When talking about the best shooters in NBA history, I can't help but start with Stephen Curry. This guy revolutionized how basketball is played, shooting those deep three-pointers like they’re layups. Curry's accuracy and high volume from beyond the arc have shattered multiple records. In the 2015-2016 season, he made an astonishing 402 three-pointers, a number that seemed impossible a few years earlier. This incredible achievement didn't just elevate his team's performance but redefined the modern NBA game, steering it towards a more perimeter-oriented style.
Ray Allen is another name that immediately comes to mind. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, Allen was the owner of the all-time record for most three-pointers made, with 2,973 threes by the end of his career. People often remember his clutch shot in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the Spurs. With the clock winding down, and the Heat facing elimination, Allen's perfect form tied the game and shifted the series momentum. Moments like these highlight why he stands among shooting elites.
Reggie Miller was also exceptional, known for his deadly accuracy and competitive edge. Shooting 39.5% from three-point range during his 18-year career, Miller wasn't just a stat machine; he was notorious for his late-game heroics. Remember the 8 points in 9 seconds against the New York Knicks in 1995? That wasn't just shooting skill; it was mental fortitude and clutch performance under pressure. Such moments solidified Miller's place in the pantheon of top shooters.
Larry Bird deserves mention for his uncanny ability to hit tough shots. While primarily a forward, Bird's shooting skills stretched defenses thin. In an era with fewer three-point attempts, Bird still managed a career average of 37.6% from deep. But what really sets him apart were his performances in defining moments. Winning the first three three-point contests at All-Star Weekend from 1986 to 1988 showed his prowess. Bird's confidence was so supreme, he'd reportedly walk in and ask, "Who's coming in second?"
Klay Thompson, Curry's Splash Brother, cannot be overlooked. His quick release and ability to get hot in an instant make him one of the most feared shooters. Dropping 37 points in a single quarter against the Kings in 2015 set the NBA record for most points in a quarter. That display was nothing short of mesmerizing. Unlike other shooters, Thompson doesn’t need the ball in his hands for long. His off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot skills are unmatched.
Steve Nash, primarily known as a pass-first point guard, also ranks highly on shooting efficiency. Few players have joined the exclusive 50-40-90 club — field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free throw percentage, respectively. Nash did it four times. His command over shooting mechanics and shot selection was impeccable, illustrating how shooting isn't always about volume but also precision and understanding the best shots to take.
Dirk Nowitzki brought the big man shooting to another level. His signature one-legged fadeaway became one of the most unguardable moves in basketball. Dirk shot 47.1% from the field and 38% from three-point range in his career, remarkable numbers for a seven-footer. His ability to stretch the floor as a power forward was a precursor to the modern "stretch four" role, making him an invaluable asset to the Dallas Mavericks for over 20 years.
Kevin Durant, with his near seven-foot frame, is another unique shooter. Combining height, shooting touch, and handles, Durant’s ability to pull up from beyond the arc is unfair for most defenders. Shooting over 38% from three and 49.9% from the field for his career, Durant exemplifies efficiency and versatility. His multiple scoring titles and two NBA championships attest to his incredible talent.
Talking about shooters without mentioning the old-school legend Jerry West would be an oversight. Known as "Mr. Clutch," West played before the three-point line existed but often shot from what would now be three-point range. Had that line existed, his already impressive scoring numbers would likely be far greater. Not just a prolific shooter, West epitomized accuracy and precision in an era of grinding defenses.
Peja Stojaković also deserves some recognition. During his time in the league, Peja was one of the most reliable long-distance shooters. Between 1998 and 2011, he consistently maintained close to a 40% three-point shooting average. Peja's role in the early 2000s Sacramento Kings, a team noted for its shooting and pace, showcased how European players could excel with a shooting-specialist mentality.