The National Basketball Association (NBA) is home to some of the most talented players in the world, with each one striving to be the best. From the all-time greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James to current stars like James Harden and Steph Curry, the competition to be the top scorer in the league is fierce. But who has the highest points per game (PPG) average in NBA history?
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Michael Jordan – 30.12 PPG
When it comes to NBA legends, Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest player of all time. His 30.12 PPG average is the highest in NBA history. Jordan averaged more than 30 PPG in 10 of his 15 seasons in the NBA, including a career-high 37.1 PPG in the 1986-87 season. Jordan was a three-time MVP and led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles, cementing his status as the greatest player in NBA history.
Wilt Chamberlain – 30.07 PPG
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players in NBA history. His 30.07 PPG average is second only to Michael Jordan. Chamberlain was a four-time MVP and two-time NBA champion. He holds numerous NBA records, including the record for most points scored in a single game with 100. In the 1961-62 season, Chamberlain averaged an incredible 50.4 PPG, the highest single-season scoring average in NBA history.
LeBron James – 27.16 PPG
LeBron James is arguably the greatest player in the NBA today. His 27.16 PPG average is third all-time and the highest among active players. James has been one of the NBA’s top scorers since entering the league in 2003. He’s won four MVPs and three NBA championships, and he’s been a perennial All-Star and All-NBA selection. James is still going strong at age 36, and he has a chance to move up the all-time scoring list if he continues to play at a high level.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 24.6 PPG
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest players in NBA history. His 24.6 PPG average is fourth all-time and the highest among retired players. Abdul-Jabbar was a six-time MVP and two-time NBA champion. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and he holds numerous other records, including most career All-Star selections (19) and most career All-NBA selections (15). Abdul-Jabbar was a force on both ends of the floor and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.
Other Notable Players
While Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have the highest PPG averages in NBA history, there are other players who have also excelled on the offensive end. Kobe Bryant averaged 25.0 PPG, good for fifth all-time, while Kevin Durant (27.0 PPG, 8th all-time) and James Harden (26.5 PPG, 9th all-time) are also among the NBA’s all-time great scorers.
Conclusion
The NBA has seen some of the greatest scorers in history. Michael Jordan has the highest points per game average in NBA history at 30.12 PPG. Wilt Chamberlain (30.07 PPG) and LeBron James (27.16 PPG) are close behind, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24.6 PPG). Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and James Harden are also among the NBA’s all-time great scorers. While there will always be a debate over who is the greatest player of all time, there is no doubt that these players have left their mark on the game.