NBA Player Rankings: Best Three-Point Shooters In the League
By Gerard Lobo
May 14, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT
When it comes to comparing three-point shooters in the NBA, it can be fairly hard to judge. There are the volume three-point shooters, ala Antoine Walker, who would have a high number of three-pointers made but also a crazy volume of three-pointers attempted.
There are the high percentage, low shot attempt players, ala James Jones.
There are great shooters who can do little else so they are limited by their circumstance and their team’s offensive philosophy, ala Anthony Morrow.
So with all that being said, let’s look at the top three-point shooters in the game today:
10. Anthony Morrow, New Orleans Pelicans
Since leaving the Warriors, Morrow hasn’t had much of an opportunity to grab the spotlight, but make no mistake, he has possibly the sweetest shooting stroke in the league.
9. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
At this point in his career, Thompson is still a volume three-point shooter. However, with his size, technique and prominent role in the Warriors’ offense, he has the potential to be an efficient, high-volume shooter and skyrocket up this list.
Mar 20, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets power forward Ryan Anderson (33) reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Boston Celtics during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Celtics 87-86. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
8. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Anderson had the second most three-pointers made last season while failing to crack 40 percent. He is the definition of a volume three-point guy, much in the mold of Antoine Walker. While anyone who makes over 200 three-pointers in an NBA season is no slouch, his low efficiency has him on the bottom part of this list.
7. Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers
One skill that is not lost with age is the jump shot. Even as Nash slows down, he is still an incredible shooter.
6. Jose Calderon, Dallas Mavericks
Calderon was the most efficient three-point shooter in the NBA last year, topping 46 percent. While he doesn’t shoot as many as others and many of his three-pointers come in open catch-and-shoot situations, many people can’t hit 46 percent from three-point range in an empty gym.
5. Danny Green, San Antonio Spurs
Danny Green made a name for himself this postseason, knocking down a number of key three-pointers while setting the Finals record with games to spare. However, the playoffs were not a lucky fluke, as Green spent the entire season hitting three-pointers at a great rate.
Jun 20, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green (4) shoots against Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) and small forward LeBron James (6) during the second quarter of game seven in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
Korver is another high-volume, high-efficiency shooter. He rarely misses open shots and can absolutely catch fire at any given time. At this point in his career, and probably through most of his career, though, he is a catch-and-shoot only player. However, he is an excellent catch-and-shoot player.
3. Ray Allen, Miami Heat
The all-time leading three-point shooter, Allen, along with Reggie Miller, is in the conversation for the best ever. As the Spurs found out in Game 6 of the Finals, Allen still has a lightning quick and deadly accurate release. The Heat is the perfect team to put Allen’s shooting on display, and even in limited minutes and an off the bench role, Allen continues to rain three’s.
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
At one time, “the most unguardable shot in the game” belonged to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his amazing sky hook. Today, it is probably Kevin Durant’s three-point shot. Standing at 6’11″ with a huge wingspan and wonderful handles, Durant is a scoring machine.
Because of his skillset, it is difficult to put players his size against him, which leads to smaller players attempting to guard Durant. This means Durant can generally shoot over the top of anyone he faces.
Durant is consistently facing all that a defense has and finds a way to score with the league leaders. While this has taken a toll on his three-point percentage, there has to be credit given to the most difficult shot in the game to defend.
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
After his All-Star snub, Curry went bonkers on the league, including an 11 three-pointers during his 54-point game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and nine three-pointers during his 47-point game against the Lakers at the Staples Center.
He makes extremely difficult three-pointers, including: off one foot, from 30 feet out, with three guys in his face. He is incredibly efficient when he actually gets a chance to catch-and-shoot. He set the record for most three’s made in a season, while shooting over 44 percent. Curry has been tabbed the “best three-point shooter in the game,” and I would have to agree.