About NBA Career Averages
Career averages tell the story of a player's entire body of work. While single-season peaks capture moments of brilliance, career numbers reflect consistency, longevity, and sustained excellence. Michael Jordan's 30.1 career PPG remains the highest in NBA history for a retired player.
This database includes all 250 of the greatest players in NBA history, from pioneers like George Mikan to modern stars. Use the sort and filter tools above to explore the data from any angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the highest career PPG in NBA history?
Michael Jordan holds the record with 30.1 career PPG. Wilt Chamberlain is second at 30.1 as well (rounded, Jordan leads by a fraction). Among active players, several are on pace to challenge this.
How many players have averaged a triple-double for their career?
No player has averaged a career triple-double, but Oscar Robertson (25.7/7.5/9.5) and Russell Westbrook came the closest. It requires extraordinary consistency across decades.
Why do older players have higher rebounding averages?
The pace of play was significantly faster in the 1950s-1970s, resulting in more missed shots and therefore more rebounding opportunities per game. Era-adjusted stats help normalize these differences.
What does Games Played tell us about a player?
Games Played is a measure of durability and longevity. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560 GP), Karl Malone (1,476 GP), and LeBron James (1,492+ GP) sustained elite play across nearly two decades.