Karl-Anthony Towns is statistically the greatest three-point shooting center in NBA history. He holds the record for the highest career three-point percentage for a true center at 39.7% and leads the position with over 1,300 made triples.
Unlike traditional big men, Towns combines elite volume with dynamic shot-creation, evidenced by his 2022 Three-Point Contest victory and two 60-plus point scoring performances.
His legacy reached its zenith in 2026, leading the New York Knicks to an NBA Championship while serving as a high-efficiency offensive hub. For anyone evaluating modern floor-spacing, Towns is the definitive benchmark.
Is Karl-Anthony Towns the Best Shooting Center in History?
To understand the dominance of Karl-Anthony Towns, one must look beyond simple box scores and examine how he has fundamentally altered the geometry of the basketball court for the center position.
While many “stretch-fives” exist in the modern era, Towns is the only one who pairs elite efficiency with high-volume production and shot-making versatility. The following sections explore the technical and competitive advantages that separate him from his peers.
Unrivaled Perimeter Efficiency and High-Volume Shooting
The primary argument for Towns lies in his unprecedented efficiency metrics. He maintains a 39.7% career average from beyond the arc, a figure that rivals many elite guards and wing players.
This is not merely the result of taking wide-open, catch-and-shoot opportunities; Towns is proficient in pick-and-pop scenarios, transition threes, and even off-the-dribble step-backs.
By crossing the 1,000 career three-point makes milestone before age 31, he has established a pace that no other primary center in history has been able to match.
A Legacy Defined by Shot-Creation Versatility
Most shooting centers are restricted to “spot-up” roles where they wait for a playmaker to find them in the corner. Towns, however, operates as a dynamic offensive hub who can create his own shot.
His ability to attack closeouts and pull up from deep makes him a nightmare for traditional defensive anchors who are uncomfortable defending the perimeter.
This versatility was on full display during his two 60-plus point scoring masterclasses, where he utilized his outside shot to open up the rest of his offensive repertoire, including a record-breaking game with 10 made three-pointers.
Statistical Benchmarks vs Historical Competitors
When evaluating whether a player is the “greatest” at a specific skill, comparative data is essential. Towns does not just lead the pack; he creates a significant gap between himself and other prominent perimeter-shooting centers.
The table below highlights how his efficiency and volume compare to other elite big men who have defined the modern era of floor spacing.
| Player | Career 3P% | Career 3-Pointers Made | Key Shooting Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 39.7% | 1,319 | High-volume, dynamic off-the-dribble release |
| Al Horford | 37.9% | 951 | Elite corner spot-up and pick-and-pop shooter |
| Myles Turner | 36.6% | 988 | Solid pick-and-pop stretch five |
| Nikola Jokić | 36.2% | 1,098 | Highly capable, clutch situational shooter |
| Brook Lopez | 35.3% | 1,283 | Deep-range volume shooter |
As evidenced by these metrics, Towns leads all active and historical centers in both career percentage and total makes. His effective field goal percentage of 57.5% further showcases how his perimeter gravity translates into overall scoring efficiency for his team.
The Evolution of the Greatest Shooting Center
The journey of Karl-Anthony Towns is a masterclass in professional adaptation. Entering the league in 2015 as a traditional low-post prospect, he quickly recognized the changing landscape of the NBA and refined his mechanics to become a lethal outside threat.
This evolution is documented through his year-by-year statistical progression, showing a consistent commitment to perimeter excellence.
| Season | Team | 3-Pointers Made | 3-Point % | Free Throw % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | MIN | 30 | 34.1% | 81.1% |
| 2016–17 | MIN | 101 | 36.7% | 83.2% |
| 2017–18 | MIN | 120 | 42.1% | 85.8% |
| 2018–19 | MIN | 142 | 40.0% | 83.6% |
| 2019–20 | MIN | 114 | 41.2% | 79.6% |
| 2020–21 | MIN | 122 | 38.7% | 85.9% |
| 2021–22 | MIN | 150 | 41.0% | 82.2% |
| 2022–23 | MIN | 60 | 36.6% | 87.4% |
| 2023–24 | MIN | 136 | 41.6% | 87.3% |
| 2024–25 | NYK | 142 | 42.0% | 82.9% |
| 2025–26 | NYK | 113 | 36.8% | 85.8% |
This data illustrates that his high-efficiency shooting is not a fluke or a short-term hot streak but a sustained decade of elite performance.
His transition to the New York Knicks only solidified this, as he maintained his efficiency while playing a critical role in a championship-winning system.
Championship Success and Individual Accolades
Beyond the regular-season numbers, Towns has secured the hardware necessary to cement his status as an all-time great. Critics often pointed to a lack of postseason success early in his career, but his 2026 campaign silenced those narratives permanently.
Below are the key milestones that define his resume:
- 2026 NBA Champion: Served as the defensive anchor and primary floor-spacer for the New York Knicks, defeating San Antonio 4-1 in the Finals.
- 2022 NBA 3-Point Contest Champion: Became the first true center to win the event, scoring 29 points in the final round to beat elite guards.
- 60+ Point Scoring Games: Recorded a 60-point game against San Antonio in 2022 and a career-high 62 points against Charlotte in 2024.
- Historic Shooting Splits: Remains the only player in league history to record a season with 750+ rebounds and 140+ made threes while shooting 50/40 splits.
- Center Position Record Holder: Currently holds the all-time records for 3-pointers made (1,319) and career 3-point percentage (39.7%) among centers.
Addressing the Dirk Nowitzki vs Karl-Anthony Towns Debate
While Towns has a clear path to being the best shooting center, many analysts expand the conversation to include the “best shooting big man” overall.
This broader categorization brings legends like Dirk Nowitzki into the fold, creating a nuanced debate about positional roles and shooting styles. Understanding the distinction between a power forward and a center is vital for this comparison.
Distinguishing Between Positional Archetypes
The debate often hinges on the distinction between a “big man” and a “center.” Dirk Nowitzki played the vast majority of his career at power forward, which allowed him to roam the mid-range and perimeter with more freedom than a traditional center.
Towns, conversely, has primarily anchored the center position, meaning his shooting provides a different tactical advantage by pulling opposing rim protectors out of the paint. While Dirk revolutionized the “stretch-four” role, Towns has done the same for the “stretch-five”.
Evaluating Mid-Range Mastery versus Perimeter Gravity
Dirk Nowitzki is widely regarded as the superior mid-range shooter, famous for his unguardable one-legged fadeaway and an elite free throw percentage of 87.9%.
However, when it comes strictly to three-point shooting, Towns holds the statistical edge in efficiency (39.7% vs 38.0%). While Nowitzki has more total career makes due to his 21-season longevity, Towns’ peak volume and accuracy from deep are higher on a per-game basis.
This makes the argument a matter of preference: do you value Nowitzki’s mid-range diversity or Towns’ superior three-point efficiency?.
| Metric | Karl-Anthony Towns (Center) | Dirk Nowitzki (Power Forward) |
|---|---|---|
| Career 3P% | 39.7% | 38.0% |
| Career FT% | 84.0% | 87.9% |
| Mid-Range Style | Pick-and-pop | Iconic fadeaway |
| All-Time Threes | 1,319 | 1,982 |
Common Questions Regarding KAT’s Shooting Dominance
Does Karl-Anthony Towns have the most 3-pointers for a center?
Yes. Towns currently leads all players who primarily play the center position with over 1,319 career three-pointers made. He surpassed previous leaders like Brook Lopez and is on pace to extend this record significantly as his career progresses.
How does his 3-point percentage compare to elite guards?
Towns’ career mark of 39.7% is exceptionally high, even for guards. For context, this percentage is higher than many perennial All-Star perimeter players, making him a statistical anomaly for a player of his size and position.
What makes his shooting form unique for a 7-footer?
Most big men have a “set shot” with a slower release. Towns possesses a quick, fluid motion that allows him to get shots off against tight contests and off the dribble. This “guard-like” mechanic is what allowed him to win the 2022 NBA 3-Point Contest against much smaller, faster opponents.
Is he considered the best big man shooter of all time?
While he is the best shooting center, the title of “best shooting big man” is still debated against Dirk Nowitzki. Towns has the higher three-point percentage, but Nowitzki has the historical longevity and mid-range repertoire that many still hold in high regard.
The Final Verdict on a Historic Career
Karl-Anthony Towns has moved past being just a “good” shooter for his size; he has become one of the premier shooters in the game, regardless of height.
His statistical dominance at the center position is reinforced by elite percentages, historic volume, and the ultimate validation of a championship ring with the New York Knicks.
By combining the physical presence of a 7-footer with the shooting touch of an elite marksman, Towns has set a new standard that will be the benchmark for every young big man entering the league for decades to come.
As the NBA continues to prioritize floor spacing and perimeter versatility, the value of a player like Towns cannot be overstated. He is no longer just a “stretch-five”—he is the definitive evolution of the position, proving that a center can be the most dangerous shooting threat on a championship roster.
Whether you analyze the data, the accolades, or the eye test, the conclusion remains the same: Karl-Anthony Towns is the greatest shooting center the game has ever seen.
