8 Dark Horse Candidates To Win The Scoring Title In 2024-25

When thinking about who might lead the NBA in scoring, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant are usually the safe bets. But what if we look beyond the obvious? There are a handful of players who, with the right opportunity or under the right circumstances, could leap into the scoring title conversation. It’s not just about the big names—it’s about the players who might get a bigger role, benefit from a new team setup, or are simply on the brink of a breakout season. In this article, we'll dive into the reasons behind our picks for dark horse candidates.

These choices come from careful analysis, whether it’s looking at last season’s usage rates, new roster compositions, or emerging trends in their game. We’ve done the homework—sifting through stats and reports—to highlight why these players could shock the league and climb to the top of the scoring charts. Each candidate is more than just a wild guess; they represent calculated risks based on their past performance and potential situations for 2024-25.

1. Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell had a fantastic 2023-24 season with the Cavaliers, showing that he’s one of the premier scorers in the league. He averaged 26.6 points per game across 55 games, and while his scoring took center stage, he also posted career-highs in rebounds (5.1) and assists (6.1). His true shooting percentage was strong at 59.5%, and he remained a lethal threat from deep, hitting 36.8% of his 9 attempts per game. For the Cavaliers, Mitchell was the motor that drove their offense—whether it was creating his own shot, pulling up from three, or setting up teammates when defenses collapsed on him.

What makes Mitchell such an intriguing candidate to lead the league in scoring this upcoming season is his offensive load. His usage rate last season was a staggering 32.1%, meaning he was involved in over a third of the team's plays while on the court. With the Cavaliers not making any significant roster changes, it’s fair to say that Mitchell will continue to have the ball in his hands, leading their offensive charge.

Advanced metrics further back this up. With Mitchell on the floor, the Cavaliers' offensive rating jumped to 121, compared to just 108 without him, highlighting just how pivotal he is to their offensive success. Even though Darius Garland handles some of the playmaking, it’s Mitchell who gets the tough buckets when it counts. His ability to score from all three levels makes him extremely difficult to defend.

Looking forward to the 2024-25 season, it’s reasonable to expect Donovan Mitchell to step up his scoring even more. With the Cavaliers looking to make a deeper playoff run, there will be a greater emphasis on Mitchell leading the way offensively. If he can stay healthy (a big if considering he's had injury issues in the past), we could easily see him average around 33 points per game. Mitchell is in his prime, just signed a big extension for three years with the Cavs , and will likely be given every opportunity to continue to shine as the go-to scorer.

Given his growing leadership role and the team's reliance on him, Mitchell is well-positioned to make a serious run at the scoring title. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix, averaging around 33-34 points per game next season as he continues to shoulder the offensive load for the Cavaliers.

2. Trae Young

Trae Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game during the 2023-24 season while playing 54 games for the Hawks . Despite those solid numbers, Young's season wasn’t as successful as it could’ve been, as the Hawks were inconsistent, and their defense suffered, contributing to his net rating of -2.2 on the floor. Still, his usage rate of 30.7% showed how central he is to their offense. The Hawks had an offensive rating of 119.5 with him on the court, proving that when he’s leading, their offense remains one of the most potent.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, with Dejounte Murray no longer on the team, Young will need to shoulder even more of the scoring load. His free-throw efficiency, at 85.5%, and his ability to consistently get to the line (7.5 attempts per game) will be crucial in boosting his scoring numbers. Without another significant scoring threat alongside him, it’s easy to see Young pushing into the 35 points per game territory.

As the Hawks enter what looks like a transition phase, Young is their offensive motor, and it wouldn't be surprising if he not only matches but surpasses his previous numbers. His improved shot selection and three-point shooting (37.2%) could see him crack the top tier of NBA scorers this season.

3. Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is heading into the 2024-25 season with huge expectations after a breakout year in which he averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. His stellar performance earned him Most Improved Player honors and his first-ever All-Star selection. Maxey’s role in the 76ers' offense has only grown, especially after signing a five-year, $204 million extension , locking him in as one of the franchise's pillars alongside Joel Embiid and newly signed Paul George.

The pressure is on for Maxey to continue evolving as both a scorer and playmaker, especially given Embiid’s injury concerns. Embiid missed significant time last season, and with his well-documented injury history, it’s possible that Maxey will need to carry even more of the load in stretches where Embiid may not be at 100%. Last season, Maxey already demonstrated that he could step up when needed, and his offensive versatility makes him a dangerous weapon in the 76ers' system.

The addition of Paul George will shake things up. George, a proven two-way star, brings more firepower and defensive strength, which could open up the floor for Maxey to operate more freely. If Embiid stays healthy, this trio could develop into one of the most potent in the league. But if Embiid misses time, Maxey might be thrust into an even larger scoring role. With his ability to shoot from deep (nearly 38% from three last year) and his rapid improvement in playmaking, Maxey could push his scoring closer to 30 points per game if he becomes the primary offensive option for stretches.

Beyond the numbers, Maxey has consistently shown growth in his game, both on and off the ball. His chemistry with Embiid in pick-and-roll situations has been a key part of the 76ers' offense, and as the team continues to integrate George, Maxey’s role as the primary ball-handler will likely increase. His ability to control the tempo and make quick decisions will be vital in Philly’s playoff push.

As the 76ers aim to dethrone the NBA champion Boston Celtics, the team’s hopes rest not just on Embiid and George but heavily on Maxey’s continued ascent. Given his trajectory, there’s no reason why he couldn’t step up even further this season, both as a scorer and a leader.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry remains an elite scorer as he heads into the 2024-25 season. After averaging 26.4 points per game last season, Curry is still the heart and soul of the Warriors’ offense, even without Klay Thompson, who left for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2023-24, Curry showed that he can still carry the load, especially in games where Klay wasn’t available, bumping his scoring to an impressive 33.2 points per game in those situations.

Curry also has the ability to take over games, as shown by his efficient shooting. He knocked down 40.8% of his threes and maintained a true shooting percentage of 61.6%, showing his elite efficiency even at this stage of his career. With more responsibility on Curry’s shoulders to be the primary scorer, it's possible to see him once again climbing back into the 33-34 points per game range.

Curry’s history as a scorer also adds to his potential this season. He won the NBA scoring title in 2021 with an average of 32.0 points per game, proving that he can take over the league’s scoring leaderboard when needed. With Golden State’s lineup shifting and the pressure on Curry to keep the Warriors competitive in a tough Western Conference, he has a real chance to make a push for the scoring crown again.

Overall, with Draymond Green still on board to handle defense and create shots for others, Curry will have plenty of chances to maximize his scoring opportunities. His leadership and ability to adapt to changes in the roster will play a big role in whether the Warriors can contend, and he’s poised for another standout season on the offensive end.

Related: 1 Player From Each NBA Team Who Will Take A Leap To Another Level This Season

5. De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox has steadily evolved into one of the top point guards in the league, and the 2023-24 season was yet another leap for the Sacramento Kings star. He averaged 26.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds over 74 games, cementing himself as the team's top offensive option. Fox's shooting has also improved significantly, hitting 36.9% from three-point range on nearly eight attempts per game, which has made him even harder to guard.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Kings have bolstered their roster by adding DeMar DeRozan, but make no mistake—Fox is still the heart of this offense. With Domantas Sabonis anchoring the frontcourt, Fox continues to drive Sacramento’s high-paced attack. Last season, the Kings ranked in the top six in offensive rating, largely thanks to Fox's ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates.

One of the key factors for Fox’s continued growth as a scorer has been his consistency. His ability to push the pace and dominate in transition makes him one of the quickest and most dangerous guards in the league. On top of that, his improvements from the free-throw line (almost 74% last season) have helped him maximize his scoring, especially in close games.

With the Kings looking to build on last season’s play-in exit, Fox is in a position to take another step forward. Given his role and the team’s reliance on his offensive output, it's realistic to expect Fox to push his scoring average closer to 30 points per game this season, especially with Sacramento aiming to return to the playoffs and make some noise in the Western Conference.

If Fox can stay healthy and continue to improve his shooting efficiency, he could emerge as one of the league’s top scorers in 2024-25. The Kings will be counting on him to lead the charge, and with his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability, he's poised for a breakout season on the big stage.

6. Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is ready to take over the league, and his 2023-24 season proves he's on the brink of superstardom. He averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 79 games, earning his second All-Star appearance and becoming the undisputed leader of the Timberwolves. His athleticism and scoring ability at all three levels make him a nightmare for defenses, and he’s only getting better. He’s one of those guys who, when he gets hot, is virtually unstoppable.

The Timberwolves clearly see him as their future, which is why they locked him down with a five-year, $207 million extension last year (which could balloon to $260 million with incentives). This deal kicks in for the 2024-25 season, so you know Edwards is going to be the face of Minnesota for a long time. Having Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt takes some of the pressure off him, but make no mistake—this is Edwards’ team.

What really sets Edwards apart is his growth in big moments. Last season, he stepped up when the Timberwolves needed him most, and he’s already proven he can lead this team deep into the playoffs. After a stellar regular season, Edwards was lights out in the playoffs, averaging 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, as the Wolves made a surprise run all the way to the Western Conference Finals. That experience, combined with his relentless work ethic, has him primed to make an even bigger leap this season.

You can tell his confidence is through the roof. When Edwards dropped 51 points on the Wizards in April, it was a statement that he’s more than just an explosive athlete—he’s becoming one of the most complete scorers in the game. His shooting improved last season, with 46.1% from the field and 35.7% from three, and he’s deadly at the free-throw line, hitting 83.6% of his attempts. Those numbers will only get better as he continues to refine his game.

Looking ahead to 2024-25, Edwards could easily push his scoring into the 30 points per game range. With the Wolves building their offense around him and his usage rate expected to rise, he’s set to take on an even larger offensive role. If he keeps up his current trajectory, he could easily become one of the top scorers in the league, if not the top guy. Minnesota’s counting on him to lead them back to the playoffs, and if Edwards gets rolling, don’t be surprised if he ends up with the scoring title.

7. Devin Booker

Devin Booker is heading into the 2024-25 season primed to dominate after a stellar 2023-24 campaign. He averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 71 games for the Phoenix Suns. Booker has been the centerpiece of the Suns' offense, and his ability to take over games, particularly in clutch moments, has solidified his status as one of the top scorers in the league. His performance in the playoffs further cemented this, as he dropped 49 points in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first round of the 2024 playoffs.

Booker is also on the brink of history. He's set to become the all-time leading scorer in Phoenix Suns history, needing just 1,138 points to surpass Walter Davis. Considering Booker’s consistent production, he’ll likely achieve this milestone by mid-season, further boosting his case as one of the greatest Suns players ever.

What makes Booker’s scoring so deadly is his efficiency. Last season, he shot 49.2% from the field, 36.4% from three, and an elite 88.6% from the free-throw line. With Kevin Durant still on the team and the addition of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris to help facilitate the offense, Booker is set to get even more opportunities for open looks.

Heading into 2024-25, it's entirely possible for Booker to raise his scoring average to 33-34 points per game. With the Suns pushing for a deep playoff run and more responsibility falling on his shoulders, Booker is well-positioned to challenge for the scoring title. If he continues at this pace, not only will he break the Suns' records, but he could also lead the league in scoring for the first time in his career.

8. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is gearing up for a pivotal season after a rollercoaster 2023-24 campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans . Last year, he played a career-high 70 games, which was a big step forward for a player who has struggled to stay on the court. Despite some bumps along the way, Zion still averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, showing his all-around game is as strong as ever.

One of the biggest things that stood out from Zion’s season was his improved playmaking. Surrounded by talented scorers like CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, Zion didn’t need to carry the entire offensive load and was able to focus more on creating for his teammates. He hit a career-high 5.0 assists per game, all while keeping his turnovers down to 2.8 per game, a sign of his growing maturity and basketball IQ.

Going into 2024-25, Zion’s goals are clear. First, he’s aiming to stay healthy for at least 65 games, a key benchmark to qualify for major awards like All-NBA selections. Second, Zion is looking to expand his game by improving his three-point shooting—he hit just 33% from deep last season. If he can get that percentage up to around 35%, he could add another dimension to his offensive arsenal.

With the Pelicans bolstering their roster adding Dejounte Murray and aiming for a contending run, Zion’s role will be even more crucial. If he continues to stay healthy and build on last season’s success, he could easily push his scoring into the 30 points per game range. Given his combination of power, agility, and improved playmaking, Zion has a real shot at being one of the top scorers in the league this year if he avoids injuries.

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