As I sit here analyzing the latest NBA statistics, I can't help but marvel at the sheer artistry of field goal shooting in basketball. The quest for the perfect FG percentage has always fascinated me, and today I want to share my perspective on the greatest shooters in NBA history alongside some thoughts about how this relates to current performance trends. Having studied basketball analytics for over a decade, I've developed a particular appreciation for players who maintain exceptional efficiency while handling significant offensive responsibilities.
When we talk about the absolute best FG percentage in NBA history, we have to start with Artis Gilmore's incredible 59.9% career mark. That number still blows my mind - maintaining nearly 60% accuracy across an entire career in a league that keeps getting more competitive. Right behind him sits DeAndre Jordan at 67.4% for his best single season, which I consider even more impressive given the modern game's pace and defensive schemes. What many fans don't realize is that these percentages aren't just about making shots - they reflect incredible basketball IQ, shot selection, and understanding of defensive weaknesses. In my analysis, the truly great shooters aren't necessarily those who take the most shots, but those who understand which shots they should be taking.
The current landscape features some phenomenal shooters who understand this principle perfectly. Rudy Gobert consistently flirts with 70% FG in his best seasons, while Nikola Jokic's 63.2% last season demonstrates how a center can dominate with both volume and efficiency. I've always been particularly impressed with Jokic - his ability to maintain such high percentages while creating so much offense for others is something we've rarely seen in basketball history. The evolution of the game has actually made high-percentage shooting more valuable than ever, with teams increasingly prioritizing efficiency over volume in their offensive schemes.
Interestingly, this focus on efficiency reminds me of the tournament structure mentioned in our reference material, where teams are strategically matched based on their pool performances. Much like how the bottom four teams from Pool A face their Pool B counterparts in that preseason tournament, NBA teams constantly analyze matchups to create high-percentage scoring opportunities. The parallel isn't perfect, but the fundamental principle remains - success often comes from understanding relative strengths and positioning yourself for the highest probability outcomes.
Looking at today's leaders, I'm particularly excited about young players like Daniel Gafford, who shot an astonishing 72.5% after joining the Mavericks last season. That's the kind of efficiency that can completely transform an offense, and in my opinion, he represents the next generation of hyper-efficient big men. The game has evolved so much since Gilmore's era - today's centers need to be more versatile while maintaining that core efficiency. What hasn't changed is the fundamental value of not wasting possessions. Every missed shot is essentially a turnover, and the best teams understand this better than anyone.
As I reflect on these shooting percentages, I can't help but feel that we're witnessing a golden age of offensive efficiency in basketball. The marriage of analytics with traditional basketball wisdom has created an environment where players understand their strengths better than ever before. While the pure percentages might not always reflect it, the game today features more sophisticated shooting than at any point in history. The leaders in FG percentage aren't just tall players dunking anymore - they're skilled technicians who've mastered the art of scoring efficiently within complex offensive systems. And honestly, that's what makes following these statistics so rewarding for a basketball enthusiast like myself.