LeBron's "20,000"

I would like to take the time out and say congratulations to LeBron James for reaching the 20,000 point club, after 726 games. This is an incredible feat, for a player like LeBron who is already in his 10th season. I feel that it is a shame that he has not gotten the proper credit that he deserves as a prolific scorer, until he came close to this milestone. His scoring ability is overshadowed by his all around numbers, and playmaking ability. Far too often, he is compared to Magic, but he is not a true point guard. LBJ was superior to Magic  scoring-wise. LeBron James even has a scoring title to his legacy. (2008-30 ppg) LeBron has the 3rd highest scoring average in history, behind Wilt Chamberlain (2nd), and Michael Jordan (1st). If you ask me, I would rather put the ball in his hands than Kobe. However, I have to do one thing before I go any further: I have to put this accomplishment in perspective. Yes, LeBron is the "youngest" to reach 20k points, just like Kobe was the "youngest" to reach 30k points, but age means nothing when it pertains to the NBA. As the song says "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number". It is about how many games it took someone to reach that milestone. From a career standpoint, it has taken LeBron and Kobe "longer" to reach 20,000 points compared to those ahead of them. Even though both men came out of high school, they have played more games, and have had more flaws along the way, compared to their predecessors. As I was watching the Heat-Warriors game, I saw how Disn-ESPN blew smoke up Kobe again, saying that he was the "fastest to reach 20,000 points" before LeBron, because of his age. The players ahead of LeBron have turned pro after at least 3-4 years of college. Now, time to put things into perspective:

-Wilt Chamberlain (20,000 points, 499 games)
-Michael Jordan (20,000 points, 620 games)
-Oscar Robertson (20,000 points, 671 games)
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20,000 points, 684 games)
-Elgin Baylor (20,000 points, 711 games)
-Allen Iverson (20,000 points, 713 games)
-Jerry West (20,000 points, 720 games)
-LeBron James (20,000 points, 726 games)

As it is very clear to see, Wilt Chamberlain reached this plateau faster than anyone, because of his incredible scoring averages (7 Scoring Titles in 7 seasons). Michael Jordan was the next to reach 20,000, but it took him 2 extra seasons than Wilt, while winning his seventh scoring title at the end of the 1992-93 season. It is also clear to see that LeBron has made, or at least taken less shots than the men above him, which results in him having to play more games to reach this point. Oscar Robertson was his prototype as a scoring playmaker. Like LeBron, Oscar himself was your standard 27-7-7 type of player. However, he was also the third fastest player to reach 20,000 points, because he has had more seasons of 30+ ppg (6) while LeBron has only had two. Others such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Allen Iverson, and Jerry West have also had more seasons with 30 ppg or higher than LeBron. As I close out this point, I would like to make some other things very clear. LeBron has played 227 more games than Wilt, 116 more games than Michael, 55 more games than Oscar, 42 more games than Kareem, 15 more games than Elgin, 13 more games than Iverson, and 6 more games than West. However, I will go to LeBron's defense for this one case: Elgin Baylor and Allen Iverson were the biggest "volume scorers" out of this list. Even though it took them less games, LeBron has a higher field goal percentage than both of them. He was a more efficient scorer than both Baylor, and Iverson ever were. Iverson and Elgin have never had seasons shooting 50% from the field, while everyone else on this list has, including LeBron himself. With that being said, let us take a look at his contemporary, Mr. Kobe Bryant:

-Kobe Bryant (20,000 points, 811 games)

*Side note: If you include ABA, it also took Julius Erving just as long as LeBron to reach this feat.

Obviously, Kobe has had more blemishes than LeBron and any other player leading to this point in his career. LeBron has already annihilated his "youngest to 20,000" milestone. If he stays healthy, he can destroy his "youngest to 30,000" milestone as well. Kobe played 85 more games than LeBron did to reach this point. Unfortunately, Disn-ESPN, or as Dan Patrick would call them "The Mothership", is trying to protect their long-time Jordan-like investment (Kobe), by covering up the nasty zits on his legacy. As I have said before, LeBron should receive as much credit for his scoring as Kobe, if not more. LeBron is excellent at creating his own shots. That is the best way for me to describe it.

Here are the accomplishments of the players before him, when they achieved 20,000 points:

-When Wilt Chamberlain scored 20,000 points, he won 2 MVP's, and 7 Scoring Titles.
-When Michael Jordan scored 20,000 points, he won 3 MVP's 6 Scoring Titles, and 2 Finals MVP's.
-When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 20,000 points, he won 5 MVP's, 2 Scoring Titles, and 1 Finals MVP.
-When Oscar Robertson scored 20,000 points, he won 1 MVP, and 1 Scoring Title.
-When LeBron James scored 20,000 points, he won 3 MVP's, 1 Scoring Title, and 1 Finals MVP.
-When Jerry West scored 20,000 points, he won 1 Scoring Title, and 1 Finals MVP.
-When Allen Iverson scored 20,000 points, he won 1 MVP, and 4 Scoring Titles.

Out of the players who reached 20k before LeBron, Elgin Baylor had the least body of work. LeBron is in great company, when you look at his accomplishments, combined with his scoring. (This is specifically directed to the players who reached 20k within the span of time as LeBron).

Honorable Mention:
-Shaquille O'Neal- 20,000 points, 1 MVP, 2 Scoring Titles, and 3 Finals MVP's
-Hakeem Olajuwon- 20,000 points, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVP's
-Larry Bird- 20,000 points, 3 MVP's, 2 Finals MVP's
-Moses Malone- 20,000 points, 3 MVP's, 1 Finals MVP
-Bob Pettit- 20,000 points, 2 Scoring Titles, 2 MVP's
-David Robinson- 20,000 points, 1 MVP, 1 Scoring Title

These players had great resumes when they reached this point, they reached 20,000 after playing more games than LeBron.

-Kobe Bryant- 20,000 points, 2 Scoring Titles

When Kobe reached 20,000, he had not won a Regular Season MVP, nor did he win a Finals MVP at this point. He had 2 more scoring titles than Elgin Baylor, but 2 less scoring titles than George Gervin.

Finally, it is time to look at the best 20k scorers of all-time. Here is a look at their field goal percentages:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- 38,387 points, 56% FG shooting- 1,560 games
Karl Malone- 36,928 points, 51% FG shooting- 1,476 games
Michael Jordan- 32,292 points, 50% FG shooting (51% as a Bull)- 1,072 games
Wilt Chamberlain- 31,419 points, 54% FG shooting- 1,045 games
Kobe Bryant- 30,619 points, 45% FG shooting- 1,199 games
Julius Erving- 30,026 points, 50% FG shooting- 1,243 games
Moses Malone- 29,580 points, 49% FG shooting- 1,455 games
Shaquille O'Neal- 28,596 points, 58% FG shooting- 1,207 games
Elvin Hayes- 27,313 points, 45% FG shooting- 1,303 games
Hakeem Olajuwon- 26,946 points, 51% FG shooting- 1,238 games
Oscar Robertson- 26,710 points, 48% FG shooting- 1,040 games
Dominique Wilkins- 26,668 points, 46% FG shooting- 1,074 games
George Gervin- 26,595 points, 50% FG shooting- 1,060 games
John Havlicek- 26,395 points, 43% FG shooting- 1,270 games
Alex English- 25,613 points, 50% FG shooting- 1,193 games
Rick Barry- 25,279 points, 45% FG shooting- 1,020 games
Reggie Miiler-25,279 points, 47% FG shooting- 1,389 games
Jerry West- 25,192 points, 47% FG shooting- 932 games
Kevin Garnett- 24,824 points, 50% FG shooting- 1,293 games
Patrick Ewing- 24,815 points, 50% FG shooting- 1,183 games
Allen Iverson- 24,368 points, 42% FG shooting- 914 games
Dirk Nowitzki- 24,312 points, 47% FG shooting- 1,068 games
Charles Barkley-23,757 points, 54% FG shooting- 1,073 games
Elgin Baylor- 23,149 points, 43% FG shooting- 846 games
Clyde Drexler-22,195 points, 47% FG shooting- 1,086 games
Larry Bird- 21,791 points, 50% FG shooting- 897 games
David Robinson- 20,790 points, 52% FG shooting- 987 games
LeBron James- 20,007 points, 49% FG shooting- 726 games



There were others in between, but I wanted to cut it short. LeBron is in great company, especially with his field goal percentage. I added others such as Havlicek, Elgin, Iverson, etc, so that there have been other volume scorers besides Kobe. Outside of those players, the rest were very efficient, and took smarter shots. Now, LeBron is in the midst of his fourth straight season of 50% or higher from the field. Once again, I am very impressed, but he is not the fastest.

Kobe Bryant's "30,000"

First of all, I want to say congratulations to Kobe Bryant for reaching such a historic milestone. This is an amazing achievement. Reaching this takes a lot of hard work in dedication. Kobe has left great memories and a very lasting impression upon us basketball fans during his illustrious 17-year career. However, something needs to be seriously addressed, and put into proper perspective. There are people out there in the media, and hardcore Kobe fans who will put their own twisted spin on this milestone. They will say that "Kobe is the fastest to reach 30,000 points" or "Kobe is outpacing MJ". Yes, they say some outrageous things. Here is the thing. He truly is the youngest in terms of age, but in terms of career, it has actually taken him longer. What  makes things even more lopsided, is that he came straight out of high school. The others ahead of him (Kareem, Karl Malone, Jordan, Wilt), all came out of college after 3-4 years. Yet, they reached 30,000 career points in a shorter span of time in their careers than Kobe. Allow me to put things in perspective:

-Wilt Chamberlain (30,000 points- 941 games)
-Michael Jordan (30,000 points- 960 games)
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (30,000 points- 1,101 games)
-Karl Malone (30,000 points- 1,152 games)
-Kobe Bryant (30,000 points- 1,180 games)

As you can clearly see, Kobe has played many more games than those ahead of him to reach this point. However, he has made less shots to reach that total. Kobe has played 108 more games than Jordan, and 135 more games than Wilt, but he STILL trails them in career points. This all leads to one thing. Kobe Bryant is the greatest "VOLUME scorer" of all-time. This means, that out of the top 5 scoring leaders, Kobe has shot the lowest field goal percentage. He has NEVER had 1 season in his career shooting 50% from the field. This title of "volume scorer" can work both ways. Yes, he has compiled more points than others such as John Havlicek, Dominique Wilkins, etc, who have similar percentages. However, when comparing him to more prolific & accurate scorers such as Michael, Wilt, Kareem and Karl Malone, it is not exactly a badge of honor. Now, I am not taking anything away from him as an all-time great. (One of the top 15 of all-time) I am just simply giving more perspective. Unfortunately, that delusional network Disn-ESPN, and the Kobetards will reach to no end for any possible comparison to MJ. I have news for you out there: Kobe does not compare! I definitely have more respect for NBATV, for showing how many more games Kobe played to achieve this. The fact that it took the previous players less games to reach this many points, is very alarming! This goes to show how he has been much more inconsistent than his predecessors in the 30,000 point club. Another thing that I would like to point out is, the fact that Kobe only has 1 League MVP Award. The previous four players have won multiple MVP's!

Here are the accomplishments of each player, when they achieved 30,000 points:

-When Wilt Chamberlain scored 30,000 points, he won 4 MVP's, and 7 Scoring Titles.
-When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 30,000 points, he won 6 MVP's, 2 Scoring Titles, and 1 Finals MVP. -When Michael Air Jordan scored 30,000 points, he won 5 MVP's, 10 Scoring Titles, and 6 Finals MVP's. -When Karl Malone scored 30,000 points, he won 2 MVP's. (K. Malone's Jazz ran into Jordan's Bulls twice in the Finals. If Jordan was not in that era, he would have had multiple scoring titles.)

Total points do not tell the entire story. Those ahead of him, clearly have a larger body of work, along with their points.

Here are the top 5 scorers, and their career field goal percentages:

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points, 56% FG shooting- 1,560 games)
2. Karl Malone (36,928 points, 51% FG shooting- 1,476 games)
3. Michael Jordan (32,292 points, 50% (51% as a Bull) FG shooting- 1,072 games)
4. Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points, 54% FG shooting- 1,045 games)
5. Kobe Bryant (30,016 points, 45% FG shooting- 1,180 games)

This goes to further prove my point, of how Kobe Bryant has been less efficient, and a more inconsistent scorer than those above. Kareem and The Mailman have played slightly longer than Kobe, but shot higher percentages. He still has over 6,000 less points than both of them. By the time his career is over, Kobe will have the most missed shots in NBA history. Right now, he is on a rapid pace. Yes, he will eventually pass Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in career total points. However, that will only happen because of pure volume, with longevity at a less efficient and less accurate rate. There is no way that anyone can claim that Kobe is the greatest scorer of all-time, except when it pertains to inefficiency.

Kareem missed 9,755 shots to score 30,000 points
Karl Malone missed 9,996 shots to score 30,000 points
Wilt missed 10,965 shots to score 30,000 points
Jordan missed 11,140 shots to score 30,000 points
Kobe missed 12,599 shots to score 30,000 points

The difference in accuracy is larger than a country mile. Kobe is certainly the most accomplished player of this time, outside of Tim Duncan. Yet, when you look at the entire picture, you will see that Kobe has glaring blemishes compared to the cream of the crop. He is an all-time great, but not on the level of Legends & Icons such as Michael Jordan, Kareem, Wilt, Magic to name a few. Bottom line is, Kobe is an all-time great, but not the greatest of all-time in the most valuable achievements.