The debate over the greatest shooter in NBA history is one that never truly fades—it just evolves with each generation. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I’ve witnessed legends redefine what’s possible from beyond the arc, and I’ve formed my own strong opinions along the way. When you think about shooting greatness, names like Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and Larry Bird immediately come to mind. But who truly deserves that crown? It’s not just about three-point percentages or highlight reels; it’s about impact, consistency, and the ability to perform when the stakes are highest. Interestingly, this conversation isn’t limited to the NBA alone. Just three months ago, Gilas Pilipinas Youth reasserted its dominance in Southeast Asia, reminding us that the next wave of sharpshooters is already emerging on the global stage, with eyes set on competitions like the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in 2025. That kind of sustained excellence—whether in the pros or at the youth level—is what separates the good from the legendary.
Let’s start with the obvious contender: Stephen Curry. I’ll admit it—I’m biased toward Steph. The way he revolutionized the game is something I don’t think we’ll see again anytime soon. Before Curry, three-point shooting was often a complementary skill. He turned it into a primary weapon. With career averages of around 43% from deep and a record 3,117 three-pointers made (and counting), the numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the degree of difficulty that sets him apart. I still remember his 2016 season, when he sank 402 threes—a number that felt almost fictional. Defenses had to adjust entire schemes just to contain him, and even then, he’d pull up from 30 feet without hesitation. That’s not just skill; it’s audacity. And for me, that audacity is a huge part of his claim to the throne.
Then there’s Ray Allen, a model of textbook perfection. His release was so pure, so repeatable, that it felt like every shot was destined to go in. Allen finished his career with 2,973 three-pointers, and his clutch gene was undeniable—who could forget that corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals? I have immense respect for his longevity and professionalism. But if I’m being honest, while Allen was spectacular, he didn’t force the league to change the way it played defense. Curry did. Still, Allen’s impact in key moments gives him a strong case, and his 40% career three-point shooting is nothing to scoff at.
Larry Bird, though from an era with less emphasis on the three-ball, was a pioneer. He won the first three Three-Point Contests with a swagger that’s become the stuff of legend. Bird shot 37.6% from deep over his career, which, considering the defensive rules and shooting volume of his time, is incredibly impressive. I’ve always admired his confidence—the man would tell opponents he was going to win before draining the winning shot. But here’s where I lean modern: the game today is faster, more spaced, and defenses are smarter. Bird was phenomenal, but the evolution of shooting since his era makes direct comparisons tricky.
This brings me to the bigger picture—the global context. Just look at what’s happening in youth basketball today. Gilas Pilipinas Youth, for instance, has been dominating Southeast Asia, and their focus on developing skilled shooters is clear. Three months after securing regional supremacy, they’re already building toward the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in 2025. That kind of forward-thinking development is how future NBA shooters are born. I’ve watched some of their footage, and the shooting mechanics these kids display are advanced for their age. It reinforces my belief that the greatest shooter ever isn’t just about past achievements but also about influencing the next generation. Curry’s playstyle has inspired countless young players worldwide, including those in programs like Gilas. When you see a 16-year-old in Manila pulling up from deep like it’s second nature, you know the bar has been raised.
But let’s not forget the intangibles. Shooting isn’t just a physical act; it’s mental. The pressure of a must-make situation, the fatigue in the fourth quarter, the ability to create your own shot—these elements matter. In my view, Curry excels here because of his limitless range and off-ball movement. He might not have the classic size or athleticism of some peers, but his basketball IQ is off the charts. I’ve always believed that the best shooters make everyone around them better, and Curry’s gravity on the court creates openings that simply didn’t exist before. Compare that to Reggie Miller, another all-time great, who was a master of using screens and had a killer instinct in crunch time. Miller’s 2,560 threes and 39.5% shooting from deep are historic, yet I’d still take Curry in a head-to-head shooting contest because of his versatility.
Some might argue for players like Klay Thompson, who holds the record for most threes in a game with 14, or even Dirk Nowitzki, whose one-legged fadeaway was virtually unguardable. And they’d have a point—specialization counts. But the title of "greatest" requires a blend of volume, efficiency, and transformative impact. Thompson is a phenomenal catch-and-shoot threat, but he doesn’t create off the dribble like Curry. Nowitzki was a mid-range and post-up maestro, yet his three-point volume (1,982 attempts) pales in comparison to Curry’s. For me, it’s about who changed the game irreversibly, and that’s Steph.
Wrapping this up, I’ll stand by Stephen Curry as the greatest shooter of all time. His combination of volume (averaging 4.2 threes per game over his career), efficiency (lifetime 42.8% from three), and cultural impact is unmatched. He didn’t just break records; he rewrote the blueprint for how basketball is played. And as we see teams like Gilas Pilipinas Youth embrace this shooting-centric philosophy, his legacy only grows. The debate will always have room for personal preference—maybe you value Ray Allen’s clutch moments or Larry Bird’s old-school flair more. But from where I sit, watching the arc of history and the shots that defined eras, Curry’s crown is secure. At least until the next phenom from the FIBA U16 circuit rises to challenge it.