Who is the Best Scorer in the NBA

After an alumni meeting on Sunday, I had an interesting discussion about the NBA with some of my Fraternity brothers.  The topic of discussion was: Who is the best scorer in the NBA.  Some might say the question can be answered by checking league statistics and seeing who is the NBA leader in points per game.  I do not necessarily agree with that position because I think it assumes that the leading scorer is necessarily the best scorer.   The two may not be the same person.  That said, let's discuss the candidates' scoring ability.  Most people believe the title of best scorer in the NBA belongs to  Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, or Kevin Durant.  

The case can be made for the Black Mamba.  After all, he is leading the NBA in scoring at 34 years old.  He finished second in the league last year.  Also, he recently became the 5th player to score over 30,000 points.  The thing that is most impressive this year is his efficiency.  In years past, he did not always shoot a respectable percentage from the field.  He was a low percentage, volume shooter.  I still think that is who he is, but this year, so far, he has been surprisingly efficient.  He can score from the post, behind the three point line, mid-range and on drives to the rim.  He is an excellent free throw shooter as well.  He can and will get him numbers against any defensive opponent.

Carmelo Anthony has always been a gifted scorer.  This year, however, he has been on a mission.  He has elevated his game to an MVP level.  Melo has a truly unique package of skills.  He is entirely too strong for most small forwards and too quick for power forwards.  He has a very effective low post game. His midrange jump shot is also one of the best in the game.  He has been shooting the three ball well this year.  I still think he is a volume shooter at heart.  But, it is hard to argue that he is not the best scorer in the NBA. 

Kevin Durant scores the ball so effortlessly. I'm not sure I have ever seen a guy score the ball the way he does.  For starters, he is nearly seven feet tall, but he has the handle of a wing player.  His jump shot is indefensible because he releases it so quickly and his release point is so high.  He is just as good coming off a screen as he is pulling up for three on the break.  The thing I like most about him is also the thing I like least about him.  He is almost too unselfish and he does not shoot the ball as much as he should.  Nevertheless, Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the NBA.  


Peace