Can You Identify Each NBA Franchise’s All-Time Leading Scorer?

By: Kale Havervold
Image: Wiki Commons by U.S. Department of State

About This Quiz

The NBA has a very long and storied history. The league has been around for decades and thousands of people have played over the years. Some players never really do much for their respective teams, some are remembered for a few years and then some become legends for their teams. Many players will become legendary to a particular team or city due to things like winning championships and remaining loyal. 

However, some players leave their mark on a team based on their ability to score. While basketball is about a lot of things from passing, to rebounding, to playing good defense; there is no arguing that scoring is the statistic most people care the most about. Scoring a lot of points is a surefire way to ensure you are remembered for years (or decades) to come.

Every team has had their fair share of scorers over the years, but only one can sit atop the pedestal as the leading scorer in franchise history. Do you think you've got what it takes to name the leading scorer for all 30 NBA franchises? Some are still playing today, while others have been retired for decades. Some were outstanding shooters, while others were dominating big men. 

In addition to looking at the leading scorer of every team, this quiz will also take a look at some other incredible NBA scoring feats and test your knowledge in that department as well. So without any further ado, read on and test your knowledge on the franchise leading scorers for every NBA team. How many do you think you can get right?

Who is the all-time leading points scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks?

While many may know him better for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is actually the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks. He put up 14,211 points during his tenure with the Bucks.

Which player has scored more points than anyone else while wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform?

While there is a laundry list of superstars who have played for the Lakers, perhaps none better represent the team than Kobe Bryant. He scored 33,643 points in his career with the Lakers, the only NBA team he's every played for.

This big man scored the most points in Golden State Warriors history, who is he?

Wilt Chamberlain was without a doubt one of the most dominating players in NBA history. He once averaged over 50 points per game for an entire season! During his time with the Warriors, he scored 17,783 points.

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the newest teams in the NBA. Who is their leading scorer in franchise history?

That's right, despite only being 25 years old, Anthony Davis is already the leading scorer in the history of the New Orleans Pelicans team. He has scored 10,859 points during his career and is building on those numbers rapidly.

Who has scored the most points as a member of the Phoenix Suns?

While he might not be as famous as some of the other players on this list, he was a star in his own right. Davis spent over a decade with the Phoenix Suns, and scored a total of 15,666 points for the team.

The Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian team in the NBA. Who is their all-time leading scorer?

While he was just recently traded away from the Raptors, there is no doubting DeRozan is a legend in Toronto. He played almost 10 years there and was responsible for scoring 13,296 points.

This high flyer is the all-time points scored leader for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Clyde Drexler was among the most athletic and exciting NBA players of his time. He was named one of the 50 best players in NBA history and scored 18,040 points for the Blazers.

This player is not only the all-time leader in points for the San Antonio Spurs, but also one of the most underrated players ever, what's his name?

While his style wasn't flashy, Tim Duncan was without a doubt one of the best players in NBA history. He won just about everything an NBA player could, and scored more points in a Spurs uniform than anyone else with 26,496.

Which player is the all-time leader in points for the Denver Nuggets?

Alex English played with the Nuggets for 10 seasons and scored over 20 points per game every single year except his last. He was a very efficient shooter, regularly shooting over 50% en route to scoring 21,645 points with the Nuggets.

Now coaching his alma mater in the NCAA, who is the leading points scorer in New York Knicks history?

Patrick Ewing was one of the most dominant big men in the league during his tenure with the Knicks. He scored 23,665 points during his time with the team, averaging over 20 points per game over his career.

The Minnesota Timberwolves all-time leading scorer is also a TV host, what is his name?

Kevin Garnett was one of the most intense and competitive players in the NBA. He was an athletic big man with a particular touch when it came to scoring the ball. He scored 19,201 points during his time with the Timberwolves.

This Spanish center is the all time leading scorer for the Memphis Grizzlies.

While both Marc Gasol and his brother Pau have played for the Grizzlies, Marc is the franchise leader in points scored with 11.684. He was just recently traded from the Grizzlies to the Raptors.

What is the name of the all-time leading scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers?

While many might think Allen Iverson was the 76ers leading scorer, this actually isn't the case. Hal Greer played his entire Hall of Fame career with the 76ers. In the process, he scored 21,586 points for the team.

The Boston Celtics have a storied history, but who is their franchise leader in points scored?

Despite not being as well known as the likes of Bird or Russell, John Havlicek is actually the all-time leader for points scored in a Celtics uniform. He played his whole 16-year career in Boston and scored 26,395 points.

Which player scored more points than anyone else while wearing a Washington Wizards uniform?

Elvin Hayes was a member of the Washington Wizards franchise for almost 10 years and scored 15,551 points with the team. He was known for his tenacity on the defensive end of the ball, as well.

This dominating force still plays today, but is already the all-time leader in points scored for the Orlando Magic, who is he?

While he is not the player he once was, there is no doubting Dwight Howard was one of the most dominating players of the late 2000s and early 2010s. During his time with the Magic, he scored 11,435 points.

Believed to be the best current NBA player by many experts, who is the leading scorer in the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers?

While he is getting older, most people still think LeBron James is one of the best players in the NBA today. He began his career in Cleveland and spent many years on the Cavs, scoring 23,119 points for the team.

Many people think he is the best player of all time. Who is the Chicago Bulls all-time points scored leader?

Michael Jordan is without a doubt among the greatest players in the sport. He could do it all on the court and was a tenacious competitor. During his tenure with the Bulls. Jordan scored 29,277 points for the team.

Who is the 7-footer who leads the Brooklyn Nets in all-time points scored?

Brook Lopez spent the first near-decade of his career with the Brooklyn Nets franchise. He has since moved around to a couple of teams, but was responsible for scoring 10,444 points for the Nets franchise.

Which player (who goes by The Mailman) is the leading scorer for the Utah Jazz franchise?

John Stockton and Karl Malone formed one of the most formidable duos in the NBA during the 1990s. Stockton was one of the best passers in history and Malone put up more points than any other Jazz player ever.

The leading scorer for the Indiana Pacers is an amazing three-point shooter, what is his name?

Reggie Miller was without a doubt one of the most clutch three-point shooters in NBA history. He spent his whole near-20 year career with the Pacers, scoring 25,279 points with the team.

Who is the German player responsible for scoring more points than anyone else in a Dallas Mavericks jersey?

Dirk Nowitzki retired after the 2018/19 NBA season, after spending his entire career with the Mavericks. During his tenure that spanned multiple decades, Dirk scored 31,560 points for the Mavericks.

The Houston Rockets franchise leading scorer was born in Nigeria, who is he?

Hakeem Olajuwon was not only a dominant big man, but also had excellent footwork and agility, rarely seen by someone of his size and stature. His long career in Houston saw him score 26,511 points for the Rockets.

The Sacramento Kings all-time leading scorer was also the first player to ever average a triple-double in an NBA season.

Oscar Robertson will go down as one of the best and most versatile players in NBA history. For decades, he was the only player to ever average a triple-double. He scored 22,009 points during his time with the Kings franchise.

What is the name of the Los Angeles Clippers' all-time leading scorer?

While his name is quite standard and normal, there was nothing normal about how this guy played. Randy Smith hardly ever missed a game for the San Diego Clippers, en route to scoring 12,735 points for the franchise.

The all-time leader in points scored for the Detroit Pistons has also been a head coach in the NBA.

Isiah Thomas was the leader of the Detroit Pistons during their "Bad Boy" era. He helped them win two NBA championships and made over 10 All-Star games in his career. He was responsible for scoring almost 18,822 points for the Pistons during his career.

Set to retire after the 2018/19 NBA season, who is the Miami Heat franchise leader in points scored?

Dwyane Wade is an absolute legend in Miami. He helped bring them multiple championships, and it is fitting he ends his career back where it started. He scored 21,556 points with the team.

Who is the all-time leader in points scored for the Charlotte Hornets?

Not only is Kemba Walker currently in the prime of his career, but he is already the most prolific scorer in the history of the Charlotte Hornets franchise. He has scored 12,009 so far and is nowhere near done.

Only the second player to ever average a triple-double in a season, who is the leader in points scored for the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Westbrook is without a doubt one of the most exciting players we have seen in the NBA. He can do it all from pass, rebound and yes, score. So far he has put up 18,859 points and is adding to that total with every game.

Which ferocious and powerful dunker holds the Atlanta Hawks all-time points scored record?

While known best for his thunderous dunks in the Dunk Contest, Dominique Wilkins was also an incredible scorer during games. This was regularly on display during his time with the Atlanta Hawks, as he scored 23,292 points with the team.

Which sharpshooter has scored the most points via 3 pointers in NBA history?

Ray Allen is without a doubt one of the best shooters in league history. His quick release is legendary and he made more three pointers than anyone else. He made just shy of 3000 in his prolific career. With 2973 three pointers made, he scored 8919 points from behind the arc.

Though he played for more than one team, who is the NBA's all-time leader for points scored with a single team?

While Karl Malone also played for the Los Angeles Lakers for a single season, he spent most of his time in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. During his time with the Jazz, he put up 36,374 points.

Who scored the most points in NBA history while only playing for a single team?

Kobe Bryant is one of the best scorers and players in NBA history. He only played for one team during his career, the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 33,643 points during his long tenure with the team.

No other player has scored more points in the NBA than this player, who is he?

No player in NBA history has ever scored 40,000 points, but Kareem got the closest. When he retired, he was responsible for scoring 38,387 points, including being only one of a few players to score more than 10,000 for multiple teams.

What player was the youngest to reach 10,000 career NBA points?

From the time he entered into the NBA, LeBron James was a superstar. It didn't take him long at all to score 10,000 points. He did it on February 27, 2007, when he was only 23 years and 59 days old., which made him the youngest ever to do it.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

Explore More Quizzes