10 NBA Players Who Could Break The All Time Scoring Record By logblobo [9 more lists]

The second most impressive career record of all time, Kareem's incredible feat of scoring 38,387 points over his 19 year career is often overlooked, more out of naivety/ignorance than a more impressive record. This is a list of current NBA players that have a chance (If I could make chance in italics, I would.) at breaking his record.

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10

Monta Ellis

Easily the most far'fetched placing on this list, Monta Ellis relies extremely heavily on his speed and quickness. That on it's own hurts his chances, but it's is lack of drive, his intensity level, that's what gets him so low. His percentages aren't the best either. The only reason I decided to put him at number 10 instead of Eric Gordon is because Eric Gordon won't be the primary scoring threat on his team in the foreseeable f*ture.
9

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk is an extremely talented shooter. His range rivals the best guards, his fadeaway jumper is among the best post shots in NBA history. Age catches up to shooters last, Dirk has time, but it will catch up to him and there's little he can do. He's a very consistent shooter and a natural leader, but time is no longer his friend.
8

Brook Lopez

This is probably the most bold placing on the list. Brook Lopez is already a talented scorer in the post, his imposing post moves and quantity of post moves bolster his already lethal post shot. The real Godsend, the thing that pushes him up, is his point guard, Deron Williams. I think that Deron Williams is one of the more underrated passers in The NBA, despite his already impressive 10.3 apg this past season. I say this because Deron had 12.8 apg with his new team, which is largely due to Brook Lopez. If they can stay together, Brook will definitely have a shot at breaking Kareem's record.
7

Derrick Rose

While most people see Derrick Rose as a no brainer for a list like this, I was very close to cutting him from this list entirely. The only reason I didn't is because of; his age, his already lethal range, and his passion for the game. The reason I almost didn't his because of how much he depends on his speed. It's his best attribute as of now. If he learns to adapt to more of a jumpshooter as he gets older, he has a very bright f*ture.
6

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is an enigma to me. I know he's only played one year, but I couldn't figure out how I should judge him. On one hand; he's extremely athletic and powerful. On the other, more dominant hand; he hasn't got a jumpshot, his basketball I.Q. is lacking, and his passion for the game is also an enigma, along with his lack of post moves. I give him the benefit of the doubt because he doesn't foul on defense much, heck, he doesn't play much defense, and he just might be smart enough to adapt. If he can, then he will have a legitimate chance at breaking Kareem's record.
5

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is arguably the best pure shooter in The NBA right now. If he were to move to the shooting guard spot permanently or take more shots, he could ever so simply score 25+ ppg. I realize the chances of either of those happening is very low, but it's not out of the question.
4

Carmelo Anthony

Melo's got the most complete scoring abilities in The NBA right now. He can score in the post, high or low, he has very good range, he's athletic and can score in the paint, either by dropping the orange bomb or finishing through contact. With his offensive versatility, it's hard to imagine him scoring less than 20 points a game for the next 10 years, possibly beyond. This year he showed a much improved mentality, which will help him to score more consistently.
3

Kevin Durant

A terrific young scoring threat that, while he might not be as versatile as Carmelo, his unpredictable style of play and consistency in making the shots he takes will always prove a challenge for defenders. It's factual that he's got a very good work ethic and a good height. His main flaw comes in his size, which he can improve as he gets older. If he can develop more of a post game, he can really make his mark in the history books.
2

Kobe Bryant

The top 3 could have gone any way. I had Kobe first and third at one point. I think Kobe being second tells you how hard of a record this would be to break. Kobe Bryant is past his prime. That's a difficult pill to swallow considering he's the best player of the decade. He's still one of the better scorers in The NBA, but he is getting older, and he is taking on a less active role on The Lakers. However, if he can keep up his 20 ppg streak, he can break it in 6-7 seasons.
1

LeBron James

LeBron James, as much as you might not like him, he is arguably the most capable of breaking Kareem's record. Like I said though, Kevin Durant has almost as good of a chance as Kobe and LeBron. LeBron just has the tools, the adaptability, and the passion to do it. The only thing holding him back is his passing ability. It's too good to go to waste, as he advances in his career, he will likely become more of a pass first guy. If he scores 25 ppg, or more, for the next 9-10 years, he will break the record.

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