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It goes without saying, but the basic goal of basketball is to win by scoring more points over your opponents.
And for these players, they did that more than anyone else for their respective franchises.
Some of the names on this list might surprise you, while others are to be expected. But here are the leading scorers for every NBA franchise.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including NBA Writer of the Year, Best NFL Series, MLB Series, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!
Atlanta Hawks: Dominique Wilkins
Considered one of the flashiest dunkers of his generation, Dominique Wilkins played 12 seasons for the Hawks after being selected third overall pick in the 1982 draft by the Utah Jazz but was traded to Atlanta because he preferred playing the small forward position over the power forward.
In 12 seasons as a Hawk, the nine-time NBA All-Star and two-time slam dunk champion scored a total of 23,292 points.
Meanwhile, Trae Young, the star point guard of the present-time Hawks squad has 9,665 points since 2018 and sits in ninth place in the franchise's all-time scoring ladder.
Boston Celtics: John Havlicek
When we talk about the Celtics, many will think about Bill Russell and his 11 championships, Larry Bird and his legend, and Paul Pierce and the 2008 champion team. What about John Havlicek?
Havlicek won eight championships with the Celtics and many pointed Havlicek as the player who helped "revolutionize" the role of a sixth man. And, as someone who came off the bench during his early years, Havlicek finished as the Celtics' all-time scoring leader with 26,395 points.
Pierce stands in second place in the franchise scoring list with 24,021 points, followed by Bird and his 21,781 points. Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' current star, hasn't reached the top ten. Yet.
Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez became the Nets' all-time scoring leader right before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reminder: Brook Lopez is the all-time leading scorer in Nets history. Bucket. pic.twitter.com/zvara8GlIP
— Overtime (@overtime) July 21, 2021
In 560 games, Lopez averaged 18.7 points per game to finish with a franchise all-time leading 10,444 points. He scored more points than the Nets' more prolific players such as Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and yes, even the legendary Jason Kidd.
Charlotte Hornets: Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is no longer in the NBA and yet, his name remains high on the Hornets' all-time scoring list.
Drafted by Charlotte- then known as the Charlotte Bobcats, as the ninth pick in 2011, Walker played for Charlotte for eight years and compiled 12,009 points. That's 3,000+ ahead of Del Curry in second place.
Walker is now playing in Monaco.
Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan. 29,277 points.
The Bulls and His Airness are synonymous with each other. Jordan put the Bulls back on the world map. He won six NBA championships with the franchise coupled with six Finals MVP awards and five season MVP plums.
3 plus minutes of Michael Jordan going off against the Bad Boy Pistons
pic.twitter.com/tklznVRHjG— Throwback Hoopz (@FanlyHoops) December 14, 2023
Jordan averaged 31.5 points per game as a Bull, also a franchise-leading.
Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James
The NBA's all-time leading scoring is also the Cavs' all-time leading scorer with 23,119 points.
24-year-old LeBron James led the Cavs to 66 wins with this starting lineup in 2009. pic.twitter.com/yzEpSievOO
— BronMuse (@BronMuse) September 28, 2023
LeBron James drafted top pick in 2003, also stands as the Cavs' all-time leader in numerous categories, including games played, rebounds, assists, steals, and minutes.
In 849 games in Cleveland, James averaged 27.2 points per game.
Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is recognized as one of the best international players to play in the NBA and remains the Mavericks' all-time leading scorer with 31,560 points under his belt.
He led the Mavs to an NBA championship in 2011 against a Miami Heat that had LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Throughout his career, the one-time NBA MVP averaged 20.7 points per game- third behind Luka Doncic and Ronaldo Balkman in the franchise's all-time list.
Denver Nuggets: Alex English
Many think the all-time leading scorer of the Denver Nuggets would be Carmelo Anthony or Nikola Jokic. Melo stands at third in the list followed by Jokic in fourth.
The Nuggets' all-time top scorer is Alex English with 21,645 points in 837 games. What's more interesting is English didn't start his NBA journey in Denver and only played a decade with the franchise. English averaged 25.9 points per game as a Nugget.
Detroit Pistons: Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas was one of the Detroit Pistons players who made life difficult for Michael Jordan and the Bulls during their intense battles in the playoffs.
Thomas' 18,822 points scored throughout his Detriot career remain the franchise all-time leader, even though Joe Dumars played more games. Thomas won two championships and took home the 1990 NBA Finals MVP award.
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry
There is a reason why Steph Curry is a four-time NBA champion: He can score from anywhere on the court. On top of being the NBA's all-time leader in threes made, he is the Warriors' all-time leading scorer with 22,385 points and counting.
In 906 games and counting with the Warriors, Curry is averaging 24.7 points per game- fourth franchise all-time behind Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, and Rick Barry. Curry's three-point shooting (42.7%) ranks third in the franchise's all-time leaderboard behind Anthony Morrow and Brian Cardinal.
Allie LaForce: “How much do you live for these late game pressure moments?"
Steph Curry: “Probably shouldn't ask me that." 😂
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 20, 2023
Houston Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon
The Houston Rockets have only won two NBA championships so far. In both instances, they had Hakeem Olajuwon.
In 1,117 games in Houston, Olajuwon, the 1994 NBA MVP, scored 26,511 points, while averaging 22.5 points- fourth in the franchise leaderboard behind James Harden, Mosses Malone, and Tracy McGrady.
Indiana Pacers: Reggie Miller
During Reggie Miller's playing career, it was always Miller time in Indiana.
Throughout his career, Miller made 6,486 threes. That number remains the fourth highest in the NBA. For the Indiana Pacers, the five-time NBA All-Star scored 25,279 points in 1,389 games.
Los Angeles Clippers: Randy Smith
Who the heck is Randy Smith?
Randy Smith was a two-time NBA All-Star when he was a player of the Clippers- then known as the San Diego Clippers.
In just 715 games with the franchise, Smith scored 12,735 points.
Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant
With 81 points as the second-highest scoring game in NBA history and an amazing 60-point performance in his last game, Kobe Bryant is truly one of the greatest scorers in basketball.
18 years ago today, Kobe Bryant outscored an entire NBA team through 3 quarters. 🐍
Kobe Bryant: 62
Dallas Mavericks: 61pic.twitter.com/KpLWmbTDi6— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) December 20, 2023
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, the 2008 MVP, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and an Oscar winner, scored 33,643 as a Laker - a number not only stands as the franchise all-time leader but also fourth in the NBA all-time list.
Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley
Mike Conley played for the Memphis Grizzlies for 12 seasons since 2007.
In that span, he scored a franchise-leading 11,733 points in 788 games. He's also the franchise leader in field goal attempts, threes made, and steals. He's still active and trying to guide the Minnesota Timberwolves to an NBA championship this season as one of their veteran leaders.
Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade
In 2006, the Miami Heat won its first-ever NBA title against a loaded Dallas Mavericks squad. The Finals MVP in that championship run was then 26-year-old Dwyane Wade.
Wade, a 12-time All-Star, was picked third overall in the 2003 draft and rose to become who many argue was the third greatest shooting guard of all-time behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
From 2003 to 2016, Wade scored 21,556 points in 948 games.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Having played 744 games and counting since 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to score and more.
The one-time NBA champion and two-time MVP has scored 17,065 points and counting. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett
KG may have won a championship with the Boston Celtics on top of the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year plum. However, many people still recognize Kevin Garnett as one of the best players of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He even took home the MVP honors with the Wolves in 2004 and was the All-Star Game MVP in 2003.
Stephon Marbury, in his own words, on why he chose to split from Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves:
MORE: https://t.co/wYNthOOXQ9 pic.twitter.com/1utdVUaMVV
— SLAM Newswire (@SLAMnewswire) March 5, 2020
Throughout his Minnesota stint, Garnett scored 19,201 points- a record Karl Anthony-Towns could break if he stays in Minny until the end of his career.
New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis started his career in New Orleans as the top pick in 2012. From 2012 to 2019, he scored a franchise-leading 11,059 points in 466 games- second-best in the franchise.
AD got traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and won a championship alongside LeBron James in 2020.
New York Knicks: Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing's name is painted everywhere in the New York Knicks franchise history.
Ewing is the Knicks' all-time leader in points (23,665 points), games (1,039), minutes (37,586), among other statistics. He's an 11-time All-Star.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook
Before he was the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, Russell Westbrook began his NBA journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Gary Payton still owns most of the records in OKC, Westbrook scored 18,859 points from 2008 to 2019. He won the MVP trophy in 2017 and is a nine-time NBA All-Star.
Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard
Before bouncing around in the NBA and ending up playing Taiwan, Dwight Howard was Superman for the Orlando Magic.
In 621 games since 2004, Dwight Howard scored 11,435 points. He won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011 and even led the Magic to the NBA Finals 2009 before losing to the Lakers.
on this day in Orlando Magic history, Dwight Howard knocks out LeBron James in a close-out Game 6 while dropping this stat-line:
40 PTS
14 REB
4 AST
1 BLK
71% TS%nothing personalpic.twitter.com/8L40bJaRb4
— Beyond the RK (@beyondtheRK) May 30, 2021
Incidentally, Howard had three stints with the Lakers- winning a championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers: Hal Greer
Many would expect to see Allen Iverson as the Sixers' franchise leading scorer. The Answer didn't even reach the top five in most games played as a Sixer.
Hal Greer's name comes on top of almost every franchise leaderboard, including points scored (21,586 points) in 1,122 games. Greer won an NBA title in 1967 and was a ten-time All-Star.
Phoenix Suns: Walter Davis
Walter Davis only played 766 games in Phoenix (second most in franchise history) and yet, he scored a franchise-leading 15,666 points from 1977 to 1988.
Davis was the fifth overall pick in the 1977 draft and was a six-time All-Star.
Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard recently reached the 20,000-point barrier. As a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Before getting traded earlier this year, Lillard scored 19,376 points with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2023. He's a seven-time All-Star and won a three-point shooting contest this year.
Sacramento Kings: Oscar Robertson
Before he was the king of triple-doubles before Russell Westbrook took the crown, Oscar Robertson was the king in Sacramento in terms of most points scored.
Robertson started his legendary NBA career with the Sacramento Kings franchise- then known as the Cincinnati Royals from 1960 to 1970. In that span, he scored 22,009 points by averaging a franchise-leading 29.3 points per game.
In 1971, Oscar Robertson claimed an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.
San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan
Unlike most of the recent top picks, Tim Duncan was drafted first in 1997 and lived up to hefty expectations. He did more for that franchise for 19 years than any other player by far.
In his first season, Duncan averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game in 82 games and won the 1998 Rookie of the Year.
in 19 seasons with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich, Duncan emerged as one of the greatest power forwards in the NBA with five NBA championships in his resume among other achievements.
Victor Wembanyama becomes the first rookie since Tim Duncan in 1998 to put up 30+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 6+ BLK in a single game#PorVida pic.twitter.com/6QhvN4TmMq
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) December 14, 2023
In 1,392 games, TD scored 26,496 points. With the Spurs now banning a young team led by Victor Wembanyanma, Duncan's record will stand for a long, long time.
Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan
People tend to forget how good the Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan is just because he got consistently beaten by LeBron James in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
People shouldn't forget DeRozan's contributions in Toronto as he was the Vince Carter after Vince Carter. From 2009 to 2018, DeMar DeRozan played 675 games as a Raptor and scored 13,296 points. DeRozan is a six-time NBA All-Star.
Utah Jazz: Karl Malone
Karl Malone owns the record for most points scored for a single franchise at 36,374 points.
While the Mailman didn't win a championship, he has a decorated resume. He's a two-time MVP, a 14-time All-Star, and a member of the All-NBA First Team 11 times.
Washington Wizards: Elvin Hayes
It's not Gilbert Arenas or John Wall.
The Wizards' franchise leading scorer is Elvin Hayes with 15,551 points in 731 games from 1972 to 1981. Back then, The Wizards were known as the Baltimore Bullets later became the Washington Bullets.
Elvin Hayes averaged 21.3 points during his Washington stint and won a championship in 1978.
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