this day he is considered a great defender.
#7 Scottie Pippen
Then we have Scottie Pippen as number 7 with his overall 2307 steals. Pippen was a league’s star, both offensively and defensively. He was a part of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, with whom he won 6 championships. He was selected an All-Star seven times.
#6 Maurice Cheeks
Located almost in the middle of our list, there is Maurice Cheeks with 2310 steals in his career. He was an NBA champion of 1983 and 4-time All-Star.
#5 Chris Paul
The only player on this list, who is still active at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season, has 2339 steals. He is an 11-time All-Star, winning the MVP of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. He led the league in steals 6 times and in assists 4 times.
#4 Gary Payton
Just outside the podium, in fourth place, we have Gary Payton with 2445 steals. He was NBA steals leader and NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, nine-time All-Star, and NBA Champion of 2006.
#3 Michael Jordan
When it comes to the overall number of steals made in his career, Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls superstar, has 2514 of them, which places him in third place. MJ was a 6-times NBA champion, 6-times NBA Finals MVP, 5-time NBA MVP, and 14-time All-Star.
#2 Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd’s name is visible on many lists at the top, as he was a huge triple-double threat. On this list, he has the silver medal with 2684 steals. He was 11-time All-Star and NBA champion of 2011. He led the league in assists 5 times.
#1 John Stockton
Behold our steals leader, John Stockton, often described as one of the greatest players in NBA history with an astonishing number of 3265 steals! His record is hard to beat, because of his incredibly long career. He was a ten-time All-Star, led the league with steals two times, and with assists 9 times.
What is the record for steals in an NBA game?
The NBA record for the most steals in a single game is tied between Larry Kennon and Kendall Gill. They both managed to make 11 steals in one match.
First player to achieve this number was Larry Kenon in a game between San Antonio Spurs (Kenon’s team) and Kansas City on December 26th, 1976.
This couldn’t be repeated in over two decades! Only on April, 3rd 1999 Kendal Gill manage to perform a steal 11 times for the New Jersey Nets in a match against Miami Heat.
Steals Per Game Average
Another measurement used in the NBA is the average of steals made in a single match. This is the statistic that shows the consistency of some players, not attributing their achievements to pure luck or the longevity of their career.
- Alvin Robertson with 2.71 steals per game average.
- Michael Ray Richardson with 2.63 steals per game average.
- Fatty Taylor with 2.40 steals per game average.
- Michael Jordan with 2.35 steals per game average.
- Mookie Blaylock with 2.33 steals per game average.
- Fat Lever with 2.22 steals per game average.
- Slick Watts with 2.20 steals per game average.
- John Stockton with 2.17 steals per game average.
- Allen Iverson with 2.17 steals per game average.
- Chris Paul with 2.14 steals per game average.
Some of the names on the list are pointing to players who are great in more than one statistical category. Arguably, steals are the most difficult action to perform on a basketball field. Players have to read their opponent’s eyes and study their movement and act within the span of a millisecond.
Who has the most steals in NBA playoff history?
LeBron James holds the record for the most steals in NBA playoffs history, with 454 steals.
Where does Kobe rank in steals?
He is 17th with 1944 steals. Kobe Bryant managed to get over 1900 steals in his NBA career by using his quickness, agility, and intelligence to anticipate his opponents’ movements on the court. He also used his height and athleticism to contest shots, steal the ball, and put himself in position to get steals.
