When it comes to basketball, there is no doubt that scoring points and making plays are two of the most important aspects of the game. And in the NBA, where the best players in the world compete, the competition for being the top scorer and playmaker is fierce. Every season, fans and experts alike eagerly await the release of player rankings to see who stands at the top. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the criteria for ranking players, the top scorers and playmakers in the NBA, and compare their stats to determine who truly reigns supreme.
Criteria for Ranking Players
Before we dive into the rankings, it’s important to understand the criteria used to determine them. Player rankings are based on a combination of individual performance, team success, and impact on the game. While scoring and playmaking abilities are certainly taken into account, they are just one aspect of a player’s overall ranking.
Individual performance includes factors such as points per game, assists per game, rebounds per game, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. Team success takes into consideration a player’s contribution to their team’s overall record and playoff success. Impact on the game is a bit more subjective, but it takes into account a player’s influence on the court, their ability to make their teammates better, and their overall impact on the success of their team.
With these criteria in mind, let’s take a look at the top scorers and playmakers in the NBA.
Top Scorers in the NBA
When it comes to scoring, there are a few names that stand out among the rest. These players not only have the ability to put up high numbers, but they also do so consistently and efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at the top scorers in the NBA.
James Harden
One name that immediately comes to mind is James Harden of the Houston Rockets. Known for his incredible scoring ability, Harden has been a top scorer in the league for several years now. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged an impressive 34.3 points per game, leading the league in scoring for the third consecutive year.
Harden’s scoring prowess can be attributed to his combination of skill and athleticism. He has a deadly stepback three-point shot and is also a master at drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. In fact, he set an NBA record for most free throws made in a single season with 843 in the 2018-2019 season.
But it’s not just about his ability to put up points, Harden also does so efficiently. In the 2019-2020 season, he had a field goal percentage of 44.4% and a true shooting percentage of 62.6%, both above the league average. His efficiency on offense has helped lead the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances and has solidified his spot as one of the top scorers in the NBA.
Stephen Curry
Another name that cannot be overlooked is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Although injuries have limited his playing time in recent seasons, Curry is still considered one of the best scorers in the league. In the 2018-2019 season, he averaged 27.3 points per game and led the league in three-pointers made with 354.
Curry’s scoring ability is unmatched when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc. He holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season with 402 in the 2015-2016 season. But he is not just a one-dimensional player, as he has also shown the ability to create his own shots and drive to the basket. His handles and quickness make him a threat from anywhere on the court.
Although he may not put up as many points as some of the other top scorers in the league, Curry’s impact on the game cannot be overlooked. His shooting ability opens up the floor for his teammates and makes the Warriors a formidable team year after year.
LeBron James
No list of top scorers would be complete without mentioning LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although known more for his all-around game, James is still a dominant scorer in the league. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 25.3 points per game and led the league in assists with 10.2 per game.
James’ scoring ability comes from his combination of size, strength, and skill. He has the ability to overpower defenders and finish at the rim, but also possesses great court vision and passing skills. His versatility on offense makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent.
What sets James apart from other top scorers is his consistency and longevity. At 36 years old, he is still putting up impressive numbers and leading the Lakers to success. With four MVP awards and four NBA championships under his belt, James’ impact on the game cannot be denied.
Top Playmakers in the NBA
While scoring may get most of the attention, playmaking is just as important when it comes to ranking players. A great playmaker not only sets up their teammates for success, but they also have the ability to make plays themselves. Let’s take a look at the top playmakers in the NBA.
LeBron James
As mentioned before, James is not only one of the top scorers in the league, but he is also one of the best playmakers. He has the ability to see the entire court and find his teammates in the perfect position to score. In the 2019-2020 season, he led the league in assists with 10.2 per game.
But it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the impact he has on his team. James’ unselfishness and ability to make his teammates better is a huge part of the Lakers’ success. He has led the league in assists multiple times and has consistently been among the top playmakers in the NBA throughout his career.
Luka Doncic
One player who has burst onto the scene as a top playmaker in recent years is Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. In just his second season in the league, Doncic averaged 8.8 assists per game and made impressive passes that left fans and players in awe.
What sets Doncic apart as a playmaker is his incredible court vision and passing abilities. At just 21 years old, he has already established himself as one of the best passers in the league. And with his young age, there is no doubt that he will only continue to improve and solidify his spot as a top playmaker in the NBA.
Nikola Jokic
Another name that cannot be overlooked when it comes to playmaking is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Despite being a center, Jokic has proven to be an elite playmaker. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 7.0 assists per game, the highest among centers and third-highest among all players.
Jokic’s passing skills are truly unique for a player of his size. His court vision and ability to find his teammates in the perfect position have earned him the nickname “The Joker.” He is not only a dominant scorer and rebounder, but he also makes his teammates better and helps lead the Nuggets to success.
Comparison of Stats
Now that we have taken a closer look at the top scorers and playmakers in the NBA, let’s compare their stats to see how they stack up against each other.
| Player | Points per game (2019-2020) | Assists per game (2019-2020) |
| – | – | – |
| James Harden | 34.3 | 7.5 |
| Stephen Curry | 27.3 | 5.2 |
| LeBron James | 25.3 | 10.2 |
| Luka Doncic | 28.8 | 8.8 |
| Nikola Jokic | 19.9 | 7.0 |
From these stats, it’s clear that Harden leads the league in scoring, while James is the top playmaker. However, when we look at both scoring and playmaking abilities combined, it’s difficult to determine a clear winner. All five of these players have different strengths and impact the game in their own way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, player rankings are not just about individual stats or one aspect of a player’s game. It’s about their overall impact on the court, their team’s success, and their ability to make plays and score efficiently. While there are certainly players who stand out as top scorers and playmakers in the NBA, it’s important to recognize that every player brings something unique to the table.
Whether it’s James Harden’s deadly stepback three-pointer or LeBron James’ incredible passing ability, each of these top scorers and playmakers have left their mark on the league and will continue to do so for years to come. And as the competition for the top spot continues to heat up, we can only sit back and enjoy watching these talented players battle it out on the court.
