Ranking 30 NBA Stars By Cost Per Point For The 2023-24 Season

Every one of the top 30 stars in the NBA is getting paid well, although there are a select few including Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama who are still on their rookie seals in 2023-24. We have collected the best players in the NBA and ranked them according to their cost per point, which is their total salary earned over the points scored. We will find out where stars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are in the NBA.

1. Rudy Gobert – $38,642 Per Point ($15,811 Per Minute)

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Salary: $41,000,000

Total Points: 1,061

Total Minutes: 2,593

At the top of the list is Rudy Gobert, known for his defensive prowess and a strong contender for his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. His high cost per point and minute might be surprising but given his defensive focus, his impact on the court is undeniable for Minnesota’s first-ranked defense. His defense might be worth maximum money especially if the Timberwolves end up making a deep run in the 2024 Playoffs.

2. Jimmy Butler – $36,263 Per Point ($22,127 Per Minute)

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Salary: $45,183,960

Total Points: 1,246

Total Minutes: 2,042

Jimmy Butler is a unique case, as his true impact shines brightest in the postseason. While he might not consistently dominate the regular season statistically, his defensive contributions and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments are invaluable to the Heat as he has led them to two Finals appearances in four years. However, when looking at his cost per point, he might not be a max player anymore as he approaches 35 years of age.

3. Joel Embiid – $35,186 Per Point ($36,369 Per Minute)

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Salary: $47,607,350

Total Points: 1,353

Total Minutes: 1,309

Joel Embiid’s appearance at number three is influenced by his limited games due to injuries. With only 39 games played, his cost per point is high, but there’s no denying his talent. Before his injury, Embiid was a frontrunner for the MVP trophy, establishing himself as one of the top players in the world. The 76ers will have no problem absorbing Embiid’s contract this season because when healthy, he was a two-time scoring champion and last year’s MVP award winner so his cost per point should not matter in this case.

4. James Harden – $29,899 Per Point ($14,429 Per Minute)

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Salary: $35,640,000

Total Points: 1,192

Total Minutes: 2,470

James Harden has evolved his game since joining the Clippers, adopting a more pass-first approach. At 34 years old, it seems unlikely that he will return to his three-time scoring champion form. The Clippers are investing in his playmaking abilities, but his cost per point reflects a decline from his peak scoring years. Luckily for the Clippers, having Kawi Leonard, Paul George, and Norman Powell means they do not have to rely on The Beard’s scoring all the time.

5. Trae Young – $28,843 Per Point ($20,630 Per Minute)

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Salary: $40,064,220

Total Points: 1,389

Total Minutes: 1,942

Rounding out the top five is Trae Young. Despite being an elite playmaker, Young’s inclusion on this list might raise some eyebrows. With an average of 25.7 points per game, his high cost per point could suggest that some view him as overrated, especially considering his ball-dominant style of play. Regardless, the Atlanta Hawks will have no choice but to accept Young’s style of play because he was their No. 5 overall pick in 2018.

6. Kawhi Leonard – $28,295 Per Point ($19,588 Per Minute)

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Salary: $45,640,084

Total Points: 1,613

Total Minutes: 2,330

Kawhi Leonard is renowned for his playoff performances and often adopts a load management strategy during the regular season. Despite this, he appeared in 68 games this season, the most since 2016-17. While his scoring hasn’t been as elite this season, his defensive prowess remains a key aspect of his game, resulting in a cost of $28,295 per point which might be a little high for Clippers fans who want to see more offense from the two-time Finals MVP winner.

7. Paul George – $27,313 Per Point ($18,241 Per Minute)

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Salary: $45,640,084

Total Points: 1,671

Total Minutes: 2,502

Paul George, like Kawhi Leonard, tends to prioritize rest during the regular season but appeared in 74 games this season, the most since 2018-19. Despite this, his scoring has seen a slight decline, which may lead to questions about his value at $27,313 per point given his high salary. It might be worrying to see two players on the Clippers with top-10 cost per point amount but as long as they can make a deep playoff run, all is forgiven.

8. Stephen Curry – $26,541 Per Point ($21,443 Per Minute)

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Salary: $51,915,615

Total Points: 1,956

Total Minutes: 2,421

As the highest-paid player in the NBA in 2023-24 salary, Stephen Curry’s cost per point is naturally higher. However, he remains the best shooter in the world and one of the top two point guards in the NBA. His impact on the court extends beyond scoring, making him a valuable asset to the Golden State Warriors who tried their best to make the playoffs but were bounced in the play-in tournament against the Sacramento Kings.

9. LeBron James – $26,129 Per Point ($19,012 Per Minute)

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $47,607,350

Total Points: 1,822

Total Minutes: 2,504

At 39 years old, LeBron James’ value is derived more from his rebounding and playmaking abilities than his scoring. His leadership qualities and overall impact on the game are undeniable, making it no surprise to see the aging King in the top 10 with a cost of $26,129 per point. Obviously, the value that James brings to the Lakers franchise far exceeds his salary in 2023-24 so any mention of money should be immediately ignored in terms of off-court presence.

10. Damian Lillard – $25,712 Per Point ($17,696 Per Minute)

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Salary: $45,640,084

Total Points: 1,775

Total Minutes: 2,579

Despite being the second option to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard posted an impressive 24.3 points per game, placing him in the top 10 with a cost of $25,712 per point. His scoring ability and offensive contributions make him a valuable player, which makes it surprising to see the point guard rank so high on this list. Perhaps age could be catching up to the nearly 34-year-old.

11. Kyrie Irving – $24,907 Per Point ($18,244 Per Minute)

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Salary: $37,037,037

Total Points: 1,487

Total Minutes: 2,030

Despite being the second option on the Mavericks behind Luka Doncic, Irving ranks higher on the list with a cost of $24,907 per point. An elite ball-handler and scorer, Irving averaged 25.6 points per game and his presence is crucial for the Mavericks, especially as they aim to deliver in the postseason against teams like the Los Angeles Clippers. With a salary of under $40 million, perhaps Irving is underrated in terms of his presence.

12. Bam Adebayo – $23,847 Per Point ($13,493 Per Minute)

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Salary: $32,600,060

Total Points: 1,367

Total Minutes: 2,416

Bam Adebayo’s high ranking is attributed to his role as the primary defensive force for the Heat. Often relying on Tyler Herro for scoring in the regular season, Adebayo is considered one of the contenders for the Defensive Player of the Year award this season, resulting in a cost of $23,847 per point which is 12th-highest among the best players in the league.

13. Kevin Durant – $22,838 Per Point ($16,627 Per Minute)

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Salary: $46,407,433

Total Points: 2,032

Total Minutes: 2,791

Posting 27.1 points per game this season, Kevin Durant remains a top-tier scorer in the NBA even at 35 years old. As the second-highest-paid player in the NBA behind Stephen Curry, it’s natural for him to appear high on the list with a cost of $22,838 per point. Durant still does not make the top 10 which might prove the forward is still one of the most impactful superstars in the NBA despite Phoenix’s decent but unspectacular 49-33 record.

14. Nikola Jokic – $22,833 Per Point ($17,393 Per Minute)

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Salary: $47,607,350

Total Points: 2,085

Total Minutes: 2,737

Widely regarded as the best player in the NBA and likely to win his third MVP trophy this season, Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic is also the reigning Finals MVP. Serving as the primary rebounder and playmaker for the Nuggets, Jokic’s all-around contributions make his cost per point less relevant, resulting in a cost of $22,833 per point. No matter what Jokic does in terms of earnings, it should not matter because he delivered Denver’s first-ever NBA championship last year.

15. Donovan Mitchell – $22,283 Per Point ($16,786 Per Minute)

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Salary: $32,600,060

Total Points: 1,463

Total Minutes: 1,942

As the primary scoring option for the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell posted an impressive 26.6 points per game this season. Considering the offensive load he carries for his team, his cost of $22,283 per point is relatively reasonable. Mitchell has plenty of defensive help from Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen while Darius Garland is the playmaker, so ranking 15th for the East’s fourth seed is perfectly fine.

16. Anthony Davis – $21,641 Per Point ($15,037 Per Minute)

Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $40,600,080

Total Points: 1,876

Total Minutes: 2,700

Appearing in 74 games this season, which is the highest mark of his career, Anthony Davis still managed to post a cost of $21,641 per point. His on-court impact and versatility, both offensively and defensively, contribute to his decent ranking as the 16th-highest among the best players in the NBA. One of the contenders for Defensive Player of the Year, Davis still averaged 24.7 points per game alongside LeBron James for the Lakers.

17. Zion Williamson – $21,240 Per Point ($15,407 Per Minute)

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Salary: $34,005,250

Total Points: 1,601

Total Minutes: 2,207

With a scoring average of 22.9 points per game, Williamson’s offensive contributions are evident. His cost of $21,240 per point reflects his value as a primary scoring option for the Pelicans despite the presence of Brandon Ingram. Zion’s rebounding numbers were down so perhaps he needs to score a little more to make up for that. There is also concern about his max salary considering this was the first season Williamson played at least 65 games.

18. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $20,540 Per Point ($17,779 Per Minute)

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Salary: $45,640,084

Total Points: 2,567

Total Minutes: 2,222

Despite sharing the court with Damian Lillard in Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo still managed to average 30.4 PPG. His cost of $20,540 per point reflects his overall impact and contributions on both ends of the floor for the Bucks which is why he is considered the best two-way player in the world. Antetokounmpo also finished second in the league in scoring which proves his true value.

19. Devin Booker – $19,563 Per Point ($14,718 Per Minute)

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Salary: $36,016,200

Total Points: 1,841

Total Minutes: 2,447

Despite playing alongside Kevin Durant with the Suns, Booker posted 27.1 PPG this season. His cost of $19,563 per point reflects his importance to the Suns’ offense and his ability to create and score efficiently. There is no doubt that Booker is worth $36 million because he might be the best shooting guard in the NBA although there is competition in that sense from All-Star Donovan Mitchell.

20. Jaylen Brown – $17,707 Per Point ($12,167 Per Minute)

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Salary: $28,508,929

Total Points: 1,610

Total Minutes: 2,343

Despite being the second option behind Jayson Tatum for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown still managed to contribute with 23.0 PPG. His cost of $17,707 per point reflects his valuable offensive contributions to the team because he could be in the mix to make his third straight All-NBA Team selection. As a valuable defender and rebounder as well, Brown is getting paid well for his time on the court.

21. Domantas Sabonis – $17,576 Per Point ($9,562 Per Minute)

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Salary: $28,000,000

Total Points: 1,593

Total Minutes: 2,928

Sabonis has a cost of $17,576 per point, making him one of the more efficient scorers on this list. As a key player for the Kings, he contributes both offensively and defensively, demonstrating his value with 1,593 total points. It is important to note that Sabonis has offensive help from De’Aaron Fox who contributed 26.6 points per game, so the Kings are in a great spot financially.

22. Luka Doncic – $16,904 Per Point ($15,268 Per Minute)

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Salary: $40,064,220

Total Points: 2,624

Total Minutes: 2,370

Despite being the primary option for the Mavericks, Luka Doncic has a relatively low cost of $16,904 per point. His versatility as a scorer and playmaker is evident with a total of 2,624 points, showcasing his importance to the Mavericks’ offense while also contributing 9.8 assists per game. The Slovenian only ranks 22nd among the best players in the world yet will likely be a top-three MVP candidate, so he is as untouchable as they come in the NBA right now.

23. De’Aaron Fox – $16,581 Per Point ($12,260 Per Minute)

Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $32,600,060

Total Points: 1,966

Total Minutes: 2,659

As the primary scorer for the Kings, Fox posted 1,966 total points with a cost of $16,581 per point. His ability to create and score efficiently highlights his importance to the Kings’ offense. Fox also contributes 5.6 assists per game but has help in that sense from Domantas Sabonis. The point guard has consistently been an All-Star-worthy presence for Sacramento and their victory against the Warriors in the play-in demonstrates his worth.

24. Jayson Tatum – $16,406 Per Point ($12,325 Per Minute)

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Salary: $32,600,060

Total Points: 1,987

Total Minutes: 2,645

The best player on the best team this season, he might be vastly underrated. The primary option for the Celtics, the forward contributed 1,987 total points with a cost of $16,406 per point. His offensive versatility and ability to score from anywhere on the court make him a valuable asset for the Celtics. Even when playing alongside stars such as Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, Tatum still managed to average 26.9 PPG.

25. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – $14,812 Per Point ($13,077 Per Minute)

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Salary: $33,386,850

Total Points: 2,254

Total Minutes: 2,553

Despite being the primary option for the Thunder who finished with the top seed in the West, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed to post 2,254 total points with a cost of $14,812 per point. His scoring ability and playmaking skills are crucial for the Thunder’s offense. It is truly amazing that a top-three MVP candidate is only 25th among the best players in the NBA when it comes to cost per point. The Thunder will be title contenders for the foreseeable future as long as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to perform.

26. Jalen Brunson – $11,910 Per Point ($9,664 Per Minute)

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Salary: $26,346,666

Total Points: 2,212

Total Minutes: 2,726

Jalen Brunson deserves to make the All-NBA Second Team this season. He averaged career-highs across the board, posting 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, and made sure the New York Knicks stayed afloat in Julius Randle’s absence. On a salary under $30 million despite posting superstar numbers, Brunson is as invaluable as they come at the point guard position.

27. Victor Wembanyama – $7,603 Per Point ($5,495 Per Minute)

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Salary: $11,573,180

Total Points: 1,522

Total Minutes: 2,106

The favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, Victor Wembanyama, a rising star, has a cost of $7,603 per point. With 1,522 total points, he has shown promise as a scorer and is expected to continue improving as he gets used to being the primary offensive force for the San Antonio Spurs. Averaging 21.4 points per game on his rookie salary, the Frenchman is off to a terrific start to his career.

28. Anthony Edwards – $6,605 Per Point ($4,886 Per Minute)

Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $13,534,817

Total Points: 2,049

Total Minutes: 2,770

Anthony Edwards is on his rookie salary and his max contract does not kick in until next season, which will see him earn $35,250,000. The shooting guard is a budding superstar and is contributing a ton of offense for the Timberwolves as he ranks only 28th on this list. No surprise, the remaining two players on this list will follow Edwards’ case as All-Star offensive players on rookie contracts which makes them infinitely more valuable.

29. Paolo Banchero – $6,434 Per Point ($4,147 Per Minute)

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Salary: $11,608,080

Total Points: 1,804

Total Minutes: 2,799

Paolo Banchero, a first-time All-Star this season, has a cost of $6,434 per point. With 1,804 total points, he has demonstrated his scoring ability and potential as a young player in the league and will continue to get better. Banchero is still earning over $4,000 per minute on a basketball court so one could say he is living the dream at 21 years old.

30. Tyrese Haliburton – $4,181 Per Point ($2,611 Per Minute)

Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Salary: $5,808,435

Total Points: 1,389

Total Minutes: 2,224

Tyrese Haliburton is not only judged by his scoring but by his playmaking as well. On his rookie deal that will change in 2024-25 when he gets paid $35,250,000, Haliburton chipped in 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game on 36.4% from three. The point guard seems to be the second coming of Steve Nash in terms of offensive impact and his improvement will be very interesting once his max salary kicks in.

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