Predicting How Many Points Legendary NBA Stars Would Average If They Played Today

We are already hearing discussions about scoring in today’s game, especially after the All-Star Game yielded a whopping 311 points scored by both sides. It is safe to say that offense is the driving force behind today’s NBA and it doesn’t seem like that will change anytime soon.

What if all-time great legends such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal played today? Would they shatter the mold in terms of scoring averages? We saw how Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game and averaged 50.4 points per game in a season, would he generate more offense than that? We have predicted the scoring averages of 15 legendary all-around offensive players.

Michael Jordan – 42.2 PPG

Credit: RVR Photos/USA Today Sports

Career PPG: 30.1 PPG

Scoring Titles: 10

Is there any doubt the GOAT would clear 40 points per game in the modern NBA? Michael Jordan’s highest-scoring season was in 1986-87, where he averaged an astounding 37.1 points per game. Throughout his career, he maintained a career average of 30.1 points per game and secured 10 scoring titles. Jordan’s relentless drive, unparalleled athleticism, and exceptional scoring ability make him one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

His predicted average in today’s game would likely range between 40 and 43 points per game due to his combination of skill, athleticism, and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes, thriving in the modern era’s emphasis on perimeter scoring. Without question, Michael would improve upon his career 32.7% three-point average if he played today.

Wilt Chamberlain – 41.0 PPG

Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 30.1 PPG

Scoring Titles: 7

The most dominant player ever, Wilt Chamberlain, once dropped 100 points in a single game and averaged 50.4 points per game in a single season. Chamberlain’s dominance in the paint was unparalleled in his era with a career average of 30.1 points per game and seven scoring titles. His scoring average and number of scoring titles rank second all-time behind Michael Jordan so he will likely post the second-highest scoring average today.

His exceptional size, strength, and scoring ability translate well into today’s game, potentially leading to a predicted average of around 41 points per game, given modern training methods and rule changes that favor offensive players. Even if Wilt probably wouldn’t attempt threes if he played today, he was still 7’1” with elite athleticism and a muscle-bound 275-lb physique meaning he would shoot over defenders and simply punish them down low. Even if the players today are built much better than in the 1960s, Wilt would still average over 40 points at his best.

Kobe Bryant – 40.2 PPG

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 25.0 PPG

Scoring Titles: 2

Arguably the greatest one-on-one scorer ever in terms of a bag of moves and counter-moves, Kobe Bryant would also post over 40 points per game at his very best. Bryant’s highest-scoring season came in 2005-06, where he averaged an impressive 35.4 points per game. With a career average of 25.0 points per game and winning two scoring titles, Bryant was renowned for his scoring versatility, footwork, and relentless work ethic.

In today’s game, characterized by perimeter-oriented offenses, Bryant’s skill set would likely enable him to maintain a high level of scoring, predicting an average of 38 to 41 points per game at his best. Kobe once dropped 81 points in a single game while being double and triple-teamed, so playing today where he can’t be touched would result in ridiculous scoring averages and he could probably crack 100 in a single game as well.

Allen Iverson – 40.1 PPG

Credit: Howard Smith/USA Today Sports

Career PPG: 26.7 PPG

Scoring Titles: 4

The Answer would be an absolute machine in today’s NBA, and he would dominate any era offensively. Allen Iverson’s best offensive season was in 2005-06, where he averaged an impressive 33.0 points per game. Iverson had four seasons clearing 30 points per game, had a career average of 26.7 points per game, and won four scoring titles despite being 6’0” tall. However, there weren’t many NBA players in history as quick or skilled as Iverson.

Iverson was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability despite his smaller stature. In today’s faster-paced and perimeter-oriented game, Iverson’s quickness and scoring instincts would likely result in a predicted average of 40.1 points per game at his best, thriving in a style that suits his strengths. In a fast-paced league where fast-break situations and ball-handlers are given priority, Iverson could finish a season averaging at least 40 and it wouldn’t be surprising.

Shaquille O’Neal – 38.4 PPG

Credit: Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports

Career PPG: 23.7 PPG

Scoring Titles: 2

After Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal proved to be the most dominant physical specimen we had seen. He ripped through the league between 2000 and 2002, winning three straight titles and Finals MVPs. His Finals numbers are ridiculous, posting 38.0 points per game in 1999-00 which is the fourth-highest mark in history.

O’Neal’s highest-scoring regular season campaign came in 1999-00, where he averaged 29.7 points per game to win his second scoring title. With a career average of 23.7 points per game and two scoring titles, O’Neal dominated the paint with his size, strength, and scoring ability. Even in today’s NBA, which emphasizes perimeter play and versatility, O’Neal’s predicted average will still be higher because none of the centers today could handle the beast down low.

Tracy McGrady – 37.0 PPG

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 19.6 PPG

Scoring Titles: 2

Tracy McGrady was on par with Kobe Bryant in terms of being the most dominant offensive player in his prime and he would put up 37 points per game if he played today at his very best. McGrady’s highest-scoring season occurred in 2002-03, where he averaged an impressive 32.1 points per game. Despite a career average of 19.6 points per game, McGrady was known for his scoring versatility, smooth athleticism, and ability to create shots. He even won back-to-back scoring titles in 2003 and 2004.

In today’s NBA, with a greater emphasis on perimeter scoring and offensive skill, McGrady’s scoring prowess would likely see an uptick. His predicted average could range from 37 to 38 points per game, benefiting from modern offensive schemes and the evolution of the game where he can use his 6’9” build to rise and shoot over defenders while finishing in traffic as well.

Hakeem Olajuwon – 35.9 PPG

Credit: RVR Photos/USA Today Sports

Career PPG: 21.8 PPG

Scoring Titles: 0

The greatest low-post scorer ever, Hakeem Olajuwon’s “Dream Shake’’ would stun NBA centers if he played today. Olajuwon also had an excellent mid-range jumper and that made him virtually unguardable in many one-on-one positions. His highest-scoring season occurred in 1994-95, where he averaged 27.8 points per game. Even without a scoring title to his name, few players could generate an instant bucket like Olajuwon.

A prime example would be Joel Embiid, a player who was averaging 35.3 points per game this season before his injury. As great as Embiid is, Olajuwon is a different beast on the block and was a dominant force in the post with his footwork, agility, and scoring touch. Even with guards handling the bulk of the offense today, Olajuwon would generate fouls just like Embiid is and would be an unstoppable big man on the block and from mid-range.

Oscar Robertson – 35.7 PPG

Credit: Malcolm Emmons – USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 25.7 PPG

Scoring Titles: 1

Oscar Robertson’s highest-scoring season came in 1963-64, where he averaged an impressive triple-double of 31.4 points, 11.0 assists, and 9.9 rebounds per game. With a career average of 25.7 points per game, Robertson was a versatile scorer and playmaker known for his size, strength, and basketball IQ.

In today’s NBA, where versatility and all-around skill are highly valued, Robertson’s predicted average could crack 35 points per game, benefiting from his ability to score, facilitate, and contribute in various facets of the game. A prime example would be Russell Westbrook, a player who averaged 31.6 points per game in his MVP season. Now, picture a player who was better on the ball and a more composed scorer, and you have an idea of what the “Big O” could do.

Karl Malone – 33.4 PPG

Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 25.0 PPG

Scoring Titles: 0

The third-highest scorer in NBA history with 36,928 total points, Karl Malone’s highest-scoring season occurred in 1989-90, where he averaged 31.0 points per game. With a career average of 25.0 points per game and no scoring titles, Malone was known for his physicality, durability, and scoring efficiency, particularly in the pick-and-roll. Can one imagine how dominant Malone would be in today’s game where the pick-and-roll play has been perfected?

In today’s game, where stretch big men and perimeter scoring are prevalent, Malone’s predicted average would be slightly higher than his career-high, posting a predicted 33.4 points per game. At 6’9” with 250 lbs of pure muscle, Malone would be a phenom at finishing inside and his mid-range game would make him automatic in every pick-and-roll play.

Julius Erving – 33.3 PPG

Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 24.2 PPG

Scoring Titles: 3 (ABA)

Julius Erving’s highest-scoring season occurred in the ABA in 1972-73, where he averaged 31.9 points per game. That gives an indication of Erving’s scoring prowess and what he could do in his prime. His NBA season-high came in 1979-80 when he posted 27.9 points per game at 29 years old. With a career NBA average of 24.2 points per game and 3 ABA scoring titles, Erving was known for his athleticism, creativity, and scoring ability both inside and outside.

In today’s game, with a greater emphasis on athleticism and versatility, Erving’s skill set would still shine, predicting an average of 20 to 25 points per game, benefiting from his ability to score from various positions on the floor. Erving only shot 29.8% from three over his career, but they did not shoot threes in the 1970s and 1980s, so he would easily post over 35% from deep if he played today.

Dominique Wilkins – 33.2 PPG

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Career PPG: 24.8 PPG

Scoring Titles: 1

One of the best dunkers and isolation scorers ever, Dominique Wilkins’once posted 30.7 points per game in the 1987-88 season. With a career average of 24.8 points per game and one scoring title, Wilkins was known for his athleticism, dunking ability, and scoring prowess. He even posted at least 30 points per game twice in his career for the Atlanta Hawks.

In today’s NBA, where athleticism and scoring versatility are highly valued, Wilkins’s predicted average might be around 33 points per game, benefiting from his ability to score in various ways and his physical gifts. Wilkins averaged 31.9% from three in his career, but he would get close to 35% at least if he played today and that would have boosted his scoring average.

Larry Bird – 32.8 PPG

Credit: RVR Photos/USA Today Sports

Career PPG: 24.3 PPG

Scoring Titles: 0

Larry Bird’s highest-scoring season occurred in 1984-85, where he averaged 28.7 points per game, and while that was impressive, it did not take into account how great Bird could score. With a career average of 24.3 points per game and no scoring titles, Bird was known for his shooting touch, basketball IQ, and versatility.

Much like Luka Doncic, Bird would be a walking triple-double threat although he was a better rebounder than the Slovenian and a more efficient shooter. Larry Legend is often regarded as one of the best pure shooters ever, posting 37.6% from three with most of his damage coming in the 1980s. If he played today, Bird would shoot over 40% and would average at least 30 points per game.

Charles Barkley – 32.0 PPG

Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 22.1 PPG

Scoring Titles: 0

Charles Barkley’s highest-scoring season occurred in 1987-88, where he averaged 28.3 points per game. With a career average of 22.1 points per game and no scoring titles, Barkley was known for his combination of strength, agility, and scoring ability, particularly in the paint. He was particularly effective as a rebounder, posting a career of 11.7 rebounds per game, and he would post even more today.

Even if Barkley might face challenges adapting to the modern emphasis on perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, there was no way he could be stopped when he was attacking the paint with full force. Barkley was incredibly explosive for his height and his raw power made defenders bounce off him. No doubt, the superstar forward would be a supermax player if he played today and his scoring average would prove that.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 31.9 PPG

Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 24.6 PPG

Scoring Titles: 2

Retiring as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s sky hook shot decimated defenses for years. His highest-scoring season occurred in 1971-72, where he averaged 34.8 points per game. With a career average of 24.6 points per game and two scoring titles, Abdul-Jabbar was known for his patented skyhook and scoring dominance in the post. He was even a capable scorer from mid-range and that made him a go-to offensive presence with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

In today’s NBA, where post-play is less emphasized, Abdul-Jabbar’s predicted average wouldn’t be as high as his career-high season, but he would clear 30 points per game with ease in his prime. Kareem could let the sky hook loose with ease over any of today’s centers, and especially since aggression is limited, that would be disastrous for defenses.

Magic Johnson – 26.9 PPG

Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

Career PPG: 19.5 PPG

Scoring Titles: 0

The greatest point guard and floor general ever, Magic Johnson was not a score-first player because he made others around him better and even did his thing on the boards. Johnson averaged 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game over his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, signaling his triple-double ability on both ends of the court.

If he played today, Magic would not only average more assists and rebounds but his scoring would benefit from the pace and space. Johnson was a monster 6’9” which is abnormally large for a point guard and he would punish weaker guards inside today. He posted at least 20 points per game four times but he would average at least 26 points per game at his best if he played today.

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