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To be a great NBA player, having short memories is essential. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for the most points scored in the league's history; however, he is also among the top ten on this list.
Missing shots can be devastating as superstars come under heavy fire, especially if the team loses. The ability to rise above and continue to work on delivering the goods night after night is what makes superstars in the NBA.
It is impossible to be perfect from the field throughout one's career that lasts years. Fatigue, tight defense and, on occasion, anxiety are factors that affect players in the NBA on any given night.
While players are expected to consistently stay productive, the best they can do is take higher percentage shots and continue to practice. Some of the biggest names in NBA history have ridiculous amounts of missed shots, but it did not define their careers. As Michael Jordan once said, "I have failed over and over again in life, and that's why I succeed."
Although every player in the NBA is guilty of missing shots almost every night, let's look at the top five in the league's history.
#5 Karl Malone - 12,682 missed shots
Karl Malone is an Utah Jazz legend, as he spent 18 of his 19 seasons in the NBA at Salt Lake City. His era was the most successful in franchise history.
Although Malone missed 12,682 shots throughout his career, he is ranked second on the all-time points leaders (36,928) standings. He benefitted greatly from his partnership with John Stockton, the NBA's all-time assists leader.
The Louisiana Tech graduate averaged 25 points and 10.1 rebounds in his entire career while shooting 51.6% from the field. He won the NBA MVP award twice and has his N0. 32 jersey hanging in the Jazz' rafters.
#4 LeBron James - 12,701 missed shots
LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, and he has since then played at the highest level. He is the only active NBA player on this list, which suggests that there is a chance he will move up the list.
While that is not an entirely good thing, it is indisputable. In a bid to get on the scoresheet and, in some cases, bail out his teammates, he will undoubtedly miss some shots.
The Akron native is third on the NBA's all-time points leaders list and is within range to overtake Malone. We will be seeing more of LeBron in the NBA as he is approaching 37. His top-of-the-line fitness routine and desire to play with his son in the NBA might see him stay active until at least the 2024 season.
Also read: Michael Jordan vs. Lebron James Comparison
#3 Elvin Hayes - 13,296 missed shots
Elvin Hayes was the 1st overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft. He was selected by the then-San Diego Rockets before joining the Wizards further down in his career.
As expected, Hayes was also a top scorer in the NBA, finishing with 27,313 points, and is currently ranked 11th on the all-time points leaderboard. His field goal percentage stands at .452 because he had to take a lot of shots. He was the main scorer on his team and was often looked upon for production.
Hayes was the NBA's scoring champion in his rookie season and led the Washington Bullets to a championship in 1978. Although he missed 13,296 shots in his 16-year career, he remains one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history.
#2 John Havlicek - 13,417 missed shots
John Havlicek played for the Boston Celtics in his entire NBA career after he was drafted in 1962. He won eight NBA championships in his 16-year career, four of which came in his first four years in the NBA.
Havlicek shot 43.9% from the field in his career, missing 13,417 shots. Even with that many missed shots, he scored 26,395 points in his career.
James was part of a dominant Celtics era and is the third-highest NBA title winner in league history. The Boston Celtics legend was arguably the first true swingman in NBA history, as it was difficult to define his position. He had the handles of a guard and could also function as a forward.
#1 Kobe Bryant - 14,481 missed shots
Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly one of the greatest Laker and NBA players as a whole. He spent his entire 20 seasons with the LA Lakers and brought five titles to the city.
Bryant was a very daring player. He looked to dominate every game despite having superstars like Shaquille O'Neal and Pau Gasol as teammates.
The Black Mamba was effective from the field, and at the same time, missed a lot of shots. His 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 is the second-most points scored in a single game in league history. Wilt Chamberlain holds the N0. 1 spot with his 100-point game in 1962.
Bryant scored a total of 33,643 points in his career, ranking 4th on the all-time points leaders list.
Also Read: Who is Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa Bryant?
