Who Truly Deserves the Title of Greatest Shooter of All Time in NBA History?

The debate over the greatest shooter in NBA history is one of those conversations that never truly gets old—it evolves, shifts, and reignites with every new generation of players. As someone who’s spent years analyzing basketball, from grassroots development to the professional stage, I’ve come to appreciate that shooting isn’t just about sinking threes; it’s about consistency, impact, and the ability to perform when it matters most. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on this while following youth tournaments like the FIBA U16 Asia Cup, where the next wave of talent is already showcasing skills that remind us why this discussion remains so compelling. Just three months after Gilas Pilipinas Youth reasserted its dominance in Southeast Asia, their push for the 2025 U16 Asia Cup serves as a timely backdrop. It makes you wonder: what separates a good shooter from the greatest of all time?

When I think about legendary shooters, a few names instantly come to mind—Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and Larry Bird, to name a few. Each brought something unique to the game. Curry, for instance, revolutionized the sport with his deep range and quick release. I still remember watching him drain threes from what felt like half-court during the 2015-16 season, when he made an astounding 402 three-pointers. That wasn’t just skill; it was audacity. But then there’s Ray Allen, whose textbook form and clutch performances, like the iconic shot in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, underscore his place in the conversation. And let’s not forget Reggie Miller, who tormented defenses in the ’90s with his relentless movement and precision. Personally, I lean toward Curry because of how he’s changed the game—kids today grow up practicing 30-footers, and that’s largely because of him. But is that enough to crown him the undisputed GOAT? I’m not so sure.

What fascinates me is how shooting has evolved. Back in the day, it was more about mid-range jumpers and free throws. Now, with analytics emphasizing efficiency, the three-pointer has become the great equalizer. In the 1980s, teams averaged around 2.5 three-point attempts per game; fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to over 34 per game. That shift isn’t accidental—it’s a response to players like Curry and Klay Thompson proving that long-range shooting can win championships. I’ve seen this trickle down to youth leagues, too. Take the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad, for example. Their recent dominance in Southeast Asia isn’t just about athleticism; it’s built on a foundation of skilled shooters who can stretch the floor. Watching them prepare for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, I’m struck by how these young players emulate NBA stars, practicing step-backs and off-the-dribble threes with a confidence that would’ve been rare a decade ago. It’s proof that the bar for “great shooting” keeps rising.

Of course, statistics play a huge role in this debate. If we look at career three-point percentage, Steve Kerr’s 45.4% is often cited as the gold standard, though it’s worth noting he took far fewer attempts than Curry or Allen. Then there’s true shooting percentage, which accounts for two-pointers, threes, and free throws—Curry leads among high-volume shooters at around 62.4%, which is just insane. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. I’ve always believed context matters. For instance, Larry Bird shot 37.6% from three in an era where defenders could hand-check and the line was newer, making his efficiency more impressive relative to his time. On the other hand, Ray Allen’s 2,973 career three-pointers stood as the record for years, a testament to his longevity and consistency. In my view, Curry’s combination of volume, accuracy, and difficulty of shots gives him the edge, but I respect arguments for Allen or even Miller, who faced tougher physical defenses.

Let’s not overlook the intangibles, either. Great shooters have a certain mentality—they’re fearless in crunch time. I’ve spoken with coaches who work with youth teams like Gilas Pilipinas, and they emphasize that shooting isn’t just a physical skill; it’s about repetition and mental toughness. That’s why players like Damian Lillard, with his series-clinching “Dame Time” shots, belong in this conversation too. Lillard’s 40-foot buzzer-beater against Oklahoma City in 2019 is a perfect example—it’s not just about making the shot, but daring to take it when everything is on the line. Similarly, in international play, we see young prospects in tournaments like the FIBA U16 Asia Cup developing that same killer instinct. It’s a reminder that the greatest shooters aren’t just stat padders; they’re artists who thrive under pressure.

So, where does that leave us? After weighing the evidence, I’d argue Stephen Curry deserves the title, but with a caveat—his impact extends beyond numbers. He’s inspired a global shift in how basketball is played, from the NBA to youth circuits in Asia and beyond. Yet, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the purity of Ray Allen’s form or the swagger of Reggie Miller. Ultimately, the “greatest” is subjective, shaped by eras, styles, and personal biases. As Gilas Pilipinas Youth gears up for the 2025 U16 Asia Cup, I’ll be watching not just for wins, but for those moments of shooting brilliance that echo the legends we debate today. Because in the end, the next great shooter might be honing their craft right now, on a court halfway across the world, ready to redefine what we think is possible.