Top 15 Shooters in Basketball History
This list counts down the top 15 shooters in basketball history who changed the game with their incredible range, accuracy, and scoring talent.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some players are just built to shoot. This list highlights 15 basketball legends who turned shooting into an art form, from long-range snipers to deadly mid-range specialists. Each of these athletes made a lasting impact with their scoring ability. Get ready to count down the best shooters to ever play the game.
15. Kyle Korver’s Quiet Firepower
Mar 9, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kyle Korver (26) lines up a three point shot in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.
Korver never needed flash to be feared. His off-ball movement and lightning-quick release kept defenses panicked every second he was on the court. He could disappear for most of a game and still bury you with a few dagger threes.
14. Ray Allen’s Textbook Form
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
Every kid growing up wanted Ray Allen’s form; it was pure poetry. His clutch shooting in key moments, especially during the Finals, sealed his legacy. Even at the tail end of his career, he still looked automatic.
13. Reggie Miller’s Cold-Blooded Confidence
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Reggie thrived on drama and never shied away from taking the big shot. His rivalry with the Knicks and those late-game heroics made him an unforgettable figure. He had range, guts, and a short memory for misses.
12. Steve Nash’s Underrated Stroke
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
People remember his passing first, but Nash was a 50-40-90 club regular for a reason. His mid-range game was deadly, and his three-point touch often felt too easy. He made shooting look like second nature.
11. Peja Stojaković’s Smooth Release
Peja_Stojakovic_Mavs.jpg: Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA derivative work: Chrishmt0423 (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
Peja had one of the smoothest shooting strokes of the 2000s. He could get hot in an instant and absolutely bury teams from deep. His shooting helped define Sacramento’s explosive offense.
10. JJ Redick’s Constant Motion
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Redick was a nightmare to chase around screens. His mechanics were drilled to perfection, and once he squared up, the shot was nearly automatic. He stretched defenses even when he did not touch the ball.
9. Kevin Durant’s Unblockable Jumper
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
At nearly seven feet tall, Durant’s jumper is practically impossible to defend. His balance, footwork, and range make every shot look casual. When he’s in rhythm, there is no answer.
8. Steve Kerr’s Specialist Touch
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Kerr made a living by knocking down the biggest shots on the biggest stage. His career three-point percentage speaks volumes. He was never the star, but he was always reliable.
7. Glen Rice’s Quiet Flame
Peter Llewellyn-Imagn Images
Glen Rice could heat up without warning and torch teams from beyond the arc. His smooth, calm approach masked a killer instinct. He made shooting look effortless even in high-pressure moments.
6. Dirk Nowitzki’s One-Legged Fadeaway
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dirk’s signature shot became a nightmare for defenders worldwide. His ability to shoot over anyone turned him into one of the most unique threats ever. The footwork and touch were a rare combo for someone his size.
5. Larry Bird’s Clutch Craft
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Bird thrived under pressure and delivered when it mattered most. His mechanics were not always textbook, but the results were undeniable. He made tough shots look routine.
4. Damian Lillard’s Logo Range
Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Lillard pulls up from the logo as if it were nothing. He blends deep range with killer instincts and a fearless attitude. When the game is on the line, everyone knows who is getting the ball.
3. Klay Thompson’s Catch-and-Shoot Brilliance
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Klay does not need dribbles to dominate — just a sliver of space. His release is absurdly quick, and once he’s hot, defenders are helpless. That 37-point quarter still feels unreal.
2. Steph Curry’s Limitless Range
Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Steph revolutionized shooting by stretching the court to absurd levels. His mix of off-ball chaos, quick handles, and deep threes changed defenses forever. Every shot he takes feels like a highlight.
1. Michael Jordan’s Mid-Range Mastery
Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com on Wikimedia Commons
Jordan’s mid-range jumper was cold, calculated, and nearly unstoppable. He used it as a dagger to close out games and wear down opponents. It was not just about flash; it was about finishing every play with authority.