The debate over the greatest shooter in NBA history is one of those conversations that never really gets old, no matter how many times we revisit it. I’ve spent years watching games, breaking down film, and analyzing stats—both as a fan and professionally—and I still find myself drawn back to this topic, especially when new talent emerges or when historic performances resurface in memory. It’s not just about who made the most threes; it’s about impact, consistency, and that intangible clutch factor that separates good shooters from legendary ones. When I think about the likes of Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and Larry Bird, each brought something unique to the table, but only one can truly claim that top spot in my book.
Let’s start with the obvious: Stephen Curry. I mean, the man revolutionized the game. Before him, the three-pointer was a weapon, but Curry turned it into the centerpiece of an offense. His numbers are staggering—he’s the all-time leader in three-pointers made with over 3,500 and counting, and his career three-point percentage hovers around 43%, which is just insane when you consider the degree of difficulty on so many of his shots. I remember watching him drain threes from the logo as if it were a layup, and it felt like he was playing a different sport. But what really seals it for me is his influence. Kids today grow up emulating his range and quick release, and teams have built entire strategies around spacing the floor because of him. That said, I’ve heard arguments that his era favors shooters more, with rule changes and pace, which makes me wonder if we’re comparing apples to oranges when looking at past greats.
Then there’s Ray Allen, a picture of pure mechanics and icy veins. I’ll never forget his corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals—it’s etched into basketball lore, and for good reason. Allen wasn’t just a shooter; he was a student of the game, with a work ethic that bordered on obsessive. Over his career, he nailed 2,973 three-pointers, and his form was so textbook that coaches still use it as a teaching tool. But here’s where I get critical: while Allen was incredibly reliable, he didn’t quite have the same transformative effect on the game as Curry. He operated within systems rather than redefining them, and in today’s pace-and-space league, I’m not sure he’d stand out as much. Still, in big moments, I’d trust him with my life—that’s how clutch he was.
Larry Bird, on the other hand, represents an era where shooting was almost an art form. He didn’t have the volume of today’s players—only 649 threes in his career—but his efficiency and confidence were off the charts. Bird shot 37.6% from deep in an era where the three-point line was still a novelty, and his trash-talking antics, like calling his shots before swishing them, added a layer of swagger that’s hard to match. Watching old tapes, I’m always struck by how he made shooting look effortless, even with defenders in his face. But let’s be real: if Bird played today, he’d likely adapt and improve, but his numbers wouldn’t touch Curry’s, simply because the game has evolved. That doesn’t diminish his greatness, though; it just contextualizes it.
Now, you might wonder why I’m diving into this while also keeping an eye on international basketball, like the recent Gilas Pilipinas Youth’s dominance in Southeast Asia, as they gear up for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025. It’s because these discussions aren’t isolated—they reflect how the game is growing globally. Young players in the Philippines and across Asia are watching NBA legends and incorporating those skills, which could shape the next generation of shooters. In fact, seeing Gilas re-assert their mastery after three months of intense competition reminds me that shooting isn’t just an individual accolade; it’s a team asset that can define eras and regions. Personally, I love how the global game is blending styles, and it makes me excited to see who might emerge as the next Curry or Allen from these rising talents.
But back to the NBA debate—where does that leave us? For me, Stephen Curry is the undeniable choice. Yes, I’m biased toward players who change how we view the sport, and Curry’s impact goes beyond stats. He forced defenses to stretch beyond the half-court, inspired a wave of “positionless” basketball, and did it all with a flair that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Compare that to Reggie Miller, another all-time great with 2,560 threes and a killer instinct, but even he didn’t shift the paradigm. Or Klay Thompson, who holds the record for most threes in a game with 14, yet he’s often in Curry’s shadow because he’s more of a specialist. In the end, it’s about legacy, and Curry’s is still unfolding. I’d bet that in 10 years, we’ll look back and see even more clearly how he set the standard.
So, while I respect the classics and acknowledge the clutch performers, my vote goes to Curry. He’s the shooter who made the impossible seem routine, and in a sport that’s constantly evolving, that’s the kind of greatness that stands the test of time. And as we watch young teams like Gilas Pilipinas Youth aim for glory in 2025, it’s a reminder that the next shooter to challenge these legends might be honing their craft halfway across the world right now.