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With the pace of the NBA continuing to increase year-on-year, many teams in the league are scoring at a frequency not seen since the 1980s. Teams scoring less than triple figures has become somewhat of a rare occurrence, and it is fair to say that most coaches around the league have decided to focus more on offense rather than protecting their own basket.
Due to an increased emphasis on offense, we are seeing several players around the league put up ridiculous offensive numbers on a nightly basis, and twelve players are currently averaging more than 25 points per contest. While most players excel in one area and play to their strengths, a few elite players have developed an all-around skillset, and here we will take a look at the five most versatile scorers in the league right now.
Also read: NBA History: 5 teams with the best home record in a season in history
#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Back in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the league with a limited offensive skill set, although the reigning MVP is now among the most dominant forces in the NBA. Averaging 29.7 points per game, Giannis is set to post a career-high in scoring for a seventh consecutive year, and the 25-year-old is also shooting 55.1 percent from the field.
Antetokounmpo's combination of strength and power make him an unstoppable force in transition, and the Milwaukee star has also improved his mid-range game. After shooting just 25.6 percent from beyond the arc last season, Giannis has increased his three-point accuracy to 31.4% - and while that number still has room for improvement, the Greek Freak is already one of the most rounded offensive forces in the NBA.
#4 Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled this season, although Damian Lillard is enjoying a career-year. The 29-year-old has scored 50 or more on four occasions and memorably averaged 48.8 points over a six-game stretch in late January and early February.
For the season, he is averaging 29.5 points on 46 percent shooting from the field - and there are virtually no weaknesses in Lillard's offensive skill set. In addition to being able to finish in traffic, Lillard can drill three-pointers from more than 30 feet - and despite the difficulty of his shots is connecting with almost 40 percent of his three attempts.
#3 Kawhi Leonard - LA Clippers
After entering the league in 2011, Kawhi Leonard averaged just 7.9 points during his rookie year, and the California native never managed more than 16.5 points during his first four seasons. However, Leonard has worked hard on the offensive side of his game, and the 28-year-old now finds himself as an elite force at both ends of the court.
Much of Leonard's offensive game revolves around his excellent and reliable jump shot, although the Clippers star can also knock down contested three's. Additionally, Leonard's ability to get to the basket and dunk with his left hand has earned plenty of praise, and the forward is on course to post a career-high in points per game.
#2 LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James turned 35 back in December, although the Los Angeles Lakers star remains among the best players in the NBA. While LeBron's defense is no longer at the same level it was during his days with the Miami Heat, his offense has shown no signs of decline - and the veteran is on course to average at least 25 points for a sixteenth consecutive season.
James still has the athleticism to finish at the rim like a freight train, and his enduring jump shot was on show as he hit the game-winner against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 23. He is also shooting 34.5 percent on a career-high 6.2 three-point attempts, and James looks set for a stay among the most versatile scorers for at least a few more years.
#1 James Harden - Houston Rockets
James Harden's defense may eventually stop him from being remembered as one of the greatest players of all time - although the Houston Rockets star has already earned his legacy as one of the most elite offensive players in NBA history. Averaging 35.3 points per game this season, Harden will post a 30+ point season for the third consecutive year, and even more impressively, the guard has averaged 29.6 points over 500 regular-season appearances since moving to the Rockets in 2012.
Able to score anywhere inside the oppositions half, Harden has perfected the step-back three - and the former OKC man can also get to the line at a historic frequency. Ultimately, Harden is a joy to watch - and it could be another decade before we see a player put up similar offensive numbers.
Also read: 5 NBA players to watch out for during the final stretch of the regular season
Guess the Lakers players!
