Top 5 NBA players with highest career usage rate in NBA history featuring Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and more

NBA stars are becoming more and more versatile. As a result, usage rate has become a common statistic to measure a player's value.

For context, usage rate is the percentage of team plays involving a single player while he is on the floor. That being said, here are some of the all-time leaders in the metric.

Top 5 highest career usage rates in NBA history:

5) Kobe Bryant

Kicking off the list is LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. In his 20 NBA seasons, the five-time champion posted a career usage rate of 31.8%.

It's not surprising to see Bryant on this list, given that he is one of the greatest scorers in league history. Following the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, he became the focal point of the Lakers' offense for more than a decade.

Los Angeles Lakers v San Antonio Spurs

4) Russell Westbrook

One player who is the most expected to be on this list is Russell Westbrook. While his best days are behind, the former MVP has a career usage rate of 32%.

Westbrook falls under the category of star players who could do it all. He is one of only two players in NBA history to average a triple-double for a single season. On top of that, Westbrook is the only player to do it multiple times.

Los Angeles Lakers v San Antonio Spurs

3) Trae Young

Next up is Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. Still in the early stages of his NBA journey, he has a usage rate of 32.7%.

While Young is only six-foot-one, he has quickly become one of the league's top point guards. His ability to score and facilitate at a high level is why he is on this list. The Hawks' offense runs through him. He led all players last season in total points and assists.

Miami Heat v Atlanta Hawks

2) Michael Jordan

Coming in at number two is arguably the greatest player of all-time: Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. He three-peated twice, winning a total of six championships in the 1990's.

From the moment he entered the league, MJ showed great potential. His ability to score at will made him the go-to guy for the Bulls. After 13 legendary seasons in Chicago, he cemented himself among the all-time greats.

2019 NBA All-Star Game

1) Joel Embiid

Rounding out the top five is Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. He has a usage rate of 34.5% for his career, one-and-a-half percent higher than Jordan.

Since he's stepped foot on an NBA court, Embiid has proven to be a generational talent. He adds more to his game each season. His emergence as the league's most dominant big man has led to him finishing second in MVP voting in back-to-back seasons.

The 76ers have always run their offense through Embiid, and rightfully so. Given that he's also improved as a facilitator, it's not surprising to see his usage rate so high.

Minnesota Timberwolves v Philadelphia 76ers