Category: NBA Column Iceland

Top 5 NBA Draft Classes in History

 

• The top five NBA draft classes are listed below.

• The 1984 Draft Class is at the top of the list.

 

It’s uncommon in basketball chances to see a slew of new players enter the league, and it has an immediate and long-lasting effect; thus, the yearly draft is crucial to the league. We’ve seen these athletes dazzle and sometimes disappoint as top picks and surprising late picks. But, now and again, an outstanding wave of talent gathers in one draft class to make the various NBA betting lines more fascinating.

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These five superb draft classes have produced NBA Champions, bona fide superstars, perennial NBA All-Stars, and even players vying for the title of greatest of all time.

 

 

1984 Class

Mr. Hakeem Olajuwon (first pick). The 1984 draft class included Michael Jordan (third pick), Charles Barkley (fifth pick), and John Stockton (sixteenth round). This is one of the best draft classes in NBA history, as Hakeem became one of the game’s most formidable big men, helping Houston win back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Michael Jordan is broadly regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, having won two three-peats.

 

Despite the fact that Charles Barkley and John Stockton did not have a championship ring, they were still regarded icons of the game, with Barkley being one of the finest small forwards and Stockton earning the record for the most assists in NBA history (with 15,806).

 

 

1996 Class

The 1996 NBA Draft class may have been the most talented in history, with names like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Stephon Marbury, Steve Nash, and Marcus Camby among the newcomers. Bryant is the most successful of this group, having won five NBA championships, while Ray Allen has won two. Their fellow draftees were unlucky not to win a tournament, but they had a tremendous impact on basketball culture, particularly Allen Iverson.

 

This draft class also selected Antoine Walker, Erick Dampier, Peja Stojakovic, Jermaine O’Neal, Dontae’ Jones, and Derek Fisher. Throughout their basketball careers, they played important roles for their respective teams.

 

 

2003 Class

The 2003 draft class was another featuring outstanding players. It was anchored by LeBron James, who was chosen first overall. His close pals Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade were ranked third and fifth, respectively, while big guy Chris Bosh was ranked fourth.

 

The four big names have won nine NBA championships (minus Anthony) and could win another if LeBron and Carmelo continue to play with the Los Angeles Lakers. This year, David West, Boris Diaw, Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, and Mickael Pietrus were also selected.

 

 

1987 Class

David Robinson was selected as the top prospect in the 1987 draft class, including Scottie Pippen, Reggie Miller, Horace Grant, Kevin Johnson, and Mark Jackson. Pippen was the most successful, winning six championships with Chicago, followed by Horace Grant, who won four. Robinson won two rings with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and 2003.

 

Meanwhile, Reggie Miller established himself as one of the top three-point shooters of all time after making 2,560 three-pointers, breaking the previous NBA record. Ray Allen surpassed this feat in 2011, and Stephen Curry will do so in 2021.

 

 

2009 Class

Because of the number of superstars created, the 2009 NBA Draft class may be able to compete with the 1996 class in terms of depth. These superstars include Stephen Curry, James Harden, Blake Griffin, DeMar DeRozan, and Jrue Holiday. The majority of the draftees that year were either the present face of their clubs or played an important role in them. Curry is by far the most successful, winning three NBA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Jrue Holiday won a ring with the Milwaukee Bucks last season.

 

Meanwhile, James Harden, Blake Griffin, and DeMar DeRozan have yet to win a title but have combined for 19 NBA All-Star appearances. Harden and DeRozan are also two of today’s most productive scorers. Tyreke Evans, Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings, Jeff Teague, Ty Lawson, and Darren Collison are among the other major players in their group.

 

Ranking of NBA’s players deadliest midrange assassins

 

As the analytics community increases, one of the most popular discussions in basketball is the role of the mid-range jump shot in the current NBA.

 

While such arguments are getting old, the statistics suggest that the league is shifting away from the mid-range game. At the same time, the mid-range game isn’t going away anytime soon, thanks to the style of play of some league players.

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We searched three parameters to identify which players are working with the most difficulty to keep the mid-range game alive in the NBA. We evaluated how each individual fared relative to the league average over the same period (going back to 2018-19):

 

• Output: To assess someone’s mid-range prowess, we calculated total field goals created outside four feet but inside the three-point line per 100 possessions.

• Shot dependency: We looked at how frequently a player’s shots came from anywhere on the floor other than the hoop and beyond the arc.

• Efficiency: This is the percentage of field goals a player made on short and long mid-range attempts.

 

Former NBA players who have just retired (e.g., Shaun Livingston, Tony Parker, and LaMarcus Aldridge) would have likely made this record if they were still active and had not yet retired.

 

The players listed below are putting in the most effort to keep the NBA’s “in-between” division alive in their absence.

 

DeMar DeRozan

• Output (FGM per 100 poss.): 7.2

• Shot Dependency (frequency): 69.5%

• Efficiency (FG%): 45.3%

DeMar DeRozan will be at the top of any list of contemporary mid-range shooters, as you already know. DeRozan would continue to play the in-between game even if everyone else in the NBA only shot at the rim or from beyond the arc. DeRozan didn’t have access to cable television while growing up in Los Angeles. He previously said that because the Los Angeles Lakers were the only televised team, he watched a lot of Kobe Bryant. Bryant was a master of the mid-range shot in his own right, and DeRozan has developed into the same player during his time in the NBA. It has motivated his seven consecutive seasons of averaging at least 20.0 points each game. He has statistically relied on these looks more than any other NBA player.

 

But it’s also worked because, according to Cleaning the Glass, his mid-range jumper in the last five seasons has been between ten and thirty percentage points better than his long-range shots. Given its gorgeous appearance, it’s difficult to criticize him for wanting to take it as frequently as he does.

 

But as Jonathan Tjarks pointed out, DeRozan’s growth to eventually step beyond the arc more frequently was unavoidable so he could act as a greater floor spacer (via The Ringer):

 

“DeRozan’s inability to make 3-pointers in the past was never due to any mechanical issue. Once a slasher who relied heavily on his athleticism, he entered the NBA but has since developed into a skilled scorer with the touch and footwork to knock down mid-range jumpers. His increased readiness to take catch-and-shoot 3-pointers is more of a sign that he is settling into a new role.

 

DeRozan was the focal point of a deal that took him to the Western Conference to play for the San Antonio Spurs after spending most of his career with the Toronto Raptors. DeRozan, though, will return to the East and join the Chicago Bulls’ starting frontcourt for the upcoming year.

 

Defenders must focus on their two-man game because Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are adept at the pick-and-roll. The defense won’t be able to overlook Patrick Williams, a second-year forward who performed well after being given control of Chicago’s attack during summer league.

 

So, DeRozan might get a lot of open shots from the mid-range, and if we are familiar with him, he will take them. Yet his playmaking has also been called better, as PBP Stats shows no one has helped on more deep mid-range jumpers since 2018–19. You shouldn’t be shocked if his teammates begin taking more mid-range shots.

 

Kevin Durant

 

• Output (FGM per 100 poss.): 6.6

• Shot Dependency (frequency): 51.7%

• Efficiency (FG%): 52.5%

For a few moments, you may observe Kevin Durant’s shot chart and realize that he shoots brilliantly from every area of the court. Yet, the mid-range is one region that excels. Durant joined the conversation on Twitter regarding mid-range shots during the 2019 summer as he was recovering from a torn Achilles. Durant delivered a memorable one-liner about using graphs in athletics in a classic Twitter performance. The entire exchange offered a fascinating look into the thoughts of one of the greatest shooters in history. Durant suggested in this chat that the mid-range look might only sometimes be the best option. He pondered why he would give up the simple search for something contentious.

 

According to Durant, a guarded opportunity should never be passed up to force a less certain opportunity at the rim or the three-point line.

 

What’s crazy, though, is that throughout his previous eight seasons, an unbelievably high % of his mid-range attempts have been challenged, according to ESPN’s Kirk Goldsberry. Durant has remained the league’s most productive player from this zone since 2013–14.

 

He also produced admirably, averaging 2.9 pull-up two-pointers per game last year, just behind teammate Kyrie Irving’s 3.0, which topped the Eastern Conference.

 

But, once the playoffs started, Durant’s performance faltered, and he began to lead the league in pull-up two-pointers, averaging 5.3 per game, nearly one more than any other player.

 

In the end, Durant thinks that athletes are best at what they practice the most, and if they don’t work on their mid-range game, they won’t know how excellent they can be. He has, however, been playing the game long enough to be aware of the times when it feels like his stroke is sinking exceptionally well.

 

He said, “If my mommy works, that’s where I’m going for dinner.”

 

Chris Paul

 

• Output (FGM per 100 poss.): 5.5

• Shot Dependency (frequency): 54.7%

• Efficiency (FG%): 51.2%

Chris Paul, a point guard for the Phoenix Suns, had one of his best seasons despite his old age. His mid-range jumper was one of his primary methods for achieving this. Paul had one of any player’s most productive mid-range seasons during the previous 25 years. One of the reasons Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton made such significant advancements in 2020–21 was his ability to create off the dribble, which relieved some of the burdens the two young stars were under before he arrived in Phoenix.

 

During his entire career, including eleven trips to the All-Star game, the most crucial component of Paul’s shot repertoire is his right elbow pull-up jumper.

 

Yet, there is more room to use ball screens from the mid-range because defenders are now concentrating more on guarding the rim and the perimeter.

 

When opponents increasingly learn to drop coverage near the basket, Paul might dribble off the pick and kick out to a shooter on the outside or take the long two. He actually averaged more two-point shots from the pull-up this past season than any other player in the NBA.

 

He made eight consecutive mid-range shots in less than ten minutes against the Denver Nuggets, proving it was influential in the postseason. As the Suns attempt to retain their title as conference champs, look on Paul to continue providing Phoenix an advantage every time he takes on the court. His defenders are undoubtedly still having nightmares about the hot run.

 

According to PBP Stats, he also helped out on 162 mid-range connections to his teammates, second only to Russell Westbrook in the NBA. After taking that into account, he might have the title of the real king of the in-between game.

 

Nikola Jokic

 

• Output (FGM per 100 poss.): 5.8

• Shot Dependency (frequency): 46.1%

• Efficiency (FG%): 45.3%

When discussing the current league MVP, fans frequently focus on Nikola Jokic’s playmaking. When a 7-footer consistently records triple-doubles, which he does, it’s simple to measure success. Yet his shooting is equally as spectacular as his passing. The incredible two-man game that Jokic and Jamal Murray have developed over the previous several seasons, which the guard’s injury will prevent him from playing in for the majority of next season, has undoubtedly helped the Nuggets reach amazing heights. The two made a great team in a pick-and-roll offense, with Jokic establishing a screen before bursting out for a jump shot off the catch, usually near the free-throw line.

 

What’s more intriguing, though, is that Jokic and Murray also displayed a variety of exciting moves, including some captivating 5-1 PnR sets and cunning dribble-handoff movements.

 

Denver, for instance, might employ a novel inverted ball screen with Jokic as the ball handler. Alternately, he might maintain the ball and fake the dribble handoff to open up opportunities for himself from mid-range. He occasionally even makes a jump shot while in motion following an off-ball screen, just for good measure and to demonstrate his versatility.

 

Jokic is one of the league’s most deadly threats to take a hook jumper from the elbow or drop step after a post-up. Nobody in the NBA has been more productive or effective from the short mid-range during the previous few seasons except Robin Lopez.

 

Nevertheless, his invention, the Sombor Shuffle, has proven to be his strongest attack. His go-to move for late-game heroics and game-winners is this one. Whenever it is brought up, it is often compared to Dirk Nowitzki’s famous mid-range stepback.

 

The Sombor Shuffle is when a player faces up their opponent on the block, fakes a drive with their left foot, then quickly takes a one-dribble fadeaway jumper with their right foot. He claimed that to avoid applying pressure to his hurt left foot; he began using it when recovering from an injury. You can tell how annoyed Draymond Green, a former defensive player of the year, was by the shot.

 

His enormous size, incredible footwork, and extremely high jumper release point make his mid-range shot a tough one to defend. Only human cannonball Zion Williamson made more two-pointers this past season while his defenders were within two to four feet of him.

 

That means that even if the opposition decides to double-team Jokic, he can find an open teammate for a simple layup. He is the MVP as a result of that.

 

Kawhi Leonard

 

• Output (FGM per 100 poss.): 6.2

• Shot Dependency (frequency): 49.3%

• Efficiency (FG%): 46.1%

LeBron James is the NBA player most frequently compared to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but the Los Angeles Lakers great isn’t like any of them. On the other hand, Leonard resembles Jordan and Bryant far more than he does, at least in their favored offensive strategies. These comparisons are fair when they are made. In actuality, Bryant served as Leonard’s “mechanical model” as he developed his style of play during his formative years with the Spurs. Leonard had the chance to work out with the five-time NBA champion and referred to the late Bryant as one of his mentors.

 

Because of this, Clippers coach Ty Lue permits Leonard to shoot from mid-range as much as he sees appropriate (per ESPN):

 

“I believe it to be a lost art. Let’s focus on what other teams are sacrificing. Every team likes to concede the mid-range shot, the mid-range 2, so why not keep working on the shots the squad is giving up? As you can see, even in crucial fourth-quarter circumstances, the mid-range shots decide the outcome of the games. You’ll receive shots like that during the playoffs as well.

 

Lue is correct, given that Leonard was unstoppable from mid-range during postseason action.

 

He was shooting 67.7 percent of the shots he took between the free-throw line and the three-point line, according to Cleaning the Glass, despite the relatively small sample size. Basketball-Reference reports that the league’s average field goal percentage this past season was 67.5 percent from 0 to 3 feet from the hoop.

 

Clint Parks, his skills coach, explained to Clutch Points that a mid-range shot “is a layup for Leonard.”

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

 

In addition, the following players are still taking mid-range shots:

 

• CJ McCollum (Portland)

• Dejounte Murray (San Antonio)

• Derrick Rose (New York)

• Devin Booker (Phoenix)

• Joel Embiid (Philadelphia)

• Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans)

• Khris Middleton (Milwaukee)

• Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn)

• Nikola Vucevic (Chicago)

• Robin Lopez (Washington)

• Serge Ibaka (L.A. Clippers)

• T.J. McConnell (Indiana)

 

10 Most unforgettble NBA All-Star games of the Basketball History

 

The All-Star break is the best time to reflect on the past and consider which NBA All-Star game was the best. That’s a tricky question, given the number of athletes and icons who have appeared.

 

What standards are there as well? Are we referring to the NBA All-Star Game that was the most entertaining? Are we referring to the game with the highest score? Or we could talk about the more profound significance and influence that each of those performances had on basketball history.

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We are fortunate to have a wide selection of games, whatever the situation. The NBA All-Star Game frequently serves as a reminder as to why this is true. And yes, we are still capable of being startled nowadays.

 

Best NBA All-Star game

Although it was a difficult effort, we eventually succeeded. We’ll delve deeply into the top 10 NBA All-Star games of all time and share with you some of the greatest NBA All-Star moments in the paragraphs that follow. The edition from this year should be added to this list.

 

10. 1964

Even though it wasn’t the owners’ favorite game, it had a significant impact for years. If franchise owners refused to recognize the players’ union, the players agreed to skip the game and go on strike. The NBA would have significantly suffered financially if this All-Star Game had not been broadcast, as it was slated to be the first to be shown on television. The league could not afford this humiliation because it lacked a national Broadcast contract. Players and owners eventually came to terms, despite threatening to ban players from basketball. The East eventually prevailed 111-107 because Oscar Robertson stole the show with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.

 

9. 1977

The pre-merger and modern eras are frequently used to categorize NBA history. Because it featured players from the now-defunct ABA, including Julius Erving, Larry Kenon, Dan Issel, George Gervin, David Thompson, and George McGinnis, the 1977 NBA All-Star Game became legendary. Also, it was the first time the game was shown in prime time on Sunday. On their maiden appearance, ABA players made sure to leave a lasting impression by taking eight slots and assisting the Western Conference in their 125-124 victory. Predictably, Julius Erving’s 30-point, 12-rebound, and 3-assist performance earned him MVP honors. Robert McAdoo, a star for the Buffalo Braves, also possessed a 30-piece.

 

8. 1972

One of the greatest NBA All-Star moments ever occurred during the 1972 game, highlighted by the logo himself. When the game was on the line, Jerry West, who was known for winning in crunch time and dominating, seized control. The Western Conference won the game 112-110 thanks to a 20-foot pull-up buzzer-beater from Mr. Clutch, as he was known before eventually becoming the league’s emblem. Incidentally, he made that jumper against Walt Frazier of the New York Knicks, the same opponent he faced the following season in the race for his first and only NBA title. Despite just scoring 13 points, West was named the MVP of the All-Star game.

 

7. 1997

Although it was a difficult challenge, the NBA came close to achieving its goal of making the 1997 contest the greatest NBA All-Star Game ever. The 50th season was approaching, and the 50 greatest players in history were going to be unveiled. Only three of the 50 players were absent: Shaquille O’Neal (sickness), Jerry West (surgery), and Pete Maravich (death). 47 of those 50 players were present. This was the top-3 most enjoyable NBA All-Star Game outside of an electrifying halftime performance. All-Star Game history’s first triple-double was achieved by none other than Michael Jordan, who also steered the Eastern Conference to a 132-120 victory. He finished the game with 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and 14 points.

 

6. 2003

The NBA had a memorable year in 2003. LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade were selected, making it one of the best Drafts ever. Yet it also offered us Michael Jordan’s farewell, one of the greatest NBA All-Star moments. Jordan hoped to win MVP that year, and he came close by hitting a fadeaway with only five seconds remaining to seal the victory for the East. Then, a young player named Kobe Bryant displayed his sense of rivalry by attempting to defeat the GOAT. Kobe went for a three-pointer to seal the victory, was fouled, and forced OT. After an emotional halftime tribute, the West won thanks to Kevin Garnett’s 37 points, and Jordan said his final goodbyes.

 

5. 1992

The 1992 NBA All-Star Game ought to be on the top of the list if we’re talking about emotionally charged games. Just a few months after declaring his retirement from the NBA due to his HIV positive, Magic Johnson was back on the floor. The Lakers great dressed and played despite some skepticism and even opposition. Magic, who was no longer at the height of his powers, performed in the past. He directed the offense, scoring 25 points to help the West defeat the East 153-113. Later, at the final buzzer, Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan hugged an emotional Magic, sending one of the time’s most powerful messages supporting people living with HIV and AIDS.

 

4. 1968

The 1968 version of the NBA All-Star Game may have been the most entertaining ever. Or that is what one could assume based on the large number of future Hall of Famers it included. That evening, the hardwood was dominated by Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Lenny Wilkens, Willis Reed, Jerry West, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Elgin Baylor, and Dave Bing. After years of battles with Bill Russell, in which the East always prevailed, Wilt Chamberlain was back in the Eastern Conference. But John Havlicek stole the show with his offensive performance that year, shining with 26 points at Madison Square Garden, not Chamberlain.

 

3. 2009

Few teams have been as well-known and successful as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. However, their reign ended due to their conflicting personalities, inflated egos, and a failed title run in 2004. The two illustrious hoopers had been at odds for many years. That is, until the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, they finally buried the hatchet. One of the best NBA All-Star games was played, with Shaq and Kobe providing the crowd with a bit of a retro performance. Shaq excelled off the bench, scoring 17 points, dishing out three assists in 11 minutes, and grabbing five rebounds, while Bryant scored 27 points with four steals. The Lakers’ iconic duo shared MVP honors as the West triumphed 146–119.

 

2. 2020

It isn’t easy to contest the assertion that the 2020 NBA All-Star game was the best made. It was sad since Kobe Bryant had just tragically passed away, and the league was about to pay respect to the late superstar. In addition to renaming the All-Star MVP trophy in Kobe’s honor, the NBA modified some of the regulations to commemorate the Black Mamba’s spirit of competition. The fourth quarter of the game was played with the clock stopped, and the team ahead after three quarters only required 24 more points to win. That inspired the other side to play defense in the All-Star Game like we hadn’t seen in decades.

 

1. 1988

Still remembered is the storied NBA All-Star Game from 1988. This was one of those times when Michael Jordan took over and showed everyone that he was the greatest player to ever put on a pair of shoes in addition to being the best player on Earth. Jordan was a league leader in minutes played, steals (3.2), and points per game (35). (40.4). He easily won the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Jordan also led the East to victory one night before putting on one of the all-time greatest Slam Dunk Contest performances. He finished one of the best seasons in professional sports history with MVP honors in the All-Star Game after scoring 40 points, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out three assists, having four steals, and having four blocks. And that was just the start.

 

Best 3-Point Shooters in the NBA of all time

 

 

Even compared to basketball played just ten years ago, modern basketball is very different. The shots that matter and the tactics teams employ to achieve them are vastly dissimilar.

 

It is no secret that 3-pointers are becoming more prevalent or that professional teams select players and develop strategies more often than ever based on 3-point ability.

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It makes it understandable that it took some time for this shot to gain popularity since the 3-point line wasn’t established until 1979. A winning lineup of days is difficult to assemble without a lineup that can successfully and frequently make 3-pointers, but it has just started to become a far more significant factor.

 

Of course, the players making these shots are drawing more attention than ever due to the increased difficulty of making a 3-pointer and the larger scores made attainable by 3-pointers.

 

Whichever metrics you choose, we are certain these top 10 3-point shooters belong on the list. There are several approaches to determine the best 3-point shooters in the NBA, from the highest success % to the most made shots.

 

But first, let’s speak about these crucial shots and how they affect the game, in case you’re still learning about 3-pointers.

 

 

What Is A Three-Point Shot?

A three-pointer is any shot made from inside the 3-point line, adopted in 1979. Making one of these shots demands long-range precision and accuracy and substantially alters the game’s strategy.

 

Go for a three-pointer if you can’t get near the rim.

 

Naturally, that calls for a different use of the court’s space, with more players guarding against mid- and long-range and less swarming near the baskets.

 

 

WHY ARE 3 POINTS OFF RIGHT NOW?

If you’ve been following basketball for a while, you may have noticed a drastic shift in tactics in recent years. In addition to recruiting and looking for great 3-point shooters, or at least players willing to attempt 3-pointers, coaches encourage players to take longer shots.

Even though these long-range shots have a lower success rate (though success rates are rising significantly), they give players another option in a crowded and occasionally challenging field.

 

There are more opportunities to make a shot when there are more shooters.

 

Also, clubs may utilize a broader range of talent and retain more of their finest players on the field for longer when they have more scoring alternatives.

 

 

Why did the situation change?

Well, the 2006–2007 Magic most likely played a significant role. The Magic were forced to find new tactics to maintain their team’s viability without a traditional lineup of big players. The result? was a successful campaign where their power forward was replaced with shooters.

 

Following that campaign, teams adjusted their starting lineup to duplicate the Magic’s success and add more versatility to the group.

 

That’s actually when the contemporary three-pointer began, although the shots started getting more accurate and impactful just a few years ago.

 

Where are the other three-pointers coming from? Generally from a mid-range distance. With this shift in strategy, shots in the paint have remained relatively consistent, but if you’re shooting, more and more players are attempting 3-pointers.

 

 

The NBA’s Top 3-Point Shooters

There is always room for discussion regarding the greatest of the best. Due to this, we will discuss the accomplishments, talents, and stats that have propelled these players to the top of our list.

 

3-pointers have increased the drama and scoring potential of the game. Therefore, it’s no surprise that coaches are constantly on the hunt for 3-point shooting prowess or that these players receive considerable attention.

 

Although there are other excellent 3-point shooters in the NBA, these ten players are unquestionably among the greatest as of 2022.

 

10. DAMIAN LILLARD

Damian Lillard has made more than 2,000 3-pointers that have been successfully, among the highest totals of any player. He has a success record of roughly 37%, with 2,143 of the 5,752 shots he has attempted being successful. That’s a substantial enough success percentage to earn him a spot on this list for his success rate and the number of shots he’s taken. It’s lower than some of the greats in the 3-point game but still better than most shooters were a few years ago. Damian Lillard averages 20 to 30 points every game, and his finest season (19-20) had a 30-point average for points per game. Even in his worst season, his first in the NBA, he averaged an impressive 19 points per game.

 

Lillard also owns the record for his team’s highest points scored in a single game with 61 points, making him the third player in Basketball history with 1,500 points and 400 assists in the first eight seasons. Lillard’s outstanding resume includes much more than 3-pointers, with an 89.3% success rate on free throws. His amazing career PPA of 24.0 is exceptional. Lillard is an all-around superstar who excels in a variety of measures.

 

He’s a guy worth watching with ten years of experience, and he’s not showing any symptoms of slowing down right now. This is a player to keep an eye on, and it wouldn’t surprise us if Lillard ended up being one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA right now.

 

 

9. STEVE KERR

Steve Kerr, who ranks ninth on our list despite making fewer 3-pointers than some other players, still merits a mention for having the best success percentage. He owns the record for accuracy with 745 made three-pointers and a 45.4% success percentage. Of course, the fact that Kerr only spent seven seasons in the NBA, and those were before the 2006–2007 season when three shots started to become a more frequent game-changer, may be part of the reason he doesn’t have a high record for the number of 3 pointers he attempted or made. Steven Kerr might have been able to turn his remarkable success rate into something genuinely memorable if we had seen him on the court when 3-pointers started to play a bigger role in team tactics.

 

8. JAMAL CRAWFORD

Jamal Crawford had a lengthy 21-year career and was an expert on the basketball floor. You could depend on him to consistently attempt and make at least one three-point shot every game. Even though he may not have had the highest success percentage in the world, he was more precise and reliable than many top players. He may not have been the show’s star, but he was the man you could bank on to make a shot when needed, with an annual per-game 3-pointer success rate between 32 and 50%. With 6,379 attempts throughout his career, Crawford made 2,221 3-pointers. It places him at the top of the NBA rankings for most 3-pointers attempted, where he now stands at #5. Crawford’s PPG average of 14.6 demonstrates his consistency. While not the highest in the NBA, his scores nonetheless made him a valuable and point-scoring player.

 

7. JOE HARRIS

Watch out for Joe Harris when shooting. Harris, an 8-year NBA veteran who plays guard-forward for the Brooklyn Nets, may not shoot as frequently as some of our other options, but he has a high accuracy rate. With a career-long success rate of 43.9%, he is among the best at making his shots. As opposed to shooting as many shots as possible, Harris appears more focused on taking the shots he feels comfortable attempting. Following a slow start, Harris’s 3-point attempts per game are improving, as he now averages 6.4 attempts per game while making 3.1 3-pointers per game in 2020–21. His most successful season to date, with an average success rate of 47.5%, was that one. Harris had a 77.8% free throw success rate during the same season. Even while that doesn’t place him in the NBA’s top 10, it still demonstrates his versatility and precision as a player. Now all that has to be seen is whether his 22-23 continues his tendency of enhancing his already impressive stats.

7. JASON TERRY

Because of his impressive number of made 3-pointers, Jason Terry is included on this list. Despite his accuracy not placing him in the top 10, he is among the NBA’s top 10 for made 3-pointers. Terry had a 3-point success percentage of 42.7 in his second to last season, which was among the highest. With 6,010 attempts, Terry also ranks among the top 10 in 3-point attempts. Why do his missed 3-point attempts matter?  Simple. The fact that Terry attempted three-pointers demonstrates that he could see an opening and capitalize on it. That’s crucial, not the least that you miss 100% of your shots. From 1999 to 2018, Terry made 2,282 3-pointers for his career. That’s nearly 20 years of playing time, with an average of over 100 made 3-pointers every season. Terry’s record demonstrates that he was a valuable and influential player and one of the best 3-point shooters, with his teams winning by an average of 13.4 points per game.

 

6. VINCE CARTER

A little more than one successful 3-point attempt per game was the norm for Vince Carter during his 23-year career. That is a large number of games and scored points. Carter was eager to take a lot of shots, including risky ones that might not have worked out but showed his dedication to the game and ability to recognize an opening. His success percentage ranged from 30 to 40% in most seasons. It would be best if you remembered that 3-pointers are challenging to make and score with a guy like Carter. Carter’s percentages are lower than those of a player like Lillard, so why does he make a list? Simple. At #7 with 6,168 attempts, Carter is slightly below LeBron James in most 3-points attempted. He maintains the #6 slot on the NBA’s record of most successful three-pointers with 2,290. That’s a remarkable record, especially given that he began playing in 1998 and that a significant amount of his career occurred before the 2006–2007 game strategy revolution.

 

5. KYLE KORVER

One such athlete, Kyle Korver, might occasionally go unnoticed, especially when people search for the best three-point shooters. Because of his lesser average of 9.7 points scored per game, he frequently needs to be noticed or ranked lower than he should be. This outstanding player consistently made at least one 3-pointer every game, and because of his high level of dependability, he was among the players who both took and made the most 3-pointers. With a lifetime success rate of 42.9%, Korver earned the tenth slot in the NBA rankings. That is amazing and surpasses the finest season of other athletes on this list. By the number of successful 3-pointers he attempted, Korver ranks #5. That’s MASSIVE, especially because Korver isn’t among the top 10 throwers by attempt volume. In other words, when Korver believed he had a chance to score, he was correct 42.9% of the time. He might not have been the player to take advantage of every opportunity, but he could still recognize a good one and capitalize on it. Korver has earned his place in NBA history through his accuracy and willingness to take a challenging shot and make it work for him. There will likely be some new players or players in the middle of their careers who could surpass Korver at some point in the near future. However, for now, Korver is one of the top players in the 3-point shooting game.

 

THE NBA’S TOP 4 BEST 3-POINT SHOOTERS

 

Let’s discuss the true titans of the industry. These are the players whose names keep coming up when talking about the best shooters in the game; their accomplishments genuinely stand on their own and don’t need much explanation.

 

You want these players on the 3-point line when you can get them there.

 

This is a high threshold, but we’re looking at a few players that might be able to outperform these legends as they continue. Basketball players constantly strive to reach this level of excellence, but only some will succeed.

 

Let’s discuss the qualities that made these guys the best 3-point shooters while giving them a little more space.

 

 

TOP 4: REGGIE MILLER

The inclusion of Reggie Miller on this list should come as no surprise. The “Knick Killer” was renowned for his ability to make challenging 3-pointers under duress and make difficult 3-pointers in general. Reggie Miller stands out from some of the other greats in this regard. Miller had a knack for pulling out all the stops just when it was required most. Few people have ever been better than Reggie Miller, and others will ever be better than Miller for odd shots, shots his team truly needed, and pulling out a win in a trying situation. There’s a good reason why Miller’s squad retired his number 36. For his numerous accomplishments and significant contributions to the game, Miller was honored in 2012 by being introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. With 2,560 successful three-point attempts, Miller now ranks fourth in history for most three-pointers made.

 

Miller has attempted 6,486 three-pointers, which puts him in fourth place overall. Overall, Miller had a 38.8% career success rate. He wasn’t entirely among the best of the best, but he also got fewer chances than other shooters on this list.

 

Why? At least partly because Reggie Miller had a reputation for being a good shooter even when he was still an active player.

 

This indicates that Reggie Miller frequently encountered more excellent coverage and opposition players, making it challenging for him to take the shot. Of course, Miller wouldn’t be known as the “Knicks Killer” if he didn’t have a track record of making challenging shots. Even while his success rate wasn’t as high as some of the other greats on this list, it’s clear that he excelled under pressure.

 

 

TOP 3: JAMES HARDEN

Being a living legend of the NBA three-point shot while still playing must be very stressful for a man. Fortunately, James Harden has handled that pressure very well because he continues to live up to his reputation. Of course, Harden is accustomed to being under pressure when playing. Harden has been focused on his career since college because he was voted the Pac 10 Player of the Year in 2009. Since day one, he has been expected to succeed in the NBA, especially given that he was picked in the 1st round of the 2009 selection at pick number three.

 

Nonetheless, Harden’s average of 22 points per game and already remarkable rate of made 3-pointers help him live up to his reputation. With 7,176 attempts, Harden has recorded 2,593 3-point field goals. With that, he has a 36.1% success rate. Do you need more convincing? Take another look at the number of tries.

 

This young athlete is willing to take a chance whenever he feels he has a chance, not only when he thinks the odds are favorable. Harden’s inclusion on the 75th anniversary NBA squad in October 2021 was a testament to his extraordinary skills and expertise. Moreover, he has played on the US national team twice, capturing gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games.

 

Harden, a shooting guard, and point guard, were ranked as the fifth-best shooter of the 2010s. He also shines at the free throw line, earning high rankings there. Harden should be one of your top choices if your team needs a score-booster.

 

Harden is just as aggressive in free throws as he is on 3-pointers, even though he still lags below Lillard and other top free-throw success greats. With a total of 7,044 in his career, he presently holds the ninth-most free throws made in the NBA. Of course, Harden is still playing at the height of his career, just like Lillard. Keep an eye on this player to see where he’s headed.

 

 

TOP 2: RAY ALLEN

Ray Allen’s inclusion on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. Ray Allen is well-known to everyone who knows basketball. Ray Allen is significant because he was a player introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2018. He was a member of the NBA championship-winning team in 2008. He has averaged 18.9 points per game won for his side in his career. Although not the highest there might be, that is high. What made Ray Allen such a ground-breaking and well-remembered athlete, then? There are many different things.

 

He was a pioneer among outstanding 3-point shooters to start with. Although he didn’t have a title in his early career, he had a strong reputation based on his skills. He even took his reputation on the road and performed in a few acting parts. As he was the best 3-point shooter until our top choice passed him in 2021, Ray Allen has gained a lot of notoriety.

 

If you still need to learn, you’ll know who that is when we discuss him in our next section. In this area of basketball, the fact that he was one of the early greats still holds a lot of weight. Becoming a 3-point shooter is challenging, and achieving success requires a particular attitude and commitment. Ray Allen is another player who could make things happen no matter where he was on the court or what he needed to do, with an 89.9% success rate on free throws.

 

This adaptability is crucial for developing a reputation. Hence, his percentages demonstrate his proficiency despite having a little lower point average. Also, you must remember that basketball is a higher-scoring game in the modern NBA, contributing to players’ high point averages.

 

Even just a few years ago, you didn’t need to score as many points to give your team a game-winning advantage, which is one of the reasons Ray Allen is unquestionably one of the best 3-point shooters in history. Nearly his entire career, he was performing at his absolute best.

 

We won’t punish him for the fact that game point averages have risen since 2014 because it’s not his fault. After giving you much background information, let’s look at the statistics. Why was Ray Allen the second-best three-point shooter of all time? He held the record for the most successful 3-point attempts until 2021 after making 2,973 of them by the time he retired in 2014.

 

Why else is he the NBA’s second-best 3-point shooter? Because his 7,429 shots attempted rank first. You need a player who is effective under pressure. Ray Allen was essential. That’s all there is to it.

 

NBA’S Best 3-POINT SHOOTER: Stephen Curry

In 2009, Steven Curry made a significant impact on the NBA. Not only is this player the best three-point shooter in the NBA, breaking Ray Allen’s record for the most successful three-pointers in 2021, but he is also the top free-throw shooter in the NBA right now, with a success percentage of 90.8%. The top active 3-point shooter is Stephen Curry, who we’ve discussed among the list’s active players. Also, he is simply one of the best players out there. Curry is a player that thrives under pressure, knows how to deliver when it counts, and is adaptable enough to know what to do in various circumstances, much like many other greats on this list. Things happen when he is in play. Because of the consistency and skill with which Curry and his teammate Klay Thompson shoot the ball, they are frequently called the Splash Brothers.

 

Curry won his first team MVP honor for the 2014–2015 campaign and contributed significantly to the Warriors’ three NBA championship appearances in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

 

Stephen Curry is not only a master of difficult 3-point shots but also a good scorer in general, averaging an incredible 22.5 points per game at this stage in his career. Curry averaged 11.7 three-point attempts per game during the 2021–2022 season, with an average of 4.5 of those going in.

 

Stephen Curry secured his status as the player who has attempted the second-most three-point shots, right behind Ray Allen, as he overtook Ray Allen for the record. His outstanding 7,290 career tries have resulted in a record-breaking 3,117 successes.

 

Stephen Curry is the first professional NBA player to have made more than 3,000 successful 3-point attempts throughout his career, and he’s still playing.

 

It’s impressive that Stephen Curry has spent his whole career with the Golden State Warriors and that he won’t be switching teams anytime soon.

 

The sky is the limit for Curry, so we’ll have to keep watching to see if he breaks any more NBA records. We hope to see him on the court for a very long time.

 

The top 10 NBA players for 3-point shooting are shown below. These players are among the greatest in the game’s history, even though some of their careers are over and others merit close examination.

 

Five greatest dunkers ever in the history of the NBA

 

Dunks are becoming more imaginative than ever. There are countless variations and fusions of windmills, tomahawks, through-the-legs, and 360s.

 

The finest NBA dunkers do these types of dunks effortlessly because of their remarkable athleticism. They frequently throw it down, even against opponents who are taller.

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Making a list of the best is difficult enough without having to worry about who comes first when so many incredible talents have created jaw-dropping slams.

 

Nonetheless, a few outstanding basketball players have secured positions that no one else will hold for a while.

 

Without further ado, below are the top five NBA dunkers of all time.

 

Vince Carter

Without question, Vince Carter is by far the best Dunker in NBA history. After failing to halt his strong basket slams, numerous defenders were left to observe in dismay. After Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, who were both outstanding, everyone assumed no one else could surpass them. But Vince entered the game and performed a number of seemingly impossibly difficult dunks. A YouTube video compilation of Carter’s best five dunks was published in 2018 by the NBA. In the video, Vince Carter, the man who accomplished those amazing accomplishments, provided a breakdown analysis of how he did them and an insight into his thinking process at each instant. Moreover, Carter performed the most incredible dunk in a competitive game. During the 2000 Olympics, he jumped over the top of a 7-foot French called Frederic Weis. It is an unprecedented dunk that will never be imitated.

 

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, the best player to ever step on an NBA court, was a fantastic dunker. His leaping abilities allowed him to hammer several buckets over nearly every center. Jordan was endowed with amazing speed, allowing him to take off before defenders could block his path. He could complete dunks, just like Michael Jordan did after leaping toward the rim from a distance. Jordan performed unbreakable dunks and was virtually unstoppable in a competitive dunk contest or a regular-season game. In the 1988 Slam Slam Contest, Michael Jordan executed one of his best free throw line dunks. He virtually looked like he was flying toward the basket with his tongue out.

 

Lebron James

Despite never participating in an NBA dunk contest, LeBron James ranks among the greatest dunkers in history. Instead, he made his dunk competition out of the NBA games themselves. He is always prepared to face bigger guys and responds with his trademark tomahawk slam in this circumstance. King James is unquestionably one of the most admired athletes due to his athleticism, and his athletic consistency is even more impressive. James still jumps as high as he did at the beginning of his NBA career, even though he is 37. Lebron frequently raised his head over the hoop while dunking and repeatedly slammed the ball into opponents in both open areas and traffic. In the 2011 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks did everything they could to stop him from entering the paint, which is how they were able to stop him.

 

Julius Erving

In contrast to what the stuffy Knicks or Boston Celtics would have you believe, Julius started playing basketball in the ABA, a more laid-back and visually appealing league. He then applied similar ideas to the NBA after the leagues merged in 1976, which completely altered the game. He is, without a doubt, the most significant Dunker of all time. Erving represented a change in the competitiveness of the contest with an above-the-rim flair that ignited adulation and elevated the NBA to a new level of entertainment value, even though there were others. Erving had the talent to make even the most challenging layup appear effortless. He made dunking seem effortless as he performed. Dr. J quickly palmed the ball with his enormous hands, allowing him to soar through the air soon. No other player can prevent him from putting the ball down at the rim when you combine it with his vertical jump and size. Perhaps his most famous feat was his “Rock the Baby” dunk, in which he held the ball in his arms and went over Michael Cooper.

 

Dominique Wilkins

Dominique, one of the best dunkers in NBA history, will always be remembered for his ability to produce impressive dunks regularly. He dunked the basketball using creativity and pure force, creating stunning effects. His 6-foot-8 frame and explosiveness gave him a significant advantage while throwing downs against more prominent defenders. In 1988, Wilkins and Michael Jordan competed in one of the best dunk competitions ever. Power and hangtime fought each other throughout the entire competition. Even though Wilkins was accused of cheating, Jordan ultimately prevailed. Wilkins was a two-time dunk champion despite missing out on the 1988 championship.