Greatest 3 Point Shooter in NBA History: Ranking the Top 10 Legendary Shooters

As I sit here watching the latest NBA highlights, I can't help but marvel at how the three-point shot has completely transformed modern basketball. I've been studying this game for over two decades now, and I genuinely believe we're witnessing the golden age of long-range shooting. The evolution from when the three-point line was introduced in 1979 to today's analytics-driven era is nothing short of remarkable. Teams now build their entire offensive systems around the three-pointer, and players who can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc have become the most valuable assets in the league.

When I think about ranking the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, several names immediately come to mind, but the criteria extend far beyond just total makes or career percentage. We have to consider longevity, difficulty of shots, clutch performance, and how these players influenced the game itself. I remember watching Ray Allen's iconic corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals - that single shot probably deserves its own chapter in basketball history. The way he positioned his feet, the perfect form, the calm under pressure - that's what separates good shooters from legendary ones.

Stephen Curry absolutely deserves the top spot in my book, and I don't think it's particularly close. What he's done goes beyond statistics, though his numbers are mind-boggling - over 3,500 career three-pointers and counting. He's revolutionized how teams defend beyond the arc, often drawing double teams from 30 feet out. I've watched him warm up before games, and the routine is almost mechanical - same spots, same rhythm, same swishes. His ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the court, often with defenders in his face, is something we've never seen before. The man shoots 42.8% from deep for his career while taking the most difficult attempts in league history.

Now, Ray Allen comes in at number two for me, and this is where some might disagree. While Curry changed how three-pointers are taken, Allen perfected the art of the catch-and-shoot. His textbook form should be taught to every aspiring basketball player. I had the privilege of watching him play live several times, and what always struck me was his incredible conditioning - he'd run defenders through screens all game long and still have the legs to knock down crucial fourth-quarter threes. His 2,973 career three-pointers stood as the record for years, and his clutch gene was undeniable.

Reggie Miller holds a special place in my heart at number three. Growing up watching him in the 90s, he was the original villain who could silence entire arenas with his shooting. His 2,560 career threes were even more impressive considering the physical, hand-checking defense of that era. I'll never forget his 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks - pure shooting brilliance under pressure. The way he manipulated defenders using off-ball movement was years ahead of its time.

Klay Thompson sits at number four, and honestly, he might have the purest shooting stroke I've ever seen. When he gets hot, it's like watching basketball poetry. I was at the game where he scored 37 points in a quarter, and I've never witnessed anything like it - he was pulling up from everywhere without even dribbling. His 14 three-pointers in a single game remains one of those records that might never be broken. What makes him truly special is how he can explode for huge scoring outbursts while often being the second option on his team.

Kyle Korver at number five might surprise some people, but his shooting consistency was remarkable. I've studied his film extensively, and his ability to get his shot off quickly was unparalleled. He led the league in three-point percentage four times, peaking at 53.6% in 2009-10 - that's just absurd efficiency. What impressed me most was how he adapted his game as he aged, becoming smarter about finding open spots within the offense.

The international game has seen similar shooting revolutions, much like that memorable match between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup where the Filipinos secured their second straight competitive international victory. That game demonstrated how the three-point shot has become a global equalizer, allowing teams to compete regardless of traditional size advantages.

Coming back to the NBA, Steve Nash at number six was the ultimate shooting point guard. His 42.8% career three-point percentage is even more impressive when you consider he was also creating for everyone else. I always felt Nash could have shot more if he wanted to, but his unselfish nature made him even more dangerous. Larry Bird at seven was the original great shooting forward - imagine what he could have done in today's three-point heavy era. His three consecutive three-point contest wins showcased his legendary confidence.

Dirk Nowitzki at eight revolutionized the shooting big man position. His one-legged fadeaway was virtually unguardable, but people forget he shot 38% from deep for his career while stretching defenses in ways few seven-footers ever had. Drazen Petrovic at nine was taken from us too soon, but in his brief prime, he shot 43.7% from three - just incredible accuracy for his era. And rounding out my top ten, Peja Stojakovic was another international pioneer whose smooth shooting motion inspired a generation of European players.

Looking at today's game, the three-point revolution shows no signs of slowing down. Teams are attempting more threes than ever, and the skill level continues to rise. What fascinates me is how the very definition of a "good shot" has evolved - shots that would have gotten players benched a decade ago are now encouraged. As we move forward, I suspect we'll see even more specialized shooters entering these conversations, but the legends I've mentioned here will always hold a special place in basketball history. Their impact transcends statistics - they changed how the game is played at every level, from neighborhood courts to international competitions like the AVC Challenge Cup where strategic three-point shooting continues to decide outcomes between determined teams like the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.