As the NBA embarks on its 77th season, the excitement among fans is palpable, not just for the games but for the significant milestones and anniversaries that the 2023-24 season promises. From trade requests to historic scoring quests, here’s a glimpse into what makes this season extra special.
2023-24 NBA Trade Requests and Milestones
Damian Lillard and James Harden are two All-Stars who’ve been at the center of trade rumors, adding a layer of intrigue to this season. Beyond their trade drama, both players are chasing individual milestones.
Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ all-time leader in points and 3-pointers, is just 169 assists away from surpassing the franchise record. Meanwhile, Harden, amidst the Philadelphia 76ers drama, has an opportunity to secure a significant career record. He’s 220 3-pointers away from overtaking Ray Allen for second place on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list.
LeBron James: Chasing 40,000 Points
LeBron James, arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time, made history last season by becoming the all-time leading scorer. With 38,652 points to his name, he’s now eyeing another remarkable milestone – 40,000 points. This would make him the first player to achieve such a feat.
James needs 1,348 more points to reach this milestone, which is certainly attainable. Given his career average of 27.2 points per game, he could achieve this milestone by his 49th game this season. It’s an achievement that would further solidify his legendary status.
Kevin Durant: Climbing the Scoring Ladder
Kevin Durant, known for his scoring prowess, is also on a quest to climb the all-time scoring leaderboard. He requires 518 points to surpass legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, and Moses Malone, securing the 10th-most points in NBA history.
Durant’s journey continues with the Phoenix Suns in his second year with the team. Despite injury setbacks last season, he remains a formidable scorer. If he maintains his health, consistency, and career average of 27.3 points per game, he could reach this milestone by his 18th game of the season.
For Durant to break into the top 8, he would need 1,705 points to surpass Shaquille O’Neal and Carmelo Anthony. While achievable, it would require him to stay on the court consistently, a challenge given his recent injury history.
Streaks in the Spotlight
Two of the NBA’s brightest stars are also looking to maintain their impressive streaks. LeBron James, entering his 21st season, has an astonishing record of scoring 10 or more points in 1,151 consecutive regular-season games, a streak that he aims to extend in the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Denver Nuggets.
Stephen Curry, renowned for his long-range shooting, holds the record for the most 3-pointers in NBA history. He’ll be looking to increase his beyond-the-arc scoring streak, having made at least one 3-pointer in 245 consecutive regular-season games, the longest such streak in NBA history. Additionally, Curry boasts a record of multiple made 3-pointers in 56 consecutive regular-season contests.
Anniversaries Worth Celebrating
Beyond individual achievements, the 2023-24 NBA season also commemorates significant anniversaries and historic moments:
Five-year anniversary of Gregg Popovich becoming the winningest coach in NBA history: On April 13, 2019, Popovich earned his 1,413th win, surpassing Lenny Wilkens, to become the NBA’s winningest coach. With five NBA championships and a recent Hall of Fame induction, Popovich seeks to lead the San Antonio Spurs back to the playoffs after a four-year absence.
As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing these milestones, records, and anniversaries that add depth and excitement to the world of NBA basketball. The 2023-24 season promises to be one for the history books, as legends and newcomers alike etch their names into the annals of the sport.
