A long-standing NBA career helps a player create a lasting legacy. However, achieving milestones at a young age in the league is a validation of exceptional talent. The league’s dynamic structure helps youngsters achieve scoring feats. Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. joined the league in 2022 and scored 1,010 points in his rookie season.
With his spectacular scoring season in 2022-23, the 21-year-old forward became the ninth leading NBA scorer before turning 20. Apart from his incredible scoring, the Rockets youngster averaged 7.2 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.5 steals in 79 games. But who are the top five players with the most points in the NBA under 20?
5. Anthony Edwards
The latest NBA sensation, Anthony Edwards, had a superb outing with the gold-winning Team USA at the Paris Olympics in 2024. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Ant-Man as the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The two-time NBA All-Star played 72 games in his rookie season and scored 1,392 points in 2020-21.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Earners In NBA Ahead Of 2024-25 Season
4. Kevin Durant
The two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, is the second active player on the list after LeBron James. The 2014 NBA MVP joined the Seattle SuperSonics, which was relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, as the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 Draft. The Suns forward played 80 games in his rookie season, scoring 1,624 points.
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3. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony played 19 seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. In his rookie season, the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 Draft scored 1,725 points in 82 games. The 10-time NBA All-Star and the 2013 scoring champion is the third leading scorer under 20.
2. Kobe Bryant
The late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was picked 13th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. The five-time NBA champion made his NBA debut at 18 and played two full seasons under 20. In his rookie season, Kobe scored 539 points in 71 games, playing 15.5 points on average. He scored 1,220 points next season, starting just one game and with an average game time of 26 minutes.
1. LeBron James
The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron James, joined the NBA in 2003 at 18. The four-time NBA champion played 79 games in his rookie season, averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. In his second season, LeBron played 29 seasons before turning 20 and scored 2,362 career points.
Three of the top 5 scoring leaders under 20 are active in the NBA. In the 2024-25 NBA season, LeBron James will be playing his record-leveling 22nd season, while Kevin Durant will enter his 17th season as the eighth leading all-time scorer. The 79th NBA season will begin on October 22, with several milestones awaiting.
Also Read: LeBron James vs Kobe Bryant: Who Has More MVPs, Wins, NBA Championships, And Other Accolades?
