In NBA history, scoring 30,000 points is a remarkable achievement. Although there is no trophy or championship title associated with it, the 30,000-point club is an elite league for the strongest players. Looking back at NBA history, very few players have been able to achieve this feat, making it even more prestigious than the regular-season MVP award. So, how difficult is it to break the 30,000-point record? Among active players, aside from LeBron James' 40,000 points, there are seven others who have scored over 20,000 points, including Stephen Curry, who still needs 5,729 points. Here are two current players who have the best chance of reaching this milestone.
Lillard: No Chance
One of the top scorers in the league, Lillard is also one of the few who has maintained an average of 25 points throughout his career. However, Lillard's biggest issue lies in being a late draft pick; he turned 34 this year. With a current total of 21,794 points, it's clear that as he becomes a veteran, his performance is visibly declining, and his attendance rate is no longer guaranteed. Given his age, it's highly unlikely that he will reach the 30,000-point mark.
Paul: No Chance
A testament to traditional point guards, Paul is known as the "Point God" for his well-rounded abilities, excelling in scoring, defense, organizing, and shooting. Currently, Paul has a career total of 22,608 points, but at 39 years old, his average score this year has dropped below 9 points. Therefore, Paul has no chance of joining the 30,000-point club.
DeRozan: Slim Chance
One of the most underrated scorers, DeRozan was drafted in 2009 and has consistently maintained top-tier individual performances since entering the league. He is also known for his durability, with a high attendance rate. DeRozan currently has a total of 24,207 points, but at 35 years old, his performance has significantly declined this year after joining the Kings. As his skills diminish, his future playing time and shot attempts will likely decrease, making his chances of reaching 30,000 points slim.
Curry: Slim Chance
Drafted in the same year as DeRozan, Curry has a similar total score, currently accumulating 24,271 points. Despite his superior skills and achievements compared to DeRozan, Curry does not have the advantage of age, as he is already 36 and will turn 37 in just two months. Thus, his chances of reaching the 30,000-point club are also slim.
Westbrook: A Chance
As a super talented point guard, Westbrook shares the same age as Curry, both being 36. However, Westbrook has an advantage in scoring, with a current total of 25,620 points, and he just turned 36. Westbrook has a stable attendance rate throughout his career, but to reach 30,000 points, he would need to score around 1,000 points per year until he is 40. This opportunity exists, but it is not particularly high.
Harden: A Good Chance
During his peak, Harden was the league's superstar shooting guard. Now, he is also considered a veteran. At 35 years old, Harden has accumulated a high enough score, currently totaling 26,596 points, and he still maintains an average of 20 points per game. Therefore, scoring around 1,500 points per season should not be a problem for him. It is estimated that in about three years, Harden can join the 30,000-point club.
Durant: A Sure Bet
The only player who can confidently say they will enter the 30,000-point club is Durant. With a current total of 29,559 points, he is the same age as Curry and Westbrook, all being 36. This season, Durant still averages 27 points per game, so as long as he stays healthy and completes this season, he will step into the 30,000-point club.