Probably the greatest point guard ever, he turned the bounce pass into a work of art.
Today, the wondrous Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson turns 54 so it’s the perfect time to have a look at the very best assists the LA Laker ever produced.
At 6’9”, Magic was, and is, big for a point guard but if he didn’t beat you with his size, he beat you with his brain. This brilliant clip, tweeted by the NBA today, showcases his ten best assists, of which the vast majority are stunning bounce passes.
Some are from his own half, some are no look efforts and one is even thrown while he is lying on the floor. They’re all fantastic.
A true legend of basketball, his career was cut short by his HIV diagnosis in 1991 but the dignified way he went public, and fought to help other victims of the disease, was truly inspirational.
Now a major business mogul, NBA analyst and part owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, Johnson is a hero on and off the court.
Happy birthday big man.
