by Travis Gordon

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

This generation has produced some of the most physically gifted athletes. As a result, we have players in the NBA today who can basically score at will. These players become a force to be reckoned with when their physical gift is combined with their athletic ability and talent. Some of these exceptional talents include the Cavs' LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. These players were the top five leading scorers in the NBA this season. Whether it be their physicality down low or their ability to lose their defender, all of these players excel at one or more aspects of the game, which is what makes them such successful scorers.

The NBA's leading scorer this season was LeBron James. Averaging 30ppg, LeBron is a combination of all the things mentioned above. His size and natural build allow him to plow into the lane and basically through his defender to get to the basket. When being guarded by smaller players, he simply overpowers them to get the easy bucket. When being guarded by someone the same size or bigger, LeBron uses his speed and athleticism to finesse his way around his opponent. His game is still relatively raw as he has yet to develop a consistent long-range jumper, but his ability to get hit and still finish strong almost eliminates the need for a long-range shot.

Kobe Bryant has been one of the best, if not the best scorer in the league for the past few seasons. He does not have the size or physical build of LeBron James, but his talent and athleticism more than make up for it. Bryant can score at will from anywhere on the floor, whether it be from 25 feet out or while posting up on a defender. He has a developed jump-shot from both mid and long-range. His speed and ball-handling skills allow him to lose his defender and make a move towards the basket. Bryant also possesses the ability to change his shot while in mid-air when being challenged by a defender in the post. Bryant is known for his ability to perform in the clutch; his "killer instinct" combined with the aforementioned skills gives up one of the most renowned scorers of all time.

Throughout his career, Iverson has been the most consistent scorer. Since entering the league in 96/97, Iverson has averaged over 27ppg. He is far from a physical specimen, therefore, Iverson relies on his speed and ball handling abilities to beat his defender. Iverson is one of the top 5-10 fastest players in the NBA, and with a quick juke or fake, he can be past his opponent

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