The Top 25



The Top 25 NBA Scorers and Their Teams
While watching a recent Los Angeles Lakers game, I heard one of the announcers mention that 5 of the top 6 scorers of all time had at some point in time played for the Lakers (Kareem, Karl Malone, Chamberlain, Shaq, Kobe). It made me first think it was extremely impressive, then wonder..how many top 25 players had played for each team? Then I realized that, while putting on a jersey means that you play for the team, it doesn't mean that they really scored there. (i.e. Moses Malone in San Antonio), which meant there had to be a way to figure out how relevant a team was in a top 25 players career. Relevancy score is how relevant a team was to a players career, NOT how relevant a player was in his time with the team. Relevancy score is on a scale of 0-7. Once again, relevancy score has NOTHING to do with a player's ability to score during his time with the team. It is how much the time with each team contributed to the players total number of points. 

At the end of the long process, the total number of relevant score contributed by each franchise will be added up while will give Total Relevancy Score (TRS). Then since, the pool of players is top 25, divide the TRS by 2.5 for the Franchise Relevancy Score (FRS).


Atlanta Hawks- Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins

The Hawks saw two players play for them that graced the top 25. Dominique made his career there, while Moses Malone maintained his dominance there. The Hawks have had their share of other great players (Bob Pettit), but he played in a time with less games in a season and lower scoring games. And so the Hawks are left with 2. 

1. Moses Malone
Somehow, even at his age and even after years in the league(s), Moses still managed to be a force in Atlanta. He teamed up with 'Nique and had an impressive All-Star campaign. He averaged 20 points 10 rebounds here and was second on the team in scoring. However, this was far from his only team and he didn't stay here long so-- Relevancy score: 2

2. Dominique Wilkins
Now, what 'Nique did in Atlanta is one of the most storied careers of the 80's. Led the league in scoring one year here. High-flying, rim-rattling, exciting to watch. His duels with Bird were amazing in game, and his duels with Jordan at the dunk contest were up there too. Led the Hawks really from a hole they had been in for a while and it's too bad that the guy never won a championship there. Wilkins absolutely deserves-- Relevancy score: 7

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Boston Celtics- Shaquille O'Neal, Dominique Wilkins, John Havlicek, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish, Ray Allen

Boston is one of the most--if not THE most--storied franchises in all of the NBA. They have had an amazing share of NBA greats put on a green uniform and 6 braced the top 25. Others like Russell and Bird didn't make the top 25. For Bill Russell, this was due to not being a huge scorer, for Larry Bird it was because back injuries forced an early retirement. So while not all the Celtics greats are in the top 25, these are the 6 that are. 

1. Shaquille O'Neal
End of Shaq's career was spent here. Impressively, Shaq was still somewhat of a force when he was healthy--which wasn't very often--in Boston. Of all the teams Shaq played for, the Celtics were the least important towards his points. It was a good fit, a team with all veterans and a couple young pieces and it was obvious that Shaq had fun here. Relevancy score: 1

2. Dominique Wilkins
Only 1 Years spent with the Celtics. Not really a piece of anything important in Boston. No surprise here. Relevancy score: 1

3. John Havlicek
John Havlicek was one of the best winners ever. Most people don't think of Havlicek when you name the best scorers in NBA history but John could definitely score the ball. One of the more clutch players to take the court, he spent his whole career in Boston, and so like I said, full career gets--Relevancy score: 7

4. Kevin Garnett


KG was not in his prime but far from his twilight when he teamed up with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Boston. They won a championship and they were all All-Stars. While Minnesota was a great deal of his points, he also remained beter-than-effective in Boston. Relevancy score: 3

5. Robert Parish
The Chief! Man he was tough. The pro's pro, the man's man. Had the unenviable charge of playing against Kareem all those years. He played a lot of years in the league (obviously), and he spent his best in Boston. But, he spent 7 years else where including the first four of his career. Relevancy score: 5

6. Ray Allen
Ray spent the beginning of his career away from Boston, but just like KG he was no where near irrelevant when he arrived in Boston. The bulk of his points came in Milwaukee and Seattle, but he still scored in Boston. Relevancy score: 3

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Charlotte Bobcats
Honestly, the only person anywhere near Charlotte in the top 25 is their owner. Can't blame them though, only been a team for 7 years going on 8. 

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Chicago Bulls- Michael Jordan, Robert Parish

The Bulls have had some pretty good players over the years, but none more impressive than Michael Jordan. Everybody knows about Michael Jordan, widely considered to be the greatest player in NBA history. Yes, the third overall pick in 1984 changed the franchise--and the league--forever. One other player, Robert Parish, spent part of his top 25 career here, but it was the end for the Chief. 

1. Michael Jordan
Well, he played in Washington too and SOMEHOW, for no other reason than the fact he was Michael Jordan, managed to score there. No where near his old scoring in Chicago (not that you could expect that). Michael easily gets-- Relevancy score: 7

2. Robert Parish
Spent the twilight of his extremely long career here. Relevancy score here is no surprise. Relevancy score: 0

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Cleveland Cavaliers- Shaquille O'Neal

The Cavaliers aren't known for their great players of all time. Although, for 8 years LeBron James did great things there. Eight years wasn't enough for King James to mov into the top 25, although more years in Cleveland inevitably would have seen him become the second player to wear a Cavalier jersey to grace the top 25. 

1. Shaquille O'Neal
Pairing Shaq with LeBron was smart...or at least it would have been if it had happened two years before it did. Shaq scored here. No where near the amount he did else where, obviously. Shaq played backseat in Cleveland. Relevancy score: 1

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Dallas Mavericks- Alex English, Adrian Dantley, Dirk Nowitzki

The Mavericks have seen 3 top 25 players in their uniforms. Two of them aren't really known for their time in Dallas, however, the third has put the Mavericks in the top of the league consistently. They finally won a title in 2011, and that was mostly due to their active superstar who is in the top 25.

1. Alex English
Alex English is easily one of the most underrated players in NBA history. One of the most surprising "forgottens". Not surprising that he fell behind the Lakers-Celtics/Bird-Magic 1980's. Bounced around when he wasn't in Denver and so Dallas was just "another stop" (albeit the last of his NBA career). Relevancy score: 1

2. Adrian Dantley
And right behind Alex English for the great-but-sadly-forgottens is Adrian Dantley. This guy was a machine, and just doesn't get the coverage he really deserves. His second to last year in the League was in Dallas and because of that, he also only receives a 1. Relevancy score: 1

3. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk has made his career off of the one-legged, off-balance, fadeaway shot. Easily one of the top shooting big men in the game. Set the mark for players like Andrea Bargnani. He played his whole career in Dallas so his relevancy score is obvious. Relevancy score: 7

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Denver Nuggets- Alex English, Allen Iverson

The Nuggets have been in the league since the NBA-ABA merger, and in that time only two players from the top 25 have put on a Nuggets uniform. One of those made his career in Denver, while the other wrapped his up there. 

1. Alex English
Here we are with Mr. English again. He got unlucky because he spent one entire decade with the Nuggets. His best years were from 1980-1990. Unfortunately for him, like I said before, that wasn't the decade to not win. Celtics and Lakers dominate the memories of the '80s, and he was neither. However, for the Nuggets English earned a good RS. Relevancy score: 7

2. Allen Iverson
Iverson was one of the most fun to watch, prolific scorers in the league for a while. But, like with all, there was a decline. The beginning of that decline was spent in Denver. He did still score here, and so AI scratches out an RS of 2. Relevancy score: 2

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Detroit Pistons- Allen Iverson, Adrian Dantley

The Detroit Pistons have been in the league for an extremely long time, beginning as the Fort Wayne Pistons. In that time, they have won plenty of championships, and had some great players make their roster. However, only two from the top 25 played for them. 

1. Allen Iverson
This stop was even later in the decline of Allen Iverson. While he did managed to post 20 and 6 consistently. However, he only did it in 54 games.  And so he easily earns an RS lower than what he got in Denver. Relevancy score: 1

2. Adrian Dantley
While his stop in Detroit was late in his career, he managed to be an All-Star once there. Managed to stay relevant. Relevancy score: 2

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Golden State Warriors- Wilt Chamberlain, Robert Parish

The Warriors have played in more than one NBA city and have been around for quite a while. In that time, two top 25 all-time NBA scorers made their rosters. One was a statistic record hungry guy, and another the ultimate team player who created a tradition of winning. One thing they did have in common, they would both go down as some of the best big men in league history. 

1. Wilt Chamberlain
I will never understand how Wilt managed to not stay with one team. But the Warriors traded him away but not before a good career there. While he did not get the majority of his points here, he got a good deal of them here. Hard RS to decide on, but-- Relevancy score: 5

2. Robert Parish
The first four years of his career were spent with the Warriors. They gave him to the already powerful Celtics (stupid), but not before a solid four years. He averaged a double double here, and while he wasn't known for his scoring, he did score the rock. Therefore, RS #3 for Rob gets a 3. Relevancy score: 3

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Houston Rockets- Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler

The Houston Rockets are one of three teams based out of the great state of Texas, and they easily have the most top 25 players in their history. Like they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and it's no surprise that 4 of the 5 were big men.

1. Moses Malone 
Moses was an MVP in Houston. Because of that, it's impossible to say he didn't do anything for the Rockets. He was an incredibly dominant big man that frustrated defenses and especially other big men. While mostly known for the offensive rebounds, he still was a force on the scoreboard. Relevancy score: 4

2. Elvin Hayes
Hayes was quite the ballplayer back in the day in Houston, and he is most known for time spent here as they were his best years were in Washington. Big guy that could simply get to the basket and power through other guys. Weird to trade a player in the middle of their prime, however the Rockets did. Relevancy score: 4

3. Hakeem Olajuwon
Some of the best moves in the low post. Taking people who made careers off of defense play and just making them look dumb. Will never forget the shake on Ewing in the 1994 FInals. Great defensive player, great offensive player, great career. Full career with the Rockets so easy RS. Relevancy score: 7

4. Charles Barkley
Barkley is a tough guy to analyze in terms of relevancy because he was honestly solid every where he went. He wasn't as great in some places as he was in others, but he never fell below solid. His time in Houston was productive, equally as much as Philadelphia and a little less than Houston. Relevancy score: 4

5. Clyde Drexler
One of the first "Ray Allen Kevin Garnett LeBron" players. Left Portland after getting the Blazers to the Finals somehow and went to be on a team with another superstar. Couldn't have done it at a better time either, because they had no Jordan to get through. Still, he was impressive in Houston and could still take the ball to the hoop. Relevancy score: 3

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Indiana Pacers- Alex English, Reggie Miller, Adrian Dantley

The Pacers have been in the league since the late seventies when the NBA and ABA merged. They were the best team in the ABA's short history, but unfortunately that success didn't transfer. However, three players from the top 25 NBA scoring list have put on the Pacers jersey, and although 2 of them were just short stops, one of them changed the franchise forever.

1. Alex English
Played for the Pacers for less than 30 games. Barely even shows up on the guy's record. Absolutely no surprises here. Relevancy score: 0

2. Reggie Miller
Miller got unlucky because he played the same position as Michael Jordan at the same time in the same division. Still, managed to swish his way to number 12 on the all-time scoring list when he retired. One of the few members of the 40-50-90 Club (season percentages of: 40% 3FG%, 50% FG%, 90% FT%). Pure shooting got Reggie Miller where he ended up. Whole career with the Pacers means-- Relevancy score: 7

3. Adrian Dantley
After becoming the only ROY Winner to ever be traded before his second season, just the beginning of head scratching moves by the Clippers/Braves. It was after being traded by Indiana to LA that Dantley established himself as a star and pure scorer. Relevancy score: 0

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LA Clippers- Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins, Adrian Dantley

The Clippers have a notoriously bad history of having talent and then getting rid of it. They are the only team in sports history to trade away a Rookie of the Year directly after his first year, and they let Moses Malone get away after only 2 games. However, 2 top 25 players have dawned a Clippers jersey.

1. Moses Malone
Moses literally played 2 games for the Clippers. That's it! How do you trade Moses Malone after 2 GAMES?! The Clippers bad management choices began before they were even the Clippers. Astonishing. Obviously, Relevancy score: 0

2. Dominique Wilkins
Most people seem to think that 'Nique was nothing anywhere outside of Atlanta. However, he was all-NBA Third Team in his one year with the Clippers. He managed to stay at least semi-important. Freak of an athlete. Relevancy score: 2

3. Adrian Dantley
I can't even begin to walk through what was going through the then-Braves front office's collective mind when they decided to trade away Dantley. He was the ROY and before the very next year (his 2nd) they traded him! He became the first Rookie of the Year in ANY SPORT to be traded away after his Rookie of the Year campaign. Mind-boggling. Relevancy score: 1

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LA Lakers- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Adrian Dantley, Elgin Baylor

Along with the Boston Celtics, the Lakers are easily one of the 2 most storied franchises in NBA history. While the Celtics have the edge in total number of championships won, the Lakers easily have the edge in number of top 25ers in their history with 8. 

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Obviously, without Kareem, the Lakers are no where near as successful as they end up being in the 1980's. The Lakers managed to pull off some impressive deals to get dominant big men when they were still in their prime (like Wilt and Kareem). The sky hook was unbelievably unstoppable and literally--LITERALLY, indefensible. Especially when a 7 foot 2 guy is the one shooting it. Relevancy score: 6

2. Karl Malone
His stint with the Lakers was really a last ditch effort to win that championship that he so obviously deserved. If not for a weird upset by the heavily-unfavored-but-fundamentally-sound-and-coached-by-a-great-coach Detroit Pistons. The thing about Malone, though, is that unlike most people who made end of career stops, he was actually still good. And effective. Obviously though, he only spent one season here. Relevancy score: 1

3. Wilt Chamberlain
The Stilt is a guy a lot like Charles Barkley..obviously on a much bigger scale..in the sense that he was a scoring threat every single place that he went. Wilt Chamberlain is easily one of the most dominant threats that the game has ever seen. Part of that has to do with the competition he played against, as well as the players he played with (up until Los Angeles he didn't have great support), but when it comes down to it, he was a scorer. He spent the second most time in LA. Relevancy score: 4

4. Shaquille O'Neal
Some people like to argue that Shaq's prime was in Orlando. But, most people will agree that Shaq's prime was in the time with the Lakers, and more specifically during the three-peat. He is one of the most dominant big men of all time, really one of the most dominant players of all time. His time with the Lakers included his career high in points (61 vs the neighboring Clippers). Shaq really further established himself as one of the greatest of all time in LA. Relevancy Score: 5

5. Kobe Bryant
Jerry West deserves all the credit for taking a chance on this kid straight out of high school and pairing him with Shaq. Kobe's whole career has been spent with LA so his RS is easy. But this is a guy who can just flat out score the ball. He started off his career as number 8, and number 8 was a high flying super exciting player to watch (who scored). Then he switched to 24 and he started flying a little less (but still scored). But the thing about great scorers is that they know how to adjust with age. As he aged, Kobe became one of the most deadly medium range/fall away shooters in the league. Relevancy score: 7

6. Jerry West
The Logo. Great shooter. Nobody can forget the "Two seconds...one second..West throws it up...and he makes it!' 60 foot shot in the Finals. A player extremely similar to Reggie Miller (or maybe vice versa), in regards to the fact that pure shooting and high percentages got him them both to where they ended up on the all time scoring list (Miller scored only 8 points than Jerry West). One can only imagine how many more points Jerry West would have scored if the three-point line had been in effect when he was playing. Relevancy score: 7

7. Adrian Dantley
Somebody tell me how this guy was traded so many times at the beginning of his career. A ROY that has 4 teams in 4 years is something you simply don't see. He spent the second 2/3 of one season with LA then one full season and while he did score, he didn't establish himself as a great scorer until he made it to his fourth team, the Jazz. Relevancy score: 1

8. Elgin Baylor
One of the best overall athletes to play the game, Baylor is easily in the top 5 players to never win a championship. This is a guy who retired a little ways into a season that ended up being a championship season for the team he retired from. Talk about bad luck. Could score the ball at any time, and still is one of only 2 players to drop 60 in a playoff game and the only one to do it in the Finals. he spent his whole career in LA so-- Relevancy score: 7

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Memphis Grizzlies- Allen Iverson

The Memphis Grizzlies were originally incarnated as the Vancouver Grizzlies. Since then they've seen as many top 25 scorers on their roster as they have changes in city. 

1. Allen Iverson
He only played 3 games in Memphis. His relevancy score should be zero. There's a chance that Memphis' relevancy score to Iverson's scoring career should be LOWER than 0. Relevancy score: 0 

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Miami Heat- Shaquille O'Neal

The Heat have a couple of stars on their team currently that will most likely become the next additions to the top 25 scorers in NBA history, but for now they only have one. A very big fellow with a name that means warrior, and that's exactly what Shaq was when he helped lead the Heat to their only title in franchise history.

1. Shaquille O'Neal 
Shaq was dominant. He won a championship in Miami, and give credit to Pat Riley for knowing that the Lakers'm asking price for Shaq was as low as it was going to get because of the internal problems with Kobe. He went and got him and the Heat don't win that 2006 championship without Shaq. Relevancy score: 3

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Milwaukee Bucks- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Oscar Robertson, Alex English, Adrian Dantley, Ray Allen

The Bucks have a number that most people don't expect when it comes to their number, they actually have 6 equal with the Boston Celtics. Three of them spent time there just as short stops in their long journeymen careers, and the other three were instrumental in bringing some amount of success to the Bucks.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem spent his first couple years of his career with the Bucks and was just dominant. He turned the team around from 27-55 to 56-26 his first year. He led the team to a championship in 1974 and he was in the top 5 in league scoring every year. Relevancy score: 5

2. Moses Malone
He averaged 15 points in a full year for Milwaukee but he spent barely any time with Milwaukee. While he managed to be one of the best players at his age, the key words there are at his age. While he was still a good player in Milwaukee, his relevancy score is reflective of the little amount of time he spent there. Relevancy score: 1

3. Oscar Robertson
Oscar somehow ended up being traded in one of the worst rates I've ever seen, but it was just what he needed after 10 years of being a Royal. Teaming up with Kareem is the only reason he won a championship, but the Big O was a scorer in his own right. He spent the last 5 years with the Bucks and so they were a factor in his career. Relevancy score: 4

4. Alex English
He spent 2 years with Milwaukee and while he was there had the 2 lowest scoring seasons of his entire NBA career, not counting his final season (which he only outscored by 27). For some reason, English didn't seem to be very effective in Milwaukee. Relevancy score: 1

5. Adrian Dantley
AD played 10 games for Milwaukee in his last year in the NBA and retired from them. With only ten games played, it should be obvious-- Relevancy score: 0

6. Ray Allen
While his years in Milwaukee certainly weren't his most productive (those would come later in Seattle), he was still effective and still a scary good shooter. Milwaukee was just the first step for a player who went on to score with ease. He began to really show it in his last two years in Milwaukee. Relevancy score: 3

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Minnesota Timberwolves- Kevin Garnett

The Wolves are not at all known for their success, their great players, or their championships (because there are none), however they have had one superstar that made his name in Minnesota and before his departure to Boston, he started to put the TWolves on the map, and his presence is, in some ways, still felt there today.

1. Kevin Garnett
The prime of Garnett's career was easily spent in Minnesota. He was an absolute beast and also one of the funniest guys (anybody remember the weapons ramble?). He was a double double machine, not completely unlike Kevin Love. He left for Boston and kind of threw the Timberwolves into disarray (not that they weren't on their path to that no matter what). But KG established himself in Minnesota. Relevancy score: 5

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New Jersey Nets
In certain ways, it is a feat that none of the top 25 players in NBA history ever graced their rosters. They haven't been a part of the league forever, (only since the merger) but they've been in the league the same amount of time as the Spurs, Pacers, and Nuggets who have all had at least one top 25 scorer. Maybe the future will change that.

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New Orleans Hornets- Robert Parish

In their short time in the league, the Hornets have never been known as big winners. While good players have played for them, (the likes of Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning), only one from the top 25. A journey man who had one of the longest careers in the history of the league spent one of his last with the Hornets and still found a way to be effective. 

1. Robert Parish
Robert Parish spent one season with the Hornets. He was in his 19th season as an NBA pro. And somehow, somehow, this guy managed to play in 81 games. He was an ironman, to say the least. His scoring in Charlotte was small. Relevancy score: 1

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New York Knicks- Patrick Ewing

Somehow the Knicks, one of the charter members of the league, have only had one top 25 scorer on their team in all the years they've been around. Through all the championships and great teams that called Madison Square Garden home, the only one to be in the top 25 is one of the ones that did not win a championship.

1. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing spent most of his career with the Knicks. When you think about Patrick Ewing the first thing that comes to mind is the Knicks, and many forget that he spent time elsewhere. New York was where Patrick Ewing became Patrick Ewing and therefore and easy-- Relevancy score: 7

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Oklahoma City Thunder- Patrick Ewing, Ray Allen

The Thunder began as the Seattle Supersonics, and only recently changed their name and city. During their time in Seattle, the Sonics did have success (even making it to the Finals one year), but only two former Sonics are in the top 25 (and no, Gary Payton is not one of them).

1. Patrick Ewing
He played in Seattle for only 1 year and he had one of his four lowest scoring seasons there. It was another one of those "last ditch effort" kind of things. While still Patrick Ewing, he was far from the Patrick Ewing that was a dominant force for so long. Relevancy score: 1

2. Ray Allen
Ray was at his best in terms of being a scorer while in Seattle. He, along with Rashard Lewis, led a SuperSonics team that really didn't have much business being there deep into the Playoffs. Ray established himself as an elite player and also used that silky smooth jumper to do so here. The Seattle SuperSonics relevancy score towards the success in scoring of Walter Ray Allen-- Relevancy score: 5

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Orlando Magic- Shaquille O'Neal, Dominique Wilkins, Patrick Ewing

The Magic are one of two teams in the NBA who are based out of sunny Florida. However, this is not the only thing they share with the Heat. They are both one of four teams with team names that don't end with the letter 's'. They are both have relatively short histories in the league. And both, have had the same top 25 player lead them to the NBA Finals.

1. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq established himself as a dominant force in basketball in Orlando. He won the Rookie of the Year award and took the Magic to the Finals with teammate Penny Hardaway. This was the first stop in Shaq's career, and he made use of his time here. Relevancy score: 5

2. Dominique Wilkins
The Human Highlight Film spent the last year of his long and great NBA Career in Orlando. He only played in 27 games and while he still managed to score over 100 points, it was only 27 games. Relevancy score: 0

3. Patrick Ewing
Another player who spent the last year of a long and illustrious career in Orlando, Patrick Ewing played in 64 games and started in 4. However, it was his last year and he was no where near his old self. Relevancy score: 0

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Philadelphia Sixers- Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley

The Sixers started off as the Syracuse Nationals, and after changing their name, enjoyed success in the NBA with some of the top names in basketball. Julius Erving and Hal Greer are the two prominent Sixers that didn't make the top 25, and with names like that not making that list, the four Sixers that are in the 25 must be pretty special. 

1. Wilt Chamberlain
The Big Dipper spent the 2nd stop of his impressive career with the Philadelphia and averaged around 27 points as a 76er. He was equally as dominant as before and in typical Wilt fashion scored the rock and won basketball games while still managing to tarnish his public image. Relevancy score: 4

2. Moses Malone
Moses is most thought of as a Sixer. He teamed up with Dr. J to bring a championship to the city in the 1980's, which wasn't easy to do if you weren't the Boston Celtics or the Los Angeles Lakers. He was absolutely dominant in Philly. Relevancy score: 4

3. Allen Iverson
Iverson is easily most thought of as a Sixer, even returning to the team and retiring as a member of the Philadelphia franchise. He took a Sixer team that he easily led in scoring. He even took them to the Finals (where the famous step over incident happened). The Philadelphia 76ers made Iverson's career and he made the franchise for a while. Relevancy score: 7

4. Charles Barkley
Barkley spent the first 9 years of his career here. He, Erving, and Malone were a big three in their own right. He averaged 15 points as a rookie and under the guidance of Moses Malone, he became elite. Without Malone, he might not have turned into the player he turned into. Philadelphia had a huge impact on Barkley's career. Relevancy score: 5

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Phoenix Suns- Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley

Two players from the 25 have played out in the desert. While some of the Suns stars include Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, and Dan Majerle, only two have made the upper echelon of NBA scorers. 

1. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq was largely unimpressive in Phoenix. However, he was still Shaq. Still a presence, still a creator. He actually managed to score 1600 points in a season and a half with the Suns. Which was impressive at his age. Phoenix was a stop on his greatest hits tour that turned out better than most expected. Relevancy score: 2

2. Charles Barkley
Barkley was a force in Phoenix. He scored the ball very well there, and it was one of the places where he stood out. He had a 56 point game in the playoffs for the Suns. He won an MVP while playing here and took them to the Finals (where they lost to Jordan). Relevancy score: 5

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Portland Trail Blazers- Clyde Drexler

The Trail Blazers have had their share of stars, although they did pass on one of the biggest in Michael Jordan. They've won one championship, but the star to lead them to it is not on this list. The one that is led them to a Finals appearance, where they ironically fell to, Michael Jordan.

1. Clyde Drexler
Clyde was a great player in Portland. When most people think of Drexler, Portland is what comes to mind. He was one of the victims of Jordan's first three-peat. He established himself as a star for the Blazers and, even though he was still a very good player in Houston, he was at his best in Portland. Relevancy score: 7

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Sacramento Kings-Oscar Robertson

The Kings began their franchise as the Kansas City Royals. They've never won a championship, but they have had some stars. None bigger than the guy from Indiana, the Big O.

1. Oscar Robertson
The Big O spent his time with the Kings back when they were still the Royals. He spent ten years here, but they were not a very remarkable team and that is why Oscar is most thought of as a member of the Bucks with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, with 2/3 of his career being for the Royals/Kings, this is where he established himself as a star. Relevancy score: 6

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San Antonio Spurs- Moses Malone, Dominique Wilkins

The Spurs joined the NBA the same time as the Nuggets, Pacers, and Nets. Of the four teams, they are the only one to win a championship. The two people on the list for the Spurs, however, never won a championship with the team. The Spurs were a simple stopping point for two people who bounced around after storied careers elsewhere.

1. Moses Malone
He played in only 17 games for the Spurs. It was the very end of his career. Which, was extremely long (so long that he played with Rick Barry and then also Rick's son Jon Barry). 17 games is the main fact run determining the Spurs relevancy score towards Malone's scoring proficiency. Relevancy score: 0

2. Dominique Wilkins
He actually managed to average more than 15 points and play in quite a few games here. However, it was only one season. Despite still being a very good scorer, the little time spent in San Antonio at the end of his career gets-- Relevancy score: 1

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Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have none, and that is no surprise. They did have Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady there for a good amount of time, and those guys were two guys who did make a good dent in the scoring records, but not enough to make top 25. For now, the Raptors have zero.

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Utah Jazz- Karl Malone, Adrian Dantley

The Jazz started in New Orleans, and despite a city change kept their name. Since then, they have had times of success and also times when they were at the bottom of the league. They did house the best one two punch in the NBA during the 90's, and the number 2 scorer in NBA history was a huge part of it.

1. Karl Malone
Obviously, Karl Malone made his career in Utah. Most of his points were scored in Utah. And boy did he have a lot. His pairing with Stockton in Utah solely through the draft was impressive and helped lead to sustained success in Salt Lake City. Malone is the Jazz like Reggie Miller is the Pacers, and so it's easy and with no doug that Utah gets-- Relevancy score: 7

2. Adrian Dantley
Dantley established himself in Utah the same way Alex English established himself in Denver. He averaged around 30 points for more than one season in Utah and had he stayed there a couple years more, he would have been paired with Malone and Stockton as well. Utah is the place where Adrian Dantley became a prolific scorer. Relevancy score: 6

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Washington Wizards- Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes

The Washington Wizards stared their franchise as the Bullets and have had many stars. Three stand out, because three are on the top 25 in NBA history list. Two big men, and one old man, and many many points.

1. Michael Jordan
Everybody already knows the Michael Jordan to the Wizards story. However, most people tend to look down on his years there due to the fact that it doesn't measure up to his time in Chicago. But that's not a fair comparison, considering his time in Chicago was the greatest career by any player. He became one of the most potent turn around fadeaway jump shooters (something that Kobe Bryant is beginning to discover) and he still posted very solid numbers in Washington. Relevancy score: 2

2. Moses Malone
Most people don't know this, but Moses had his career high in points in a game in Washington. His time there was actually very impressive. He bounced back from injury and proved himself still to be a very effective player. He made the second team all-NBA while there. He made the All-Star team twice in as many seasons. Relevancy score: 2

3. Elvin Hayes
Elvin started to decline a little earlier than most people expected, but the thing about this guy was that even in his decline, he was dominant. His time in Washington was really the middle of his career but he still played very well there and put up big scoring numbers. Relevancy score: 3


With all those numbers, final TRS come out to the following numbers.

Atlanta Hawks
Moses Malone: 2
Dominique Wilkins: 7
TRS: 9
FRS: (9/2.5)= 3.6


Boston Celtics
Shaquille O'Neal: 1
Dominique Wilkins: 1
John Havlicek: 7 
Kevin Garnett: 3
Robert Parish: 5
Ray Allen: 3
TRS: 20
FRS: (20/2.5)= 8


Charlotte Bobcats
N/A


Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan: 7
Robert Parish: 0
TRS: 7
FRS: (7/2.5)= 2.8


Cleveland Cavaliers
Shaquille O'Neal: 1
TRS: 1
FRS: (1/2.5)= 0.4


Dallas Mavericks
Alex English: 1
Adrian Dantley: 1
Dirk Nowitzki: 7
TRS: 9
FRS: (9/2.5)= 3.6


Denver Nuggets
Alex English: 7
Allen Iverson: 2
TRS: 9
FRS: (9/2.5)= 3.6


Detroit Pistons
Allen Iverson: 1
Adrian Dantley: 2
TRS: 3
FRS: (3/2.5)= 1.2

Golden State Warriors
Wilt Chamberlain: 5
Robert Parish: 3
TRS: 8
FRS: (8/2.5)= 3.2


Houston Rockets
Moses Malone: 4
Elvin Hayes: 4
Hakeem Olajuwon: 7
Charles Barkley: 4
Clyde Drexler: 3
TRS: 22
FRS: (22/2.5)= 8.8


Indiana Pacers
Alex English: 0
Reggie Miller: 7
Adrian Dantley: 0
TRS: 7
FRS: (7/2.5)= 2.8


LA Clippers
Moses Malone: 0
Dominique Wilkins: 2
Adrian Dantley: 1
TRS: 3
FRS: (3/2.5)= 1.2


LA Lakers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 6
Karl Malone: 1
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Shaquille O'Neal: 5
Kobe Bryant: 7
Jerry West: 7
Adrian Dantley: 1
Elgin Baylor: 7
TRS: 38
FRS: (38/2.5)= 15.2


Memphis Grizzlies
Allen Iverson: 0
TRS: 0
FRS: (0/2.5)= 0


Miami Heat
Shaquille O'Neal: 3
TRS: 3
FRS: (3/2.5)= 1.2


Milwaukee Bucks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 5
Moses Malone: 1
Oscar Robertson: 4
Alex English: 1
Adrian Dantley: 0
Ray Allen: 3
TRS: 14
FRS: (14/2.5)= 5.6


Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Garnett: 5
TRS: 5
FRS: (5/2.5)= 2


New Jersey Nets
N/A


New Orleans Hornets
Robert Parish: 1
TRS: 1
FRS: (1/2.5)= 0.4

New York Knicks
Patrick Ewing: 7
TRS: 7
FRS: (7/2.5)= 2.8

Oklahoma City Thunder
Patrick Ewing: 1
Ray Allen: 5
TRS: 6
FRS: (6/2.5)= 2.4


Orlando Magic 
Shaquille O'Neal: 5
Dominique Wilkins: 0
Patrick Ewing: 0
TRS: 5
FRS: (5/2.5)= 2


Philadelphia Sixers 
Wilt Chamberlain: 4
Moses Malone: 4
Allen Iverson: 7
Charles Barkley: 5
TRS: 20
FRS: (20/2.5)= 8


Phoenix Suns
Shaquille O'Neal: 2
Charles Barkley: 5
TRS: 7
FRS: (7/2.5)= 2.8


Portland Trail Blazers
Clyde Drexler: 7
TRS: 7
FRS: 2.8

Sacramento Kings
Oscar Robertson: 6
TRS: 6
FRS: (6/2.5)= 2.4


San Antonio Spurs
Moses Malone: 0
Dominique Wilkins: 1
TRS: 1
FRS: (1/2.5)= 0.4

Toronto Raptors
N/A


Utah Jazz
Karl Malone: 7
Adrian Dantley: 6
TRS: 13
FRS: (13/2.5)= 5.2


Washington Wizards
Michael Jordan: 2
Moses Malone: 2
Elvin Hayes: 3
TRS: 7
FRS: (7/2.5)=2.8

The scores, in order from highest FRS to lowest are:

1. Lakers: 15.2
2. Rockets: 8.8
T-3. Celtics: 8
T-3. Sixers: 8
4. Bucks: 5.6
5. Jazz: 5.2
T-6. Hawks: 3.6
T-6. Nuggets: 3.6
T-6. Mavericks: 3.6
7. Warriors: 3.2
T-8. Pacers: 2.8
T-8. Bulls: 2.8
T-8. Blazers: 2.8
T-8. Wizards: 2.8
T-8. Knicks: 2.8

T-9. Thunder: 2.4
T-9. Kings: 2.4
T-9. Suns: 2.4
T-10. Timberwolves: 2
T-10. Magic: 2
T-11. Pistons: 1.2
T-11. Heat: 1.2
T-11. Clippers: 1.2
T-12. Spurs: 0.4
T-12. Cavs: 0.4
T-12. Hornets: 0.4
13. Grizzlies: 0

No surprise here, the Lakers start the top with an astonishing 15.2. The Rockets are second with 8.8 and the Celtics and Sixers round out the top tied for third at 8. This basically means that in NBA history, the Lakers, Rockets, Celtics, and Sixers have been the most relevant teams in the top 25 scorers in NBA History. Other facts:

  • Team with at least one championship with lowest: Spurs
  • Team with the highest with zero championships: Jazz
  • Team with the most 7's: Lakers
  • The Grizzlies are the only team with a top 25 player but a 0 FRS. 
  • Moses Malone played for the most teams with: 7. 
  • 8 Players spent their whole career with one team (Bryant, Olajuwon, Havlicek, Miller, West, Baylor,     Nowitzki)
  • 11 of the top 25 played 15 seasons or less (Jordan, Chamberlain, Olajuwon, Robertson, English, West, Iverson, Dantley, Baylor, Nowitzki, Drexler) Of those, Nowitzki is still active. 
  • 12 of the top 25 never won an MVP award (Hayes, Wilkins, Havlicek, English, Miller, West, Ewing, Parish, Dantley, Baylor, Allen, Drexler)