Making our way into this new form of the game, let’s see basketball’s best three-point shooters in NBA history…
Troy Daniels
Three-pointers made: 549 Three-pointers attempted: 1385 Three-point percentage: 39.6% The Atlantic 10 Conference record holder for most three-point field goals in a single game during his time at VCU, Troy Daniels set the VCU and Atlantic record with 11 three-pointers in a single game. He played in the NBA G-League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and made ten three-pointers against the Idaho Stampede and broke the G-League's single-season record for three-pointers made.
When he was with the Charlotte Hornets, he scored a then career-high 28 points and tallied eight three-pointers against the Sacramento Kings. When Daniels played for the Phoenix Suns in 2017, he scored a career-high 32 points and had the longest streak of three-pointers from the bench in franchise history.
Dennis Scott
Three-pointers made: 1214 Three-pointers attempted: 3060 Three-point percentage: 39.7% ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year during his time with the Yellow Jackets, 6 ft 8 in Dennis Scott, was part of the Georgia Tech “Lethal Weapon 3" attack along with Kenny Anderson and Brian Oliver. In the NBA, Scott played mostly for Orlando Magic, where he was given the nickname “3D” for his 3-point expertise. Scott and Nick Anderson were the team’s top scorers until Shaquille O’Neal came on the scene in 1992.
In the 1995-96 season, Scott set an NBA single-season three-point field goal tally of 267, which he held for ten years, and the record for most three-pointers made in one game. In 2008, basketball analyst, Jay Bilas ranked his personal top 25 three-point shooters in NCAA history, ranking Scott as number one.
CJ McCollum
Three-pointers made: 997 Three-pointers attempted: 2509 Three-point percentage: 39.7% Two times Patriot League Player of the Year, CJ McCollum began his career with the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. In his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he finally came into his own and was named NBA Most Improved Player.
In the 2017-18 season, McCollum scored a career-high 50 points against the Chicago Bulls, joining only six other players in Trail Blazers history. In the 2018-19 season, he had his first career triple-double against the Atlanta Hawks and became fourth in the franchise all-time 3-pointers list.
Pat Garrity
Three-pointers made: 631 Three-pointers attempted: 1587 Three-point percentage: 39.8% Big East Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, Pat Garrity was a University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He spent ten years in the NBA, and during the 1999-2000 season with Orlando Magic, he held a three-point shooting percentage of 40.1.
In the 2001-02 season, he was ranked 7th in the NBA in both 3 point field goal percentage and 3 point field goals made.
Jayson Tatum
Three-pointers made: 388 Three-pointers attempted: 973 Three-point percentage: 39.9% Duke Blue Devils alum Jayson Tatum was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2016. He started his NBA career with the Boston Celtics and finished his first season with the team as the only rookie except for Kareen Abdul-Jabbar, to record ten games of 20 or more points scored during their first playoff runs.
LeBron James said of Tatum that “He’s built for stardom.” In the 2019-20 season, Tatum was named an NBA All-Star for the first time and scored a career-high of 41 points in one game. In 2019, Tatum won the Skills Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Kenny Smith
Three-pointers made: 664 Three-pointers attempted: 1665 Three-point percentage: 39.9% Kenny was named NBA All-Rookie Team during his time with the Sacramento Kings but he only spent a short time with the Kings before being traded to the Houston Rockets. Kenny would spend six seasons with the rockets and he was vital to the team when he helped them win two consecutive championships.
He also helped represent the United States in the 1986 FIBA World Championship, along with David Robinson, Muggsy Bogues, and Steve Kerr. He won a Gold Medal in the Olympics against the Soviet Union.
Eric Piatkowski
Three-pointers made: 865 Three-pointers attempted: 2168 Three-point percentage: 39.9% Known for his shooting accuracy, Eric Piatkowski AKA “Pike” or “The Polish Rifle” played college ball for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He played for the Los Angeles Clippers for nine seasons, and finished his time with the team as the franchise leader in games played, 3-point field goals made and 3-point goal attempts.
In the 2001-02 season, Piatkowski set the Clippers individual season record for three-point percentage at .466 which ranked him third in the NBA for that season. He also holds three Los Angeles Clippers historical records for free throw percentage, three-point shooting percentage, and most games played.
Bryn Forbes
Three-pointers made: 430 Three-pointers attempted: 1075 Three-point percentage: 40.0% Solid three-point shooter Bryn Forbes joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2016. He made 77 out 100 three-pointers in an NBA pre-draft workout but didn’t get much play time in his rookie season.
In 2017, Forbes earned All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors, and in the 2018-19 season, he scored double figures in 9 out of 11 games at the beginning of the season. Forbes became the third Spurs player in history to score 1,000 points and make 150 3-pointers within his first 150 games playing for the team.
James Jones
Three-pointers made: 776 Three-pointers attempted: 1937 Three-point percentage: 40.1% Playing 14 seasons in the NBA, James Jones, also known as “Champ” played for five different league teams and won three NBA championships. Together with LeBron James, Jones reached the NBA finals for seven straight years and was never on a team with a losing record.
While playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007-08 season, Jones finished third in NBA three-point percentage and in 2011 won the Three-Point Contests. Lebron James told ESPN about Jones, "He's my favorite player of all time" and added, "He's the greatest teammate I've ever had."
Ben Gordon
Three-pointers made: 1171 Three-pointers attempted: 2921 Three-point percentage: 40.1% The only player to have ever won the NBA Sixth Man Award as a rookie, Ben Gordon holds the record for second in career three-point goals for the Chicago Bulls. He helped fill the hole Michael Jordan left in the team and was voted onto the NBA All-Rookie team.
In his second season with the Bulls, Gordon was selected to play for the Sophomores in the Rookie Challenge in the NBA All-Star Weekend. He hit his stride in the third season, playing a career-high 48 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. While playing for the Detroit Pistons, Gordon scored the ten-millionth point in NBA history!
Brandon Rush
Three-pointers made: 522 Three-pointers attempted: 1300 Three-point percentage: 40.2% Winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, Brandon Rush is known for his ability to throw three-pointers.
He also played for the Kansas Jayhawks for three seasons and was selected as a Wooden Award All-American in 2007 and 2008.
Danny Green
Three-pointers made: 1276 Three-pointers attempted: 3177 Three-point percentage: 40.2% Famous for his perimeter defense and three-point shooting, Danny Green played in college for the University of North Carolina. He played in more games and racked up more wins than any other Tar Heel in history. During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Green set an NBA record for most three-point field goals made in a Finals series.
The following season he went on to win an NBA championship with the Spurs, making him the third player from UNC to win an NCAA championship and an NBA championship. In 2018, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors and was introduced on the court as "The money man from three-point land, Danny 'Money, Money' Green." Green helped the Raptors reach the 2019 NBA Finals, where they defeated the Golden State Warriors.
Michael Dickerson
Three-pointers made: 288 Three-pointers attempted: 717 Three-point percentage: 40.2% He led the league in games played and was sixth in three-point field percentage for the Houston Rockets in the lockout-shortened 1999 NBA season with 43.3%. That year Michael Dickerson was named All-Rookie 2nd Team.
He played for the Grizzlies for a while, but after only one season was barely able to play due to injuries and was forced to retire prematurely. Dickerson tried to make a comeback in 2008 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who invited him to their training camp but was waived in October of that year.
Luke Kennard
Three-pointers made: 260 Three-pointers attempted: 647 Three-point percentage: 40.2% Duke Blue Devils alum Luke Kennard finished his college career with a three-point percent of 43.8. In 2017, he went on to play for the Detroit Pistons and recorded his first career double-double that season, with 10 points and ten rebounds against the Indiana Pacers.
In 2018, he missed games due to injury but came back and scored a career-high 28 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Dell Curry
Three-pointers made: 1245 Three-pointers attempted: 3098 Three-point percentage: 40.2% The father of two players who hold high spots on this list, when Dell Curry retired, he was the all-time leader in points and three-point field goals made by the Charlotte Hornets.
He played for the Hornets for ten years and was mostly utilized for his three-point shooting skills. Curry won the Sixth Man of the Year award in the 1993-1994 season.
Luke Babbitt
Three-pointers made: 394 Three-pointers attempted: 797 Three-point percentage: 40.2% Playing college Ball for the Nevada Wolf Pack, Luke Babbitt spent his first couple of years in the NBA being moved around from team to team and league to league. He played for a while for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
He might not have made a significant impression on the league or got that much playing time, but he was always suitable for scoring from behind the line.
Otto Porter, Jr.
Three-pointers made: 551 Three-pointers attempted: 1364 Three-point percentage: 40.4% One of the top college players during his time with the Georgetown Hoyas, Otto Porter Jr. was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2013. During the 2016-17 season, Porter started 80 games and shot 51.6 percent from the field and 43.4 percent from three-point range.
According to ESPN's Real Plus-Minus, Porter was the most efficient scorer in the NBA among 115 players. Porter's three-point shooting percentage was fourth-best in the league.
Anthony Parker
Three-pointers made: 596 Three-pointers attempted: 1474 Three-point percentage: 40.4% Beginning his career in Italy and Israel and winning several titles as well two consecutive EuroLeague MVP votes, Anthony Parker joined the Toronto Raptors in 2006.
He soon earned himself a good reputation as a solid three-point shooter. He helped the team reach victory in their first-ever division title, first NBA Playoffs berth in five years, and best regular-season record in franchise history.
Brent Barry
Three-pointers made: 1395 Three-pointers attempted: 3442 Three-point percentage: 40.5% 1996 NBA Slam Dunk winner and son of former NBA player Rick Barry, Brent, won two championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Usually referred to by his nickname Bones, Berry was known as a good passer and a talented three-point shooter.
These strengths, along with his height, allowed him to play multiple positions, including point guard, shooting guard, and small forward. Brent and his father are the second father-son duo in history to each win an NBA Championship as a player.
Raja Bell
Three-pointers made: 956 Three-pointers attempted: 2357 Three-point percentage: 40.6% NBA All-Defensive Team player on two occasions, Raja Bell, played for six NBA teams but shined in his time with the Phoenix Suns. His teammate Steve Nash seems to have inspired him, and in his first season with the team, he reached a career-high 44.2% of his 3-point field goal attempts.
Bell was invited to take part in the NBA Footlocker Three-Point Shootout but unfortunately opted out due to an illness in the family. Bell ended his second season with the Suns with a total of 205 three-point shots made.
Wally Szczerbiak
Three-pointers made: 590 Three-pointers attempted: 1453 Three-point percentage: 40.6% Named MAC Player of the Year, and first-team All-American by Basketball News and Sports Illustrated and second-team All-American by the Associated Press, Wally Szczerbiak’s college career with Miami ended with him as the school’s second all-time leading scorer.
While playing for the Cavaliers In the 2008 NBA Playoffs, he helped defeat the Washington Wizards by making 26 points and shooting 6–13 from the 3 point line in game six. In the 2008-09 season, Szczerbiak had 41.1% from the 3-point range.
Joe Ingles
Three-pointers made: 792 Three-pointers attempted: 1948 Three-point percentage: 40.7% Australian basketball player Joe Ingles is an impressive 6 ft 7 in tall and is known for his versatile style of play, which allows him to play small forward and shooting guard but also occasionally point forward. His first season with the South Dragons earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year Award.
During his time with Utah Jazz, Ingles held the best three-point percentage by a team player since Kyle Korver set an NBA record (.536) during the 2009–10 season. He became the first Jazz player in the franchise's history to shoot at least .441 from beyond the arc. In the 2017-18 season, Ingles became the first Jazz player ever to make 200 3-pointers in one season.
Jose Calderon
Three-pointers made: 920 Three-pointers attempted: 2260 Three-point percentage: 40.7% Winner of the 2006 FIBA World Cup title with the Spanish national team, and with two Olympic silver medals, Jose Calderon, was known as a talented playmaker. However, when he joined the NBA, he had a hard time shooting.
It only took a few short years until Calderon set the record for the second-longest streak in NBA history for consecutive free throws made. In 2013, when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, Calderon led the league in the point shooting percentage at 46.1%.
Daniel Gibson
Three-pointers made: 578 Three-pointers attempted: 1419 Three-point percentage: 40.7% All-Big 12 Third Team and the first freshman in school history to lead Texas in scoring, Daniel Gibson scored 175 three-point field goals during his two seasons with the Longhorns. When he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gibson led all rookies in the percentage of 3-pointers, with a 41.9 and helped them reach the players.
He was chosen to participate in the Rookie Challenge and the Three-point Shootout during the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. While taking part in the Rookie Challange, Gibson tied the record for total three-pointers made during its first half. Later, he set the record in the second half with eleven total three-pointers and was named MVP of the game.
Trent Tucker
Three-pointers made: 545 Three-pointers attempted: 1410 Three-point percentage: 40.8% Playing in the NBA for over a decade, with a height of 6 ft 5, shooting guard Trent Tucker was one of the first three-point specialists. He represented the Knicks in the historical first Three-Point Shootout in 1986. He reached the semifinals but, in the end, was outpaced by Craig Hodges and Larry Bird, who was the winner.
Tucker is known for more than his superior playing skills, he is also famous for the rule named after him. He made a three-point shot against the Chicago Bulls with 0.1 seconds left on the buzzer. The shot counted, and the Knicks won the game, but due to Bulls’ fans' complaints, a new rule was instituted that 0.3 seconds need to remain on the clock for a shot to count.
Landry Shamet
Three-pointers made: 272 Three-pointers attempted: 664 Three-point percentage: 41.0% The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Landry Shamet in 2018, he scored 29 points off the bench against the Washington Wizards and set a Sixers rookie record with eight three-pointers.
Shamet continued to show off his skills from outside the arc in 2019 after he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He scored a game-winning 3-pointer for them against the Golden State Warriors.
Dana Barros
Three-pointers made: 1090 Three-pointers attempted: 2652 Three-point percentage: 41.1% One of Boston College’s all-time leading scorers, Dana Barros, started in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics but didn’t really find his stride until he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. They gave him more playing time, which allowed him to increase his scoring output. During his second season with the Sixers, Barros played in all 82 games and set his career-high three-point percentage at an impressive 46.4.
In 1995, he was chosen to play in the NBA All-Star Game and was voted the league’s Most Improved Player. He also set an NBA record by making at least one three-pointer in 89 consecutive games, and it took almost ten years to break that record. Barros participated in the AT&T Long Distance Shootout four times in a row between 1992 and 1996, coming in second twice.
Dāvis Bertāns
Three-pointers made: 508 Three-pointers attempted: 1235 Three-point percentage: 41.1% Latvian basketball player Dāvis Bertāns started in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. He was the fourth Spurs rookie ever to have at least 35 three-pointers and 15 blocks in a season and made three three-pointers against Golden State to reach 51 three-pointers in the 2016-17 season.
He was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2019 and has continued to shoot firmly from the outside. He made five three-pointers in his very first game playing for the Wizards.
Buddy Hield
Three-pointers made:846 Three-pointers attempted: 2056 Three-point percentage: 41.1% The Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016, Buddy Hield, received four valuable national player of the year awards in 2016: The John R. Wooden Award, Sporting News Player of the Year, Naismith Award, as well as the Oscar Robertson Trophy. During his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, he scored five three-pointers against the Indians Pacers and was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December.
He was traded to the Kings in 2017, and after three seasons with the team, he broke Damian Lillard's NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a player's first three seasons. In 2020, Hield won the Mountain Dew Three-Point Shootout at NBA All-Star Weekend, beating out Devin Booker in the final round.
Doug McDermott
Three-pointers made: 494 Three-pointers attempted: 1195 Three-point percentage: 41.3% 2014 national player of the year Doug McDermott, who played college ball for Creighton University, was the highest scorer in 2013–14. McDermott was a three-time consensus first-team All-American. He also ended his college career with the fifth-most points in NCAA Division I men's basketball history.
When he started with the Bulls, McDermott was expected to help with scoring and shooting but had a hard time adjusting to the NBA at first. He had to take a break to undergo knee surgery but came back and stayed with the Bulls for two more seasons, in which his numbers significantly improved.
Matt Bonner
Three-pointers made: 797 Three-pointers attempted: 1923 Three-point percentage: 41.4% Famously known as the Red Rocket, basketball player Matt Bonner played for the Toronto Raptors in the 2004-2005 season. He is still the only Raptors rookie to have played in all 82 games in a season. After two seasons, he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, with which he won an NBA championship and played the best game of his career, scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors.
In the 2010-2011 season, Bonner was the league leader in three-point field goal percentage with 45.7%. He retired in 2017, after over a decade in the NBA.
Anthony Morrow
Three-pointers made: 807 Three-pointers attempted: 1937 Three-point percentage: 41.7% Morrow was not drafted in the 2008 NBA draft and only joined the Golden State Warriors, in the Summer League. In his first NBA start, he scored 37 points on 15-for-20 shooting against the Los Angeles Clippers - the highest number of points to ever be scored by an undrafted player in his rookie season. When the season ended, Morrow was the first rookie and the first Warrior in history to lead the league in three-point field goal shooting.
In the 2009 Summer League, Morrow scored a whopping 47 points in one game and set the record for most points scored by an individual in a game at the NBA Summer League. In the 2009-10 season, he established his record, with six 3-pointers against the Dallas Mavericks. In 2010, Morrow was traded to the New Jersey Nets, and at the end of the season, he had the second-highest 3-point percentage of all time, only behind Steve Kerr.
Wesley Person
Three-pointers made: 1150 Three-pointers attempted: 1651 Three-point percentage: 41.8% 1994 NBA All-Rookie Second Team Wesley Person played for seven different teams during his time in the NBA. Complex Sports claim that he was the 13th greatest three-point shooter of all time.
In 1997, Person was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. During his first season on the team, he led the league in 3-pointers made. His three-point percentage with the Cavaliers was 42.4.
Joe Harris
Three-pointers made: 602 Three-pointers attempted: 1422 Three-point percentage: 42.3% In 2018, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Joe Harris made a 3-pointer in his 25th straight game, moving into sole possession of fourth place on the Nets' career list. In December of the same year, while playing the Phoenix Suns, Harris made three 3-pointers, making him the first player in franchise history to make three or more in six straight games.
In 2019, he scored his personal best seven 3-pointers against the Toronto Raptors and won the NBA Three-Point Contest during All-Star weekend. During the playoffs, he shot 4-of-21 from the 3-point range over the five games.
B.J. Armstrong
Three-pointers made: 436 Three-pointers attempted: 1026 Three-point percentage: 42.5% Winning three NBA championships during his time with the Chicago Bulls, B.J. Armstrong claimed the NBA's three-point field goal percentage crown with a mark of .453 on 63-for-139 shooting in the 1993 season.
He got a chance to shine after Michael Jordan’s surprise retirement in 1994 and finished second in the NBA in three-point field goal percentage.
Steve Novak
Three-pointers made: 575 Three-pointers attempted: 1337 Three-point percentage: 43% During the 2011-2012 season, Novak was the NBA regular-season leader in three-point percentage. He was both a small forward and a power forward, who won the ESPN college three-point shooting contest in 2006. Novak memorably scored a game-winning three-pointer in 2008 against the Sacramento Kings to win the game by two with just seconds left to the game. A move that kept the Rockets' historic 22-game winning streak alive.
That was his only basket in the entire game. He also scored a three-pointer at the buzzer while playing for the Clippers in 2009, which helped them beat the Nets by two.
Tim Legler
Three-pointers made: 260 Three-pointers attempted: 603 Three-point percentage: 44.7% 1995-1996 was Tim Legler’s season, in which he ranked first in the league in both 3-point field goal percentage and true shooting percentage. The impressive player won the 1996 Three-Point Shootout during All-Star Weekend. He also holds the record for a 3-round aggregate of (23, 22, and 20 out of 30 each) 65 points (out of 90).
Legler played professional basketball for ten years and was ranked 8th ever in three-point percentage, however, a knee injury eventually ended his career.
Seth Curry
Three-pointers made: 437 Three-pointers attempted: 986 Three-point percentage: 44.3% In this case, talent does run in the family, Seth Curry, son of former NBA player Dell Curry and brother to our number one on this list, Stephen Curry, was signed by the Kings mainly for his ability to shoot from the outside, which was the team’s weakness.
Curry, who is considered to be a "shooting guard trapped in a point guard's body," recently scored a career-high 37 points and 8-9 from the three-point line against Miami Heat.
Hubert Davis
Three-pointers made: 728 Three-pointers attempted: 1651 Three-point percentage: 44.1% Hubert Davis is ranked 4th of all-time in a three-point shot percentage by NBA.com. He attended the University of North Carolina and still holds the UNC’s highest three-point percentage ever.
He played for the New York Knicks and ended up helping to win Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls with his free throws. Davis spent over a decade in the NBA and was a valued member of six teams.
Duncan Robinson
Three-pointers made: 250 Three-pointers attempted: 565 Three-point percentage: 44.2% Division III Rookie of the Year 2014, Duncan Robinson, made quite the impression while playing college ball for Michigan. He led the Big Ten Conference in three-point shooting percentage (.450) for a while, and during his college years, made several game-changing three-point shots in some major tournaments.
When he went on to play in the NBA for Miami, Robinson set records for three-point shots made in a quarter, as well as tying the record for three-point shots made in a game. In his second season, he also set a franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season. He also represented the Heat in the NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest.
Mike Miller
Three-pointers made: 1,590 (22nd all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,910 Three-point percentage: 40.7% Rookie of the Year in 2001, Mike Miller, has reinvented himself as a player more than once during his almost two-decade-long career. Miller was at his best, however, when he focused on shooting the basketball from the outside.
Despite playing for seven different teams, he always performed at a high level, remaining 22nd all-time in three-pointers made and 23rd in percentage. What really secured his place on this list, was the three on one shoe Miller infamously made in the 2014 NBA Finals.
Jason Kapono
Three-pointers made: 457 Three-pointers attempted: 1,054 Three-point percentage: 43.4% During his nine-year career, Jason Kapono, who spent some time playing in Miami, Philadelphia, and Toronto, was a three-point specialist and UCLA’s three-point percentage record holder.
He was one of the best three-point contestants in basketball history and won the Three-Point Shootout for two consecutive years, with scores of 24 and 25 out of a possible 30. With a career average of just 6.7 points per game, Kapono is an excellent example of a fantastic shooter who was not such a strong player overall
Allan Houston
Three-pointers made: 1,305 (43rd all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,247 Three-point percentage: 40.2% A two-time member of the NBA All-Star Team and Olympic gold medalist Allan Houston was famous for getting points on the board. Lots of points, which he racked up with his impressive three-point shots.
He is known for being the Knicks’ best scorer during their deep playoff runs in the 1990s.
Dirk Nowitzki
Three-pointers made: 1,918 (11th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 4,668 Three-point percentage: 38.3% At roughly 7-feet tall, Dirk Nowitzki is believed by many to be the best big man shooter to ever step onto a basketball court. His high release point and deep range have had defenders up in arms since his first days in the NBA.
Although most of his playing takes place from the mid-range, what really makes him unique and sets him apart from other power forwards in the league is his impressive three-point shot.
Jeff Hornacek
Three-pointers made: 828 Three-pointers attempted: 2,055 Three-point percentage: 40.3% This former head coach for the New York Knicks was also an expert shooter during his 14 season career. In his playing days, Jeff Hornacek was always amongst the league leaders in three-point percentage and came close to joining the 50-40-90 club on more than once occasion.
Basketball greats like John Stockton, Karl Malone, Tom Chambers, and Kevin Johnson may have given him open looks, but it was up to Hornacek to sink the ball, which he just kept on doing.
Mitch Richmond
Three-pointers made: 1,326 (40th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,419 Three-point percentage: 38.8% Another Rookie of the Year recipient. Mitch Richmond was an excellent three-point scorer, but he was also the number one scoring option for his team. He was just good at scoring, no matter where he was on the court, and when the opposing team tried to keep him away from the basket, he had no trouble shooting from the outside.
Richmond was able to create for himself, come off screens, or fire away in transition. In the prime of his career, he could do it all. No wonder he was considered one of the best three-point bombers in the NBA.
Chris Mullin
Three-pointers made: 815 Three-pointers attempted: 2,120 Three-point percentage: 38.4% No one can dispute Richmond’s talents, but he was not even believed to be the best shooter in the renowned Run-TMC trio. That honor goes to Chris Mullin and a left-handed shooting machine that was known for getting his shot off whenever he wanted.
Mullin’s lightning-quick release and deep range made guarding him an extremely tough task. Due to his numerous other talents, Mullin didn’t usually focus on three-pointers, but when he did shoot from the outside, he could rack up points with the best of them.
Mark Price
Three-pointers made: 976 Three-pointers attempted: 2,428 Three-point percentage: 40.2% Legendary Cleveland point guard Mark Price lit up plenty of scoreboards in his impressive career. He paved the way for guards that could fill up stat sheets in more than one way, and that was due to the threat of his outside shot.
The numbers may not look as impressive as what we are used to today, but for those days, Price was hoisting a high-volume of three-point shots and converting on a comparably efficient clip. In addition, Price was one of the greatest free-throw shooters in NBA history and could sink the ball from any spot on the court.
Craig Hodges
Three-pointers made: 563 Three-pointers attempted: 1,408 Three-point percentage: 40.0% Craig Hodges is tied with Larry Bird as one of only two players in NBA history to have ever won three consecutive Three-Point Contests. He is perhaps the most overlooked shooter in recent times and led the league in 3-point shooting percentage three times.
This not so tall player was not just good in competitions, he also played well on the court, with a solid 40 percent from the outside throughout his career. He may not have made quite as many points as others on this list, but a three-peat in a contest that includes the NBA’s best shooters has rightfully earned him his spot.
Steve Kerr
Three-pointers made: 726 Three-pointers attempted: 1,599 Three-point percentage: 45.4% The three-point percentage leader of all-time, Steve Kerr, was often in the right place and the right time and used his superior shooting skills to make a name for himself.
He shared the court with basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Scottie Pippen, which was perfect for him because, despite his smaller build, he was more of an off-guard than a point guard. With numerous seasons in which he shot more than 50 percent from the three-point line, Kerr was instrumental in five distinct NBA title runs.
Larry Bird
Three-pointers made: 649 Three-pointers attempted: 1,727 Three-point percentage: 37.6% Basketball legend and one of the game’s all-time greats, Larry Bird, was good at every aspect of the game, but also at shooting. Famous for his unorthodox form, Bird was an almost impossible match-up due to his incredible outside game.
As a three-time Three-Point Contest consecutive champion and with numerous clutch threes, Larry Bird will probably remain on this list for at least the next hundred years.
Glen Rice
Three-pointers made: 1,559 (23rd all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,896 Three-point percentage: 40.0% During his time with the University of Michigan Wolverines, Rice became the school’s all-time scorer and scored a record-setting 184 points in tournament play, a record which he still holds. When he moved on to the NBA, he was the premier outside shooter for most of his career.
His 6-foot-8 frame helped him get good looks over shorter defenders, and his high release made him extremely difficult to block. He was a trailblazer for the new kind of three-point focused basketball currently being played, showcasing just how well it works on the court. Rice is currently ranked 23rd all-time in three-pointers, mostly behind players that came after him.
J.J. Redick
Three-pointers made: 1,464 (30th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,524 Three-point percentage: 41.5% J.J Redick made a name for himself and won over a lot of fans when he was playing for the Blue Devils. He had a rough start in the NBA in Orlando, but soon adapted and became one of the best shooters around. His shots are textbook examples of perfection and should be used as an inspiration for young players everywhere.
However, what makes Redick unique are his skills off the ball, which are extremely important for all expert shooters. J.J. Redick has used his incredible stamina, quick moves, and a fantastic range to create an extraordinary career and legacy for himself.
Dale Ellis
Three-pointers made: 1,719 (17th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 4,266 Three-point percentage: 40.3% Many believe that he was the most excellent pure shooter of the 80s, it was almost impossible to defend Dale Ellis on the perimeter. Lightning-quick reflexes and a high release point, helped Ellis reach a total of over 1,700 three-pointers.
His greatest season took place in 1989, in which he converted 162 threes at just under a 48 percent clip. That season is still incredible, even when compared to the biggest players who have been around since.
Kyle Korver
Three-pointers made: 2,213 (4th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 5,130 Three-point percentage: 43.1% Unlike most basketball players, time seems not to affect Kyle Korver, and he just keeps getting better and better. He has been beating teams from the outside for over ten years, and it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere anytime soon.
Korver is known for his efficiency, with a career standing of 43 percent clip from behind the line. Although he began playing in the NBA in 2003, his breakout season in 2015 had him hitting 221 threes with an incredible 49 percent clip. Many believe that it will be impossible to reach those numbers again.
Klay Thompson
Three-pointers made: 1,557 (24th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,691 Three-point percentage: 42.2% The other “Splash Brother” does not always get the recognition he deserves, but when he is shooting from the outside, he still provides an incredible show. Thompson is known for his perfect release, which has led him to some truly unforgettable moments, including a 60-point performance against the Pacers in 2016 and a 37-point third-quarter outburst against the Kings in 2015.
Thompson can come off screens or shoot off the bounce and doesn’t usually have to set his feet to make a good shot. He even manages to do all that and still defend against the rival team’s best perimeter player, which makes Klay a top contender for one of the top five places on this list before he retires.
Dražen Petrović
Three-pointers made: 255 Three-pointers attempted: 583 Three-point percentage: 43.7% Dražen Petrović could have potentially held every three-point record the NBA has, but his career tragically ended in a car crash when he was just 28. Considered the best European basketball player in history, Petrović paved the way for other international players to join the NBA. His two seasons with the nets allowed him to show off his skills to the league and the world.
He even caught the eye of basketball legend Reggie Miller, who has repeatedly stated that Petrović was the best shooter he's ever faced. That is a pretty big compliment from one of the best shooters who has ever lived.
Peja Stojaković
Three-pointers made: 1,760 (16th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 4,392 Three-point percentage: 40.1% Another Croatian to make the list is 6-foot-9 Peja Stojaković, who also proves that Central Europe knows how to make some amazing shooters. Stojaković started out in Sacramento, and his talent for three-point shots was immediately evident. He excelled at foul shooting, doing so automatically from inside the line, and he was also deadly accurate from the arc.
Stojaković's time with the Kings has changed the way teams have seen wing players. His style of playing basketball would have actually been a perfect fit for today’s games.
Steve Nash
Three-pointers made: 1,685 (18th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,939 Three-point percentage: 42.8% One of the leading members of the 50-40-90 club, Steve Nash, is undoubtedly on top when it comes to all-around shooters. Nash is just as good from the free-throw line as he is behind the arc. He was a good scorer, who didn’t get the acknowledgment he deserved because his skills overpowered his shooting as a playmaker.
Nash was always among the league leaders in three-point shooting percentage and built his career using his excellent vision and unbelievable ability to shoot the ball. No wonder he was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Reggie Miller
Three-pointers made: 2,560 (2nd all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 6,486 Three-point percentage: 39.5% When the game was on the line, Reggie Miller almost always seemed like the one to turn to. He was one of the league’s best clutch shooters of all times, even though his jump-shot is never going to appear in a how-to video. He is known for his flared out elbow, his strange landing positions, and his release, which seemed like he was letting go with both hands.
Stylistic differences aside, there’s no doubt he made it work. In the impressive spot of No. 2 all-time for three-pointers made, Miller based his entire career on making big-time shots from the outside.
Ray Allen
Three-pointers made: 2,973 (1st all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 7,429 Three-point percentage: 40.0% Not only was Allen number 1 of all-time in three-pointers made, but he also dominated the court in all other areas as well, from defending top perimeter players to finishing around the basket in traffic. His skills as an all-around player, however, were not as impressive as his unforgettable jump shot. Any random search of his name will result in many clutch threes that he performed during his career.
Allen’s most memorable play was, without a doubt, the three points he scored that sent Game 6 of the 2014 NBA Finals into overtime. That one throw is an accurate representation of his incredible career.
Stephen Curry
Three-pointers made: 2,129 (7th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 4,880 Three-point percentage: 43.6% The number one spot on this list is sure to create controversy. While some think it is too soon to give Stephen Curry the top spot, others think it dishonors the amazing shooters that came before him. The stats, however, are impossible to dispute, and they don’t care about historical implications or sentiments. In the end, Curry has made more three-pointers than anyone else in history, and his runner up isn’t even nipping at his heels. During his historic 2016 season, Curry made just over five threes a game.
If we compare, Reggie Miller never averaged three three-pointers per game over an entire season. Curry made 688 threes combined in 2015 and 2016, which is more than Bird made in his entire 13-year career (649). There may be plenty of criticism about the game of basketball in 2020, or opinions about the players who surround Curry, but his skill is impossible to ignore. Curry is a force of nature the likes of which we have never seen and may never see again, so in the meantime, just enjoy the show.
James Harden
Three-pointers made: 2,310 Three-pointers attempted: 6, 359 Three-point percentage: 36.3% James became one of the NBA's most prolific scorers and earned fame as one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, as well as a top-tier player in the league.
With James Harden's help, Oklahoma City Thunder reached the NBA Finals, and he was once named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Vince Carter
Three-pointers made: 2,290 Three-pointers attempted: 6, 168 Three-point percentage: 35.36% Vince Carter started off as a high school McDonald's All-American, Vince played college basketball with the North Carolina Tar Heels and twice he advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. Vince Carter was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, who then traded Carter to the Toronto Raptors.
Vince Carter rose as a star in Toronto as he won the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year Award and the Slam Dunk Contest at the 2000 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Jason Terry
Three-pointers made: 2,282 Three-pointers attempted: 6, 010 Three-point percentage: 37.9% Jason Terry played 19 seasons in the NBA and was a combo guard earning him the nickname "The Jet." With the Dallas Mavericks, he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2009 and an NBA championship in 2011.
As of March 2020, Jason Terry has made the seventh-most three-point field goals in NBA history.
Jamal Crawford
Three-pointers made: 2,220 Three-pointers attempted: 6,377 Three-point percentage: 37.9% Jamal Crawford played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns.
Jamal Crawford is regarded as one of the best ball handlers in NBA history, and he is, along with Lou Williams, the only three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner.
Paul Pierce
Three-pointers made: 2,143 Three-pointers attempted: 5,816 Three-point percentage: 36.8% Following his selection to the Boston Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft, Pierce spent the first 15 years of his career with Boston. Pierce's nickname, "the Truth," was given to him by Shaquille O'Neal. Paul starred as the captain of the Celtics, earning 10 All-Star selections and becoming a four-time All-NBA team member.
Paul Pierce combined with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007 to form a "Big Three" that led Boston to two NBA Finals and an NBA championship in 2008.
Jason Kidd
Three-pointers made: 1,988 Three-pointers attempted: 5,701 Three-point percentage: 34.8% Jason Kidd's ability to pass and rebound made him a proper triple-double threat and when he retired, he ranked third all-time in the NBA for regular-season triple-doubles with a career total of 107 and third in playoff triple-doubles with a career total of 11.
Jason Kidd ranks second on the NBA all-time lists in career assists and steals and ninth in 3-point field goals made.
Joe Johnson
Three-pointers made: 1,978 Three-pointers attempted: 5,331 Three-point percentage: 37.1% Joe Johnson is a seven-time NBA All-Star and has also played for many teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz while having also represented the national US team.
Joe is also one of 46 NBA players to score 20,000 career points, and while he played for the Atlanta Hawks, he earned the nickname "Iso Joe" for his skills in isolation plays.
LeBron James
Three-pointers made: 1,860 Three-pointers attempted: 5,409 Three-point percentage: 34.3% LeBron was named the 2003–04 Rookie of the Year for the NBA, and pretty soon, he established himself as one of the league's best players, winning the NBA MVP Award in 2009 and again in 2010.
After failing to win a championship with Cleveland, LeBron James left in 2010 to sign as a free agent with Miami.
Kobe Bryant
Three-pointers made: 1,827 Three-pointer attempted: 5,546 Three-point percentage: 32.9% Kobe Bryant is the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history, and he was also the first guard in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons. His 18 All-Star designations are the second-most of all-time, while it is the record for most back-to-back appearances as a starter.
Kobe Bryant's four All-Star MVP Awards are equaled to that of Bob Pettit for the most in NBA history.
Kyle Lowry
Three-pointers made: 1,685 Three-pointers attempted: 4,602 Three-point percentage: 36.6% Kyle played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats before the Memphis Grizzlies selected him in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft. Kyle Lowry began his NBA career with Memphis and the Houston Rockets before being traded to Toronto.
In Kyle Lowry's second season with the Raptors, he helped them enter the playoffs for the first time in seven years and win an Atlantic Division title during the 2013–14 season.
Rashard Lewis
Three-pointers made: 1,787 Three-pointers attempted: 4,625 Three-point percentage: 38.6% Rashard Lewis joined the NBA directly from Alief Elsik High School. He rose to renown in the NBA as a prime scorer with the Seattle SuperSonics and was later a member of the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, and even Miami Heat.
Rashard Lewis earned two NBA All-Star selections, one with Seattle and another with Orlando, and he also reached the NBA Finals three times, winning an NBA championship in 2013 as a member of the Heat.
Wesley Matthews
Three-pointers made: 1,608 Three-pointers attempted: 4,344 Three-point percentage: 37% Wesley Matthews was the biggest of the "three amigos," the three guards in the starting lineup for Marquette. This trio, Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews, started nearly every game together from their first year onwards.
With his lack of height in the 2008–2009 season, Matthews learned to play against bigger opponents and became one of the most dominant players in the nation throwing to the basket.
Jason Richardson
Three-pointers made: 2,282 Three-pointers attempted: 6, 010 Three-point percentage: 37.9% During his time with the Golden State, Jason Richardson gained popularity for his outstanding scoring, ability to dunk, dedication to the team and fans, and moral uprightness. As the long time captain of the Warriors, Jason Richardson organized a letter of apology to their fans in 2005 after his team failed to make the playoffs for the 12th straight season.
Even after Jason left the Golden State, he has remained one of the most popular players among Warrior fans because of his energetic style of play and ability to shoot three-pointers, as well as the longevity of his tenure with the team.
Kevin Durant
Three-pointers made:1,570 Three-pointers attempted: 4,122 Three-point percentage: 38.1% With a scoring average of 28.1 points per game to finish the 2012–13 season, Durant failed to defend his scoring title; however, he did become the youngest player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club.
Finishing the year with a 60–22 record, Oklahoma City earned the first seed in the Western Conference.
Paul George
Three-pointers made: 1,566 Three-pointers attempted: 4,124 Three-point percentage: 37.9% Paul George was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. Paul George was named the NBA Most Improved Player back in 2013 when he also received his first All-Star selection. In addition to his athleticism, he has cultivated a reputation as a high-flyer by participating in the 2012 and 2014 Slam Dunk Contest.
After the Pacers' win over the Denver Nuggets on February 10, 2014, their teams head coach Brian Shaw called George "the best two-way player in the game."
Eric Gordon
Three-pointers made: 1,549 Three-pointers attempted: 4,186 Three-point percentage: 37% Eric Gordon played one season of college basketball at Indiana and was considered one of the top collegiate players in the nation that year. He finished his freshman season leading the Big Ten in scoring and tied for 19th in the country at 21.5 points per game.
Eric entered the 2008 NBA draft and was picked seventh overall by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Eddie Jones
Three-pointers made: 1,546 Three-pointers attempted: 4,147 Three-point percentage: 37.2% Eddie Jones played for five different teams during his 14-year NBA career. Eddie first played college basketball at Temple University and was the 1993–94 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Eddie Jones eventually led the Owls to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament.
The three-time NBA All-Star was selected 10th overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trevor Ariza
Three-pointers made: 1,535 Three-pointers attempted: 4,362 Three-point percentage: 35.1% Trevor Ariza won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2009. He played college basketball for a season with the UCLA Bruins before being selected as the 43rd pick of the 2004 NBA draft by the New York Knicks.
Trevor Ariza also previously played for the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings.
Mike Bibby
Three-pointers made: 1,517 Three-pointers attempted: 3,999 Three-point percentage: 37.9% Mike began his career when he played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, with whom he won the 1997 NCAA Championship. He was drafted second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1998 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season with the Grizzlies.
He is the son of former NBA player Henry Bibby, and he also has the distinction of being the last Vancouver Grizzlies player active in the NBA.
Chris Paul
Three-pointers made: 1,369 Three-pointer attempted: 3,705 Three-point percentage: 36.9% Chris was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, where he developed into one of the league's premier players, finishing second in NBA Most Valuable Player Award voting in 2008. During the 2011 offseason, Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Later that summer, he was dealt with the Los Angeles Clippers instead. Behind Paul's playmaking, the Clippers developed a reputation for their fast-paced offense and spectacular alley-oop dunks, earning them the nickname "Lob City."
In 2017, Chris Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets and assisted the team win a franchise-record 65 games in his debut season. He played one more season with them before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Russell Westbrook in 2019.