Dwyane Wade Sees Kevin Durant Finishing Second on NBA’s All-Time Scoring List
Dwyane Wade projects Kevin Durant to finish second on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, citing his consistency and LeBron James’ growing lead
- Surbhi Khera
- 5 min read
Numbers in the NBA do more than fill stat sheets; rather they build legacies that outlast eras. The all-time scoring list, in particular, has become a running chronicle of greatness, tracking not just talent but endurance. As active players continue to climb up the ladder, the hype around them continues to be the talk of the town.
In recent seasons, the race has taken on renewed intensity with multiple legends still shaping the leaderboard. NBA King, LeBron James continues to extend his lead at the top, while Kevin Durant steadily moves upward with consistent high-scoring performances. The overlap of eras has made comparisons more immediate and more complex.
Durant’s rise gained further traction after he surpassed Michael Jordan on the all-time list, placing him firmly among the highest scorers in league history. The milestone added another layer to an already evolving conversation about where current players will ultimately rank, likely reshaping historical standings.
It was in this context, during a podcast conversation, that Dwyane Wade shared his view on Durant’s final position. Wade ultimately indicated that Durant is most likely to end his career at number two on the all-time scoring list.
1. Dwyane Wade dishes out his No.2 projection among top NBA stars
Speaking on WHY Network podcast discussion, Dwyane Wade addressed Kevin Durant’s long-term position on the all-time scoring list. Wade stated that Durant is ‘probably number two, three at the very least,’ before adding that he ‘definitely feels he (Kevin Durant) is going to be number two at the end of this, when he is done.’ The remarks positioned Durant firmly within the top tier of scorers in NBA history. Durant is already among the leading scorers in league history, having crossed the 28,000-point mark and consistently averaging above 25 points per game across multiple seasons, according to the latest stats. His progression up the list has been steady, supported by longevity and efficiency across different teams and roles. These factors have kept him within reach of higher positions on the leaderboard. Wade also noted the uncertainty surrounding career timelines, saying ‘who knows how long he is going to play’ in the modern era. Player longevity has become less predictable, with factors such as injuries, workload management, and personal decisions influencing careers. This uncertainty remains one of the few variables in projecting final rankings. At the same time, Wade pointed to LeBron James as the primary obstacle to the top spot, stating that James is* ‘still going’ and ’not slowing down.*’ James currently holds the number one position on the all-time scoring list and continues to add to his total. This ongoing extension of the record raises the benchmark for any player attempting to surpass it.
2. Dwyane Wade on Durant’s recent overtake on Michael Jordan
The conversation also covered Wade’s remarks on Durant surpassing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list during the same podcast conversation. Wade referenced the milestone, noting ‘KD passing MJ,’ and highlighted how such moments quickly become central to league-wide discussions. The achievement marked a significant step in Durant’s climb through the rankings. Durant moved ahead of Jordan on the scoring list in 2026, a milestone that placed him among the top 5 scorers in NBA history. Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, finished his career with 32,292 points. Surpassing that total further solidified Durant’s standing among elite scorers. Wade also referenced Durant’s scoring output, noting that he can ‘wake up and score… 30-something points a game.’ Durant has maintained high scoring averages deep into his career, including multiple seasons averaging close to or above 30 points per game. This sustained production has been central to his rise on the leaderboard. However, the broader scoring race continues to evolve with active players still adding to their totals. LeBron James remains at the top with a record-breaking tally and is still active in the league. As a result, milestones such as surpassing Jordan serve as key markers, while the final positions remain dependent on both performance and career duration.
3. Durant’s evolution fuels rockets’ playoff push amid historic scoring climb
As of now, Kevin Durant’s rise up the NBA’s all-time scoring list is unfolding alongside a new chapter in Houston. On April 2, 2026, the Houston Rockets clinched a playoff berth, marking an early milestone in Durant’s tenure after his high-profile move from the Phoenix Suns. What initially appeared as a risk has quickly taken shape as a structured and effective transition.
In a 119–113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Durant’s performance reflected more than just scoring output. With 19 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds, he operated as a central playmaker, guiding the offense with control and balance. The numbers pointed to a broader shift in responsibility rather than a reliance on pure scoring. That adjustment has been consistent in recent games, with Durant averaging over eight assists across his last five outings. The added playmaking dimension has strengthened Houston’s offensive structure while coinciding with his continued climb in the scoring ranks. His position among the league’s top all-time scorers now reflects both longevity and adaptability. Currently fifth in the Western Conference, the Rockets face an uncertain but competitive playoff path, with potential matchups against top contenders. Durant’s availability remains a factor as he continues to manage heavy minutes. As Houston enters the postseason, his dual role as scorer and facilitator could prove decisive in shaping both team success and his individual legacy.