This season will see some of the most offensive fireworks ever, with a bonfire of offensive firepower. The league has seen a dramatic uptick in scoring heading into this past two seasons, with last season being one of the most prolific of the past 54. Luka Doncic became the victorious scoring champion, averaging a resounding 33.9 points a game, the fourth highest figure of the past 35 years. Meanwhile it was history in the making as Joel Embiid not only became only the second player ever to average more than a point a minute in an NBA season, but he established himself as a star on and off the court.
The top contenders for the scoring title heading into 2024-25 are five. Each of these athletes comes with its own special skill set, and these athletes are ready and eager to compete against each other for the league’s most dangerous scorer title. We’ll get into who they are and why they’ll be in the mix this year.1. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Consistent Force
Over the past few years, it has been a scoring machine of a two-time Kia NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is the just one in the league that has played over six straight seasons scoring over 25 points per game. Continuing his stellar ascent over the past two season, he’s averaged over 30 points per game, and cemented himself as one of the most dominant offensive forces in the league.
This offseason, Milwaukee Bucks procured Damian Lillard to beef up their offensive breadth, but the question remains if Giannis will be expected to shoulder much of the scoring load. There have long been injury concerns over Khris Middleton and Milwaukee struggles offensively has been a major part of it, and if Middleton is absent again, Giannis could find himself shouldering similar burden offensively as last year. But with Lillard now in the mix, Giannis just may see more efficient scoring lanes, as defensive units are going to have to deal with another megastar scorer.
Giannis stands out among size strength agility combo for nightmare matchup with opponents. That's a big part of his game — getting himself to the rim and finishing through contact, making plays in transition typically very well. One thing is for certain, Giannis will be right at, or near, the top of the scoring title race like usual.
2. Luka Doncic: The Reigning Scoring Champion
Last season, Luka Doncic led the scoring charts, banging in 33.9 points per game – almost 6 points clear of the second highest scorer. His offensive abilities are nearly limitless, combining ball handling, on-court vision and a near perfect 3 point shot. Many of Luka’s nice season numbers were attributed to his major growth in 3 point shooting percentage and his volume of 3 point attempts.
Doncic’s free throw rate dipped during the All-Star break, but it didn’t stop him from continuing his offensive supremacy, as he averaged 33.2 points per game in the second half of the season. But considering the Dallas Mavericks made so few significant roster changes this offseason, they’ll continue to lean on Luka’s scoring prowess. Doncic is not only the odds on favorite to win the scoring title again in 2024-25, but he remains that player capable of usurping games and scoring from all over the court.
3. Joel Embiid: The Efficient Scorer
And perennial scoring title contender Joel Embiid led the NBA in scoring two seasons ago with 33.1 points per game. In fact, Embiid made history last season by becoming the second player in league history, behind Wilt Chamberlain, to average more than a point per minute while playing at least 500 minutes. It was an unbelievable feat, putting up 1.03 points per minute, even in limited time, he went to find a way to score a lot of points quickly.
Embiid's girth, strength and skill in the post make him the hardest player to defend in the league. In the middle, he can use his footwork and physicality to clearly dominate, but he also has a soft, shooting touch mid range between and beyond the arc. With Paul George coming to the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid is still expected to be the team’s chief offensive weapon.
Unless Embiid encounters health problems, he'll be a serious top contender to win the scoring title. That ability to go to the free throw line, that field goal percentage combined well it's just one of the most efficient scorers in the game.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Rising Star
One of the NBA’s brightest young scorers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has come up in a hurry. He averaged 31.4 points per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder in last year's season and sealed a spot as one of the league's elites. Still, the Thunder bolstered this offseason with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein and, no matter who else they add, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to continue to be the team’s leading offensive option.
What has been so exciting about Gilgeous-Alexander’s game through the first 28 games is that he can create shots and score at all three levels. Whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up from the mid range, or knocking down 3 point shots; SGA has a skill set capable of scoring in many ways. Rookie Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams could help fill in on the offensive end, though it doesn’t seem like they’ll necessarily cut into Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring opportunities. And he's poised for another break out season, and could wind up in a battle for the scoring title.
5. Cam Thomas: The Wild Card
Perhaps the most interesting player on this list is Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets. Thomas averaged just 22.5 points per game last season, but 25.7 points per 36 minutes, limited playing time. Following the Nets’ trade of the second-leading scorer Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, Thomas will have plenty of opportunity to buck more of an offensive role.
Thomas has every incentive to put up big numbers this year, with more role possibilities in what could be a contract year, and there's every assurance his scoring ability won't go away. Thomas could also benefit fromBen Simmons returninghealthier, giving him better looks and better look efficiency. He may not be favored to win the scoring title, but Thomas is slated to be one to watch as he tries to make a name for himself in the league.
Honorable Mentions
Other stars can certainly push for scoring title besides the five players we've mentioned above. All of these guys are talented, all of these guys have the offensive firepower to challenge for the top spot, and Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards, and Victor Wembanyama.
And these five NBA players are destined to replicate their scoring prowess for the 2024 – 2025 NBA season. It’s the established supremacy of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic, the efficiency of Joel Embiid, the building star of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or the wild card proposition of Cam Thomas all jostling for the scoring title and it’s one of the most intriguing challengers of the year.
