Top 10: NBA Scorers

Posted by

Here’s my list of top 10 scorers in the NBA. I’ve based my rankings on their play during the current season, with track record being a small factor

10 Joe Johnson

As gifted as a talent there is, he can shoot from the outside and though he may not be the fastest guy in the league, he’s quick and shifty enough to slide past you and get to the basket. Many get frustrated with Johnson because he doesn’t show a killer instinct. While that may be true, the guy can score, and on the Hawks he’s the one you want with the ball at the end.

9 Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose in my opinion is the fastest guy in the league, and with that speed he is able to get the hole with ease. Over the offseason Rose improved his jump shot making 112 more 3 pointers this season than he did in the 2009-2010 season and also raising his free throw percentage to 86% from 77%. Now that you have to respect his outside shot defenders are less prone to lay off of him. Though you may prefer he shoot the ball, you can’t just leave him wide open, and this has further opened driving lanes for Rose.

8 Kevin Martin

He’s quiet, he’s not likely to make the highlight reel, but what he will do for you is shoot 40% from the field which he’s done every season but his rookie year. Last season he shot 38% from 3 point land and ranked 9th in points per game averaging 23 points. He’s a guy that can get you 20 points anytime he steps on the floor.

7 Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is as consistent as they come; he’s only averaged above 46% shooting all but one year of his career, and at least 20 points per game but twice. At 7’0”, he’s a match up problem for just about anyone that guards him. He can shoot, take you off the dribble and is a willing passer. The only missing is a legit post game, but when you can face up and rise above the defender, he figures why play with his back to the basket.

6 Manu Ginobli

Ginobli is a career 45% shooter. After that none of his other stats will blow you away. To truly understand and appreciate his game you have had to watch him. He’s crafty, he’ll never win a racing competition, but he always manages to find his way to the hole. He plays with a reckless abandon for his body that is matched by very few. For the majority of his career with the Spurs he’s been the spark off the bench and the one the keeps everything flowing between their big 3.

Ginobli may never be in the top five of scoring, but if you need a critical basket, he’s definitely on your short list.

5 Dwayne Wade

Who could forget his performance in the 2006 NBA Finals where he led the Miami Heat to their first championship? Wade has made a living getting to the basket and creating havoc for defenders. A good first step, excellent mid-range game, and one of the few players below 6’6” who can post up there defender there’s not too many places you feel comfortable making him shoot from. Wade percentage wise had his best shooting season, shooting 50% from the field. Wade has shown himself to be as clutch as they come, and no matter who is on the team with him, you love having the ball in his hand with the game on the line.

4 LeBron James

The last 4 years LeBron has been a beast to keep it brief. Over the last 4 seasons he’s shot an average of 49% from the field, with this past season being his best at 51%. Watching LeBron drive down lane is like watching a train drive at you. With passing ability comparable to Magic and Jason Kidd you can’t play off of him but so much. Granted you much rather give him a jump shot, but once the man gets hot, he’s as unstoppable as they come. The only thing missing from his game is a legitimate post game. For as physical as he likes to play he doesn’t seem comfortable playing with his back to the basketball. However, 8 years in, it hasn’t seemed to slow him down yet. All he’s ever done is average a minimum of 26 points every year but his rookie season.

3 Kobe Bryant

For a long time Kobe was the best player and scorer in the league. A few years, injuries and championship rings later Kobe no longer remains numero uno. However, he still can get the job done. He may not have the burst to blow by you all the time, but go to you tube and search Kobe over Okafor and you’ll see that when needed Kobe can still throw it down it you. Instead of using his athletic ability to beat you he now uses skill and craft to get the shot he wants. He’s worked with Hakeem Olajuwon and developed a fade away jump shot over the last few seasons. Though older, Kobe still possesses the ability to drop 35 on you if necessary.

2 Kevin Durant

Upon this 6’9” thin frame lays a two time scoring champion and a career 46% shooter. Durant is a threat to score just about anywhere on the court. You give him space and he’s able to drive past you. You lay off of him and he’ll sink a jump shot from anywhere on the floor. Only 4 years into his career and the sky is the limit. The only thing left for him to do is add some muscle and post moves to his repertoire and he’ll be unguardable.

1 Carmelo Anthony

Post moves, check. Mid-range game, check. Penetrator, check. You name anything that has to do with scoring and Carmelo Anthony can do it, and is probably tops in the league at it. Carmelo has never shot below 42% in his career tied a career high shooting 37% from 3 point land. There aren’t too many ways you can defend him, you just kind of hope he has bad shot selection and shoots his way into a bad night. But I wouldn’t bank on it.

The next 5

Paul Pierce

Monte Ellis

Dwight Howard

Amare Stoudemire

Monta Ellis

Comments are closed.

Discover more from JbSmooth84.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading