NBA: 10 Players Who Could Break the All-Time Scoring Record

One of the more impressive career records of all- time, Kareem's incredible feat of scoring 38,387 points over his 19-year NBA career, is often overlooked (more so out of ignorance than a more impressive record).

Many greats since Kareem such as Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dominique Wilkins, and some guy named Michael Jordan, have tried. They have come close, but in the end they failed to break the mark.

This is a list of 10 current NBA players that have a chance at breaking his record.

And, here we go.

No. 10: Dirk Nowitzki

The 2011 NBA Finals MVP and national hero (outside of Miami) starts us off at Number 10.

Dirk is higher (or lower, depending on how you view Top 10 lists) on this list more for his age than anything. Dirk currently has 22,792 points and is currently 32-years-old. To break Kareem's scoring record, he would have to average 2,000 points per season for the next eight seasons. For all of his career efforts, he's only broken 2,000 points in a season five times in his 13 years in the league. This past season, he put up his worst scoring average per game since the 2003-2004 season.

Dirk does still have time to break the record. Given his career so far, in which he has played and started in at least 70 games in every season but his rookie year, Dirk does have the toughness to make this an interesting run at the record.

No. 9: Brook Lopez

This is one of the more bold, if not the most bold, placing on the list. Lopez, though, is just 23- years-old, and has improved his scoring average each season, reaching 20 points per game this past year.

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 X factor here, the thing that pushes him up, is his point guard, Deron Williams.

I think that Deron Williams is an underrated passer in the NBA, despite his impressive 10.3 assists per game this past season, and career 9.2 per game average. I say this because Deron also had 12.8 assists per game with the Nets, which is largely due to Lopez. If they can stay together, Brook will definitely have a shot at breaking Kareem's record.

No. 8: Monta Ellis

This might seem like an odd placing on this list for someone who, despite high scoring averages, has played in 65 games three times in his six seasons in the league. Ellis has also never scored 2,000 points in a season.

But NOT putting a guy who has averaged 25.5 and 24.1 points per game the last two seasons would seem a bit stupid.

Yes, he's a 6 foot 3 inch guard with good speed and the ability to create a shot for himself, but he lacks that drive that guys like Kobe and Durant have. Even if he's traded or signs with another team, the 25-year-old should still be the primary scoring threat for any team he is on for the next 10 seasons.

No. 7: Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is a mystery. He's only played one year, after missing a year to injury, which makes it all that more difficult to place him. On one hand; he's ridiculously athletic and powerful. On the other hand, he has no jump shot, his basketball I.Q. is lacking behind others, and his passion for the game is also a mystery.

He gets the benefit of the doubt because he's still young, he's still very raw, and he just might be smart enough to adapt. If he can, then he will have a legitimate chance at breaking Kareem's record.

No. 6: Stephen Curry

Yes, I do know what I said about Monta Ellis being the primary scoring threat on any team for the next 10 seasons just two slides ago. That doesn't mean Steph Curry isn't a VERY close number two. Think of Ellis and Curry, in terms of scoring in comparison to the rest of the team, as the 2000-2002 Shaq and Kobe of the Warriors.

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 score 25+ points per game without really even trying. I realize the chances of either of those happening is very low, but it's not out of the question. An average of 18 points per game as the number two scorer on a bad team isn't a bad start to a career.

No. 5: Derrick Rose

The reigning MVP checks in at number five on the list.

Derrick Rose may seem like an obvious choice for this list, but he could very well be several spots lower on here. Right now, he relies on his speed for almost everything he does. The fact that he's faster than probably 98-99% of the guys in the league is what makes him an elite player. 

His age, his passion for the game, and his great range are all supporting factors, but as his age and his speed begin to no longer work in his favor, he will need to make sure his range doesn't fade, 

He's improved significantly in each of his three seasons in the league, and will need to maintain the sort of game he's had in his short career in order to have a chance at the record.

No. 4: Carmelo Anthony

The fact that 'Melo is number four on this list just shows how good the previous players are.

Melo may just have the most complete scoring abilities in the NBA right now. He can score in the post, high and low, he has solid range, he has great athleticism for a guy his size and he can score in the paint.

With his abilities, it's hard to imagine him scoring less than 20 points a game for the next 10 years. This year he showed a much improved mentality, which will help him to score more consistently. 

With an ever-improving Knicks team around him, he stands a chance at breaking the record.

No. 3: Kobe Bryant

I've been a Lakers fan for as long as I can remember, and putting Kobe at the three spot is tough for me because it means his career is coming to an end, and I have to prepare myself for a Lakers team without Kobe Bryant.

Kobe is reaching the end of his prime, if not past it already. That's a difficult pill to swallow considering he's still the best player of the decade, and arguably one of the 10 to 15 best players of all-time.

He's still one of the better scorers in the NBA, but he is getting older, and he is dealing with a rash of injuries that he never fixed, including his index finger that he injured back in 2008.

However, despite all the injuries, Kobe has missed just nine games over the past four seasons. If he can average 25 points per game, which he has done 10 of the last 11 seasons, and plays in 75 games a season, he would break the record within five years.

No. 2: Kevin Durant

The top scorer in the NBA the last few years comes in at number two.

Durant is a terrific young scoring threat with an unpredictable style of play and consistency in making the shots he takes. Attributes like these will always prove a challenge for defenders.

He's got a very good work ethic and good height, but lacks overall,complete size. If he can develop more of a post game, he can really make his mark in the history books.

Durant is just 22, and with 2,000 points a season for the next 16 seasons,  he would break Kareem's record.

No. 1: LeBron James

The man most hated man of 288,468,581 people (the U.S. population minus Florida) is the player with the best chance of breaking Kareem's record.

LeBron has the adaptability, the passion, and the tools to do it.

If he scores 2,150 points each season—something he's done in six of his eight seasons in the league—for the next 10 years, he will break the record.

Thanks for reading!

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