NBA stats milestones in reach for top stars

James has played 1,506 games as of Nov. 20 so it would take him playing 55 of the remaining 68 games to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second-most games played all-time. Though he was limited to 56 and 55 games in 2022 and 2023, respectively, King James returned to Iron Man status last season after playing 71 games. He has appeared in all 14 games so far this season. If he passes Abdul-Jabbar, James could pass Robert Parish (1,611) next season.
Paul and Kidd’s careers have mirrored each other’s, with both guards serving as the premier facilitators of their eras. Paul is 70 assists behind Kidd as of Nov. 20 and is off to an excellent start this year with his new team, the San Antonio Spurs. Through 15 games, Paul is averaging 8.5 assists and could catch Kidd well before the New Year with that pace.
Vučević sits at 9,583 rebounds as of Nov. 20 and is pulling down 9.9 rebounds per game this season. That pace extrapolated over the remaining 67 games would have him sail past the 10,000-rebound milestone by nearly 250 boards.
George has been one of the more reliable sharpshooters in the NBA during his era. From his first All-Star season (2013) through the 2024 campaign, George averaged 2.9 made 3s at a 38.7% clip. He has yet to find his shooting stroke the way fans are accustomed to this season as he’s sitting at 28% from 3-point land and making 2.1 triples per game. Still, he is fewer than 20 3s away from passing Jason Terry for 10th on the all-time list. It wouldn’t be long before he scoots past Vince Carter for ninth (2,290) but it will be difficult for him to pass LeBron James (2,442; 8th) who leads him by nearly 200 3s and is still playing at a high level.
Jokić reaching this mark so early in his career underlines the level of dominance he’s been operating since his breakout season in 2019. He racked up 12 triple-doubles that season and has had no fewer than 15 in any of the last four seasons. Jokić is showing no signs of slowing down, either. He has posted a triple-double in six of his 10 games this season and is just two shy of tying Magic Johnson for third all-time before setting his sights on Oscar “Big O” Robertson for second all-time (181).