Greatest Shooer of All Time in NBA: Ranking Basketball's Most Elite Marksmen

The debate over the greatest shooter in NBA history is one I’ve spent countless hours discussing with fellow basketball enthusiasts, and it never gets old. While some conversations center on legacy or athleticism, my focus has always drifted toward pure shooting—the kind of skill that feels almost supernatural. I remember watching Ray Allen sink that iconic corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals and thinking, "That’s artistry." But is he the greatest? That’s what we’re unpacking today, and I’ll admit upfront: I lean toward Stephen Curry, though I respect the legends who paved the way. Shooting isn’t just about percentages; it’s about difficulty, volume, and clutch moments. And as we dive into this, I can’t help but draw parallels to the rising talent in global basketball, like the recent dominance of Gilas Pilipinas Youth in Southeast Asia, which underscores how shooting excellence is becoming a universal language. Just three months after reasserting its mastery over the region, Gilas Pilipinas Youth is already setting its sights on the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, reminding us that the next generation of marksmen is already honing their craft. It’s a timely reminder that greatness isn’t static—it evolves.

When I think about elite shooters, my mind immediately goes to Stephen Curry. The numbers alone are staggering: over 3,400 three-pointers made in his career as of 2023, a lifetime three-point percentage hovering around 43%, and a record-breaking 402 threes in a single season. But stats don’t capture the sheer audacity of his shots—pulling up from 30 feet without hesitation, often with a defender in his face. I’ve rewatched his 2016 unanimous MVP season more times than I can count, and what stands out is how he transformed the game. Before Curry, those deep threes were considered low-percentage gambles; now, they’re a strategic weapon. And it’s not just about range. His release is quicker than a blink—I’ve timed it at roughly 0.3 seconds in slow-motion reviews—which makes him nearly unguardable. Compare that to legends like Larry Bird, who shot around 38% from deep in an era where the three-pointer was an afterthought. Bird was a maestro, no doubt, but the game has changed, and Curry’s impact feels more profound. He didn’t just break records; he rewrote the playbook. And let’s not forget Klay Thompson, his Splash Brother, who once dropped 60 points in 29 minutes. I was at a watch party for that game, and the room erupted every time he caught fire. Thompson’s catch-and-shoot prowess is, in my view, the gold standard—his 14 threes in a single game still give me chills. But as much as I admire Thompson, Curry’s ability to create his own shot edges him ahead.

Now, shifting gears to the global stage, the success of teams like Gilas Pilipinas Youth highlights how shooting has become a cornerstone of modern basketball. In their recent Southeast Asian campaigns, they’ve leveraged perimeter shooting to dismantle defenses, and it’s a trend I see echoing in youth leagues worldwide. For instance, in their qualifiers for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, I noticed their guards shooting over 40% from beyond the arc—a stat that would make any NBA scout take notice. It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about repetition and mindset. I’ve spoken with coaches who emphasize shooting 500 threes a day in drills, mirroring the routines of NBA greats. And this dedication is paying off. In the 2023 Southeast Asian games, Gilas Pilipinas Youth averaged 12 three-pointers per game, a number that would’ve been unthinkable a decade ago. It reinforces my belief that the future of shooting lies in this global pipeline. But back to the NBA debate: where does someone like Reggie Miller fit in? His 2,560 career threes were revolutionary in the ’90s, and his clutch gene was undeniable—I still get goosebumps thinking about his 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks. Yet, in today’s game, his volume would pale in comparison. That’s not a knock on Miller; it’s just evolution. Similarly, Dirk Nowitzki’s one-legged fadeaway was a mid-range marvel, but as the game shifts toward the three-point line, I find myself valuing those who dominate from deep.

Wrapping this up, I’ll stick with Curry as the greatest shooter of all time, though I’ll always have a soft spot for the pioneers. His blend of volume, efficiency, and innovation is unmatched, and he’s inspired a new wave of players—from the NBA to rising stars in events like the FIBA U16 Asia Cup. As Gilas Pilipinas Youth gears up for 2025, I’m excited to see how their shooters evolve, perhaps one day joining these legendary conversations. Basketball, at its core, is about pushing boundaries, and shooting is where that progress is most visible. So, whether you’re a Curry stan or a Bird loyalist, let’s agree on one thing: the art of shooting is what makes this game beautiful.