Top 10 Offensive Primes Of All Time
Michael Jordan (1990-1996)
Regular season averages: 30.9ppg 5.3apg 2.5TOpg 57.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 32.8ppg 5.0apg 2.9TOpg 56.9 TS%
Michael Jordan was simply unstoppable on offense. He had elite perimeter footwork and a lethal midrange jumper which made his isolation game nearly impossible to defend. In addition, his athleticism made him one of the best finishers in NBA history. He had the ability to dunk over you or use his hang time to finish with finesse. He led the Bulls to be the best team in offense rating in almost every season during this prime. In the playoffs, his numbers only elevated. In his second season in the league, Jordan broke the playoff scoring record with 63 points against the legendary ‘86 Celtics. He’s also known for his 1993 playoff series against the Suns where he averaged 41ppg, 6.3apg, and 8.5rpg. His main critique is that he wasn’t known for being elite from the three point line.
2. Magic Johnson (1984-1989)
Regular season averages: 20.7ppg 12.4apg 3.9TOpg 61.1 TS%
Playoff averages: 19.8ppg 13.3apg 3.5TOpg 60.3 TS%
Magic Johnson was the leader of the “Showtime Lakers” which was one of the most entertaining teams in NBA history. As a 6’9 point guard, he was a matchup nightmare being too big for guards and too quick for post players. He didn’t have the purest jumper, but rather beat you by posting up or driving to the hoop. Johnson was also arguably the best passer ever, as he would always find a way to get the ball to the open man. Magic was also known for being unstoppable on the fast break. Defenders never knew where the ball was going especially when they had to respect Magic’s great finishing skills. The Lakers were 1st in offensive efficiency for four years, and 2nd in the other year under Johnson’s prime.
3. Stephen Curry (2014-2019)
Regular season averages: 26.5ppg 6.5apg 3.1TOpg 64.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 27.2ppg 5.9apg 3.5TOpg 61.6 TS%
Steph Curry is undoubtedly the greatest shooter of all time, as he was a threat to score the second he crossed half court. He’s not only proved this through the sheer volume of threes he’s made, but also by being one of the most efficient three point shooters they league has seen. Curry made very difficult shots making defending him nearly impossible especially during a heat check. He’s also great when attacking the hoop whether he hurt you at the rim or with his floater. Even without touching the ball, Steph Curry has a great effect on the game as he gains so much attention since defenders can’t help off of him. The Warriors were top 3 in offensive rating each year during this prime.
4. James Harden (2016-2021)
Regular season averages: 31.4ppg 9.1apg 4.8TOpg 61.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 28.1ppg 7.5apg 3.5TOpg 58.7 TS%
In the late 2010s, Harden became one of the biggest offensive threats the league has ever seen. In 2019 he won the MVP award averaging a ridiculous 36.1ppg and 7.5apg. His isolation game on the Rockets allowed him to pick apart defenders with his step-back three, finishing ability, and playmaking. The Rockets offensive philosophy was to only shoot threes or layups which created floor spacing that Harden took advantage of. 3 of the 5 seasons in this prime, Harden led his team to a top 2 offensive rating. Even when he was traded to Nets and was asked to be more of a facilitator, Harden was able to average over 10 assists per game. His biggest critique was that he wouldn’t be as effective in the playoffs as he averaged less points, less assists, and was less efficient.
5. Oscar Robertson (1961-1966)
Regular season averages: 30.4ppg 10.9apg 3.5TOpg 56.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 30.3ppg 9.2apg 3.5TOpg 56.2 TS%
Oscar Robertson was a 6’5 point guard who wasted no time becoming one of the best guards in the league. He averaged a triple double in only his second year in the league while leading the Royals to be the most efficient offense. In fact during this prime, the Royals led the league in offensive rating for 4 out of the 5 years. He also led the league in assists four of the years while being an elite scorer due to his size, athleticism, and court instincts. Robertson’s biggest critique is that he played in a high-paced era with less competition. Even when adjusting for pace his numbers stand out and if anything makes his ability to elevate his teammates even more impressive.
6. Wilt Chamerblain (1961-1966)
Regular season averages: 40.2ppg 3.9apg 4.0TOpg 53.7 TS%
Playoff averages: 32.5ppg 3.5apg 3.0TOpg 52.8 TS%
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the most dominant players the league has seen largely because of his ridiculous athleticism. He stood at 7’1 and 275 pounds of muscle while being able to get up and down the court with speed. Wilt also had amazing stamina as he rarely subbed out of games. He’s known for his 1962 season where he averaged 50.4ppg including his infamous 100 point game. As amazing as these numbers are, there are some valid critiques to address. First was that he played in a high paced era that inflated his numbers. Adjusting for pace in his prime, Wilt would average around 35ppg which is still impressive but not as ridiculous. In addition he played against worse competition which is true but still had to match up with great defenders such as Bill Russell, Willis Reed, and Nate Thurmond. His teams during this stretch however were about league average in offensive efficiency.
7. Kobe Bryant (2005-2010)
Regular season averages: 29.8ppg 5.0apg 3.1TOpg 56.5 TS%
Playoff averages: 29.8ppg 5.4apg 3.3TOpg 57.0 TS%
Kobe Bryant had one of the most impressive arrays of offensive weapons. After studying legends like Michael Jordan or Jerry West, he had great post footwork, was explosive while driving, and had an effective three point shot. This allowed him to average great numbers in a very slowest paced era. During his prime he’s known for dropping 81 points in a single game, the second most in NBA history. Only a few weeks before he also outscored the entire Mavericks team 62-61 in three quarters before being subbed out. Kobe’s playmaking ability was also underrated in addition to his competitive spirit that got his teammates playing their hardest.
8. Lebron (2011-2016)
Regular season averages: 26.3ppg 6.8apg 3.4TOpg 62.1 TS%
Playoff averages: 28ppg 6.6apg 3.4TOpg 57.3 TS%
Lebron’s seasons on the Heat and return to the Cavaliers brought his best seasons on offense. This was the peak of his athletic ability where he mastered using his strength and speed to score. These were also his most efficient days from the three point line averaging 36%. Although his numbers don’t look any more impressive in the playoffs, Lebron always brought his best performances come elimination games and finals series. In 2016 he finished the finals averaging 29.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 11.3 rebounds During this prime stretch, he led his team to a top 8 finish in offensive rating each year.
9. Durant (2014-2019)
Regular season averages: 26.3ppg 5.2apg 2.9TOpg 63.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 29.3ppg 4.2apg 3.0TOpg 61.2 TS%
Kevin Durant was looked at as a cheat code when it came to scoring. Many speculate that he’s really a seven footer who moves like a guard making it difficult for defenders to effect his shot. His best years came from the end of his Thunder days to his stint on the Warriors. Whether he was the focal point of the offense, or one of many great scorers in a team, Durant was able to get his buckets as he led the playoff in points per game with both teams. He did this all while being incredibly efficient as he is in the 50-40-90 club. KD also dished out a decent amount of assists but was known for going to work in his isolation game.
10. Larry Bird (1983-1988)
Regular season averages: 27.3ppg 6.8apg 3.1TOpg 58.8 TS%
Playoff averages: 26.3ppg 6.7apg 3.1TOpg 57.5 TS%
Larry Bird was one of the first great shooters the league had seen. His best years came in the mid 80s when his offensive game helped him become one of two players to ever win three straight MVP awards. Bird’s high release point made his shot difficult to block whether he was shooting a post fade or a three pointer. He did this very efficiently as Bird was the first player to join the 50-40-90 club and one of only two players to have multiple seasons with it. An underrated aspect of his game was his playmaking. Bird always knew where the open man was and found a way to get it to him which resulted in a ridiculous highlight reel. He was also one of the most clutch players to play as the Celtics usually won when the ball was in Bird’s hands at the end of the game. The Celtics were also top three in offensive rating for four of these prime seasons.
