When you think about NBA legends, Michael Jordan instantly springs to mind. Over his illustrious career, he averaged 30.1 points per game, making him the highest scorer in NBA history. Imagine maintaining that kind of consistent performance — it's mind-boggling. This consistency translates not just to points, but to an era of dominance. Between 1991 and 1998, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, a feat few teams have replicated.
Another player who often evokes awe is Magic Johnson. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his exceptional playmaking and court vision. Over his career, he averaged an astonishing 11.2 assists per game. Johnson’s rivalry with Larry Bird, which began in college, carried over to the NBA and significantly boosted the league's popularity in the 1980s. Speaking of Bird, his rivalry with Johnson isn't just the stuff of legend; it was a storyline that captivated millions and arguably brought the NBA into its golden age.
LeBron James, often compared to Jordan, adds yet another layer to this illustrious history. Rookie of the Year in 2004, LeBron has managed to not just meet but exceed the massive expectations placed upon him since high school. By the end of the 2019-2020 season, he had amassed 34,241 points, earning him a third place on the all-time scoring list. What separates LeBron from many others is his versatility— playing positions ranging from point guard to power forward effectively. Plus, he's done this while earning four MVP awards and winning championships with three different teams (Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers), something very few players have achieved.
If we talk about pure scoring ability, Kevin Durant deserves a mention. Known for his silky-smooth shooting and towering height of 6 feet 10 inches, Durant has been a scoring machine since entering the league. He’s won the scoring title four times and has a career average of 27 points per game. Durant’s move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 generated quite the buzz. Though controversial, this decision paid off as he won two NBA championships with the team, earning Finals MVP in both years.
Shaquille O'Neal’s name also carries considerable weight. Known for his dominant physical presence, Shaq stood at a colossal 7 feet 1 inch and weighed around 325 pounds during his prime. His ability to dominate the paint was almost unparalleled, helping him secure four NBA championships, three of which were consecutive wins with the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant. Together, they formed one of the most formidable duos in NBA history.
Speaking of duos, one can't overlook the synergy between John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz. Stockton, the NBA's all-time leader in assists, and Malone, second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in career points, turned the pick-and-roll into an art form. Despite not clinching a title, their partnership led the Jazz to multiple deep playoff runs in the '90s, including two NBA Finals appearances. Their sustained success over nearly two decades is a testament to their skills and chemistry.
Tim Duncan, otherwise known as "The Big Fundamental," brought a different flavor to the game. His career may not be littered with eye-popping statistics, but his fundamentals were impeccable. Over his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. More crucially, his leadership and consistency played a pivotal role in securing five NBA championships for the Spurs.
Kobe Bryant's career is another narrative worth recounting. Kobe joined the NBA right out of high school and by 2006, he had become the youngest player in league history to reach 20,000 points at the age of 28. With 81 points in a single game in 2006, he posted the second-highest points in a single game in NBA history. His relentless work ethic and unmatched scoring ability earned him five NBA championships with the Lakers, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.