Throughout their careers, some of the NBA’s top scorers have dominated the court and amassed an enormous point total. Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks has now passed the 10,000-point mark, becoming one of the fastest players to do so. He now joins an exclusive group of legendary scorers.
Prominent athletes have amassed tens of thousands of points, etching their names in the history of points scored. Prominent NBA players such as Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James have achieved more than 30,000 points in their careers.
We look at the players who have scored over 10,000 points in their careers the quickest today. These are the scorers who reached their first ten thousand points in the fewest games, ranging from Michael Jordan to Elgin Baylor.
5. 334 Games Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, who is recognized as one of the all-time great point guards, accomplished the amazing feat of scoring 10,000 points in just 334 games. Robertson was chosen as the first overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft and began his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals. When he was a member of the Royals in 1963–64, he scored over ten thousand points.
Robertson’s precise dribbling, deft footwork, and accurate shooting defined his playing style. His versatility in positioning and length of play made him a consistent threat on offense.
Oscar Robertson was a superb playmaker in addition to being a prolific scorer. The moniker “The Big O” was given to him because of his exceptional passing and court vision, which matched his scoring prowess. Robertson holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 181 thanks to his all-around skill set.
He was a nightmare for opposing defenses because of his dual threat ability, which allowed him to switch between setting up teammates and scoring goals. Oscar Robertson had 26,710 points by the time he announced his retirement from the league.
4. The 319 Games’ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
During his NBA career, the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers scored 10,000 points in just 319 games. At the time of his accomplishment, he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks team. He had already won his first NBA ring and MVP with the Bucks in the Finals by then.
Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary skyhook shot, which was nearly impossible to stop, typified his scoring style. At seven feet two inches, he made good use of his height advantage, turning the skyhook into a deadly weapon that helped him rack up points quickly.
Abdul-Jabbar was renowned for his efficiency and consistency, but his game went beyond just scoring goals. His ability to rebound and play defense further cemented his position as a complete player. With 38,387 points at the time of his retirement, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for the most points scored in the NBA for nearly forty years.
3. Baylor Elgin (315 Games)
In just 315 games, Elgin Baylor accomplished the remarkable feat of scoring 10,000 points. When he was a Lakers player in 1962–1963, he scored more than 10,000 points. Known as the “Rabbit,” Baylor’s scoring style was characterized by his deft play and agility throughout his career.
Known for his skillful mid-range shooting and graceful movements, he was a continual threat to opposing defenses. Elgin Baylor was a formidable scorer because of his skill at cutting through traffic and finishing with style.
His ability to make plays and pull down rebounds made him a complete player and a vital component of the Lakers’ victory. Baylor finished his NBA career with 23,149 points.
2. 303-game Michael Jordan
NBA GreatestThroughout his career, Michael Jordan was one of the league’s most dominant players, scoring goals left and right. MJ needed just 303 games to reach the 10,000-point mark while he was a member of the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan’s scoring style became legendary due to his clutch plays, mid-range shooting prowess, and gravity-defying dunks. His ability to score from nearly any position on the court made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was well-known for his scoring versatility.
His reputation as one of the best clutch scorers in league history was cemented by his ability to step up when things mattered most. In addition to being a dangerous scorer, Michael Jordan was also a superb playmaker and a fierce defender.
Throughout his career, Jordan led the Bulls to unprecedented success and won six championships thanks to his leadership and competitive spirit. With 32,292 points at retirement, Michael Jordan had one of the greatest careers in league history.
1. Wilt Chamberlain (Matches 236)
During his legendary career, Wilt Chamberlain, a center, scored 10,000 points in just 236 games. Chamberlain reached the ten thousand-point career milestone in just three seasons in the league. He did so in the 1961–62 NBA season while he was a player for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chamberlain’s ability to dominate in the paint and take clean shots were hallmarks of his scoring style. He broke multiple scoring records that are still in place today. He was well-known for his ability to finish around the rim and for scoring in the post. He was a nightmare for the opposition and a force to be reckoned with because of his amazing scoring efficiency.
In addition, Chamberlain was a superb rebounder and shot blocker. His strength and versatility on the floor made him a valuable member of his team and a major factor in their victory. With 31,419 career points, Wilt Chamberlain hung up his boots, and three different NBA teams retired his jersey.
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