Fred VanVleet played his first seven years in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors have established themselves as a competitive franchise in the NBA, culminating in a championship victory in 2019.
A key element of Toronto’s success has been the exceptional playmaking ability of several standout players. Here are the top five all-time assist leaders in Toronto Raptors history.
1. Kyle Lowry – 4,277 Assists
Lowry holds the record for the most assists in Toronto Raptors history with 4,277. Joining the team in 2012 after a trade from the Rockets, Lowry quickly became the team’s leader. Known for his toughness, court vision and ability to make plays, he transformed the Raptors into a perennial playoff team. Lowry’s leadership was pivotal during the franchise’s historic run to the 2019 NBA Championship, where his playmaking and clutch performances helped secure critical victories. Over nine seasons with the team, he averaged 7.1 assists per game and earned six All-Star nods. After playing his final five seasons between Miami and Philadelphia, Lowry signed a one-day contract with the Raptors in July 2026 and retired as one of the greatest Raptors of all time.
2. José Calderón – 3,770 Assists
José Calderón ranks second with 3,770 assists during his tenure with the Raptors. Calderón played for Toronto from 2005 to 2013 and was known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking ability. His remarkable assist-to-turnover ratio showcased his efficiency as a point guard. Calderón was a steady presence for the Raptors, often facilitating the offense and contributing to the development of young talent during his time with the team. In a five-year stretch from 2008 to 2012, he averaged 8.1 assists per game and dished out a career-high 19 assists in two different games.
3. Fred VanVleet – 2,199 Assists
A key figure in the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, Fred VanVleet ranks third with 2,199 assists. Emerging as a standout player after going undrafted in 2016, VanVleet proved he belonged by becoming an all-around threat on the offensive end. His tenacity, shooting and ability to create plays for teammates made him an essential part of the Raptors’ core. VanVleet’s performance in the playoffs, particularly during the 2019 Finals, endeared him to fans and solidified his place in the franchise’s history as one of the premier playmakers. Over seven seasons with the franchise, he averaged 5.3 assists per game.
4. DeMar DeRozan – 2,078 Assists
Despite his knack for scoring ability, DeRozan managed to dish his way to the 4th spot on this list. Playing for the Raptors from 2009 to 2018, DeRozan gained recognition for his mid-range game and developed as a playmaker during his time in Toronto. His ability to drive to the basket often drew defenders, allowing him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. DeRozan’s dual threat as a scorer and facilitator was a significant factor in the Raptors’ success during his tenure.
5. Pascal Siakam – 1,846 Assists
Spending his first eight seasons with the Raptors, Siakam emerged as one of the most versatile forwards in the league. His unique combination of size, agility and skill allows him to not only score but also create opportunities for his teammates. As he evolved into a key player for the Raptors, Siakam’s playmaking ability became increasingly important, particularly during the 2019 championship run. His contributions as both a scorer and facilitator have made him an invaluable asset to the team. He averaged 5+ assists per game twice while with Toronto.
