The 2024-25 NBA season was defined by defensive excellence, and the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 list highlights the players who consistently disrupted offenses, created fast-break opportunities, and contributed significantly to their teams’ success.
From emerging stars taking their first big steps to seasoned veterans demonstrating that experience counts on defense, these top 10 players proved that steals are a critical metric for evaluating two-way impact in both real-life games and fantasy basketball.
10. Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams finishes the top 10 in the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25, demonstrating that he’s not just an offensive threat but also a highly intelligent defender. Averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, Williams also posted the best defensive rating on his team, showcasing his ability to read plays and anticipate opponents’ movements. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive instincts establishes him as one of the rising stars of the NBA, and his contributions were critical in turning the Thunder into a more competitive unit.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 21.6 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 111 | 1.6 |
9. Toumani Camara – Portland Trail Blazers
Toumani Camara’s second-year breakout cemented him as one of the league’s most disruptive defenders. Averaging 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, Camara consistently challenged opposing stars and used his length and quickness to create turnovers. Beyond the numbers, his defensive IQ and ability to read passing lanes elevated the Trail Blazers’ perimeter defense, making him a key contributor and a valuable asset for fantasy managers looking for both production and steals.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Trail Blazers | 11.3 | 5.8 | 2.2 | 116 | 1.5 |
8. James Harden – Los Angeles Clippers
James Harden, widely recognized for his scoring and playmaking, once again proved his defensive value, finishing eighth in steals for the season. Averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, Harden consistently applied pressure on ball-handlers and generated turnovers that fueled Clippers’ transition offense.
His defensive presence complements his offensive output, making him a rare two-way star whose impact is felt at both ends of the floor and in fantasy basketball formats.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Clippers | 22.8 | 5.8 | 8.7 | 118 | 1.5 |
7. Josh Hart – New York Knicks
Josh Hart combines versatility and defensive intensity, and his placement among the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 reflects his all-around impact. Averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, Hart not only contributes offensively but also consistently disrupts opponents with timely steals and smart rotations. His relentless work ethic and ability to guard multiple positions make him one of the Knicks’ most valuable players, both in real games and fantasy leagues.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 13.6 | 9.6 | 5.9 | 119 | 1.5 |
6. Cason Wallace – Oklahoma City Thunder (120 steals)
Cason Wallace emerged as one of the top young perimeter defenders in the NBA. Averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals in under 28 minutes per game, Wallace consistently forced turnovers and pressured ball-handlers.
His combination of agility, anticipation, and discipline allowed him to be a defensive anchor for OKC, and his impact goes beyond stats, as he also helps teammates with positioning and rotations—making him a critical factor in the Thunder’s defensive strategy.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 8.4 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 120 | 1.8 |
5. Keon Ellis – Sacramento Kings (121 steals)
Keon Ellis’ rise in the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 highlights his growth as a two-way player. Despite starting just 15 games early in the season, Ellis took over a larger role late in the year, finishing with 1.9 steals per game. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while consistently creating turnovers. Ellis’ defensive hustle, combined with his offensive contributions, shows why he is becoming one of the league’s most versatile and impactful young wings.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento Kings | 8.7 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 121 | 1.9 |
4. Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić’s defensive output may surprise many, but his inclusion in the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 reflects his complete game. Averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.7 steals, Jokić became only the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. Beyond his statistical achievements, Jokić’s ability to read passing lanes, anticipate plays, and generate turnovers makes him a unique two-way threat, proving that his impact extends far beyond offense.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 29.6 | 12.7 | 10.2 | 127 | 1.7 |
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3. Kris Dunn – Los Angeles Clippers
Kris Dunn quietly excelled on defense for the Clippers, securing the third spot among the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25. Averaging 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals, Dunn applied constant pressure on opposing guards and excelled in forcing turnovers.
His defensive awareness, athleticism, and ability to combine with Kawhi Leonard for team defensive schemes made him a critical piece in LA’s success, proving that defense often goes unnoticed but is essential for winning games.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Clippers | 6.4 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 128 | 1.7 |
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s blend of scoring prowess and defensive instincts earns him the second spot in the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25. Averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, SGA also posted the league’s second-best defensive efficiency rating.
His ability to guard multiple positions, read plays, and create turnovers while leading OKC’s offense demonstrates why he is among the NBA’s most complete players, excelling in both defense and offense.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 32.7 | 5.0 | 6.4 | 131 | 1.7 |
1. Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks (229 steals)
Dyson Daniels dominates the NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25, nearly doubling the second-place total with 3.0 steals per game. Averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, Daniels’ defensive aggressiveness, anticipation, and ability to disrupt offenses were unmatched.
He became the engine for Atlanta’s defense, regularly forcing turnovers that led to fast-break points, and solidified his reputation as a breakout star in both real and fantasy basketball.
NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25 Stats:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Total Steals | Steals Per Game (SPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 14.1 | 5.9 | 4.4 | 229 | 3.0 |
FAQs-NBA Steals Leaders 2024-25
1.Who led the NBA in total steals in the 2024-25 season?
Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks led the league with 229 total steals, averaging 3.0 steals per game, nearly double the second-place player’s total.
2.Which positions are most likely to lead in steals?
Guards and wing players typically lead in steals because they are often defending ball handlers and creating turnovers on the perimeter. However, versatile forwards and big men with quick hands can also rank high.
3.How do steals impact fantasy basketball?
Steals are a critical fantasy stat because they contribute points in defensive categories. Players who consistently get steals can give fantasy managers an edge in leagues with defensive stats.