As I sit here scrolling through basketball statistics, I can't help but reflect on how social media has transformed how we discuss legendary players. Just the other day, I came across that fascinating quote from coach Lastimosa: "No, we did not talk about it. But I can't control what he posts on social media." This perfectly captures our modern dilemma - in today's digital age, players' legacies are being shaped not just on the court, but through every tweet and Instagram post they share. It makes me wonder how social media would have impacted the legacies of the true scoring legends from the NBA and ABA eras.
When I analyze the all-time scoring leaders, the conversation inevitably begins with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his monumental 38,387 points. Having watched countless hours of footage and studied scoring patterns across decades, I've developed what might be considered an unpopular opinion - longevity matters more than peak scoring bursts when evaluating true greatness. Kareem's skyhook wasn't just beautiful to watch; it was basketball perfection that remained effective for nearly two decades. The consistency required to maintain elite scoring for that duration is something we rarely appreciate enough in today's highlight-reel culture. Modern players like LeBron James, currently sitting at approximately 38,352 points and closing in fast, demonstrate this same remarkable durability that separates good scorers from legendary ones.
What fascinates me most is comparing scoring styles across different basketball eras. Having spoken with former ABA players at various charity events, I've gained unique insights into how the merger created the rich scoring tapestry we enjoy today. Players like Julius Erving brought that ABA flair to the NBA, scoring 30,026 combined points with a style that was simply revolutionary. His aerial artistry contrasted sharply with the ground-based dominance of Karl Malone, who racked up 36,928 points primarily through brute strength and impeccable timing. I've always preferred the high-flying scorers myself - there's something magical about players who can score in ways that defy conventional basketball logic.
The three-point revolution has completely reshaped how we perceive scoring greatness. Stephen Curry's rise fundamentally altered what constitutes an efficient scoring game. While he sits around 21,000 points currently, his impact transcends raw numbers - he proved that scoring from deep could be a primary weapon rather than a complementary skill. This evolution makes direct comparisons across generations particularly challenging. Do we value Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game and 31,419 career points more than modern efficiency? Personally, I believe context is everything - Chamberlain's dominance in his era was as impressive as any modern scoring achievement.
Looking at the current landscape, we're witnessing scoring at levels we never imagined possible. The game has opened up in ways that would have made the ABA pioneers proud. Kevin Durant's smooth 27,000-plus points and counting demonstrate how the hybrid scorer has become the new ideal - players who can score from anywhere, against any defense. As someone who's studied basketball metrics for over fifteen years, I'm convinced we're entering a golden age of scoring versatility. The legends of tomorrow are being forged right now, blending the best of traditional post play with unprecedented perimeter skills. What Lastimosa observed about social media's influence extends to scoring debates too - every great performance gets immediately dissected across platforms, creating instant legends and sometimes premature judgments. The true test remains consistent excellence over years, not just viral moments.