10 Active NBA Players With The Most Career Steals

Chris Paul continues to lead all active NBA players in steals with 2,614 and counting. Having exceptional court awareness and quick hands, Paul has been a defensive powerhouse throughout his career. In 2024, Paul joined the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year deal after being waived by the Golden State Warriors and now, as a veteran presence alongside Victor Wembanyama, Paul will serve as a mentor and primary facilitator for the young Spurs roster.

Despite being 39 years old, Paul’s ability to disrupt offenses remains top-tier. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 1.2 steals per game, proving he still has the sharp defensive instincts that have defined his career. His knack for reading passing lanes and making timely steals has always been one of his most valuable traits.

Paul’s leadership and experience, particularly on the defensive end, will be crucial as he helps guide the Spurs' younger players. His pairing with Wembanyama is expected to create a deadly pick-and-roll combination, making Paul’s final years in the NBA just as impactful as his prime.

With his impressive career steals total, Paul has solidified his place as one of the best defenders of his generation. As he embarks on this next chapter with the Spurs, Paul will continue to make his mark on both ends of the floor.

2. LeBron James - 2,275 Steals

LeBron James may have an all-around offensive game and basketball IQ, but his defensive impact, particularly in racking up steals, is just as impressive. With 2,275 steals to his name, LeBron is second on the list of active players with the most steals. His combination of size, speed, and instincts allows him to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes.

During the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron averaged 1.0 steals per game, continuing to showcase his defensive skills even in his 21st NBA season. His longevity and consistency on the defensive end have been remarkable, and he remains a key part of the Lakers' defensive schemes.

LeBron’s ability to anticipate plays and get timely steals has been a crucial part of his defensive presence throughout his career. Whether it's stripping ball handlers or intercepting passes, LeBron has a knack for making game-changing defensive plays, especially in transition, where he can turn steals into fast-break opportunities.

As LeBron heads into the 2024-25 season, his defensive impact, particularly in terms of steals, remains significant. Even as he continues to chase records on the offensive side of the game, his contributions on defense keep him among the elite in NBA history.

3. Russell Westbrook - 1,849 Steals

With his relentless energy and aggressive style, Russell Westbrook has accumulated 1,849 steals over his career. While Westbrook's offensive explosiveness often steals the spotlight, his defensive prowess — particularly in getting steals — is a major part of his game. He consistently uses his quick hands and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses and generate turnovers.

During the 2023-24 season, Westbrook played for the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 1.1 steals per game, bringing his trademark defensive pressure to every matchup. Now, for the 2024-25 season, Westbrook moved to the Denver Nuggets after signing a two-year deal in the offseason. His defensive energy and ability to force steals will be crucial as the Nuggets aim to build on their championship foundation.

Westbrook’s defensive intensity has always made him a formidable force on both ends of the floor. His ability to pressure ball handlers and create turnovers often leads to fast breaks and easy baskets for his teams. As he takes on a new role with the Nuggets, Westbrook's knack for stealing the ball will continue to be one of his biggest assets.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Westbrook’s combination of speed, strength, and defensive awareness ensures that he remains one of the league’s top players in steals, adding valuable experience and hustle to Denver’s roster.

4. Thaddeus Young - 1,612 Steals

Thaddeus Young may not always grab the headlines, but his consistent and smart defensive play has earned him 1,612 steals over his lengthy NBA career. With his versatility on defense and his ability to guard multiple positions, Young has made a habit of being in the right place at the right time, swiping the ball from opponents and making key defensive stops.

During the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns, Young continued to be a valuable veteran presence, averaging 0.8 steals per game in limited minutes. Even as his role has shifted toward being a mentor and role player, his defensive instincts and ability to read offenses remain sharp.

Young’s ability to force turnovers has always been a part of his game, whether by stripping ball handlers in the post or anticipating passes. His length and agility make him a difficult defender for any player to shake off, and his basketball IQ allows him to make smart, timely plays on defense.

As he prepares for the 2024-25 season, Young will continue to bring his veteran leadership and defensive prowess to the floor. While his minutes may be limited, his ability to impact the game through defense and steals will remain a key part of his contributions.

5. James Harden - 1,597 Steals

James Harden might be known primarily for his offensive firepower, but his defensive contributions, particularly in the form of steals, often fly under the radar. With 1,597 steals over his career, Harden has proven time and again that he can be a disruptive force on defense. His quick hands and ability to anticipate passes have allowed him to consistently rack up steals, even while shouldering a significant offensive load.

During the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden averaged 1.1 steals per game, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the court. His defensive prowess, particularly in creating turnovers, often sparks fast-break opportunities, where Harden can either finish at the rim or set up teammates.

As he heads into the 2024-25 season, Harden remains a key player for the Clippers, both as a scorer and as a defender. His ability to read the game and make smart defensive plays continues to be an asset for any team he plays for. While Harden is more celebrated for his scoring and playmaking, his ability to pick opponents’ pockets has been a constant throughout his career.

Whether he's guarding perimeter players or using his strength to battle in the post, Harden’s defensive awareness and knack for steals keep him among the league’s leaders in this category. As the Clippers look to make a deep playoff run, Harden's defense will be crucial to their success.

6. Mike Conley - 1,524 Steals

Mike Conley has always been one of the most reliable and steady guards in the league, and part of that comes from his defensive mindset. Conley has swiped 1,524 steals throughout his career, using his sharp instincts and defensive IQ to disrupt offenses. He’s not the flashiest player, but he knows exactly where to be to cut off passing lanes and get his hands on the ball.

In the 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley averaged 1.2 steals per game, continuing to be a steady presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to read plays and anticipate where the ball is going has been key to his longevity in the league.

Conley’s defense isn’t about overwhelming athleticism—it’s about timing and intelligence. He’s always been able to guard players bigger and faster than him because he knows how to position himself and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Whether it’s stripping a ball handler or intercepting a pass, Conley has made a career out of being in the right place at the right time.

As Conley gears up for another season with the Timberwolves after the blockbuster Karl-Anthony Towns trade to New York, he’s still that calming, defensive presence who can help lead younger players while continuing to add to his impressive steal total.

7. Stephen Curry - 1,473 Steals

Stephen Curry isn’t just a lights-out shooter — he’s got sneaky good defensive instincts too. Over his career, Curry has quietly accumulated 1,473 steals, proving that he’s more than just an offensive juggernaut. His ability to read passing lanes and make quick hands plays has been key in Golden State's up-tempo defense.

During the 2023-24 season, Curry added 0.7 steals per game to his stat line with the Golden State Warriors, showing that even at this stage of his career, he’s still active on the defensive end. While many focus on his deep threes and slick ball-handling, his defensive contributions are just as important to the Warriors' success.

What makes Curry's steals so impressive is how he often turns them into instant offense. His quick hands create fast breaks, and in a blink, he's either sinking a transition three or dishing it out for an easy bucket. It’s this balance of defense turning into offense that makes him such a dangerous player on both sides of the ball.

As Curry gears up for another season, his defensive efforts will continue to be an underrated part of what keeps the Warriors competitive. The man isn’t slowing down, and he’s still swiping passes and making plays.

8. Kyle Lowry - 1,466 Steals

Kyle Lowry’s defensive instincts and grit have helped him rack up 1,466 steals over his career, making him a disruptive force on the court. After starting the 2023-24 season with the Miami Heat, Lowry was traded to the Charlotte Hornets but didn’t play for them. He negotiated a buyout and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2024, reuniting with former coach Nick Nurse.

During his stint with the 76ers, Lowry contributed valuable minutes off the bench, averaging 0.9 steals per game. Even though he’s now more of a veteran presence, his ability to read plays and make key defensive stops is still sharp. His leadership and hustle were crucial in solidifying the 76ers' backcourt as they pushed for the playoffs.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Lowry remains with the 76ers after signing a one-year deal. He’ll continue to play an important role, mentoring younger players like Tyrese Maxey while bringing his trademark defense and timely steals to a team with championship aspirations.

9. Paul George - 1,464 Steals

Paul George has been one of the league’s top two-way players for over a decade, and his 1,464 steals speak to his defensive prowess. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions, George uses his length and quick hands to disrupt offenses, often converting those steals into transition points.

In the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, George averaged 1.5 steals per game, continuing to prove his value on the defensive end even as he ages. After signing a four-year, $212 million deal with the 76ers in the summer of 2024, George is now part of a formidable trio alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as the Sixers aim for a deep playoff run.

George’s defensive ability has been consistent throughout his career, whether he's locking down perimeter players or using his instincts to jump passing lanes. His combination of size and agility makes him one of the toughest defenders in the league. As he heads into the 2024-25 season, George will look to build on his already impressive defensive resume, helping Philadelphia compete for a championship.

10. Jrue Holiday - 1,406 Steals

Jrue Holiday has long been recognized as one of the best defenders in the NBA, and his 1,406 steals showcase his elite defensive prowess. Holiday’s ability to read passing lanes and strip the ball from ball handlers has made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

In 2023, Holiday joined the Boston Celtics via a blockbuster trade, and his impact was felt immediately. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 1.6 steals per game, playing a pivotal role in helping the Celtics secure the NBA Championship. His defensive presence, leadership, and ability to lock down the league’s best guards were crucial throughout Boston's title run.

Holiday’s defensive IQ and veteran experience make him one of the most feared defenders in the league. As the Celtics look to defend their title in the 2024-25 season, Holiday will continue to be a cornerstone of their defense, swiping passes and leading fast breaks with his high-level anticipation.

Even at 34, Holiday shows no signs of slowing down. His defense is still top-tier, and as he enters another season with the Celtics, his ability to rack up steals will remain a key part of Boston’s championship aspirations.