NBA All Time Most Points: The Ultimate Ranking of Basketball's Greatest Scorers
2025-11-13 17:01
As I sit here watching the latest NBA highlights, I can't help but reflect on what truly separates the good scorers from the legendary ones in basketball history. Having followed the game for over two decades and analyzed countless player performances, I've developed a deep appreciation for the art of scoring at the highest level. Just yesterday, I was reading about the SEABA Under-16 Championship tryouts where 33 young players competed for spots on the national team roster, and it struck me how these aspiring athletes represent the next generation of potential scoring legends. The journey from those early tryouts to becoming an all-time great scorer is monumental, and today I want to share my perspective on the players who have truly mastered the scoring craft throughout NBA history.
When we talk about scoring in basketball, we're discussing more than just putting the ball through the hoop—we're talking about consistency, longevity, and the ability to perform under pressure. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387 points stands as a testament to sustained excellence that spanned two decades. What many people don't realize is that Kareem maintained a scoring average of over 24 points per game across 20 seasons, which is absolutely mind-boggling when you consider the physical toll of NBA basketball. I've always been particularly impressed by how he adapted his game as he aged, developing that unstoppable skyhook that became his signature move. Then there's LeBron James, who recently surpassed Kareem and continues to add to his total. LeBron's scoring prowess is especially remarkable because he's never been considered a pure scorer in the traditional sense—he's a complete player who happens to also be one of the most prolific point accumulators in history. His ability to read defenses and choose his moments has allowed him to maintain elite scoring numbers well into his late 30s, something I believe future generations will struggle to replicate.
The conversation about great scorers inevitably leads us to Michael Jordan, who in my opinion represents the perfect blend of artistry and efficiency. Jordan's scoring average of 30.12 points per game remains the highest in NBA history, and he achieved this while playing in an era known for its physical, hard-nosed defense. I've lost count of how many times I've rewatched his games, still amazed by his mid-range mastery and ability to create space against any defender. What separates Jordan from many other great scorers, in my view, was his killer instinct—that undeniable will to take and make big shots when games were on the line. Then we have Kobe Bryant, who modeled his game after Jordan but developed his own unique scoring arsenal. Kobe's 81-point game against Toronto in 2006 stands as the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history, and having watched that game live, I can attest to the sheer brilliance of his offensive repertoire that night. His footwork, shot creation, and ability to score from anywhere on the court made him nearly unguardable in his prime.
Looking at the current landscape, players like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry have redefined what efficient scoring looks like in the modern NBA. Durant's combination of height, shooting touch, and ball-handling makes him arguably the most versatile scorer the game has ever seen. I've always been fascinated by how he seamlessly transitioned from being primarily a perimeter player to mastering the post game later in his career. Meanwhile, Curry's revolutionary three-point shooting has forced defenses to extend beyond what was previously imaginable, creating spacing opportunities for his entire team. His 2016 unanimous MVP season, where he became the first player to average 30 points per game while shooting over 50% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line, represents what I consider the most efficient high-volume scoring season in basketball history.
When I think about the future of scoring records, I'm reminded of those 33 young athletes competing in the SEABA Under-16 Championship tryouts. Among them might be the next revolutionary scorer who will challenge these legendary numbers. The game continues to evolve, with analytics influencing shot selection and player development starting at increasingly younger ages. While we can quantify scoring through statistics and rankings, what truly captivates me about basketball's greatest scorers is their unique ability to leave an indelible mark on how the game is played and perceived. Each era produces its scoring masters, but the true legends are those whose influence transcends their time and continues to inspire generations of players, from NBA superstars to those 33 hopeful teenagers dreaming of basketball glory.