NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant and Each Team's Most Effective Scorer
There are all types of players in the NBA. Whether you are a defender, glue guy, all-around contributor, shot blocker, passer, high IQ player or scorer, you will find a spot in the NBA.
However, every team needs a straight up scorer. Whether they can contribute in other categories is simply a bonus.
Guys like Kevin Durant can score like there is no tomorrow. He has a smooth approach to his game, able to make shots all across the floor.
Without further ado, here are the most effective scorer's on each team.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers, Antawn Jamison
1 of 30
Career points per game: 19.7
Career field goal percentage: 45
This year was a forgettable one for Antawn Jamison and the Cleveland Cavaliers. After losing their heart and soul player in LeBron James, the Cavs were set up for a bumpy ride.
Finishing the year at 19-63, everyone on the Cavs can be blamed for a horrendous season.
Though Jamison is on the last leg of his career, he is still a capable scorer inside 17 feet.
Unfortunately for Cleveland, they will most likely count on Jamison to be the main point scorer on what looks like a weak 2011 roster.
29. Detroit Pistons, Rodney Stuckey
2 of 30
Career points per game: 13.6
Career field goal percentage: 42
The Detroit Pistons are a big mess. After signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva for way too much money, the Pistons found themselves without true scoring options.
Scoring point guard Rodney Stuckey has been the only consistency for Detroit. In 31 minutes per game, Stuckey averaged 15.5 points per game for the Pistons.
The Pistons would be much better off if Stuckey had a star to distribute the ball to, but too much money is allocated in the wrong places.
Expect Detroit to be in big time rebuilding mode over the next few seasons, while Rodney Stuckey could be the only player the organization can hang their hat on.
28. Milwaukee Bucks, John Salmons
3 of 30
Career points per game: 10.1
Career field goal percentage: 44
What happened to John Salmons this year? After averaging a hair under 20 points per game for the rising Bucks, Salmons took a big step back this season.
Salmons finished the year with 14 points per game on 41 percent shooting. Not only were his numbers down, but his body language reflected it.
Salmons stopped playing assertive on offense, constantly allowing other players to take over. The new strategy was a failure, and the Bucks failed to make the playoffs.
Anticipate Salmons to get back to his game in 2011, further proving his inconsistencies on a year-to-year basis.
27. Phoenix Suns, Vince Carter
4 of 30
Career points per game: 22.2
Career field goal percentage: 45
Vince Carter may have lost a step or two, but he can certainly still put the ball through the hoop.
Now 34 years old, Carter has changed his game over the years. Starting out as an athletic rim attacker, Carter is now limited in his abilities.
You can now find Carter camping out on the perimeter jacking up three after three.
Playing alongside Steve Nash, Carter should still be able to muster out 15 points per game next season.
26. Sacramento Kings, Marcus Thornton
5 of 30
Career points per game: 13.6
Career field goal percentage: 44
Marcus Thornton is easily one of the most underrated scorers in the NBA.
When given minutes, Thornton will produce at a high level. After being traded to Sacramento this season, Thornton averaged over 20 points per game for the rest of the season.
He is a highly effective scorer, yet yields too much on the defensive side of the ball.
Though Thornton offers little on defense, his shooting stroke alone makes him a quality NBA shooting guard for years to come.
At just 23 years of age, Thornton has time to expand his game and become more valuable for teams that need a scoring punch.
25. Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan
6 of 30
Career points per game: 13.0
Career field goal percentage: 48
DeMar DeRozan is an athletic shooting guard the NBA has been breeding for years.
At 21 years old, DeRozan's game somewhat models that of Dwyane Wade's. While DeRozan may be a lot more raw and not as talented as Wade, DeRozan comes at a much cheaper price.
With DeRozan's explosiveness and leaping ability, he is a regular for highlight reel dunks.
DeMar DeRozan has plenty of polishing up to do over the next few years. Keep a close eye on DeMar DeRozan; this kid has the potential to be something special in the next few years.
24. Charlotte Bobcats, Stephen Jackson
7 of 30
Career points per game: 16.3
Career field goal percentage: 42
Stephen Jackson has been a controversial player in the NBA for years. Never scared to get a technical, Jackson gets tossed from games every single year.
One thing that is not controversial about Jackson is his ability to score. At 6'8" and 215 pounds, Jackson uses his physical strength to overpower defenders.
Many NBA wings tend to be on the skinny side, something that Jackson takes advantage of when backing down defenders.
With virtually no other solid offensive options on Charlotte, Stephen Jackson will certainly lead the team in scoring in 2011.
23. New Orleans Hornets, David West
8 of 30
Career points per game: 16.4
Career field goal percentage: 49
Unfortunately for New Orleans, David West has been the only player Chris Paul can count on to make a shot when they need one.
Head coach Monty Williams takes a defensive approach to the game, limiting the chances of Paul and West scoring tons of points.
West boasts a strong post game that few can contend with.
The pick and roll that he and Paul run makes them a truly special duo. West is able to drain 18 footers, making the pick and pop version of the pick and roll a favorite for the two.
22. New Jersey Nets, Deron Williams
9 of 30
Career points per game: 17.2
Career field goal percentage: 46
You may be wondering why Deron Williams is not higher up on this list. The reason is simple: Williams is a point guard who needs to distribute more so than score the ball.
Deron Williams has certainly flown under the radar as one of the NBA's top point guards.
Able to impact the game in every way possible, Williams can easily score when he needs to.
Relative to other point guards, Williams is a big player. Pair that with his high basketball IQ and you have a point guard who does it all.
Williams is coming up on his contract year and will need to shine for the Nets in 2011.
21. Washington Wizards, Nick Young
10 of 30
Career points per game: 10.9
Career field goal percentage: 44
Nick Young emerged as a big time scorer next to John Wall in Washington.
After playing behind Gilbert Arenas for three years, Young showed the NBA that he can score just as effectively.
Young is getting ready to cash in via free agency this summer.
Plenty of teams need a pure scorer like Young, making him an attractive option in an otherwise weak free-agent class.
20. Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Iguodala
11 of 30
Career points per game: 15.6
Career field goal percentage: 46
Just 27 yeras old, Andre Iguodala's playing style has shifted down hill over the past three years. His scoring is down over the past three years while his assists are up.
Iguodala has had serious injuries of late, which could be the reason for his change in play.
While Iggy's game seems to be on the decline, he is still the number one scoring option in Philadelphia. He has a sweet stroke and is able to drain big shots when needed.
Keep an eye on Iguodala and his lower extremities over the next few years; they seem to be going out quicker on them than anyone believed.
19. Utah Jazz, Al Jefferson
12 of 30
Career points per game: 15.9
Career field goal percentage: 50
The Utah Jazz have a log jam of players that can score. Between Paul Millsap, Devin Harris and C.J. Miles, Al Jefferson is the one most capable of scoring when needed.
Jefferson has been an underappreciated center for years now. Playing on subpar teams like Boston and Minnesota is a great reason for that.
Now in Utah for a traditionally winning program, Jefferson has a chance to establish himself as a bona fide NBA center.
With so many more threats around him, it is unreasonable to expect more than 19 points per game from the big man.
18. Denver Nuggets, Danilo Gallinari
13 of 30
Career points per game: 13.8
Career field goal percentage: 42
Danilo Gallinari is quickly turning into the player he was drafted to be. Only 22 years old, Gallinari is a dead eye shooter who can crush teams from downtown.
After being traded to Denver in the Carmelo Anthony deal, Gallinari proved he can still score no matter what system he's in.
Gallinari is blessed with good height, solid athleticism and an amazing shot. At 6'10", his shot is nearly impossible to block around the perimeter.
Gallinari's point totals should continue to rise over the next few years in Denver.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves, Michael Beasley
14 of 30
Career points per game: 15.9
Career field goal percentage: 46
After being shipped out of Miami, Michael Beasley quietly had a solid season in Minnesota.
He shot 45 percent from the field, averaged 19.2 points per game and was the only viable option on the perimeter for the Timberwolves.
Beasley has done a great job of transforming his game from college. Playing power forward at Kansas State, many questioned whether Beasley would be able to transition to the wing at the next level.
He has already made that move successfully and will likely continue to prove the doubters wrong throughout his career.
16. Los Angeles Clippers, Eric Gordon
15 of 30
Career points per game: 18.1
Career field goal percentage: 45
Eric Gordon took a big step forward in 2010. With his new sidekick Blake Griffin, Gordon was able to find more open shots this season.
Gordon is able to score the ball in so many ways.
With his size, strength, quickness and shooting ability, Eric Gordon is a future All-Star in waiting.
Eric Gordon will be a 20-plus points per game player for years to come.
15. Atlanta Hawks, Joe Johnson
16 of 30
Career points per game: 17.7
Career field goal percentage: 44
After signing the largest contract available to players, Joe Johnson was perceived by many to be extremely overpaid.
Now that Johnson has his Hawks in the second round, few of the naysayers are ripping on Johnson now.
Johnson has the size, athleticism, basketball IQ and shooting stroke to make him a regular All-Star.
Johnson should have at least five more years of high end production in Atlanta.
14. Memphis Grizzlies, Zach Randolph
17 of 30
Career points per game: 17.6
Career field goal percentage: 47
Zach Randolph is a crafty left-hander who has become an unstoppable force in this year's playoffs.
Using his array of post moves, Randolph is able to beat defenders in numerous ways.
Some people call Randolph a ball hog or team cancer, but the reality is that Memphis goes as Randolph does.
Now that Memphis has signed Randolph long term, expect Z-Bo to lead the team in scoring for the next few years.
13. San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili
18 of 30
Career points per game: 15.3
Career field goal percentage: 45
Manu Ginobili has created his living by scoring the basketball in several ways.
Using an impeccable jab step, Ginobili is able to get open shots on a nightly basis.
Like most European products, Ginobili is highly skilled with a great basketball IQ. Since head coach Gregg Popovich loves to play smart players, Ginobili is a match made in heaven with Tim Duncan.
With Tim Duncan now 35 years old, Manu will be the number one scoring option in San Antonio for years.
12. Houston Rockets, Kevin Smith
19 of 30
Career points per game: 18.5
Career field goal percentage: 45
Kevin Martin is likely the most underrated player in the NBA.
With his wire thin frame, Martin is somehow able to score in a plethora of ways.
Martin has learned how to use his slender body to his advantage. At 6'7", Martin uses his cat-like quickness to create separation against defenders.
If Martin can stay healthy, he will be a regular high end scorer for the Rockets.
11. Indiana Pacers, Danny Granger
20 of 30
Career points per game: 18.2 (over 20 for last three years)
Career field goal percentage: 44
Danny Granger is just about the only bright spot in the Pacers organization. Guiding Indiana to the playoffs this year, Granger was able to keep the Pacers close against Chicago in Round 1.
Granger is your prototypical wing. He can shoot from three, drive to the bucket and score off the dribble.
There is no doubt that Granger needs serious help in Indiana. If Granger had a viable sidekick, the sixth year player may be able to raise his scoring rate even more.
10. Portland Trail Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge
21 of 30
Career points per game: 17.3
Career field goal percentage: 49
LaMarcus Aldridge really stepped his game up this year. With a major injury to franchise player Brandon Roy, Aldridge took the initiative to take over.
Aldridge averaged 21.8 points per game this year, up 3.9 from the previous year.
There is nothing that isn’t smooth to Aldridge’s game. He loves to score down low but can step out and hit the 18-footer if he needs to.
His blend of post moves mixed with face up play makes Aldridge a special talent.
9. Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce
22 of 30
Career points per game: 22.2
Career field goal percentage: 44
Paul Pierce has been a major scoring threat for years. Now 33, Pierce has seen his game slow down a bit over the years.
Pierce has been the face of the Celtics franchise for over 10 years now. Playing through the rough years in Boston, Pierce was the only player the organization could hang their hat on.
Pierce’s biggest threat to his scoring is his fadeaway jump shot. He has never been the fastest player, so he had to implement an unstoppable facet to his game.
Using the fadeaway effectively, Pierce will be a go to scorer in the NBA until he retires.
8. Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose
23 of 30
Career points per game: 20.9
Career field goal percentage: 46
In just his third year, Derrick Rose has put together one of the most remarkable MVP seasons in recent memory.
Rose can do it all on offense, especially when it comes to getting to the rim.
With Rose’s blend of quickness, speed, leaping ability and strength, Derrick Rose is phenomenal at the rim.
However, Rose really needs to improve his long-range shooting. At 33 percent, Rose would make himself infinitely more dangerous if he could shoot closer to 40.
7. Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard
24 of 30
Career points per game: 18.2
Career field goal percentage: 58
Dwight Howard’s game has grown so much over the years. Being drafted No. 1 overall in 2004, Dwight was easily one of the skinniest players on the court.
Now 25 years old, Dwight is extremely muscular and plays like a man out there.
With his big, broad shoulders Dwight is able to jockey for position down low.
Patrick Ewing has helped Dwight improve his low post game for the past few years. He has a quality hook shot, drop step and is able to hit turn around shots.
6. Golden State Warriors, Monta Ellis
25 of 30
Career points per game: 19.4
Career field goal percentage: 47
Monta Ellis is a scoring machine. Being selected in the second round six years ago, Ellis has proved all of the doubters wrong.
Ellis literally scores in every way possible. He drains threes, shoots off the dribble, gets to the rim and makes tough shots on a regular basis.
Ellis really thrives with the ball in his hands. Though he isn’t much of a point guard, Ellis loves to dribble the ball down and find his shot.
The one drawback on Ellis’ game is his passing. He rarely sees a shot he doesn’t believe he can make, meaning he can be a bad teammate at times.
5. Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade
26 of 30
Career points per game: 25.4
Career field goal percentage: 48
Dwyane Wade is the smoothest player in the NBA. Making it look easy, Wade is able to make tough plays night in and night out.
Many experts compare Wade’s game to Michael Jordan, who both score in a variety of ways.
Wade is a great team leader who has already won a championship. His ability to nail shots in the game's closing seconds make him extremely special.
Expect Wade to continue to come up big, while his career accomplishments will continue to be overlooked.
4. Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki
27 of 30
Career points per game: 23.0
Career field goal percentage: 48
Dirk Nowitzki has helped changed the style of play in the NBA. At 7’0”, Dirk is able to make shots like a shooting guard should.
Since he is so hard to guard, Dirk is able to take over games very often. Dirk has a quick first step and is able to get separation against slower defenders.
Though Dirk has a slow and awkward shot, it always seems to fall. His fadeaway shot is remarkable, especially considering how much arc he puts on it.
Dirk has seen his playoff struggles in recent years, but this year’s team could be ready. Dirk will always take advantage of his shooting ability, making him a perennial All-Star in the NBA.
3. New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony
28 of 30
Career points per game: 24.8
Career field goal percentage: 46
Carmelo is truly a scorer. Anthony does not have a whole lot of flash and is able to score with ease.
Even in Carmelo’s rookie year, he averaged over 20 points a game. He might not be a good defender, but Carmelo gets how the NBA game works and takes advantage of it.
Now relocated in New York, Carmelo plays in the high scoring system directed by Mike D’Antoni. I fully expect Carmelo to score in the upper 20s for years to come.
2. Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant
29 of 30
Career points per game: 25.3
Career field goal percentage: 45
The “Black Mamba” has been a scoring machine for over 10 years now. His basketball IQ, shooting stroke and ability to find an open shot is impeccable.
Bryant has the credentials to back his game up. Being a five-time NBA champion, Bryant has taken over so many games throughout his career.
Now 32 years old, Bryant’s game has worn down a bit. He doesn’t have the same lift on his jump, meaning it’s harder for him to get certain shots off.
Kobe is nearing the end of his career, but let’s be honest. We're still talking about Kobe Bryant.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant
30 of 30
Career points per game: 25.9
Career field goal percentage: 46
Kevin Durant is a scoring machine. Now in his fourth season, the lanky wing player from Texas averaged 27.7 points per game this season.
Durant has many advantages when it comes to scoring the ball. First off, he’s a 6’10” wing player. Players that are that tall are not supposed to be able to score or shoot like he does.
Second, Durant rarely takes bad shots. He is a smart player and does a good job of taking the shots his team needs.
Only 22 years old, Durant has plenty of room to expand his game. It is truly scary to think how good Durant could be over his career.
Durant will continue to average right around the 30 points per game line for his career, proving that he is the best true scorer in the NBA.
