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HOUSTON, TX — Longevity and lethal efficiency have officially pushed DeMar DeRozan into the NBA’s most exclusive scoring neighborhood.
In a Wednesday night matchup against the Houston Rockets, the NBA veteran carved his way through the record books, passing both John Havlicek (26,395) and Paul Pierce (26,397) to secure the No. 20 spot on the NBA All-Time Scoring List. By the time the final buzzer sounded, DeRozan sat at 26,406 career points. He is just 41 points shy of chasing down Stephen Curry for 19th.
Breaking the Havlicek Threshold
Passing “Hondo” is more than just a statistical quirk; it is a testament to an iron-man mentality. Havlicek was the gold standard of endurance and winning for the Celtics’ dynasty. For DeRozan to surpass him, primarily using his mid-range game, which is now considered a “relic” in a three-point obsessed era, is a profound accomplishment that cements his status as one of the 21st century’s most consistent offensive weapons.
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The Milestones: 17 seasons, 6 All-Star nods, 3 All-NBA selections, and now a Top-20 scoring mantle.
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The Pace: Averaging 18.6 PPG at age 36, DeRozan is on track to potentially pass Oscar Robertson (26,710) before the 2025-26 season concludes.
Is DeMar DeRozan the Most “Underrated” Great?
DeRozan’s lack of a deep playoff resume often leads critics to dismiss him as a “regular season floor-raiser.” However, the numbers demand respect. He is one of the few players in league history to average 20+ PPG for 12 consecutive seasons.
While modern analytics might scoff at his refusal to shoot high-volume triples, his ability to manipulate the whistle and master the 15-foot jumper has allowed him to outlast “flashier” scorers who relied solely on athleticism. He isn’t just “rising” on the list; he is outlasting the era he helped define.
The Ascent Continues: Who DeRozan Can Catch by Game 82
Passing “Hondo” and “The Truth” in a single night is a massive feather in DeRozan’s cap, but his climb through the record books this season is far from over. Based on his current scoring average of 18.6 PPG and his eligibility in the 23 games remaining in the Kings’ schedule, DeRozan is on a collision course with several more Hall of Famers.
If he maintains his current pace and remains healthy, here is the “Hit List” for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign:
Target Legend Career Points Points to Pass Estimated Games Needed Tim Duncan 26,496 90 5 Games George Gervin 26,595 189 10 Games Dominique Wilkins 26,668 262 14 Games Oscar Robertson 26,710 304 16 Games
