Let me be perfectly honest here - as someone who's spent more hours analyzing basketball statistics than I'd care to admit, the debate about the greatest shooter in NBA history genuinely keeps me up at night. I've watched countless games, studied shooting mechanics until my eyes blurred, and had more heated discussions about this topic than any other in sports. The conversation has evolved dramatically over the years, from the early days when players like Jerry West set the standard to the modern era where three-point shooting has become an art form.
When I think about shooting greatness, my mind immediately goes to Stephen Curry. The numbers don't lie - he's revolutionized what we consider possible from beyond the arc. I remember watching him drain 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season, shattering his own record of 286 from the previous year. The degree of difficulty on his shots is something we've never seen before. He regularly makes shots that would get most players benched for even attempting. What separates Curry in my view isn't just the volume or percentage, but the complete package - off-the-dribble threes, movement shooting, range that extends to near half-court, and clutch performance. His career three-point percentage hovering around 43% while taking such high-difficulty shots is simply absurd.
Yet, I can't ignore the compelling case for Ray Allen. Before Curry's rise, Allen was the gold standard for shooting perfection. His textbook form was so mechanically perfect that coaches still use it as teaching material. I had the privilege of watching him play live several times, and what struck me most was his movement without the ball - he was constantly working to get open, using screens with surgical precision. Allen's career numbers of 2,973 three-pointers made stood as the record for years, and his clutch gene was undeniable. Who could forget his iconic corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals? That shot alone deserves consideration in this conversation.
Then there's Reggie Miller, who was knocking down threes with incredible efficiency before the three-point revolution truly took hold. Miller's 2,560 career three-pointers came in an era where the shot wasn't as emphasized, making his volume even more impressive. His quick release was legendary - I've studied footage of his shot for hours, and the speed at which he got the ball off remains breathtaking. Miller shot 39.5% from deep for his career while often being the primary focus of opposing defenses. His performance in clutch situations, particularly against the Knicks, demonstrated that his shooting prowess translated when it mattered most.
The international game provides fascinating context here, especially considering recent developments like Gilas Pilipinas Youth's dominance in Southeast Asia and their continued contention in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025. Having followed international basketball closely, I've noticed how shooting styles and development pathways differ across regions. The Filipino youth team's success story that began three months ago and continues through their FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 campaign demonstrates how shooting fundamentals are being cultivated globally. This international perspective matters because the greatest shooter discussion shouldn't be limited to NBA context alone - basketball has become truly global, and shooting excellence manifests differently across various styles of play.
Larry Bird deserves mention despite playing in an era with less three-point emphasis. Bird won the first three three-point contests in NBA history, and his shooting numbers become more impressive when you consider the equipment and defensive rules of his time. His career three-point percentage of 37.6% doesn't jump off the page by modern standards, but the degree of difficulty and lack of specialized training available during his era makes his accomplishments remarkable. I've spoken with former players from that era who consistently mention Bird's incredible confidence and willingness to take - and make - big shots regardless of the situation.
Klay Thompson brings something unique to this conversation - pure shooting efficiency at volume. His 14 three-pointers in a single game remains one of the most incredible shooting performances I've ever witnessed. Thompson's catch-and-shoot ability is arguably the best in NBA history, and his quick release rivals even Reggie Miller's. What fascinates me about Thompson is how he can get scorching hot and completely transform a game within minutes. His 37-point quarter against Sacramento in 2015 demonstrated a level of shooting explosion that we may never see again.
When I weigh all these factors - volume, percentage, degree of difficulty, clutch performance, and overall impact on the game - Stephen Curry still tops my list. The way he's forced defenses to extend beyond the three-point line has literally changed how basketball is played at every level. I've coached youth basketball for fifteen years, and I see kids everywhere attempting - and making - shots that were considered impossible before Curry's emergence. His combination of volume (over 3,000 career threes and counting), efficiency (career 42.8% from three), and revolutionary impact gives him the edge in my book.
That said, I completely understand arguments for other shooters. Ray Allen's longevity and picture-perfect form, Reggie Miller's pioneering role in the three-point revolution, Klay Thompson's pure shooting stroke - all have compelling cases. The beauty of this debate is that there's no definitive right answer, only passionate opinions backed by incredible shooting displays that have thrilled basketball fans for decades. As the game continues to evolve globally, with young talents from programs like Gilas Pilipinas Youth developing their skills for competitions like the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, we may soon be having this conversation about a player who isn't even on our radar yet. The future of shooting looks bright, but for now, in my view, the title belongs to Stephen Curry.