Welcome back to the "Greatest Ever" series as we continue with the rankings of the greatest offensive forces of all time. Scoring the ball is probably one of the most important things that you need to do.
There are some players who throughout the NBA History, have excelled in this category like no one else have. Most of these have had a terrific arsenal of shots, moves to find the bottom of the net in variety of ways.
It forced the teams to use specially created defenses and rules just to contain these guys from pouring in their points. Who ranks on top? Without further ado, here are the greatest offensive players of all time!
15.Karl Malone
A terrific big man who delivered points all the time for his teams, Karl Malone was one of the greatest offensive forces to ever step on a hardwood.
He was a terrific presence on offense, because of few reasons. He was one of the physically most imposing players to play the game. Karl was excellent finisher (by far best from pick n'roll passes), had a deadly mid range shot and got to the line more than anyone else did.
Malone was perhaps the finest at running and finishing on a fast brake. He was by far one of the most consistent offensive players in the league's history. He scored more than 25 points for nearly two decades, which is an amazing accomplishment.
Even though he profited from a good passer in Stockton, still, there's no doubt that The Mailman was a phenomenal scorer. Here are some facts on him.
Career Facts:
-He has scored 36.928 points total points or 25.0 points in average for his career
-He's the second all time leading scorer in the league's history with 36.928 points
-He ranks fifth on the playoffs all time list in total points scored
-He ranks 12th in career points per game with 25.0 in average
-He ranks 15th on the playoffs all time list in points per game scored
-He has averaged 51.6% from field in his career
-He's the oldest person to score 50 points in a playoff game ever
-He's the oldest person to score 30 points in a playoff game and second to score 40 in a playoff game
-Recorded a record eleven consecutive seasons in which he scored at least 2,000 points.
14.Earvin "Magic" Johnson
A great all-around player who impacted the game on offense in a lot of ways, Magic Johnson is arguably one of the greatest offensive forces of all time!
He was a walking mismatch because he was taller than any other floor general (at 6'9), had athleticism and was arguably the most complete player to step on a hardwood, illustrated by his triple doubles.
He could get in the post and score well from there, he had a good shot in the late part of his career and he got the rim easily. However, he wasn't all scoring though. He was a wizard with the ball who passed like no one else did!
Johnson was the NBA's All Time assist leader for career with averages of 11.2 assists. His playoff average of 12.1 dimes is also the highest as well as in the Finals History too! He additionally scored 20 points per game in the way too!
Here are some career facts!
Career Facts
-He scored 17.707 points in his 12 years of basketball, or 19.8 points per game in average!
-He has dished out a career total of 10.141 dimes, or 11.2 dimes in average!
-He's the NBA's All Time leader in assists per game (with 11.2 dimes)
-He ranks first on the playoffs all time list in assists per game with 12.1 in average
-He ranks first on the playoffs all time list in total assists!
-He ranks fourth on the all time lists in total assists!
-He won four assist titles in his career!
13.Bernard King
A physical small forward who was a deadly force on offense in many ways, the underrated Bernard King is one of the greatest offensive forces in the NBA History.
He had nice physicality and possessed a great arsenal too. He could score well inside, had an excellent post up game, soft touch and was one of the most explosive (and best) scorers to play the game.
He was notable for having his turn around shot from the post and he run the fast brake well. He averaged 32.9 points in his prime during the regular season and he light up the superb defensive Pistons for more than 42.0 points!
He even averaged 28.4 points in the late parts of his career when he was healthy, which is a feat of how awesome offensive force he was when he didn't have health issues.
Notable Career Facts:
-He has scored 19.655 career points or 22.5 in average
-He's one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA History for all non big men with a percentage of 51.8% from field
-He has won one scoring crown
-Ranks 24th on the all time list in career points scored
-Ranks 43th on the all time list in career points per game
-He averaged 34.8 points in the 1984 playoffs!
12.Shaquille O'Neal
A fantastic big man who was a powerful weapon on offense for his entire career, Shaquille O'Neal is one of the best offensive players of all time!
Shaq was arguably the physically most imposing player to ever step on a hardwood. He relied on his physical advantages, footwork, soft touch to be a recognized force on the offense for so many years.
He's the most efficient scorer to play the game, as he holds an average of 58.2% from field. He could overpower his opponents and finish with a powerful slam. He often got "and1" calls.
He was an excellent yet underrated passer, who's one of the greatest passing big men in the league's history. He attracted a huge attention from teams, and he made them pay for that.
Teams used "Hack a Shaq" tactic to sent him from to the line, because he was nearly unstoppable when he was in good position and a bad foul line shooter. He was a dominating presence in the paint!
Here are some facts on him
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 28.596 points or 23.7 in average
-Ranks fifth on the all time list for most career points
-He's the all time leader in highest field goal percentage
-Ranks first on the all time list in effective field goal percentage
-He won two scoring crowns
-He led the league ten times in field goal percentage (record)
-Ranks fourth on the playoffs all time list in total points scored
-Ranks fifth on the playoffs all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks fifth on the playoffs all time list in field goal percentage
-Ranks 10th on the all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks 19th on the playoffs all time list for most points per game
-Ranks 21th on the all time list for most career points per game
11.Hakeem Olajuwon
A talented big man who possessed rarely seen physical advantages in one player, Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the greatest offensive forces of any time!
He was one of the most physically gifted players to play the game. He was additionally a skilled, smart and versatile center who relied on his quick and agile post moves, soft touch. Those moves became known as "Dream Shake".
Olajuwon was so dominant because of that, because he could score pretty well. Even though he didn't win a scoring crown, he led all in the post season three times with averages over 30 points!
He was an excellent passer of the double teams too, who dragged arguably the best team without a legit superstar to a title in 95. He's praised for his excellence near the basket and has given lessons to some stars like Kobe and Dwight.
Here are some facts
Notable Career Facts:
-He has scored a career total of 26.946 points or 21.8 in average
-Ranks eighth on the all time list in most field goals made
-Ranks 10th on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 11th on the all time list in total points scored
-Ranks 11th on the playoffs all time list in total points scored
-Ranks 12th on the all time list in field goals attempted
-Ranks 24th on the playoffs all time list in field goal percentage
-Ranks 33rd on the all time list in points per game
10.Elgin Baylor
A gifted forward who revolutionized the idea to play the game above the rim, Elgin Baylor was one of the greatest offensive players in the NBA History.
He had a better variety of shots than anyone to step on a hardwood. He also had arguably the finest offensive arsenal of all time, as he scored in dozens of ways, had bunch of moves and shots.
Baylor was a fantastic passer, who consistently ranked in the top 10 and at some point in the top 5. He was one of the most productive forces on offense in the league's history.
He additionally light up the top defensive team at that time (Russell led Celtics) for 40.6 and 33.6 points in two Finals, among the others productive series.
However, duo to his average efficiency in terms of field goal, i will place him here on the list. Here are some other interesting facts on this legend.
Notable Career Facts
-He scored a career total of 23.149 points or 27.4 in average
-Holds Finals record of most points scored in a single game (61)
-Had the third highest scoring average in the Finals History with 40.6 points (vs the top defensive team at that time)
-Ranks third on the all time list in career points per game (for all retired players)
-Ranks seventh on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 13th on the playoffs all time list in points scored
-Ranks 22th on the all time list in most free throws made
-Ranks 23th on the all time list in most free throws attempted
-Ranks 27th on the all time list in most points scored
9.Adrian Dantley
An outstanding small forward who could find the bottom of the net in variety of the ways, Andrian Dantley is one of the game's greatest offensive forces of any time.
He was a phenomenal scorer, one of the 10 best in that aspect. He was an excellent shooter, who beat his opponents with his first quick step and was a great post up player for his size.
He often made many trips to the line and was the most efficient scorer for any non big men. In his peak, he scored more than 30 points in four seasons and managed to grab few scoring titles too.
Here are some interesting facts on him.
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 23.177 points or 24.3 points in average
-He ranks first on the all time list in field goal percentage for all non big men
-He ranks seventh on the all time list in most free throws made
-He ranks 12th on the all time list in most free throws attempted
-He ranks 13th on the all time list in offensive win share
-He ranks 18th on the all time list in points per game for career
-He ranks 21st on the all time list in most points scored (NBA careers only)
-He has won two scoring crowns in his career
8.Rick Barry
An intelligent forward who could find the bottom of the net in variety of ways from anywhere, Rick Barry was one of the best offensive players in the league's history.
He was one of the most purest shooters to play the game. He had range on his jumper, and was effective as they come. Barry had a wide arsenal of moves to get the ball through the net for the easy two.
He was a capable scorer. In fact, he was one of the greatest scorers of all time. He won few scoring crowns, and elevated himself in the post season and finals.
He once torched arguably the finest team in the history of NBA, aka the '67 Sixers, for a record of 40.8 points. Until, Jordan broke it in '93, it was the highest scoring average of any time.
He was additionally a phenomenal playmaker, who had nice court vision. He was actually the first 'point' forward, long before Don Nelson 'invented' the position.
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 25.279 points or 24.8 in average
-Held the highest scoring average in the Finals History with 40.8 points until Jordan broke it
-Ranks third on the all time list in free throw percentage
-Ranks sixth on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 15th on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks 17th on the all time list in total points scored
-Has won a scoring crown
7.George Gervin
He was a phenomenal scorer, one of the 10 best in that aspect. He was an excellent shooter, who beat his opponents with his first quick step and was a great post up player for his size.
He often made many trips to the line and was the most efficient scorer for any non big men. In his peak, he scored more than 30 points in four seasons and managed to grab few scoring titles too.
Here are some interesting facts on him.
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 23.177 points or 24.3 points in average
-He ranks first on the all time list in field goal percentage for all non big men
-He ranks seventh on the all time list in most free throws made
-He ranks 12th on the all time list in most free throws attempted
-He ranks 13th on the all time list in offensive win share
-He ranks 18th on the all time list in points per game for career
-He ranks 21st on the all time list in most points scored (NBA careers only)
-He has won two scoring crowns in his career
8.Rick Barry
An intelligent forward who could find the bottom of the net in variety of ways from anywhere, Rick Barry was one of the best offensive players in the league's history.
He was one of the most purest shooters to play the game. He had range on his jumper, and was effective as they come. Barry had a wide arsenal of moves to get the ball through the net for the easy two.
He was a capable scorer. In fact, he was one of the greatest scorers of all time. He won few scoring crowns, and elevated himself in the post season and finals.
He once torched arguably the finest team in the history of NBA, aka the '67 Sixers, for a record of 40.8 points. Until, Jordan broke it in '93, it was the highest scoring average of any time.
He was additionally a phenomenal playmaker, who had nice court vision. He was actually the first 'point' forward, long before Don Nelson 'invented' the position.
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 25.279 points or 24.8 in average
-Held the highest scoring average in the Finals History with 40.8 points until Jordan broke it
-Ranks third on the all time list in free throw percentage
-Ranks sixth on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 15th on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks 17th on the all time list in total points scored
-Has won a scoring crown
7.George Gervin
George Gervin was one of the greatest offensive players in the NBA History. He seemed to be at times unstoppable and as dominant as they came.
The Iceman was one of the very best pure scorers to ever lace them. His arsenal of moves was huge. He hurt his defenders with his silky smooth jumper, as he had a lethal mid range game which earns him a place among the top shooters of all time.
Nobody made more tougher shots out there than him. No one. He scored from variety of lay ups, finger roles, runners and other well contested looks like hitting free throws. That's why his career field goal percentage of 50% is more than impressive.
He has won four scoring crowns, with all respectable averages. He was actually the first guard to ever achieve this. He continued to be even better in the post season, as he led all five times in points per game.
He was amazing force!
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored 26.595 points or 25.1 in average (26.2 if you count his NBA years only)
-He has won four scoring crowns
-He has led five times in scoring through the playoffs (six if we're counting the ABA years)
-Ranks eight on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 11th on the all time list in points scored
-Ranks 14th on the all time list in points per game
-Has recorded at least 40 points or more in 68 in the regular and six times in the post season
6.Kobe Bryant
A player who reached greatness after perhaps working harder than anyone else did and is primary example of toughness, Kobe Bryant is more than a great offensive force. He's a legend on that side of the court.
Bryant is one of the finest pure scorers to ever step on a basketball hardwood. He can score on variety of ways, and possess the finest offensive arsenal (with Baylor) of any time.
He has confirmed that on numerous times, such as dropping 81 points in a game versus the Raptors and outscoring the Mavericks in three quarters 62 to 61! He has had many consecutive high scoring games.
He's additionally one of the best low post scorers to play the game. He developed that ability not so long ago, and he excels in it. He also has nice footwork, understands the fundamentals well etc.
However, the main problem with Kobe is his efficiency. Because he takes by far the most toughest shots by far, he's only average when it comes to field goal percentage.
He's also a pretty good passer, considering he has played a lot of time in the triangle offense, which doesn't allow high averages from an individual person. Here are some other facts
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 27.868 points (so far) or 25.3 in average
-If you count the time he has been a starter, his career scoring average of 27.8 points ranks third on the all time list!
-Ranks third on the playoffs all time list in points scored
-Ranks sixth on the all time list in points scored at this point
-Ranks sixth on the all time list in free throws made
-Ranks sixth on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks tenth on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks 11th on the all time list in free throws attempted
-Ranks 14th on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 15th on the all time list in offensive win share
5.Jerry West
Skilled, smart, obsessed with winning, competitive and hard working. Those are the words with you can use to describe the man who's the league's logo. Jerry West is one of the greatest offensive players in the NBA History.
West was one of the best shooters to ever step on a basketball hardwood. He had a perfect form, worked hard to improve and he found the bottom of the net from just about anywhere. He scored on many outside shots. There wasn't a three point line, but had there was, he'd probably ranked among the top 3.
Jerry had a great arsenal to score too. He was effective with his shot, could post up his man, capable to make dozens of jumpers, was good at getting to the rim and so on. He was a deadly scorer, one of the best in that aspect.
Additionally, he was also an outstanding passer for his position. Even in the years when he was pouring in more than 30 points, he was always dishing around six to seven dimes. He ranked in top 5 in scoring and top 10 in passing, which why he was one of the most productive players in this aspect of the game.
Here are some facts on West
Notable Career Facts:
-He has scored a career total of 25.192 points or 27.0 in average
-Ranks third on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks fourth on the playoffs all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks fifth on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks fifth on the all time list in free throws made
-Ranks seventh on the all time list in free throws attempted
-Ranks seventh on the playoffs all time list in total points
-Ranks eight on the all time list in total points
-Ranks 19th on the all time list in total points
4.Larry Bird
Even though he wasn't physically imposing nor had some advantages like speed and so on, Larry Bird excelled on the offensive end like few had. He made it up with his high basketball IQ and excellent skill set. He dominated in a nice fashion.
Bird was arguably the most skilled player to ever step on a hardwood. He could hurt teams in dozens of ways. He was the best sharp shooter of all time. He was capable to make variety of different shots and to hit nothing but the bottom the net from anywhere.
He was the first guy to shot better than 50% from field, 40% from three point land and 90% from the charity line. That's elite club for the finest shooters only. His arsenal to score was solid. He additionally had a nice post up game.
However, he wasn't all scoring though. He was arguably the best non passing guard of any time. He had by far the most effective touch passes, had sick court vision and revolutionized those abilities. He was a true 'point' forward in every sense of the word.
He always elevated himself in the post season and finals, where he was the leading force with his amazing production on offense that led the Celtics to three championships in the 80's while dominating with easy.
Here are some facts on him
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 21.791 points or 24.3 in average
-Ranks ninth on the playoffs all time list in total points
-Ranks 15th on the playoffs all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks 16th on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks 23rd on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks 24th on the all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks 32th on the all time list in total points
-Member of the 50/40/90 club twice
-Led all in scoring during the post season three times!
3.Michael Jordan
A highly talented guard who revolutionized the game of basketball and inspired millions of people to play it, Michael Jordan's impact is more than obvious. He was one of the greatest offensive forces to ever lace them.
He was one of the physically most gifted players of all time. He possessed great athleticism, speed, vertical jump and so on. He was also a skilled swingman who had superb offensive arsenal and relied on his physical advantages to be a force on the court.
He was arguably the top scorer of all time. He holds the highest scoring averages in the post season and finals history, as he always put himself above the rest on the biggest stages. He was effective in terms of making his way to the rim and getting to the line.
He became a much better and more reliable shooter from just about anywhere ever since his prime. He additionally went to the post more often, and possessed one of the finest post up games ever.
Jordan was a fantastic passer for a guy who put over 30 points for his career. He played most of the time in the triangle system which does limit the average of high individual numbers.
He could be argued for a higher spot, maybe even No.1, but i have decided to rank him here. He was in my opinion the most elite scorer to step on a hardwood, but certainly not the biggest offensive nightmare for opponents.
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 32.292 points or 30.1 in average
-He's the NBA's All Time leader in career points per game
-Holds the highest scoring average in a Finals series (41.0)
-Holds the highest scoring performance in the playoffs history (63)
-Ranks first on the playoffs all time list in points per game
-Ranks first on the playoffs all time list in total points
-Ranks first on the playoffs all time list in offensive win share
-Has won 10 scoring crowns (most of all time)
-Ranks third on the all time list in total points
-Ranks fourth on the all time list in offensive win share
2.Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is one of the greatest offensive players in the NBA History, who was a fantastic force on offense for so many years and dominated his opponents. In his peak, he was nearly impossible to slow down, not to mention about stopping him.
He mastered the most toughest and signature move in basketball, the sky hook to be a great force on that side on the court. He made it by far most effective from anyone who has used it, because he could get hit the bottom of the net from nice distance and got it over the top of the defense.
Kareem possessed a nice offensive arsenal. That's right. He had turn around shots, fade away, finger roles besides the sky hook which he could make with either hand! He was also one of the physically most imposing players of all time, and he used his physicality to get even closer to the rim.
He was additionally arguably the most double, triple teamed player but they didn't even came close. He was having his way with some of the most physical and best defenders of all time, yet some couldn't even slow him down! He was simply that good!
Additionally, Jabbar was a sensational passer for his position. In the 80's, he used his opponents skill (Bill Walton's passing) which was the reason why he has recorded more assists than any big men who played in the league's history!
Let's not forget that he's the NBA's All Time scoring leader. Here are some interesting facts!
Notable Career Facts
-He has scored a career total of 38.387 points or 24.6 in average
-He's the NBA's All Time Leader Scorer
-He won two scoring crowns
-Led all five times in scoring during the post season
-Ranks first on the all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks second on the playoffs all time list in total points scored
-Ranks third on the playoffs all time list i
-Ranks fifth on the all time list in free throws attempted
-Ranks eight on the all time list in free throws made
-Ranks 14th on the all time list in effective field goal percent
-Ranks 16th on the all time list in points per game
-Ranks 18th on the playoffs all time list in points per game
1.Wilt Chamberlain
This is one of the most famous pictures in basketball's history. That's the first player to score 100 points in a single match. How about 50.2 points in average? Only guy to score more than 4.000 points in a season and so on. That all related to one guy. His name is Wilt Chamberlain.
Arguably the greatest offensive force in the NBA History, The Big Dipper was second to none in this aspect of the game. Those are some of his numerous records that he holds, and he has so many of them. He was one of the physically most imposing players of all time. He was also arguably the most athletic and strongest player (off-the court at least) player ever.
He was physically powerful enough to get in way easy chance to score and to get a great position underneath the basket. However he was very skilled. He possessed one of the most elite offensive arsenals of any time. He had few post moves, the finger role, hooks, fade away bank shot and so on. He excelled in making them.
He led the league in scoring for seven consecutive years. He even averaged 28.7 points against the claimed greatest defender Bill Russell. That's amazing accomplishment. Not even rules like widening the post slowed him down. He was still dominating.
Wilt was additionally one of the best passers (and passing big men) the league has ever seen. He remains the only non guard (LeBron has chances though) to lead the league in assists and the only big man to accomplish that!
Here are some other interesting facts on Chamberlain
Notable Career Facts
-He scored a career total of 31.419 points or 30.1 in average
-Holds most scoring records of all time!
-Recorded the highest scoring average in a single season
-Recorded more points than anyone else did for a season
-Scored most points in a single game (there're still dozens of records)
-He was the first player to lead the league seven consecutive times in scoring
-He has seven scoring crowns
-Ranks second on the all time list in points per game (for a note is that Jordan had 30.12, which is rounded at 30.1 while Wilt has 30.07)
-Ranks second on the all time list in offensive win shares
-Ranks third on the all time list in field goals made
-Ranks third on the all time list in free throws attempted
-Ranks fourth on the all time list in total points
-Ranks sixth on the all time list in field goals attempted
-Ranks 10th on the playoffs all time list in offensive win share
-Ranks 14th on the playoffs all time list in points (duo to different roles)
