As we look back at NBA history, it’s intriguing to examine the current crop of players who have etched their names into the prestigious category of the NBA’s top 100 all-time scorers. Some of the greatest scorers ever include LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, and the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden, who have a combined seven scoring titles.
- 1. LeBron James – 39,531 Points
- 10. Kevin Durant – 27,781 Points
- 23. James Harden – 25,245 Points
- 25. Russell Westbrook – 24,857 Points
- 34. Stephen Curry – 22,647 Points
- 35. DeMar DeRozan – 22,499 Points
- 37. Chris Paul – 22,041 Points
- 49. Damian Lillard – 20,231 Points
- 86. Rudy Gay – 17,642 Points
- 91. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 17,412 Points
- 99. Paul George – 17,182 Points
- Who Is On The Brink Of The Top 100?
- 105. Anthony Davis – 16,765 Points
- 115. Kyrie Irving – 16,238 Points
- 117. Kyle Lowry – 16,024 Points
- 122. Brook Lopez – 15,954 Points
- 132. Bradley Beal – 15,604 Points
Where do Durant, Harden, and others rank among the top 100 behind The King, LeBron James? We have collected the list of current NBA stars who are all among the 100 greatest to accumulate points while there are a handful of players just outside the top 100 who are running out of time to join the coveted group.
1. LeBron James – 39,531 Points
LeBron James, at 39 years old, stands as a living testament to basketball excellence, recently breaking the all-time scoring record with an astonishing 39,531 points. His stats read like a fantasy basketball dream—powering through defenses with a career 27.2 points per game, showcasing a career shooting percentage of 50.5%, and constantly revolutionizing his game.
What sets LeBron apart isn’t just the numbers; it’s the longevity of his dominance over 21 seasons. Despite not coming into the league as a shooter, James has managed to play into his very late 30s because he can knock down outside jumpers. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer as of last season, it is hard to see any of the current star players breaking James’ record.
10. Kevin Durant – 27,781 Points
No surprise, Kevin Durant has etched his name into the annals of basketball history with 27,781 points and counting. Boasting four scoring titles and a career scoring average of 27.3 points per game, Durant’s offensive prowess is nothing short of legendary. At 35 years old, he remains a scoring force because he is literally the embodiment of Iceman, George Gervin, but with an added arsenal of handles and an impeccable jumper.
Shooting a career 50.0% from the field, 38.7% from three, and 88.5% from the stripe, Durant has been lethal as soon as he completed his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2007-08. While it won’t be easy for Durant to catch Michael Jordan at the fifth spot (32,292) before he retires, it might be very possible that Durant retires with 30,000 career points as he could become one of eight to ever do so.
23. James Harden – 25,245 Points
James Harden, with 25,245 points to his name, stands as a testament to the artistry of isolation scoring, having established himself as one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history. In his prime, Harden’s scoring prowess was nothing short of unstoppable, evidenced by his three consecutive scoring titles with the Houston Rockets from 2018 to 2020, a stretch that also saw him clinch the coveted MVP award in 2018.
His staggering 36.1 points per game average during the 2018-19 season places him in elite company, ranking 7th all-time behind legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan. While Harden has evolved into a more mature playmaker in recent years, his career scoring average of 24.5 points per game attests to the enduring impact he’s had, making a living with his unparalleled handles, relentless drives to the rim, and his signature step-back three-pointer.
25. Russell Westbrook – 24,857 Points
Despite being a point guard for his entire career, Russell Westbrook has amassed an impressive 24,857 points, defying positional expectations and solidifying his status as a future Hall of Famer. With a career scoring average of 22.0 points per game, Westbrook showcased his explosive athleticism and attacking prowess during his prime, earning the MVP nod in the 2016-17 season as the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double (31.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 10.4 APG).
The 2014-15 season saw him claim a scoring title with an impressive 28.1 points per game. Despite not being known for elite shooting, with a career average of 43.8% from the field and 30.5% from beyond the arc, Westbrook’s ability to generate points, especially through rim-attacking drives and emphatic dunks, makes him one of the most dominant and explosive players in the league’s history.
34. Stephen Curry – 22,647 Points
Widely acclaimed as the greatest shooter in the history of the game, Stephen Curry’s offensive brilliance is unparalleled when it comes to marksmanship, averaging 24.7 points per game with remarkable shooting efficiency—47.4% from the field, 42.6% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 90.9% from the free-throw stripe. Not only is he the all-time leader in three-pointers made with 3,548, but he also holds the crown for career free-throw percentage ahead of Steve Nash (90.4%) and Mark Price (90.39%)
During his prime, Curry claimed two MVP awards, including a unanimous selection in 2016, solidifying his status as one of the greatest scorers ever despite being listed at 6’2″ with a slender frame. The impact of Curry’s scoring prowess extends far beyond the numbers; it’s a revolutionary force that has redefined the game itself. The question is, can Curry retire among the top 25 in NBA history as he is nearly 36 years old?
35. DeMar DeRozan – 22,499 Points
DeMar DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, has accumulated an impressive 22,499 points over his career, showcasing his prowess as one of the premier mid-range scorers of his generation. Averaging 21.1 points per game, DeRozan’s offensive efficiency is evident with a 46.7% shooting rate from the field.
While the three-pointer isn’t his forte at 29.5%, his effectiveness at the stripe shines through with an 84.0% free-throw accuracy. DeRozan’s game is defined by his ability to attack the rim and create offense, often shooting over defenders with finesse. His journey through the Raptors, Spurs, and now the Bulls has not only carved out a successful career but established him as an elite scorer.
37. Chris Paul – 22,041 Points
Often heralded as one of the best pure point guards in NBA history, Chris Paul has quietly amassed 22,041 points, showcasing an underrated aspect of his game—elite scoring. While ranking 3rd all-time in total assists (11,731) behind John Stockton and Jason Kidd, Paul’s scoring prowess is evident with a career average of 17.7 points per game.
A precision shooter, he boasts a 47.1% field goal percentage and a respectable 36.9% from beyond the arc. Despite having the capability to climb higher on the scoring list, Paul’s focus on playmaking is reflected in his five assist titles, emphasizing his exceptional ability to orchestrate the offense. Chris Paul’s dual threat as both a scorer and playmaker cements his legacy as a unique and influential force in the game.
49. Damian Lillard – 20,231 Points
Damian Lillard forged the bulk of his resume with the Portland Trail Blazers and has etched his name into the scoring annals with 20,231 points thanks to his remarkable scoring average of 25.2 points per game. Renowned for his unlimited range, Lillard stands as one of the best shooters in NBA history, with a noteworthy 37.1% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
Often considered the second-greatest unlimited range shooter after Stephen Curry, Lillard’s scoring prowess is undeniable. His seven All-Star and All-NBA appearances underscore his consistency as a top-tier player, and even without a scoring title, he reached the 20,000-point milestone. Notably, Lillard elevated his game to new heights in the 2022-23 season, averaging an impressive 32.2 points per game in 58 appearances.
86. Rudy Gay – 17,642 Points
Rudy Gay’s career has been a testament to consistent scoring excellence, amassing 17,642 points and counting. Often overlooked, particularly for his prime years as a mid-range maestro and skilled finisher around the rim, Gay showcased his scoring prowess early on, averaging 17.9 points per game with the Memphis Grizzlies over seven seasons.
Even as he transitioned through teams like the Spurs and Kings, Gay’s reliability as a scoring threat remained evident, posting a career average of 15.8 points per game. Remarkably consistent, he has scored over 17,000 points, with only the last two seasons dipping below the 10 PPG mark. Rudy Gay’s contributions stand as a testament to the enduring impact of a player who, even if overlooked, consistently delivered on the offensive end.
91. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 17,412 Points
Giannis Antetokounmpo, at just 29 years old, has already notched an impressive 17,412 points, hinting at a future among the NBA’s top-25 scorers. As a power forward, he boasts a career scoring average of 23.1 points per game, showcasing a remarkable 54.1% shooting accuracy from the field. While not known for his prowess from long range, with a three-point shooting percentage of 28.5% and a 70.6% free-throw rate, Giannis compensates with arguably the most freakish athleticism the league has ever witnessed.
As the linchpin and go-to scorer for the Bucks, there’s every indication that he will continue to dominate the scoring column, potentially surpassing the 25,000-point milestone before he eventually hangs up his jersey. The trajectory of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and the promising legacy he hopes to achieve as one of the all-time greatest talents.
99. Paul George – 17,182 Points
Rounding out the list at number 99 among the NBA’s top 100 scorers is Paul George. Rising to prominence as the Most Improved Player in the 2012-13 season, George quickly established himself as an All-Star, maintaining a scoring average of at least 20 points per season when healthy. With a career scoring average of 20.8 points per game and shooting at 43.8% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc, George’s scoring prowess is undeniable.
A skilled shot-creator with a smooth jumper, he also possesses the ability to finish at the rim with authority. As George continues to add to his point total, his true value and the extent of his impact on the game will likely become even more apparent once he hangs up his jersey, solidifying his place as an underrated scorer in NBA history.
Who Is On The Brink Of The Top 100?
105. Anthony Davis – 16,765 Points
Anthony Davis, currently sitting at 105 on the all-time scoring list with 16,765 points, is on the brink of breaking into the prestigious NBA top 100 scorers. As a dynamic big man, Davis has been a consistent offensive force throughout his career, known for his scoring versatility with guard-like skills as a big man.
With his scoring average of 24.0 points per game, impressive efficiency (52.1% FG, 30.2% 3-PT FG, 79.4% FT), and being only 30 years old, Davis is poised to ascend the scoring ranks rapidly. If he can stay healthy (we are hoping), the former No. 1 overall pick will retire as one of the top 100 scorers in NBA history.
115. Kyrie Irving – 16,238 Points
Just like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving will likely retire among the top 100 scorers in history. He is only 31 years old, posting 23.4 points per game over his career, and has the reputation for being the greatest ball-handler we have ever seen. Not to mention, Irving is an elite shooter who is averaging 39.2% from three and 88.5% from the free-throw line.
The eight-time All-Star and 2015-16 NBA champion will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer even if he failed to make the cut for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. The guard’s incredible handles, shooting, and clutch performances have him one of the best scoring point guards in history regardless of his current position on the all-time scores table.
117. Kyle Lowry – 16,024 Points
While Kyle Lowry currently stands at 117 with 16,024 points, the veteran point guard, at almost 38 years old, faces a challenging path to crack the top 100. With his current season averaging 9.2 points per game, it seems less likely as he navigates the later stages of his career with retirement looking to the next step as the seasons pass.
Nevertheless, Lowry’s legacy is defined by his remarkable 17-season journey, where he has consistently been an outside shooting threat and a tenacious attacker at the rim. Averaging 36.9% from three over his career, Lowry had two seasons with at least 20 points per game and only posted under double-digits five times in his career, showcasing his ability to contribute as a scorer despite being a pass-first point guard.
122. Brook Lopez – 15,954 Points
Brook Lopez, currently holding the 122nd spot with 15,954 points, stands out as one of the most distinctive centers in NBA history. Beginning his career as an effective low-post scorer, Lopez earned the title of the all-time leading scorer for the Nets organization, amassing 10,444 points during his tenure. With seven seasons averaging at least 18 points per game and an All-Star appearance in 2012-13, where he posted 19.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Lopez showcased his prowess as an impactful inside presence.
However, as he matured, Lopez underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a three-point shooter. This shift is exemplified by his transition from a then-career-high of 0.2 three-point attempts in 2015-16 to a substantial 5.2 attempts in 2016-17 and has not looked back since.
132. Bradley Beal – 15,604 Points
Bradley Beal, currently positioned at 132 with 15,604 points, finds himself in a unique situation. His talent is undeniable, as showcased by back-to-back seasons of at least 30 points per game in 2020 and 2021. However, injuries have cast a shadow over his recent campaigns, limiting him to only 103 total games since then.
If he can manage to stay healthy for the next five or six seasons, Beal possesses the scoring prowess to easily secure a spot among the NBA’s elite scorers. With a career average of 22.0 points per game, the shooting guard has showcased the ability to fill up the basket consistently when on the court although playing alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will mean he has fewer shots to get there.
