The Top 10 NBA Passers of All Time

1. Steve Nash
2. John Stockton
3. Magic Johnson
4. Larry Bird
5. Oscar Robertson
6. Isiah Thomas
7. LeBron James
8. Michael Jordan
9. Pete Maravich
10. Bob Cousy

Twenty months ago I thought it was a toss-up between Stockton and Magic for the best passer I ever saw.  However, in the 2007 playoffs, Nash passed better than any player I ever saw.  Especially when he was driving to the basket, probably the most important passing skill for a point guard. 

Of course, Magic was the best passer ever on the fast break and with his 6'9' height made passes no other point guard could make.  Stockton was similar to Nash and was the master of the pick and roll.
 
I only saw Oscar play when he was with Milwaukee and I never Cousy play, so it was hard to know how to accurately place them.  Jordan was an underrated passer because he so well known for so many other skills.  Bird made the best "touch" passes I ever saw. 

Maravich made some amazing passes and might have been the most exciting passer ever.  Thomas made great passes from the top of the key to the low post.  LeBron makes all sorts of great passes.

Other passers I considered:  Bill Walton: best passing center ever; Chris Webber: best passing power forward I ever saw; Mark Jackson: an excellent creative passer; Jason Kidd: great all-around passer; Ernie DiGregorio an exciting passer and 1974 Rookie of the Year when he led the league assists; Nate "Tiny" Archibald and Chris Paul (too few years in the league for me to list him): who have been compared to each other. 

Who are your favorite passers in NBA history (I am sure I forget somebody)?