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Whether it's a good thing or not, when people remember the people who score. The amazing baskets are the plays that stick in fans' minds forever. Even though defense and team-play are equally important, players are always judged by their scoring. One of the best ways to judge the all-time top scorers is to look at their average points per game.

Michael Jordan

Arguably the best basketball player ever, Michael Jordan is tied for the most all-time ppg with 30.1. Jordan played from 1984 to 2003, while taking a couple of years off to either play basketball or to take time off. During his early years, he was an outstanding scorer, but didn't start winning championships until he got a team around him. He set a playoff record by scoring 63 points against the Boston Celtics. He won numerous MVP awards during his many years on the Bulls and Wizards. He is remembered for many spectacular shots, including the one to beat the Jazz in the NBA championship. Jordan has also been an inspiration for many upcoming basketball players.

Wilt Chamberlain

Remembered for his high-scoring games, Chamberlain was tied with Michael Jordan for 30.1 ppg. He is most remembered for when he scored 100 points in a game. This feat doesn't look like it will be topped for a while, if ever. Playing from 1960 to 1973, he was seen as an almost unstoppable force on the offense. Unlike Michael Jordan, he played for many different teams, like the Lakers and the 76ers. He also retired with a career total of 31,419 points. He holds or held many different scoring records. He is also a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Allen Iverson

Iverson is third on the list with 27.8 ppg all-time. Iverson is will probably be remembered for caring only about offense during games. He has been accussed of being lazy on defense, and he has said he doesn't care that much about practice. However, that shouldn't take away from the fact that he is a great scorer. He started by playing on the 76ers, but had to leave as he was causing problems with management. He currently plays for the Denver Nuggets alongside Carmelo Anthony. He has led the league in scoring three times.

Elgin Baylor

Probably the least recognized to the average person of all these players, Baylor averaged 27.4 ppg throughout his career. He played from 1958 to 1972. He played on the Lakers for most of his career but didn't win a championship since he played during the Celtics championship run. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. He was also an 11-time NBA all-star.

Jerry West

During his career, West averaged 27 ppg, putting him fifth on the all-time list. He played most his whole career with the Lakers. He was an All-Star every year of his career. When he retired, he held the record for career postseason scoring and postseason scoring average. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980. He was also named one of the NBA's top 50 players. He is currently President of the Grizzlies.

Sources
www.nba.com
http://www.i nsidehoops.com/nba_alltime_sta ts.shtml

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