Top 10 Best Shooters of All Time Ranked

What sets apart the greatest shooters in the history of basketball? Is it their shooting stroke, their range, or their ability to perform in pressure situations? In this article, we delve into the world of basketball’s elite marksmen and rank the top 10 best shooters of all time. Prepare to be amazed by the precision, skill, and impact of these legendary shooters.

Key Takeaways:

• Stephen Curry revolutionized the game with his unmatched shooting off the dribble and long-range accuracy.
• Klay Thompson’s catch-and-shoot abilities and record-setting performances make him one of the deadliest shooters ever.
• Ray Allen’s shooting routine and clutch shooting propelled him to become one of the best shooters from both behind the arc and the free-throw line.
• Larry Bird’s shooting versatility and membership in the prestigious 50-40-90 club solidify his place among the greatest shooters.
• Reggie Miller’s influence as a shooter extends far beyond his playing days, inspiring future generations to perfect their craft.

1. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is a basketball player who has revolutionized the game with his incredible shooting skills. Known for his exceptional 3-point shooting, Curry ranks as the sixth-most accurate 3-point shooter in NBA history. What sets Curry apart is his ability to shoot off the dribble and his shooting range that extends beyond 30 feet. This has completely changed the way the game is played, as defenders now have to guard him tightly as soon as he crosses half-court.

One of Curry’s most remarkable seasons was in 2015-16 when he had a unanimous MVP season. During that season, he made an astonishing 402 3-pointers, establishing a new NBA record. Shooting at an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc, Curry’s performance that year is considered one of the greatest shooting seasons of all time.

2. Klay Thompson

In the realm of basketball, few players can match the shooting prowess of Klay Thompson. Renowned for his pure shooting form, Thompson has solidified his place as one of the best shooters in NBA history. His partnership with Stephen Curry in the Golden State Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” shooting backcourt was a sight to behold.

Thompson’s shooting exploits include a noteworthy feat – the record for the most 3-pointers made in a single game. On January 23, 2015, he lit up the court by sinking an incredible 14 shots from beyond the arc, surpassing the previous record and leaving fans and opponents alike stunned.

What sets Thompson apart from others is his ability to excel as a catch-and-shoot shooter. With lightning-quick releases and remarkable accuracy, Thompson can turn a seemingly impossible situation into a scoring opportunity. This catch-and-shoot mastery has led to mesmerizing scoring performances throughout his career.

Scoring 60 Points in Less Than 30 Minutes

One of Thompson’s most memorable scoring exhibitions occurred on December 5, 2016, when he erupted for an astonishing 60 points in just 29 minutes of play. This remarkable achievement showcased his unparalleled shooting prowess and highlighted his uncanny ability to generate offense in a short amount of time. It was a night that left basketball enthusiasts in awe, witnessing pure scoring brilliance at its finest.

To put Thompson’s shooting skills into perspective, here is a table showcasing his career statistics:

Klay Thompson’s shooting prowess is truly a force to be reckoned with. His record-breaking performances, catch-and-shoot expertise, and ability to score in bunches have solidified his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Whether he’s sinking 3-pointers with precision or dropping a barrage of points in a matter of minutes, Thompson continues to amaze fans and opponents alike with his remarkable shooting abilities.

3. Ray Allen

Ray Allen, known for his exceptional shooting skills, has cemented his place as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His dedication to his craft and meticulous shooting routine have been key factors in his success.

Allen maintained the same pregame shooting regimen throughout his career, which contributed to his consistency and accuracy on the court. This rigorous routine allowed him to develop muscle memory and fine-tune his shooting technique, enabling him to consistently knock down shots from various distances and angles.

One of Allen’s notable achievements is his remarkable free-throw shooting. He is considered one of the best shooters from the free-throw line, boasting a career free-throw percentage above 90 percent. This exceptional accuracy translated into valuable points for his teams, especially in crucial moments during games.

Furthermore, Allen’s ability to perform under pressure and hit clutch shots earned him the reputation of being a reliable and clutch shooter. He had a knack for hitting game-winners and making important shots when his team needed them the most, solidifying his status as a clutch player.

Ray Allen’s shooting prowess and consistent performance throughout his career have left a lasting impact on the game of basketball. His dedication to his craft, remarkable shooting routine, exceptional free-throw percentage, and clutch shooting make him an unforgettable figure in the history of the sport.

4. Larry Bird

Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was a lethal shooter with unmatched versatility and accuracy. Known for his shooting prowess from all areas of the court, Bird excelled as a mid-range shooter and displayed remarkable accuracy from behind the arc.

What set Bird apart was his ability to consistently deliver exceptional shooting performances. He is one of only eight players in NBA history to achieve membership in the exclusive 50-40-90 club, an elite group of players who have achieved shooting percentages of 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range, and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

Let’s take a closer look at Bird’s shooting versatility:

• Mid-range shooting: Bird’s mid-range game was a thing of beauty. With his smooth shooting stroke and impeccable footwork, he could score effortlessly from mid-range, making him nearly unstoppable in one-on-one situations.
• Accuracy from behind the arc: Bird’s shooting accuracy extended beyond the mid-range. He consistently knocked down 3-pointers with precision, forcing defenders to contest his shot from deep.

Above all, Bird’s shooting skills were a key part of his overall dominance as a player. Be it scoring in clutch situations or creating opportunities for his teammates, Bird’s shooting abilities made him a force to be reckoned with on the court.

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5. Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time. He left an indelible mark on the game of basketball with his exceptional shooting skills, making him a feared shooter in his era. Miller held the record for the most made 3-pointers until Ray Allen surpassed him, solidifying his status as the all-time leader in made 3-pointers.

What set Miller apart was his ability to perform well in high-pressure situations. He was known for hitting clutch shots when it mattered the most, earning him the reputation of a clutch shooter. Miller’s scoring prowess and shooting accuracy made him a formidable opponent, with defenders always aware of his influential presence on the court.

“A good shooter can make a shot, a great shooter can make a shot when it counts.” – Reggie Miller

Miller’s shooting influence extended far beyond his playing days. He inspired future generations of shooters to perfect their craft, leaving a lasting impact on the game. His shooting skills, combined with his competitiveness and determination, made him a true legend in the world of basketball.

6. Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver is widely regarded as an elite shooter in the NBA. His catch-and-shoot abilities have made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his career. Korver’s shooting consistency and longevity have been incredible, as he has maintained a high shooting percentage year after year.

In one of his best shooting seasons, Korver posted an impressive 49.2 percent accuracy from beyond the arc, showcasing his incredible long-range shooting skills. His true shooting percentage of 69.9 was also among the best in the league, reflecting his efficiency as a scorer.

What sets Korver apart is his ability to excel as a catch-and-shoot specialist, making him a threat from anywhere on the court. His shooting prowess and the fear he strikes into opposing defenses have earned him a well-deserved reputation as an elite shooter in the NBA.

7. Steve Nash

Steve Nash is widely regarded as one of the best shooters in NBA history, known for his shooting efficiency, playmaking abilities, and exceptional shooting technique. His balance in shooting and ability to shoot off the dribble set him apart from other players.

Nash’s shooting efficiency is highlighted by his remarkable career free-throw percentage. He is tied with Mark Price for the second-highest free-throw percentage of all time, demonstrating his consistency and accuracy from the charity stripe.

Furthermore, Nash’s shooting technique and balance were exceptional. His form and mechanics allowed him to release the ball smoothly and accurately, resulting in a high shooting percentage throughout his career. Whether shooting from mid-range or beyond the arc, Nash’s precision and touch were unmatched.

Moreover, Nash’s shooting prowess complemented his playmaking abilities. He used his shooting threat to open up passing lanes and create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to accurately shoot off the dribble made him a constant scoring threat while also being able to distribute the ball effectively.

Steve Nash’s Shooting Efficiency:

Source: basketball-reference.com

In conclusion, Steve Nash’s shooting efficiency, playmaking abilities, shooting technique, and balance in shooting make him one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His contributions on the offensive end were instrumental in his teams’ success and his impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.

8. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is widely recognized as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, and his shooting skills have played a significant role in his success. Durant’s efficiency as a shooter is exceptional, with high shooting percentages from deep, mid-range, and at the rim.

His ability to score at all levels and shoot over defenders with ease makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

Here are some key highlights of Kevin Durant’s shooting prowess:

• Efficient Shooter: Durant’s shooting accuracy is unmatched, consistently maintaining high percentages from various areas of the court.
• Scoring Versatility: Durant showcases his scoring versatility by excelling in shooting from deep, mid-range, and close to the basket.
• Shooting Accuracy: Durant’s shooting accuracy is remarkable, allowing him to consistently put up high point totals.
• Scoring at All Levels: Durant possesses the ability to score at all levels, making him a threat from anywhere on the court.

“Durant’s ability to shoot over defenders and score at will is truly remarkable. He has mastered the art of efficient scoring and is a nightmare to guard.” – NBA Analyst

With his efficient shooting and scoring versatility, Kevin Durant has solidified his place among the greatest shooters in NBA history. His impact on the game extends beyond his ability to score, as he consistently poses a challenge to opposing defenses.

9. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki’s impact on the game as a shooting big man cannot be overstated. Standing at 7 feet tall, Nowitzki revolutionized the concept of what a big man could do on the court. He brought a new dimension to the game by stretching the floor and consistently knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His shooting ability not only opened up opportunities for himself but also created space for his teammates to operate.

One of Nowitzki’s most lethal weapons was his signature move, the one-legged fadeaway. This shot, executed with impeccable precision and finesse, became virtually unstoppable. Defenders struggled to contest the shot due to Nowitzki’s height and the incredible balance he displayed. The one-legged fadeaway became his trademark and cemented his status as one of the greatest shooting big men in NBA history.

What set Nowitzki apart was not just his shooting prowess, but his scoring versatility. He possessed a wide range of offensive skills, allowing him to score from all areas of the court. Whether it was draining threes, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or driving to the basket, Nowitzki had an answer for any defensive scheme thrown at him. His scoring versatility made him a nightmare for opponents and solidified his place as a true offensive force.

FAQ

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