10 Best Offensive Players in NBA History

Many all-time greats have put up points in bunches, thus helping their teams win games and boast short championship basketball odds.

Some impact the offensive side of the floor in other ways, such as passing the ball at an elite level.

With that said, who are the 10 best offensive players in NBA history? Let’s find out.

10 Greatest Offensive Players in NBA History

1. LeBron James

The four-time MVP has the most points in NBA history and fourth most assists in league history, a testament to his unmatched ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game.

2. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan earned 10 scoring titles and has the highest points per game average (30.1) in league history.

The five-time MVP was a dominant midrange scorer and regularly got airborne for some beautiful dunks and layups.

The six-time Finals MVP faced some of the toughest defensive schemes imaginable deep in the playoffs, but he found ways to overcome that.

3. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is the definition of a bucket.

The 6-foot-11 forward can handle the ball like a guard, as his height and ball-handling skills give him the separation to get shots up on opponents of all sizes.

The 2014 MVP’s awareness also allows him to get clean shots off at difficult angles.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry redefined greatness as a 3-point shooter with his ability to consistently hit shots from near half-court, helping him make the most 3-pointers in NBA history.

The two-time MVP also has elite ball-handling skills, keeping defences off-balance whether he drove inside or pulled the trigger from deep.

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the NBA’s all-time scoring record for nearly 39 years.

The six-time MVP possessed one of the most unstoppable moves in league history with his skyhook, which helped him put up points in bunches for nearly two decades.

6. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant mastered the pullup and fadeaway jumper, aided by his tremendous footwork and ability to get to his spot.

The 2008 MVP’s career high in points is 81, the second-highest mark in league history.

Bryant scored 50-plus points in four consecutive games in March 2007.

7. Larry Bird

Larry Bird mesmerized defenders with incredible ball fakes and footwork to hit jumpers from all over the court and pass through tight windows.

The three-time MVP was the first player to average 25-plus points on 50% shooting, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line in a season.

8. James Harden

James Harden had a 32-game streak in which he scored at least 30 points during the 2018-19 season.

The 2018 MVP is known for his killer stepback 3-pointer and relentless ability to finish at the rim. He’s also averaged at least 10 assists per game in eight of his seasons.

9. Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokić has established himself as arguably the league’s best passing big man of all time, given his ability to launch passes downcourt like a quarterback and squeeze the ball through tight angles.

The three-time MVP is also one of the most efficient midrange and post-scorers in league history.

10. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal was built like a tank but he combined that with elite quickness, athleticism, and soft touch, making him incredibly difficult to stop inside.

The 2000 MVP consistently fought off multiple defenders in his vicinity and threw down many rim-rocking dunks.

Who Is the Greatest Offensive Player in NBA History?

LeBron James is the greatest offensive player in NBA history.

King James has delivered legendary performances when his teams needed them most. A prime example came during the 2016 NBA Finals when his Cleveland Cavaliers faced a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors, the team that finished with the most wins in an NBA season.

James responded with back-to-back 41-point games and averaged 36.3 points and 9.7 assists over the final three games to help the Cavs pull off the only 3-1 comeback in NBA Finals history.

In Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals between Cleveland and Detroit Pistons, a 22-year-old James scored the Cavs’ last 25 points to lift his team to a 109-107 win in double overtime. He single-handedly carried his team to victory with no significant support around him.

James has proven he has an incredible knack for elevating rosters with no star pedigree beside him into contenders with short championship NBA odds.

The Cavs went from having the best record in the NBA during the 2009-10 season, the last season of his first stint with the franchise, to a bottom-two record a season after.

Cleveland made the NBA Finals in the last season (2017-18) of his second stint with the organization but then finished with the second-worst record a season after the Akron, Ohio, native left home again.

James can bully his way to the rim, knock down the 3-pointer, hit a wide array of post moves, including a fadeaway jumper, or find a teammate with a pinpoint pass that seems effortless, making him the complete offensive package. His ability to read defences and maximize his teammates’ strengths is second to none.