As a lifelong NBA fan who's spent countless hours analyzing shooting stats and game footage, I often find myself debating one question more than any other: who truly is the best shooter in the NBA today? This isn't just about who makes the most threes or has the prettiest form - it's about who you'd want taking that game-winning shot when everything's on the line. I've watched these elite marksmen evolve the game, turning what was once a risky shot into the most valuable weapon in modern basketball.
When I think about shooting greatness, Stephen Curry immediately comes to mind, and honestly, he's in a class of his own. The numbers speak for themselves - he's shattered the three-point record multiple times, hitting 402 threes in the 2015-16 season, which still feels like something from a video game rather than real life. But beyond the stats, what makes Curry special is how he's changed defensive schemes single-handedly. Teams will literally run special defensive coverages just for him, sometimes having players guard him from the moment he steps off the bus. I've never seen anything like it in my years of watching basketball.
Now, the conversation gets really interesting after Curry. Klay Thompson holds the record for most threes in a single game with 14, and his quick release is something I've tried to emulate in my own pickup games - though obviously with much less success. What separates Klay from others is his ability to catch fire instantly, scoring 37 points in a single quarter back in 2015. Then there's Damian Lillard, whose range starts the moment he crosses half-court. I've lost count of how many game-winners he's hit from what would be irresponsible shooting range for anyone else.
The evolution of shooting reminds me of how rebuilding teams operate - there's tremendous growth potential even when expectations aren't particularly high initially. Much like how new coaches face predictions of finishing last but see opportunity everywhere, younger shooters like Tyrese Haliburton are proving that shooting development isn't linear. Haliburton's jumped from 41% to over 45% from deep in just two seasons, showing how rapidly a shooter can transform their game with the right work ethic and system.
What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how shooting has become more than just a skill - it's a strategic weapon that dictates entire offensive systems. When I watch players like Duncan Robinson constantly moving without the ball, creating chaos for defenses, it reminds me that shooting isn't just about making shots but about the gravitational pull they create. The spacing these elite shooters provide opens up driving lanes and creates opportunities that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. It's why I believe a truly great shooter impacts the game even on nights when their shot isn't falling.
Ultimately, determining the best shooter involves weighing regular season consistency against playoff performance, volume against efficiency, and the degree of difficulty on their attempts. While Curry sits comfortably at the top for me, the next tier of shooters - including Kevin Durant with his unblockable high-release and Trae Young with his deep bag of tricks - continues to push the boundaries of what we thought possible. The beautiful part about this debate is that it keeps evolving as new talents emerge and existing players refine their craft, ensuring that the question of who's the best shooter in the NBA will remain compelling for seasons to come.