By Giorgos Orfanakis / info@eurohoops.net
The NBA is changing! Basketball itself is changing! The game is gradually moving away from the basket, which means the teams that have the most charismatic shooters automatically gain an advantage.
It’s no coincidence that, in this decade, the Golden State Warriors are trying to build their own dynasty based to a large extent on three-point shooting and line-ups that are made-up of 2, 3 or even 4 players who can shoot from the perimeter.
Still, over the years, basketball fans have enjoyed numerous stars with a poisonous shot. Eurohoops singled out 8 individuals and invites basketball fans to vote for the top shooter among the best!
Ray Allen
Total three-pointers: 2973/7429 (2.3/5.7)
Percentage: 40%
Games: 1300
Ray Allen can boast that he’s the king of threes since he’s at the top of the list of best shooters, with the inconceivable number of 2973 shots on target! In fact, if one considers that the charismatic shooting guard counts a total of 7429 attempts from 7.25, then the 40% with which he completed his career takes on even greater value.
The important three-pointers he has scored on the courts of the NBA are countless, but one of them produced his 2nd championship ring. It’s when the Heat went to… hell and back against the Spurs, and ultimately won the championship in overtime!
Reggie Miller
Total three-pointers: 2560/6486 (1.8/4.7)
Percentage: 39.5%
Games: 1389
For somewhat older NBA fans, those who are nostalgic of the 90s, Reggie Miller will always be a unique chapter in the history of Indiana. He played in the colors of the Pacers from 1987 to 2005 and despite the fact that he didn’t celebrate a title he did manage to earn the respect of teammates and rivals.
His 39.5% figure confirms his unique ability, one that placed him in second place of the list with the most threes of all-time. His career includes many beautiful moments but the standout is definitely the 8 points in 9 seconds in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals (1995) against the Knicks.
Jason Terry
Total three-pointers: 2244/5910 (1.6/4.3)
Percentage: 38%
Games: 1374
Jason Terry connects yesterday to today as he’s 41 years of age and just a few days ago admitted that he wants to continue for one more season so that he will have played in the magical world of the NBA for 20 seasons. The championship of 2011 alongside Dirk Nowitzki and against the Heat’s super team (LeBron, Wade, Bosh) is without a doubt the most brilliant moment in his career so far. Besides, we’re dealing with a player who has been consistently shooting over 35% since 2004-05, securing a role in every team he played in.
His “Jet” celebration after making big shots will remain unforgettable! As will his 9 threes in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers (2009)…