CBN’s Top 10 Best Shooters in NBA History
Without question, shooting is a critical component to every NBA team’s success.
Top shooters are highly valuable assets that keep their teams in high standing – and it’s only fair we give them the recognition they deserve. That’s why this week is all about the top shooters in the league (of all time). So, starting with #10 and working our way up to the absolute best of the best, here are the top 10 most talented shooters in the history of the NBA:
10. Mark Price
With 15.2 points per game, Mark Price is undeniably one of the best shooters in franchise history. This 4-time All-Star has a talent for shooting off the dribble with precision – leading him to join the 50-40-90 club during his time with the Cavaliers.
9. Steve Nash
Although Steve Nash may not take a ton of shots as a pass-first point guard, when he does shoot, he does so with crazy accuracy – and let’s not forget about his impressive passing skills. During his career, the Canadian 8-time All-Star and twice-consecutive MVP Nash shot an impressive 49% overall, 43% from deep, and 90% from the free-throw line.
8. Steve Kerr
No player has been able to top Steve Kerr’s 45% from deep shooting – easily earning him a spot in the Top 10 Best Shooters list. Aside from winning championships as a coach, this three-point prodigy has won five championships as a player, including the historic three-point shot that won the Chicago Bulls their title in 1997.
7. Dirk Nowitzki
The 7-foot King of stretch fours with savage accuracy, Dirk Nowitzki helped the Dallas Mavericks secure their first-ever title back in 2011, when he was declared as the Finals MVP. During that year’s playoffs, Nowitzki averaged 27.7 points per game, and shot 49% overall to go alongside with 46% from downtown and 94% from the charity stripe.
6. Kevin Durant
The unstoppable Kevin Durant has a special ability to carry out a catch-and-shoot while creating his own shot. The 10-time All-Star has career averages of 27 points per game, shooting 49% overall alongside 38% from beyond the arc and 88% from the free-throw line. Durant has won the NBA Scoring Title four times and has helped carry the Golden State Warriors to two championships during which he was also named Finals MVP.
5. Reggie Miller
As one of the Top 5 Greatest Shooters in NBA History, and at one point the greatest shooter of all time, nobody can forget the unmatched skills of Reggie Miller. Leading the league in Free-Throw Shooting percentage in five seasons, the 50-40-90 club member was a force to be reckoned with. Miller’s career saw averages of 18.2 points per game with shooting beyond the arc at 40%, and he had the most three-point conversions ever with 2,560 until the year 2011. Perhaps one of his most memorable moments was scoring 8 points in 9 seconds.
4. Larry Bird
Larry Bird is truly one of the NBA’s most proficient shooters of all time. With career posted averages of 24.3 points per game while shooting 50% overall, alongside 38% from beyond the arc and 89% from the charity stripe, Bird shoots effortlessly from just about anywhere. Naturally, with three NBA Championships, two Final MVPs, and two Season MVPs, the incredible Bird easily secures a #4 spot in our list.
3. Ray Allen
Ray Allen is of the greatest shooters the NBA has ever laid eyes on… securing a hot spot at #3 on our list. We can never forget when Allen shot a then-record of 8 three pointers during the Finals matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. This catch-and-shoot wizard posted career averages of 18.9 points per game, while shooting 45% overall and 40% from deep.
2. Klay Thompson
As the runner-up greatest NBA shooter of ALL TIME, catch-and-shoot master Klay Thompson achieved a mind-blowing career-high 60 points in one game in just 29 minutes – with a previous career-high of 52 points alongside a record-breaking 14 triples in one night in 2018. Thompson has assisted the Golden State Warriors in winning three championships, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
1. Stephen Curry
Reigning supreme at #1 on our Top 10 Shooters in NBA History list, the legendary 6-time All-Star Stephen Curry has an unparalleled ability to shoot – and truly in every aspect.Breaking multiple records including most three point conversions in a single season with 402, the dangerously talented Curry has also notched the record for most three-point field goals made in a NBA Finals game with 11. Steph also has three NBA Championships and two League MVPs to be proud of – and there’s no apparent end in sight for this shooting wizard.
So, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed our list of the Top 10 Best Shooters in NBA History who continue to leave their mark (or set new records) both off and on the court, and certainly in every true NBA fan’s hearts.