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 seems to get old, no matter how many years pass. Every time I sit down with fellow basketball enthusiasts, whether over coffee or during halftime of a game, the names start flying: Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller. Each has a legitimate claim, backed by iconic moments and staggering statistics. But as someone who has spent years analyzing the mechanics, consistency, and clutch performances of these legends, I find myself leaning toward a perspective that values not just volume, but versatility and impact under pressure. It’s a discussion that resonates beyond the NBA, too—just look at how teams like Gilas Pilipinas Youth are emphasizing sharpshooting in their development programs as they prepare for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025. Their recent dominance in Southeast Asia, reaffirmed just three months ago, shows how critical shooting has become at every level of the game.
When I think about shooting greatness, the first thing that comes to mind is Stephen Curry’s revolutionary influence. He didn’t just break records; he rewrote the entire playbook on what’s possible from beyond the arc. I remember watching him drain 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season—a number so absurd it almost feels like a typo. But here’s the thing: Curry’s greatness isn’t just about the sheer volume. It’s the degree of difficulty, the off-the-dribble launches from 30 feet, and the way he forces defenses to stretch to the breaking point. Compare that to Ray Allen, who was the picture of textbook perfection. Allen’s 2,973 career threes stood as the gold standard for years, and his clutch gene was undeniable—who could forget that corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals? But while Allen was a master of moving without the ball and catching-and-shooting, Curry’s ability to create his own shot from anywhere elevates him, in my view. I’ve always believed that the best shooters aren’t just spot-up specialists; they’re threats the moment they cross half-court, and Curry embodies that like no one else.
Then there’s the old-school argument, which often brings Larry Bird into the conversation. Bird’s numbers might not jump off the page by today’s standards—he averaged around 1.7 threes per game at a 37.6% clip—but context matters. In an era where the three-pointer was barely a weapon, Bird’s confidence and flair were groundbreaking. I’ve watched countless clips of him trash-talking opponents before sinking a game-winner, and it’s clear he had a shooter’s mentality long before it was cool. Reggie Miller, another icon, brought a similar fearlessness, especially in the playoffs. His 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks is the stuff of legend, and it highlights how mental toughness is as crucial as physical skill. But if I’m being honest, I think the game has evolved so much that direct comparisons across eras can be tricky. Today’s players train from youth to shoot from deeper ranges, much like the rising stars in the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad, who are clearly building their systems around perimeter excellence. Their focus on contending in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup isn’t just about winning—it’s a testament to how shooting has become the great equalizer in modern basketball.
What often gets overlooked in these debates is the element of longevity and adaptability. Kyle Korver, for instance, might not have the same superstar status, but his 49.2% three-point shooting in the 2014-15 season is a reminder that efficiency counts. I’ve always admired players like Korver who perfect one aspect of the game to an art form. Yet, when I stack up all the candidates, Curry’s combination of volume, efficiency, and transformational impact gives him the edge. He’s a two-time MVP, a three-time champion, and he changed how coaches at every level think about spacing and shot selection. I’ve spoken with youth coaches in the Philippines who now design drills mimicking Curry’s range, and it’s no surprise—the Gilas Pilipinas Youth’s recent successes stem from embracing these global trends. Their three-month reign in Southeast Asia, as they gear up for the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup, shows that the next generation is watching and learning from the best.
In the end, while stats and accolades provide a framework, the "greatest" title often comes down to personal criteria. For me, it’s about who expanded the possibilities of shooting and who I’d want taking the last shot with everything on the line. Stephen Curry checks those boxes with a flair that feels almost supernatural. His influence is already echoing in leagues worldwide, from the NBA to budding programs like Gilas Pilipinas Youth. As they continue their journey toward the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025, it’s clear that the art of shooting will only grow more central to the game. And in my book, that solidifies Curry’s place at the pinnacle—not just as a record-holder, but as a revolutionary who inspired millions to reimagine what a shooter can be.