Swish. It’s the sweetest sound in all of sports, and we’re hearing it in record numbers. In today’s NBA, with the way the game is evolving, we’re seeing 3-point numbers that are unparalleled by any other era. Although this trend is taking off, it isn’t just starting. Starting in the late 80’s, about a decade after the 3-point line was introduced, we started seeing a surge in attempts. With this surge came some of the best shooters in league history.
Let’s take a look at some of the guys that would top our list of the best shooters in NBA history:
Ray Allen
Allen is a two time champion, and simply the best shooter to ever live. Whether it’s at the start of the game or the finish, when you need a big shot Allen is your man. Allen’s the all-time leader in 3-point field goals made with 2,973, at an impressive clip of 40%. Oh yeah and we all remember him bailing out LeBron James with one of the most improbable 3-pointers in history.
Reggie Miller
The “Knick Killer” is #2 on this list for the same reasons as Ray Allen is #1. Reggie Miller is as clutch as they come and never shied away from a big shot. Miller is #2 on the all-time list for 3-point scorers because of his success rate of almost 40%!
Steve Kerr
Kerr’s a 5 time NBA champion and quite possibly the deadliest shooter to ever step foot on the floor. Kerr shot an astounding 45.4% from deep in his career, which is the highest among any player in NBA history. The only thing keeping Kerr from being higher on this list is the lack of attempts. Kerr has the least amount of 3-point attempts on this list at 1,599.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash is one of the most forgotten 2-time MVP’s in league history. Shooting a career 42.8%, Nash only missed the 40% mark 4 times in his career. He’s also one of six players in the 50-40-90 club, and one of two payers to do it twice.
Stephen Curry
Curry has never shot under 42% from behind the arch. To put that in comparison, Michael Jordan, who is considered the greatest basketball player to ever grace the court, did that just once when playing a full season. Though Steph Curry is a long way from being considered the greatest basketball player ever, it’s not a stretch to say he’s the greatest shooter ever. With a combination of a quick release, pinpoint accuracy and sniper-like range, it’s difficult to find many comparisons to this dead-eye shooter. He’s currently on pace to break Ray Allen’s all-time record for 3-pointers made.
This list is comprised of not only some of the best shooters to ever live, but simply some of the best players to ever grace the court. Between the players on this list there are 8 NBA championships, 3 MVP award winners and 3 NBA three-point contest championships.
–Michael Hersey
