Earlier this week, we put together a list of the best defenders in the NBA this season—players who specialize in stopping opponents. But this time, it’s all about the guys who are simply unguardable when it comes to scoring the basketball.
The NBA has always been a league of scorers, but in an era where offensive firepower is more potent than ever, separating the elite from the rest is no easy task. Some names here won’t surprise you—MVP candidates who dominate every night—but others have stepped up in ways few expected. These are the top five scorers at every position right now.
Point Guard
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Luka Doncic
3. Tyrese Maxey
4. LaMelo Ball
5. Jalen Brunson
The MVP frontrunner has taken his scoring to another level, averaging 32.4 PPG on an absurdly efficient 52.3% shooting from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to his spots, finish through contact, and hit mid-range jumpers with ease makes him one of the deadliest offensive weapons in the NBA. He’s also averaging 8.9 free throw attempts per game, proving just how impossible he is to stop one-on-one.
Luka Doncic remains an offensive juggernaut, even when he is currently on a new team, putting up 26.7 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 8.2 RPG while making it look effortless. The Lakers will be more than happy to pair Doncic with LeBron James as they look to make a Finals run this season. The former Mavericks star is easily a top-two scorer at the point guard spot.
With Joel Embiid and Paul George dealing with injuries, Tyrese Maxey has flourished as Philadelphia’s go-to option, averaging 27.1 PPG and showcasing his elite speed and finishing ability. He’s among the league leaders in transition points and has made a major leap as a shot creator, hitting 44.7% from the field while keeping defenses honest with his relentless drives.
When he’s on the floor, LaMelo Ball is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league, averaging 26.3 PPG and 7.1 APG. His deep shooting range, flashy handles, and playmaking make him a nightmare for defenses. Charlotte is nowhere near being a playoff contender, but Ball has kept them competitive every night.
New York’s floor general has been one of the most clutch players this season, averaging 26.0 PPG on a stellar 49.1% from the field. Jalen Brunson’s footwork and mid-range game are among the best in the NBA, and he’s torched defenses with his ability to create space and finish through contact. The Knicks are thriving largely because of his elite shot-making and Brunson gets the nod over both Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving.
Shooting Guard
1. Anthony Edwards
2. Devin Booker
3. Donovan Mitchell
4. Cam Thomas
5. Norman Powell
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ franchise star has blossomed into an unstoppable scorer, averaging 27.5 PPG while playing above the rim and knocking down tough jumpers. Anthony Edwards‘ mix of athleticism, physicality, and three-level scoring has made him one of the most electrifying players in the league and he has one of the highest ceilings in the NBA in terms of getting even better.
Devin Booker remains one of the league’s smoothest scorers, averaging 26.1 PPG on 45.2% shooting. His ability to take over games, especially in the clutch, has kept the Suns competitive despite their struggles. With his lethal mid-range jumper and improved playmaking, he’s still one of the best pure scorers in basketball.
Donovan Mitchell continues to be a bucket, averaging 24.2 PPG while being the heart of Cleveland’s offense. He’s explosive in transition, deadly from beyond the arc at 39.6%, and capable of putting up 40+ on any given night. The Cavaliers lean heavily on his offensive firepower, and he continues to deliver despite taking a backseat at times to accommodate Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
One of the most unexpected names on this list, Cam Thomas has turned heads with his scoring ability, putting up 24.7 PPG despite playing on a team devoid of shot-makers outside of Cam Johnson. He’s a pure bucket-getter with an elite pull-up jumper and no fear of taking big shots.
Norman Powell has quietly been a massive offensive weapon for the Clippers, averaging 24.2 PPG on an insanely efficient 49.6% shooting from the field and 42.6% from three. He’s been automatic from deep and has been a key scoring punch alongside All-Star James Harden. No doubt, Powell was an All-Star snub this season.
Small Forward
1. LeBron James
2. Zach LaVine
3. Franz Wagner
4. Jaylen Brown
5. Jimmy Butler
At age 40, LeBron James is still putting up 24.7 PPG, proving that Father Time has yet to catch him. He’s still an elite finisher at the rim, shooting over 51.8% from the field, and his improved three-point shooting at 39.5% has made him even harder to guard. His ability to control games as a scorer and playmaker remains elite.
Despite a somewhat frustrating season with trade rumors swirling before he landed with the Sacramento Kings before the trade deadline, Zach LaVine has remained an elite scorer, averaging 23.8 PPG. He’s still one of the league’s best three-point shooters off the dribble, and when locked in, he can drop 30+ with ease.
Franz Wagner has taken a leap, becoming Orlando’s leading scorer with 25.1 PPG. His combination of size, skill, and versatility allows him to score from all three levels while playing within the team’s system. His three-point shot needs work (only 30.7% this season) but he is a bucket-getter nonetheless.
Jaylen Brown continues to be one of the most efficient scorers in the league, averaging 22.9 PPG while shooting 46.2% from the field. His athleticism and ability to create his own shot make him a dangerous offensive force every night, and he is more than capable of putting up bigger numbers if he wants to.
Jimmy Butler may not put up gaudy numbers, but he’s still an elite clutch scorer and we will see that in due time. Butler is only averaging 17.6 PPG on 52.4% shooting this season but that was because he spent most of the season with the Miami Heat. Butler is averaging 20.0 PPG with the Warriors so far on an elite 9.2 free-throw attempts per game.
Power Forward
1. Kevin Durant
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Jayson Tatum
4. Anthony Davis
5. Paolo Banchero
Even as he approaches 37 over the next few months, Kevin Durant remains one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history. This season, he’s putting up 26.9 PPG, continuing to defy age with his silky-smooth jumper and elite shot-making. His efficiency is still elite, posting nearly 50-40-90 splits (53.2% FG, 40.1% 3-PT FG, 82.4% FT), proving that even in a struggling Suns lineup, he remains the offense’s focal point.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a nightmare for defenders, and that hasn’t changed this season as he continues to dominate inside, averaging 31.0 PPG on an absurd 61.0% shooting from the field. His ability to punish teams in transition, attack relentlessly in the half-court, and finish with an array of powerful dunks and finesse layups makes him one of the most devastating offensive players in the league.
Jayson Tatum has continued to evolve into a complete offensive superstar, averaging 26.8 PPG while maintaining his elite versatility. So far this season, the Celtics’ offense runs through him, and his ability to operate as both a scorer and facilitator has been a key reason why Boston has been so dominant.
While Anthony Davis is nursing an injury as he looks to get on the court for the Dallas Mavericks, he’s been one of the most productive offensive bigs in the NBA this season overall, averaging 25.7 PPG. When he’s aggressive and healthy, few big men in the league can contain him and we hope to see more of him for the rest of the year.
The young Magic star has taken a significant leap as a scorer, increasing his average to 22.9 PPG while expanding his offensive arsenal. Paolo Banchero’s ability to blend power and finesse makes him special—he can bully defenders in the post, but he also has the footwork and shooting touch of a skilled wing. Hopefully, he can return to elite form as he gains momentum after an unfortunate injury early in the season.
Center
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Karl-Anthony Towns
3. Victor Wembanyama
4. Joel Embiid
5. Jaren Jackson Jr.
No center in basketball can take over a game offensively quite like Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP is once again putting up ridiculous numbers, averaging 29.2 PPG, 12.6 RPG, and 10.4 APG, proving that he’s the best playmaking big man in NBA history. Despite not having the athleticism of some of his peers, Jokic’s basketball IQ allows him to manipulate defenses in ways few players in NBA history ever could.
KAT is having arguably the best season of his career, averaging 24.8 PPG while shooting an elite 43.2% from three. His ability to space the floor at 7 feet tall makes him one of the most unique offensive centers in the league, as he can torch defenders both inside and outside. While Jalen Brunson has taken over as the Knicks’ go-to scorer, Towns remains an essential part of their offensive success.
Injuries have once again hampered Embiid’s season as he only has 19 appearances this season, but when healthy, he remains one of the most dominant offensive forces in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.8 PPG despite being almost incapable of moving well on the court, a testament to what he can truly do. Even hobbled, Embiid is better than 90% of the league at scoring the ball.
Before being sidelined for the season with blood clots in his shoulder, Victor Wembanyama was already proving why he’s a generational talent. He was averaging 24.3 PPG while flashing an unprecedented blend of length, skill, and shooting ability. The scary part is that he’s only scratching the surface—if he returns healthy next season, he could be even better.
Known primarily for his defense, Jaren Jackson Jr. has taken on a much larger scoring role in Memphis, averaging a career-high 22.8 PPG this season. JJJ has stepped up as the Grizzlies‘ primary offensive option as a big man, showing off his ability to score from mid-range, beyond the arc, and in the paint. Even when Ja Morant has missed games, Jackson has kept the Grizzlies vastly competitive.
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