NBA Players Who Lead In The Worst Stats Possible For The 2023-24 Season

In the high-flying world of the NBA, statistics usually highlight the best of the best—points scored, assists made, and games won. But there’s another side to those stats that doesn’t often get the spotlight. While nobody wants to lead in categories like turnovers, missed shots, or technical fouls, tracking these figures can offer a unique insight into the game’s demands and the pressure on top players.

In this light-hearted look at some of the NBA’s worst statistical leaders, we delve into the less glamorous side of basketball greatness, showcasing the players who, despite their prowess, also find themselves topping some of the categories they’d probably rather not.

Most Turnovers Committed

Turnover Leaders:

1. Luka Doncic – 282

2. Domantas Sabonis – 272

3. Victor Wembanyama – 260

While nobody aims to be at the top of this list, leading in turnovers can sometimes be a side effect of having the ball a lot and making plays. Luka Doncic, known for his dynamic playmaking, unfortunately, also leads the league with 282 turnovers. This stat just goes to show how much responsibility he takes on in the game, often being the primary ball-handler and decision-maker for his team.

Domantas Sabonis follows closely behind. His high turnover count can partly be attributed to his role as a facilitator from the post, where passing lanes can be tighter and the risks higher. Sabonis’s game revolves around making split-second decisions in crowded scenarios, which, while often leading to spectacular plays, also increases his turnover risk.

Victor Wembanyama, the rookie sensation, rounds out the top three. His inclusion here isn’t surprising given his extensive involvement in his team’s offensive schemes and the adjustment period typically required for young players adapting to the NBA’s pace and physicality. Wembanyama’s high turnover count reflects both his aggressive offensive role and the growing pains expected of a newcomer with such a heavy load.

Most Field Goals Missed

FG Missed Leaders:

1. Jalen Brunson – 858

2. Luka Doncic – 848

3. Anthony Edwards – 840

In basketball, missing shots is as much a part of the game as making them. Leading this category, Jalen Brunson missed 858 field goals, a testament to his role as a primary scorer who isn’t shy about taking his chances. This volume shooter status means that while he scores a lot, he also misses quite a bit—but it’s all in the service of trying to find the basket.

Luka Doncic appears again, this time with 848 missed shots. Similar to turnovers, his high number of missed field goals reflects his high usage rate. Doncic is central to his team’s offensive strategy, often taking difficult shots when plays break down or the shot clock expires. His willingness to take on this burden shows his importance to his team, even if it means missing more shots than most.

Anthony Edwards, with 840 missed shots, rounds out our list. Known for his explosive athleticism and ability to create his own shot, Edwards is another player who often finds himself with the ball when it’s crunch time. His aggressive approach to scoring means taking risks, and with risk comes the potential for reward—and for misses. As he matures, his shot selection might improve, but his daring style will likely always result in a high number of attempts and, consequently, misses.

Most 3-Pointers Missed

3P Missed Leaders:

1. Stephen Curry – 519

2. Luka Doncic – 460

3. Klay Thompson – 424

In the realm of 3-point shooting, even the best miss quite a bit. Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, tops this list with 519 missed three-pointers. This number highlights the sheer volume of shots Curry takes from beyond the arc, reinforcing the old adage that “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” His willingness to shoot from deep under any circumstances makes him a constant threat, even when his shots aren’t falling.

Luka Doncic appears yet again, this time with 460 missed three-point attempts. As a player who often creates his own shots, Doncic’s attempts come in various forms—pull-ups, step-backs, and under pressure, making each shot a high-difficulty endeavor. His high miss rate is a byproduct of the tough shots he takes, especially in crucial moments.

Klay Thompson, another legendary marksman, also makes this list with 424 missed three-pointers. Known for his quick release and ability to shoot in rhythm, Thompson’s role in the Warriors’ offense has him constantly launching from long range. Like Curry, Thompson’s misses are a side effect of the high volume of challenging shots he takes, underscoring his role as one of the key offensive threats on his team.

Most Free Throws Missed

FT Missed Leaders:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 268

2. Paolo Banchero – 154

3. Zion Williamson – 147

Free throw shooting can often be a tricky skill even for the most dominant of NBA players. Topping this list is Giannis Antetokounmpo with 268 missed free throws. Giannis’s free throw struggles are well-documented, as his aggressive play style frequently puts him at the line where his shooting mechanics sometimes falter. Despite this, his ability to get to the free-throw line is unmatched, reflecting his dominance in drawing fouls and asserting pressure on defenses.

Rookie of the Year winner Paolo Banchero comes in second with 154 missed free throws. As a young player, Banchero’s frequent trips to the free-throw line are indicative of his active and physical style of play. While his free throw shooting may need some fine-tuning, the fact that he’s getting fouled so often speaks to his effectiveness at driving and creating contact, a promising sign for a developing star.

Zion Williamson, known for his explosive athleticism and strength, is third with 147 missed free throws. Zion’s physicality ensures he is often in positions where fouls are inevitable. Like Giannis, his high number of attempts often comes with a higher miss rate. However, his ability to constantly challenge defenses and draw fouls is crucial for his team, highlighting his impact on the game beyond just shot-making.

Related: 10 Superstars Under The Most Pressure In 2024 NBA Playoffs

Blocks Received

Blocked Leaders:

1. Jaren Jackson Jr. – 122

2. Zion Williamson – 121

3. Collin Sexton – 113

Being blocked frequently is often a side effect of consistently challenging defenders in the paint, a characteristic of aggressive offensive players. Jaren Jackson Jr., topping this list with 122 blocks received, is a testament to his willingness to take risks inside. As a big man who often faces the league’s top rim protectors, Jackson’s high block rate reflects his role in attacking the basket and drawing attention away from perimeter shooters.

Zion Williamson is right behind with 121 blocks received. His explosive approach to the basket, combined with his strength, makes him a frequent target for shot blockers. Despite these blocks, Zion’s impact through drawing defenders and creating space cannot be underestimated. His ability to attract multiple defenders often leads to open shots for his teammates.

Collin Sexton rounds out the top three with 113 blocks received. Known for his speed and drive, Sexton frequently takes the ball to the rim against taller and bigger defenders. While this results in a higher number of his shots getting blocked, it also underscores his fearless approach and his role as a primary offensive initiator for his team. This stat, although not desirable, highlights his persistence and the challenges he faces in carving through defenses.

Technical Fouls

Techs Leaders:

T1. Dillon Brooks – 15

T1. Anthony Edwards – 15

3. Luka Doncic – 13

Leading the league in technical fouls might not be the most coveted stat, but it does speak volumes about a player’s passion and intensity on the court. Dillon Brooks and Anthony Edwards are tied for the lead with 15 technical fouls each. Brooks is known for his fiery competitive nature and sometimes confrontational style of play, which although it can lead to penalties, also exemplifies his commitment and defensive tenacity. His technicals often come from his interactions with opponents and referees, reflecting his all-in style of engagement.

Anthony Edwards shares the top spot, bringing a similar level of intensity and emotion to the game. His technicals are frequently a result of his outspoken nature and youthful vigor, which, while sometimes costing him and his team, are also part of what makes him an exciting player to watch.

Luka Doncic, with 13 technical fouls, also shows his emotional investment in the game. As the primary leader of his team, Doncic’s frustrations sometimes boil over, resulting in technicals. This, however, also demonstrates his deep care for the game and his desire to win, characteristics that define many of the greats in basketball history.

Personal Fouls

Fouls Leaders:

1. Jusuf Nurkic – 254

2. Domantas Sabonis – 250

3. Jordan Poole – 244

Leading in personal fouls can be indicative of a few things, notably aggressive defense and sometimes, a lack of discipline. Jusuf Nurkic, topping the list with 254 fouls, is a key defensive presence in the paint, where contact is frequent and often inevitable. His role as a center involves contesting shots and protecting the rim, which naturally leads to a higher foul count. While it’s a stat that might suggest a need for more cautious play, it also underscores his importance in defensive situations.

Domantas Sabonis is close behind with 250 personal fouls. As a big man known for his physical style of play both offensively and defensively, Sabonis often engages in tough battles under the basket. His high foul count reflects his role in the gritty aspects of the game, where he’s expected to rebound, defend, and compete for position constantly.

Jordan Poole, somewhat unusually for a guard, has accumulated 244 personal fouls, placing him third on the list. This high number could be attributed to his defensive style, which involves a lot of miscommunication this season. Poole’s defense, while trying to disrupt opponents, also leads to more fouls, which is something he might need to manage better to avoid giving away easy points on free throws.

Flagrant Fouls

Flagrant Leaders:

1. Brandon Miller – 4

T2. DeMar DeRozan – 3

T2. Jordan Poole – 3

Flagrant fouls are notable for their severity and potential impact on player safety, and leading this statistic is something players generally aim to avoid. Brandon Miller tops this list with four flagrant fouls. Although a small number overall, in the realm of flagrants, it’s significant. This suggests moments of perhaps overly aggressive play or challenges that crossed the line into unsafe territory. It’s a reminder of the fine line players walk between tough defense and unacceptable conduct.

DeMar DeRozan and Jordan Poole are tied for second, each with three flagrant fouls. DeRozan, known for his composed style of play, showing up on this list might surprise some. His inclusion reflects the occasional lapses that even the most controlled players can have in the heat of competitive play. For Poole, these flagrants might indicate moments of frustration or perhaps defensive misjudgments, which can happen in high-pressure situations.

While flagrant fouls are less common than other types of infractions, they are taken very seriously due to their potential to cause harm. Players leading in this category will likely be under scrutiny to adjust their approach to ensure that their physicality remains within the rules of the game.

Ejections

Ejections Leaders:

1. Draymond Green – 4

2. Jalen Duren – 3

3. Chris Paul – 2

Ejections are dramatic and usually indicate a boiling over of tension or frustration on the court. Draymond Green, leading with four ejections, is not a stranger to this kind of intensity. Known for his fiery demeanor and passionate play, Green’s leadership style often toes the line between highly motivational and overly aggressive. His ejections tend to come from moments where his competitive spirit surpasses the boundaries set by referees.

Jalen Duren, a relatively new face compared to Green, follows with three ejections. For a younger player, such incidents can be part of the learning curve in the NBA, highlighting the need to balance aggression with control. These moments are often valuable learning experiences for emerging talents on managing emotions during high-stakes situations.

Chris Paul, with two ejections, might come as a surprise given his veteran status and known basketball IQ. However, Paul’s ejections likely reflect his role as a team leader who sometimes takes it upon himself to challenge calls and decisions passionately, which can occasionally lead to confrontations with officials or opposing players.

Overall, while ejections are not desirable, they often reflect a player’s commitment and intensity. For teams, managing these players’ fiery personalities is crucial, ensuring they channel their passion productively without crossing the line.

Related: 2023-24 NBA League Leaders: Luka Doncic Wins First Career Scoring Title

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