1. Paolo Banchero — Orlando Magic
2022 Stats: 20.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 42.7-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 1 Overall (1st Round)
Banchero was everything Orlando thought he’d be. Not only did he win the Rookie of the Year Award, but he showed the fortitude in wanting to be ‘the man’ on this team. The Magic would routinely run plays through him during crunch time. Some guys shy away from the big moment, whereas Banchero relished it.
He does need to improve on his shooting (.298 from three) and turnover rate (2.8 per game). However, being such a young player, we see him having little issue improving in those categories. He really does represent the first franchise player in Orlando to get excited about since the days of Dwight Howard.
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2. Chet Holmgren — Oklahoma City Thunder
2022 Stats: N/A
Original Draft Slot: No. 2 Overall (1st Round)
Holmgren was held out the entire season due to a foot injury. Even so, we are comfortable in assuming the Thunder will take him here. Remember, we’ve seen other guys sit out virtually their entire rookie seasons and still come back to become very good pros.
Holmgren’s skill-set is tantalizing — and even more so for the Thunder in terms of roster construction. The potential last piece to their puzzle is a rim-running/rim-protecting big with floor spacing skills. If you were to describe Holmgren’s game in a sentence, this would exemplify his most impressive traits.
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3. Walker Kessler — Houston Rockets
2022 Stats: 9.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 72.0-percent from the field, 2.3 BPG
Original Draft Slot: No. 22 Overall (1st Round)
Kessler had the reputation as being a shot blocker coming out of college at Auburn. However, he took his game to a completely different level upon entering the NBA. Utah nabbed him in the Rudy Gobert trade — and it looks right now as if Kessler might already be a better player. One can make the argument he’s already a top-five shot blocker in the league.
He shot over 70-percent from the floor as a rookie (which is utterly ridiculous), and there’s still room for growth on both ends of the floor. In this scenario, Houston would throw him at the center spot and not think twice about doing so.
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4. Keegan Murray — Sacramento Kings
2022 Stats: 12.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 45.3-percent from field, 41.1-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 4 Overall (1st Round)
Sacramento went toe-to-toe with the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs this year. A big reason for that was Murray — who performed quite well in some of Sacramento’s most important games. Game 4 of the series saw Murray drop 23 points. He went on a four-game stretch in which he scored in double figures (including a +19 +/- mark in Game 6).
The Kings totally hit the ball out of the park with this pick. Murray is already shooting beyond 40-percent from three. He’s a jumbo forward with the versatility to play both the 3 and the 4 spots. As he gets older, he figures very much to become a bona fide bucket getter — largely based upon his skill level and his basketball I.Q.
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5. Jalen Williams — Detroit Pistons
2022 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 52.1-percent from field, 35.6-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 12 Overall (1st Round)
Williams would be a very nice fit with Detroit in retrospect. While Jaden Ivey was decent for the Pistons, Williams has a far higher ceiling as a player. A legit 6-foot-6 with a massive wingspan, Williams proved to be a very good defender from the jump. He makes the simple play, and rarely attempts anything out of his comfort zone.
It’s also quite rare to see a rookie guard shoot over 50-percent from the field (with a good stroke from three as well). In this scenario, Williams would play off the ball as Cade Cunningham initiates the offense. He’d immediately be a fan favorite in the Motor City.
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6. Bennedict Mathurin — Indiana Pacers
2022 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 43.4-percent from field
Original Draft Slot: No. 6 Overall (1st Round)
Mathurin was one of the more potent bench scorers in the NBA during his rookie campaign. Averaging close to 17 PPG and a blistering .487 effective field-goal percentage, Mathurin got to the rim whenever he wanted. We saw the explosive first-step quickness constantly — and the upside for Mathurin to turn into a healthy Victor Oladipo is clearly there.
While Mathurin must clean up his turnovers and become a more consistent three-point shooter, you’re still looking at a young, explosive playmaker in the backcourt. When given the chance to nab him again in a re-draft, Indiana wouldn’t think twice about gobbling up Mathurin.
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7. Jabari Smith Jr. — Portland Trail Blazers
2022 Stats: 12.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 40.8-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 3 Overall (1st Round)
Portland could stand to add some size to its frontcourt. With Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons already in tow, taking Shaedon Sharpe — a player with tons of upside — would be a bit redundant. We saw flashes of what could be a very good player. However, with Smith Jr. on the board, he’s the fit here.
You could plug him into the 4 spot next to Jusuf Nurkic — or even use him at the 5 in certain situations. While Smith could improve upon his shooting numbers, you’re still looking at a 20-year-old who averaged double-figure scoring totals with nearly one block per game. In a more stable environment, you may see him become more unlocked from a productivity standpoint.
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8. Jaden Ivey — New Orleans Pelicans
2022 Stats: 16.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 41.6-perent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 5 Overall (1st Round)
Ivey slipped a little bit down the first round in this redraft. New Orleans in all actuality is a rather complete team. With Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones on the wings, C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy in the backcourt, and the Jonas Valanciunas-Zion Williamson pairing up front, there aren’t a whole lot of glaring needs personnel-wise.
If we had to pick, it would involve getting another ball-handling guard in the backcourt. Ivey was solid with the Pistons as a rookie, His game steadily trended upwards as the year progressed. It wouldn’t be out of the realm to see a Darius Garland-like rise — assuming Ivey can continue to improve on his jumper.
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9. Jalen Duren — San Antonio Spurs
2022 Stats: 9.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 64.8-percent from the field, 0.9 BPG
Original Draft Slot: No. 13 Overall (1st Round)
When Duren got more of a chance to play towards the end of this season, he flashed the ridiculous ability many saw when he was considered to be the top prep prospect coming out of high school. Duren’s springiness on second-jump attempts showcased his shot blocking process. While not a threat to stretch the floor, Duren was highly efficient around the rim.
Duren isn’t a modern-day big with shooting ability from the perimeter. With that said, he’s a plus-athlete with the ability to be a plus-defender both in terms of protecting the rim and when switching onto smaller athletes. At only 19 years of age, there’s plenty of development left in his game.
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10. Andrew Nembhard — Washington Wizards
2022 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 44.1-percent from the field, 35.0-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 31 Overall (2nd Round)
Nembhard really came on for the Pacers towards the midway portion of his rookie season. Few expected him to be a starter over the more-hyped Bennedict Mathurin, but Nembhard ended up starting 63 of the 75 games in which he played.
He was a steadying force for the Pacers — often making the right play with his ability to function as a true combo guard. Whether playing on or off the ball, you knew Nembhard would be in position to make the right play. For a franchise desperate for ‘winning’ basketball players, Washington would’ve gladly taken Nembhard in the re-draft over Johnny Davis (who averaged 5.8 PPG on 24.3-perent from 3).
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11.Jeremy Sochan — Oklahoma City Thunder (by way of NYK)
2022 Stats: 11.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 45.3-percent from the field, 0.8 SPG
Original Draft Slot: No. 9 Overall (1st Round)
Sochan is a good player — and is one of the more valuable players within this draft. It just so happened that he was put onto a very bad team in what was an abysmal season. The Spurs let him play extensively, which will only help his development moving forward. Sochan primarily played the four where he shot a respectable 45-percent from the floor. He will without a doubt have to improve on a porous .246 from three.
Teams will learn to sag off of Sochan unless that changes. Still, you do like the fact he’s an aggressive, athletic player with real defensive chops. His defensive versatility, along with an exuberance on the court, gives Sochan a real chance to become a winning basketball player down the line.
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12. Shaedon Sharpe — Oklahoma City Thunder (by way of LAC)
2022 Stats: 9.9 PPG, 47.2-perent from the floor, 36.0-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 7 Overall (1st Round)
This would be a total OKC selection in retrospect. Sharpe has among the highest upside of anyone in this class. As a rookie, we saw flashes of a guy who could be the next Jason Richardson. We’re talking about a guy who’s arguably the best athlete in the NBA already. He averaged 10 PPG on decent shooting percentages.
Can Sharpe improve his defensive numbers? Absolutely. He also needs to become more of a playmaker when assisting teammates. Still, one has to wonder how good Sharpe may be when out from behind the Anfernee Simons’ shadow.
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13. Mark Williams — Detroit Pistons (by way of CHA via NYK)
2022 Stats: 9.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 63.7-percent from the field, 1.0 BPG
Original Draft Slot: No. 15 Overall (1st Round)
The Pistons originally took Jalen Duren here. Dipping back into the center pool, Mark Williams is a solid consolation prize. Standing a legit 7-foot-1, he immediately became a deterrent when protecting the rim. In only 19.3 MPG, he averaged 1.0 BPG and 7.1 RPG. Those numbers are utterly outstanding — especially when on a per 36 minute basis.
A bit of a throwback, Williams really is a physically-imposing guy. He should be a starter in this league for a long time — if nothing else as an athletic, long rim-protecting/rim-running big.
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14. Tari Eason — Cleveland Cavaliers
2022 Stats: 9.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 44.8-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 17 Overall (1st Round)
Eason was playing heavy minutes for the Rockets down the stretch. His play throughout the year was recognized by the league, as he was named an All-NBA Rookie selection. For one thing, Eason plays hard. He crashes the glass with ferocity, and is always on the floor scrapping for loose balls.
When you need the little things done, Eason is normally the guy to do it. For the Cavs, he’d be a very nice rotation piece capable of playing quality minutes at both the 3/4 spots.
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15. A.J. Griffin — Charlotte Hornets (by way of NO)
2022 Stats: 8.9 PPG, 46.5-percent from the field, 39.0-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 16 Overall (1st Round)
AJ Griffin will make a lot of money one day simply for his ability to shoot the basketball. One of the better 3-and-D players from this class, he’s a legit 6’6″ with long arms and exceptional shooting percentages. We may even be rating him a tad low here — because Griffin’s proclivity for hitting shots is quite good. He’s not much of a rebounder at this stage — nor is he a facilitator for others.
However, Griffin’s ultimate role could be spotting up in the corner knocking down threes. As we’ve seen in this league, there’s plenty of value there for those types of players.
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16. Christian Braun — Atlanta Hawks
2022 Stats: 4.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 49.5-percent from the field, 35.4-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 21 Overall (1st Round)
Atlanta loves loading up on springy wings. Braun would fit the build here as a plus-athlete offering competitiveness. It says something when Denver — the No. 1 seed in the West — has Braun as a fixture within its three-man postseason rotation. You can expect him to become an even better three-point shooter as the years go by.
Image Source: AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
17. Ousmane Dieng — Houston Rockets (via BKN)
2022 Stats: 4.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 42-percent from the field, 26.5-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 11 Overall (1st Round)
Houston is rolling the dice with this one. The Thunder are usually pretty good at unearthing good players via the draft. When Dieng was taken in the lottery, it raised more than a few eyebrows.
The French forward is bursting with natural talent — though he’s still raw collectively as a basketball player. If Houston can tap into the upside here and hope Dieng pans out, you’re looking at a very gifted basketball player.
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18. Jaden Hardy — Chicago Bulls
2022 Stats: 8.8 PPG, 43.8-percent from the field, 40.4-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: 37th Overall (2nd Round)
Hardy was a walking bucket dating back to his prep days in Nevada. As one of high school basketball’s most prolific scorers, he opted to skip college in favor of the G-League. He slipped into the second round — largely due to size and immaturity issues (allegedly).
As the season progressed, Dallas played him more. We saw glimpses as to why Hardy can be a very good scorer off the bench for someone. For one, he showcased his three-point shot better than anyone really expected from a percentage standpoint. Hardy has some real juice off the bounce, and at this point can be viewed as a very talented reserve.
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19. Malaki Branham — Memphis Grizzlies
2022 Stats: 10.2 PPG, 44.0-percent from the field, 30.2-percent from 33
Original Draft Slot: 20th Overall (1st Round)
The 20 year-old out of Ohio State would be a good fit for the Grizzlies. Memphis really lacked depth off its bench in general — especially at the guard spot. While Branham isn’t the shooter Luke Kennard is, he’s a far better athlete. San Antonio also wasn’t shy in letting Branham defend the opposing team’s best player. From a trajectory standpoint, Branham looks like a very solid pro for the foreseeable future.
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20. Ochai Agbaji — San Antonio Spurs (by way of TOR)
2022 Stats: 7.9 PPG, 42.7-percent from the field, 35.5-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: 14th Overall (1st Round)
The Spurs have been very guard-happy with their picks in recent years. This isn’t changing here — as SA will opt to take Ochai Agbaji out of Kansas. He played decently well for the Cavs this year before being buried on the bench during the postseason.
You did see some glimpses of a guy who could be productive as a role player. He shot over 80-percent from the line and a decent 36-percent from 3. When combining that with above-average athletic ability, you’re looking at a solid NBA rotation player.
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21. Dalen Terry — Denver Nuggets
2022 Stats: 2.2 PPG, 44.4-percent from the field, 25.9-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 18 Overall (1st Round)
Terry was a disappointment this year for the Bulls…there’s no other way to put it. He only played in 38 games this year — not starting any of them. The hitch in his perimeter shot was a major problem, and Terry was also prone to some mental errors (which clearly limited his time on the floor).
With that said, Denver can afford to roll the dice here. Terry is a plus-athlete with terrific length and very strong defensive skills. He’s also a point forward of sorts dating back to his days at Arizona. If he were to improve his perimeter shot — and perhaps overhaul his motion completely — you’re looking at a valuable rotation piece.
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22. Dyson Daniels — Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
2022 Stats: 3.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 41.8-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: 8th Overall (1st Pick)
The Australian was another high-upside pick. New Orleans took him No. 8 Overall hoping Dyson would have a Josh Giddey-like impact on the team. Defensively, he passed virtually every test thrown his way. The Pelicans would often insert Dyson into the game to defend elite perimeter talent. More often than not, he’d more than hold his own.
However, the offensive end of the floor was an adventure (to put it mildly). Dyson will need to get stronger when finishing at the rim, and the perimeter shot must get better. There’s still plenty to like about Dyson’s game — especially when he’s only 20 years of age.
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23. Peyton Watson — Memphis Grizzlies
2022 Stats: 3.3 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 49.2-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No 30 Overall (1st Round)
The former UCLA Bruin didn’t play a ton for Denver this year. As was the case during his time in Westwood, Watson is still a very raw prospect. His dribbling needs work, as does his perimeter shot. Still — Watson goes seven spots higher in this draft based on flashes. The combination of Watson’s frame and athleticism is tantalizing. He could end up a total monster on the defensive end of the floor.
As he gets older and physically more mature, the same can exist in transition. He’s only 20 years old, which makes Watson very alluring as a prospect moving forward.
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24. David Roddy– Milwaukee Bucks (by way of HOU via CLE)
2022 Stats: 6.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 42.9-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 23 Overall (1st Round)
As we saw in the playoffs, Milwaukee needed to get younger off its bench. Little came in the way of production — especially up front. Roddy is a bit atypical based upon his defensive end build. Still, he proved with Memphis to be a bit of a playmaker. If anything, Roddy brings some real energy off the bench.
He can score inside on the block, and can also stretch the floor beyond the three-point line. As his shot continues to improve, Roddy can be counted upon to be a rotation guy during the postseason.
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25. Johnny Davis — San Antonio Spurs (via BOS)
2022 Stats: 5.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 38.6-percent from the field, 24.3-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 10 Overall (1st Round)
We’ll give Davis a bit of a break here. He went to a dumpster fire of a franchise in Washington. Being a top-10 pick, he was quite good in college at Wisconsin. With the Wizards, he only featured in 28 games a season ago. Davis couldn’t get his shot going, and thus it adversely impacted the rest of his game. The Spurs surely will take a chance on a potential top-10 talent this late in the draft.
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26. Jaylin Williams — Minnesota Timberwolves (via HOU)
2022 Stats: 5.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 40.7-percent from 3, 43.6-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 34 Overall (2nd Round)
No one really expects much from a second-round pick — particularly if they’re a rookie. Well, Williams surprised everyone by becoming a starter at center for what turned out to be a playoff team.
While not much of a shot blocker or finisher around the rim, Williams did connect on more than 40-percent of his three-point attempts. Finding this sort of player at 6-foot-10 is pretty rare. Nabbing him at the end of the first round for the T-Wolves would be a wise move.
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27. Nikola Jovic — Miami Heat
2022 Stats: 5.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 40.6-percent from the field
Original Draft Slot: No. 27 Overall (1st Round)
We’ll trust the Heat on this one. Jovic is a skilled player with some nice upside. Miami is really good at recognizing these unheralded guys and turning them into studs (see Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin). Jovic didn’t get a ton of playing time this year — though we expect him to break through within the next couple of seasons. Remember…trust Miami’s track record.
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28. Kenneth Lofton — Golden State Warriors
2022 Stats: 5.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 52.7-percent from the field, 35.3-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: Undrafted
Lofton is a load at 6-foot-7 and generously listed at 275 pounds. In college, he was a fantastic player — carving out space with his frame and finishing at the rim with both hands. Possessing a soft touch, it extended beyond the three-point range.
If you watched Golden State versus the Lakers in this past playoff series, the Warriors had virtually no scoring threat up front. Lofton would’ve been a nice player to bring off the bench for paint touches. If anything, he’ll provide energy and considerable energy on the glass.
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29. Blake Wesley — Houston Rockets (by way of MEM via MIN)
2022 Stats: 5.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 38.5-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: 25th Overall (1st Round)
The 20-year-old out of Notre Dame did shoot nearly 39-percent from 3 on the year. That facet is quite encouraging. However, Wesley also shot 32.1-percent from the field. Not so encouraging.
At this point in the draft, Houston will take a young player with possible upside. The three-point stats help Wesley, and the fact he’s considered to be an above-average defensive player on the wing should also solidify his spot in the first round. If the athletic Wesley can stay healthy, Houston may be getting a steal here.
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30. Max Christie — Denver Nuggets (by way of OKC via PHX)
2022 Stats: 3.1 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 41.5-percent from the field, 41.9-percent from 3
Original Draft Slot: No. 35 Overall (2nd Round)
Christie’s numbers won’t wow anyone. But when asking the Lakers’ staff about the former Michigan State player, they light up. The tools are there for him to become a very good 3-and-D player. A plus athlete, he showed flashes of also being very good in transition on occasion. He moves his feet quite well, and Christie’s perimeter shot improved as the season went on.
Assuming Lonnie Walker and others move on during the offseason, you could be looking at the Lakers’ primary back-up 2-guard next year. For the purposes of this exercise, he’d give the Nuggets another intriguing bench piece.
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Greatest Three-Point Shooters in NBA History
30. Jamal Crawford
Three-pointers made: 2,220 (10th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 6,377
Three-point percentage: 34.8%
Image Source: Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
Crawford’s flashy dribbles would lack substance without a consistent jump-shot to pair it with. The 19-year veteran averaged at least one made three per game since his second season in the NBA. Crawford walked into any arena ready to shoot. His fancy ball handling has fooled countless defenders, and all Crawford needs is a little bit of space to get his high release jumper off. The eighth pick in the 2000 NBA Draft holds the all-time record for most career four-point plays with 55.
29. Jason Kapono
Three-pointers made: 457
Three-pointers attempted: 1,054
Three-point percentage: 43.4%
Image Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
UCLA’s all-time leader in three-point percentage was a three-point specialist during his nine-year career that included stops in Miami, Toronto and Philadelphia. One of the most impressive three-point contestants we’ve ever seen, Kapono won the event in back-to-back years with scores of 24 and 25 out of a possible 30. Having only averaged 6.7 points per game throughout his career, Kapono is the prime example of not having to be a great overall player to be a great shooter.
28. Chauncey Billups
Three-pointers made: 1,830 (22nd all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 4,725
Three-point percentage: 38.7%
Image Source: Allen Einstein/GETTY Images
Mr. Big Shot didn’t earn his nickname without hitting a few (hundred) timely three-point shots. From 2002-2009 (the entirety of Billups’ tenure with the Pistons), nobody made more postseason threes than Billups. During that span, Billups made 242 threes — 72 more than second place (Manu Ginobili). Instead of relying on elite athleticism, Billups utilized a crafty dribble and a deadly outside jump-shot to overwhelm his opponents.
27. Paul Pierce
Three-pointers made: 2,143 (12th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,816
Three-point percentage: 36.8%
Image Source: Brian Babineau/GETTY Images
Pierce proved that great shooters don’t always need the prettiest of looking shots. The Celtics legend utilized more of a push shot to knock down the 2,143 threes he made during his career. Always a great scorer, Pierce didn’t start gaining notoriety as a shooter until Boston formed “The Big Three.” In the trio’s four full seasons together, Pierce made 1.6 threes per game at a 38.7-percent clip. In 2010, Pierce won All-Star weekend’s Three-Point contest, beating out a field that included a rookie named Stephen Curry.
26. Jason Terry
Three-pointers made: 2,282 (8th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 6,010
Three-point percentage: 38.0%
Image Source: Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY Sports
Sadly for basketball fans, we no longer get to see The Jet bust out his signature celebration. A career journeyman, Terry’s most heralded stop was his eight-year run with the Dallas Mavericks. It was there that Terry won the Sixth Man of the Year award. He also capped off a brilliant playoff run with the franchise’s first championship ring in 2011. During that postseason, Terry made a ridiculous 44.2 percent of his threes, which included a white-hot 9-for-10 performance against the Lakers that ultimately sent the defending champs home packing.
25. Kevin Durant
Three-pointers made: 1,863 (21st all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 4,841
Three-point percentage: 38.5%
Image Source: Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
Durant would have been a great basketball player even if he were born 6-feet tall, but that extra length sure does help. Defenders are helpless once Durant decides to raise up and shoot. Not only is he an accurate marksman from well beyond 30-feet, but his high release coupled with his spider-like arms render any form of contest useless. His abilities don’t dwindle down the stretch either, as proven by his clutch triples at the end of Game 3 in both the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals.
24. Joe Johnson
Three-pointers made: 1,978 (17th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,331
Three-point percentage: 37.1%
Image Source: Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports
Before he became “Iso Joe”, Johnson was the designated sharpshooter for Mike D’Antoni’s “Seven Seconds or Less” Suns. In 2005, Johnson’s last year in Phoenix, he knocked down a league leading 47.8 percent of his threes. Johnson took on a bigger role offensively once he joined the Atlanta Hawks, forcing a minimal dip in his efficiency. In 2013, Johnson showed off his marksmanship by knocking down eight three-pointers in a single quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers.
23. Michael Redd
Three-pointers made: 1,045
Three-pointers attempted: 2,751
Three-point percentage: 38.0%
Image Source: Gary Dineen/GETTY Images
The sweet-shooting lefty from Ohio State came into the league firing. By the time he was a full-time starter (Year 3), Redd was already hoisting 6.5 threes per 36 minutes — a number that closely resembles what you would see in today’s game. A 2004 NBA All-Star, Redd had the ability to get his shot off whenever he liked due to a lighting-fast release. Had it not been for a series of unfortunate injuries, Redd’s name would be much higher in the record books.
22. Mike Miller
Three-pointers made: 1,590 (36th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 3,910
Three-point percentage: 40.7%
Image Source: Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images
The 2001 NBA Rookie of The Year reinvented himself as a player on several occasions, but the most effective version of Miller was when he was shooting the basketball from the outside. 22nd all-time in three-pointers made and 23rd in percentage is the reason Miller was able to sustain his level of play for the seven different franchises he played for. And if you can make a three on one shoe like Miller infamously did in the 2014 NBA Finals, you deserve a spot on this list.
21. J.R. Smith
Three-pointers made: 1,930 (19th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,178
Three-point percentage: 37.3%
Image Source: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
Smith’s picture-perfect release should be used by shooting coaches for the rest of time. The enigmatic star is one of the streakiest players to ever play in the NBA, and when Smith has it going, he can become virtually unstoppable from beyond the arc. After seeing his athleticism dwindle during stops in New Orleans, Denver and New York, Smith joined a contending Cavaliers team in hopes of providing an outside shooting threat for LeBron James. His most memorable moment in his four seasons as a Cav may have come in Year 1 when he went 8-of-12 from three in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the 60-win Atlanta Hawks.
20. Allan Houston
Three-pointers made: 1,305
Three-pointers attempted: 3,247
Three-point percentage: 40.2%
Image Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
Houston could fill up the score-sheet in a hurry, and the three-point shot was his most efficient weapon. A career 40 percent shooter from downtown, Houston was the best outside scorer for the Knicks during their deep playoff runs in the 90’s.
19. Dirk Nowitzki
Three-pointers made: 1,982 (16th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,210
Three-point percentage: 38.0%
Image Source: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
Standing at just about 7-feet tall, Nowitzki is widely considered the greatest big man shooter to ever grace the court. Nowitzki’s high release point and deep range has given defenders fits since he’s been in the league. While he does a majority of his work from the mid-range, his three-point shot is what separates him from the rest of the power forwards in the league.
18. Jeff Hornacek
Three-pointers made: 828
Three-pointers attempted: 2,055
Three-point percentage: 40.3%
Image Source: Rocky Widner/Getty Images
New York’s former head coach was also a dead-eye shooter during his career that spanned 14 seasons. Hornacek flirted with the 50-40-90 club on several occasions, and was consistently near the top of the league leaders in three-point percentage. Getting open looks from greats like John Stockton, Karl Malone, Tom Chambers and Kevin Johnson helps, but you still have to make the shot, which Hornacek did time and time again.
17. Mitch Richmond
Three-pointers made: 1,326
Three-pointers attempted: 3,419
Three-point percentage: 38.8%
Image Source: Focus On Sport/Getty Images
There’s something to be said for a player that is efficient from three while being the number one scoring option on his team. Richmond was a prolific scorer from every spot on the court, but when teams were worried about him getting to the basket, he burned them from the outside. He could create for himself, come off screens, or fire away in transition. In his heyday, Richmond could do it all, and was one of the best three-point bombers in the league.
16. Chris Mullin
Three-pointers made: 815
Three-pointers attempted: 2,120
Three-point percentage: 38.4%
Image Source: Brian Drake/Getty Images
Richmond was great, but not even considered the best shooter of the famed Run-TMC trio. That distinction would belong to Mullin, a sweet-shooting lefty that could get his shot off whenever he wanted to. A lightning quick release accompanied with deep range made Mullin a tough guard each and every night. He didn’t attempt many due to his skills in other areas, but when Mullin started heating up from the outside, he could put up points in bunches.
15. Mark Price
Three-pointers made: 976
Three-pointers attempted: 2,428
Three-point percentage: 40.2%
Image Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
Price regularly lit up scoreboards throughout his illustrious career. The longtime Cleveland point guard paved the way for guards that could fill up stat sheets in a number of ways, and he was able to do that because of the threat of his outside shot. Although it looks rather pedestrian compared to the numbers we see today, at the time, Price was hoisting a high-volume of three point shots and converting on a comparably efficient clip. Also one of the best free-throw shooters in league history, Price was automatic from all spots on the floor.
14. Craig Hodges
Three-pointers made: 563
Three-pointers attempted: 1,408
Three-point percentage: 40.0%
Image Source: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images
An impressive 3-time NBA three-point contest winner, Hodges is arguably the most overlooked shooter in recent history. Equipped with a funky jump shot and short in stature, the former Chicago Bull dominated three-point contests in the early 90’s. He also wasn’t bad during actual games either, as he shot a solid 40 percent from the outside throughout his career. He wasn’t quite as prolific of a shooter as others on this list, but a three-peat in a contest that hosts the NBA’s best shooters justifies his place on this list.
13. Steve Kerr
Three-pointers made: 726
Three-pointers attempted: 1,599
Three-point percentage: 45.4%
Image Source: Rocky Widner/Getty Images
The NBA’s all-time leader in three-point percentage, Kerr used fortuitous situations and dead-eye shooting to build a great career. Playing with greats like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and Scottie Pippen was the perfect recipe for Kerr, as he was more of an off-guard than a point guard despite his smaller frame. Posting multiple seasons in which he shot better than 50 percent from the three-point line, Kerr played a big part in five separate NBA title runs.
12. Larry Bird
Three-pointers made: 649
Three-pointers attempted: 1,727
Three-point percentage: 37.6%
Image Source: Dick Raphael/Getty Images
One of the very best to ever play the game, Bird was just as good at shooting as we was at everything else on a basketball court. Known for his unorthodox form, Larry Legend was an impossible match-up because of the threat of his outside game. With three three-point shootout victories and countless clutch threes, Bird will be on this list for decades to come.
11. Glen Rice
Three-pointers made: 1,559 (41st all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 3,896
Three-point percentage: 40.0%
Image Source: Andy Hayt/Getty Images
The smooth-shooting wing from Michigan currently ranks 23rd all-time in three pointers made and virtually only trails players that came into the league after he did. Rice was a trailblazer for the three-point shot in the 90’s and was the premier outside shooter for the majority of his career. His 6-foot-8 frame made it easier for him to get good looks over smaller defenders and his high release made him almost impossible to block. He paved the way for today’s brand of three-point focused basketball, showing the league just how effective it could be.
10. J.J. Redick
Three-pointers made: 1,950 (21st all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 4,704
Three-point percentage: 41.5%
Image Source: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
One of the greatest to ever don a Blue Devil uniform, it took some time for Redick to adapt to the NBA game. He started off a bit shaky in Orlando, but found his footing and quickly evolved into one of the best knockdown shooters the game has ever seen. His shot is perfection, and should be featured on videotapes teaching young players how to shoot for the rest of time. What truly separates him though is how effective he is off the ball, a necessary trait for any great shooter. With an unlimited gas tank, quick feet, and deadly range, J.J. Redick carved out an impressive career for himself.
9. Dale Ellis
Three-pointers made: 1,719 (28th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 4,266
Three-point percentage: 40.3%
Image Source: Jonathan Daniel/Stringer/Getty Images
Arguably the best pure shooter of the 80’s, Ellis was an absolute nightmare to defend on the perimeter. Quick as a hiccup and a high release point gave Ellis the edge en route to over 1,700 total three-pointers made. His best season came in 1989 when he converted 162 threes at just under a 48 percent clip – an impressive season from an efficiency/volume perspective by any era’s standards.
8. Kyle Korver
Three-pointers made: 2,450 (5th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,715
Three-point percentage: 42.9%
Image Source: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
With each passing year, somehow, some way, Korver continued to get better. Seemingly ageless, Korver torched teams from the outside for more than a decade as a relentless floor spacer. His true breakout season was in 2015, when he hit 221 threes at a remarkable 49 percent clip – a level of proficiency we may never see again. Sitting fifth all-time in made threes, Perhaps Korver’s greatest proof of his efficiency can be found in the fact that he has the 5th most made three-pointers all-time, but sits 11th in attempts.
7. Klay Thompson
Three-pointers made: 2,213 (11th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 5,317
Three-point percentage: 41.6%
Image Source: Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports
The second Splash Brother doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but when he gets hot from beyond the arc, everybody tunes in. His picture perfect release should be enshrined on its own merits one day, and has helped him to some huge moments – a 60-point performance against the Pacers in 2016 and a 37-point third quarter outburst against the Kings in 2015. He can come off screens or shoot off the bounce, and rarely has to set his feet to make it a good shot. Even after a two-year run plagued by career-threatening injuries, Klay has come back stronger than ever to form the perfect tandem with Steph.
6. Dražen Petrović
Three-pointers made: 255
Three-pointers attempted: 583
Three-point percentage: 43.7%
Image Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
A career cut short due to an unfortunate car crash, Petrović could have been the owner of every NBA three-point record. A European basketball sensation, Petrović blazed the trail for international players by joining the NBA. He was able to showcase his skills to the league and to the world in his two impressive seasons with the Nets. The Croatian was able to catch the eye of all-time great Reggie Miller, who has stated on numerous occasions that Petrović was the best shooter he’s ever faced. That sort of high praise from one of the best shooters ever has to count for something.
5. Peja Stojaković
Three-pointers made: 1,760 (26th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 4,392
Three-point percentage: 40.1%
Image Source: Rocky Widner/Getty Images
Central Europe really has made some of the greatest shooters we’ve ever seen, but none better than the 6-foot-9 Croatian, Peja Stojaković. Stojaković’s sharpshooting skills were evident from his early years in Sacramento. He was an excellent foul shooter, automatic from inside the line, and an absolute sniper from beyond the arc. Teams changed the way they looked at wing players after Stojaković’s success with the Kings. Had he been born a few years later, his game would have translated perfectly to today’s style of play.
4. Steve Nash
Three-pointers made: 1,685 (30th all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 3,939
Three-point percentage: 42.8%
Image Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
A premium card member of the 50-40-90 club, Nash is one of the best all-around shooters we’ve ever seen. As good from the free-throw line as he was behind the arc, Nash was a great scorer that didn’t get as much credit as he deserved because of how great of a playmaker he was. Consistently among the league’s best in three-point shooting percentage, the future Hall of Famer made a career out of his excellent vision and exceptional ability to shoot the basketball.
3. Reggie Miller
Three-pointers made: 2,560 (2nd all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 6,486
Three-point percentage: 39.5%
Image Source: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
One of the league’s all-time great clutch shooters, Miller almost always seemed to come through when the game was on the line. Miller’s jump-shot wasn’t exactly what they teach you in the textbooks – his elbow was flared out, he landed differently every time, and his release almost looked like he let it go with both hands. However, there’s no arguing the fact that it worked just fine for him. Sitting at No. 2 all-time for three-pointers made, Miller made a career for himself hitting big time shots from the outside.
2. Ray Allen
Three-pointers made: 2,973 (2nd all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 7,429
Three-point percentage: 40.0%
Image Source: Kent Smith/Getty Images
Allen truly did it all on the court, from defending top perimeter players to finishing around the basket in traffic. But no matter how impressive of an all-around player Allen was, the most significant trait he will always be remembered for was his beautiful jump shot. If you search “Ray Allen” on any platform, the first page of results will be littered with clutch threes he made throughout his career. His biggest moment was undoubtedly the three he made that sent Game 6 of the 2014 NBA Finals into overtime, and is truly the microcosm of his phenomenal career.
1. Stephen Curry
Three-pointers made: 3,390 (1st all-time)
Three-pointers attempted: 7,329
Three-point percentage: 42.8%
Image Source: Kelley L. Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Steph has eliminated any and all arguments. He is the greatest shooter the game has ever seen, and it’s not particularly close. For comparisons sake, Reggie Miller never averaged three three-pointers per game over an entire season. Steph has averaged four or more three pointers in eight of his last nine seasons. Strictly combining the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Curry made 688 threes combined, which is more than Bird made in his entire 13-year career (649). You can say what you want about the era he plays in, or the team around him, but you can’t argue his brilliance. We’ve never seen anything like Curry, and we may never again. Just appreciate it.