As someone who has followed the NBA religiously for over a decade, I often find myself in heated debates about who truly deserves the title of the league's best shooter. It's not just about three-point percentages—it's about volume, difficulty, clutch performance, and how a player's shooting transforms their team's offensive ecosystem. Let me walk you through my analysis, blending stats with the eye test that comes from watching thousands of games.
When you look at the raw numbers, Stephen Curry immediately comes to mind, and for good reason. Last season, he shot 42.7% from beyond the arc on a staggering 11.7 attempts per game—that’s nearly five three-pointers made every night. But here’s what sets him apart in my view: his shooting range starts from the moment he steps off the bus, and the gravity he commands opens up the floor for everyone else. Defenses have to account for him in ways they don’t for other elite shooters, which reminds me a bit of what Chris Gavina might be anticipating with his UAAP team—facing predictions of finishing dead last, but seeing that as room to grow. In basketball, whether it’s the NBA or college, undervalued assets or overlooked skills can become transformative. Curry’s impact is like that; he turns perceived weaknesses—like his team’s reliance on his shooting—into overwhelming strengths.
Then there’s Kevin Durant, a player I’ve always admired for his effortless scoring. He’s not just a three-point specialist; he’s a mid-range maestro, hitting around 52% from that area last season. At 6'10", his ability to shoot over defenders is almost unfair, and it adds a layer of versatility that pure shooters sometimes lack. In my experience covering the league, this kind of all-around scoring is what separates good teams from contenders. But if I’m being honest, while Durant’s efficiency is off the charts, I lean toward Curry in the "best shooter" debate because of how he’s revolutionized the game. It’s not just about making shots; it’s about forcing the entire league to adapt to a new style of play.
Let’s not forget Damian Lillard, whose deep threes are a spectacle in themselves. He’s consistently shooting over 37% from way beyond the arc, often in high-pressure moments. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him sink a game-winner from 30 feet out, and that clutch factor can’t be ignored. In rebuilds, as the reference to the UAAP situation hints, there’s "not-so-pleasant expectations," but players like Lillard thrive in those underdog roles, using them as fuel to exceed limits. Personally, I think he’s a dark horse in this conversation—his confidence and range make him a nightmare for defenses, even if his overall efficiency trails Curry’s slightly.
Wrapping this up, if I had to rank them, I’d put Curry at the top for his unparalleled combination of volume, accuracy, and game-changing impact. Durant follows closely for his scoring versatility, and Lillard rounds out my top three with his fearless deep shooting. But what makes this debate so engaging is that it’s not just stats—it’s about how these players elevate their teams, much like how a coach like Gavina might find hidden gems in a rebuild. In the end, the best shooter isn’t just the one with the highest percentage; it’s the one who reshapes the court every time they touch the ball.