NBA Scoring title

[Teddy Roosevelt]

If Kobe won't be league's top scoring machine, who will?

In his first season as the focal point of the triangle offense, Kobe Bryant became the first player since Michael Jordan to average more than 35 points per game. With a year of experience in his pocket and a new number on his back, you might think Bryant is looking forward to tipping off what he's calling the second half of his career by continuing his run of scoring titles.
 
Not part of the plan.

Bryant recognizes how much more effective his Lakers were in last year's playoffs when he made a conscious effort to get them all involved. All of a sudden, a team that had needed him to hold them by the hand through the regular season flourished while he created. They nearly beat the Suns and maximized their potential. Bryant is now eager to reprise that role. He told the Orange County Register that L.A.'s "evolution" won't need him to score as much.

That leaves us a vacancy for scoring champion. I'd expect Bryant to remain among the league's top 10 point producers, but with the game moving in a faster-paced direction, it will likely take an average of 32-35 points per game to win this year's title. Here are the 10 top candidates to supplant Bryant:

Carmelo Anthony, Denver: It's very early, but Anthony is leading the preseason in scoring. He led Team USA in scoring over the summer. Spot a theme? 'Melo might be maturing later than 2004 draft classmates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, but he's trying to not be left behind. Armed with better range and a more accurate jumper, it's very possible Anthony can become the most complete scorer in the league.

Gilbert Arenas, Washington: He averaged more than 29 points per game last season and knocked down nearly 200 3-pointers. For a player still growing into the magnitude of his star, he's coming along quite nicely. The Wizards hope to make the jump from above-average Eastern Conference team to one that can legitimately compete for bigger things. Those chances fall on the shoulders of Arenas, who has never met a challenge he hasn't tackled head-on.

Allen Iverson, Philadelphia: Realistically, he'd have to be considered the favorite to win this year's scoring title, his fifth. He's coming off the two top statistical seasons of his career, topping 30-point and seven-assist averages, and has showed no signs of slowing down after hitting 30. The only thing that could derail his chances are the constant rumors that his days in Philly are numbered. That's likely to be an issue up until the trade deadline.

LeBron James, Cleveland: This could be the year James starts up a scoring title run, but that really isn't the type of player he's expected to be. His temperament and ability to create reminds you more of Magic Johnson than Jordan. But you have to take into account that he averaged over 31 points in just his third season and is undeniably the Cavs' most proficient scorer. Zydrunas Ilgauskas isn't Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Donyell Marshall sure isn't James Worthy. Blessed with an ability to get to the line whenever he feels like it, James might have every opportunity to average in the mid-30s.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: Unless you believe he hit his ceiling last year, Nowitzki remains a viable candidate to hang a scoring title on his resume. He averaged a career-high 26.6 points on 48 percent shooting in his first full season under Avery Johnson, and he's clearly in the midst of his prime. Dirk should also be driven by his pursuit of the NBA title that slipped out of his grasp last June.

Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, Houston: The M&M boys are a package deal because it's hard to predict who is going to stay healthier. That's a big point of discussion considering each is capable of carrying the load in the other's absence. Yao was at his best late in the season and might have turned the corner toward becoming an elite performer. McGrady still has the ability to drop 40 on you any given night. If they're able to stay off the IR, the Rockets will definitely return to contention.

Paul Pierce, Boston: Pierce has been a perennial All-Star since 2000, but he has never been as strong as he was last season. He took on more of a leadership role and did the majority of the work by example, averaging career highs in scoring, shooting percentage and free throw attempts. His young teammates should be improved with another year of experience, but Pierce will still get the majority of the scoring opportunities.

Jason Richardson, Golden State: Ecstatic about Don Nelson's arrival, Richardson is going to be a force as the beneficiary of a faster tempo. One of the league's top athletes, J-Rich is made for Nellie's offense, where he'll be able to excel both on the break and through Baron Davis-created opportunities in the halfcourt. His scoring average has risen in every season of his five-year career. Expect him to make it six when he breaks the 25.0-point plateau for the first time.

Dwyane Wade, Miami: Wade exploded for 27 points per game last season and was at his best as the year progressed. That's partially because of him replacing Shaquille O'Neal as the offensive focal point, and it's likely to be the case again this year with the big man again conserving energy for another run at a ring. It would be fitting if Wade, now a certified superstar, ends up taking over Bryant's scoring throne.

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9733449

[d-nice]

If it is not Kobe than Arenas

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

KOBE

[rik]

KOBE

[Tha G In Deee]

KOBE

[Mac 10 †]

KOBE

I am shocked that you picked Kobe, just shocked.

[everlast1986]

if not Kobe Gilbert Arenas will

[Just Another Sunny day in California]

ima go with Arenas or Kobe but don't count out King James

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Kobe will average less points than last year with more assists, I'd say about 32 and 6...But I think scoring will go down in general this year (especially with the new ball). last year was special, won't happen again...PeACe

[Lil White Azz]

Kobe......or paul pierce, why not 

[WC Iz Active]

1. Kobe
2. Lebron
3. Arenas
4. Iverson

[LAKERS_FAN89]

KOBE

[mrceo]

If not Kobe then Wade

[Antonio_]

#24. No contest.

[GangstaBoogy]

I voted A.I.

Kobe took a lot of shots last season because he had to. If his teammates step and play better and more consistantly, then his ppg will go down. Not by much tho, he's still gonna average ATLEAST 30.