Over the years, the world of basketball has witnessed many great shooters who have left indelible marks in the history of the game. However, in recent times, one name that stands out among the rest is Steph Curry.
His impressive shooting accuracy and range on the court have earned him the title of the greatest shooter of all time. But is he really the best? Let’s delve deeper into the facts and decide.
Is Steph Curry The Greatest Shooter Of All Time?
Steph Curry’s shooting ability is widely considered as one of the greatest in NBA history. He is considered as one of the most influential players in modern basketball. This article aims to discuss the reasons why Curry is considered as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
Shooting Efficiency
One of the key factors that make Steph Curry the greatest shooter in NBA history is his shooting efficiency.
In the 2015-16 season, Curry became the first player in NBA history to make over 400 three-pointers in a single season, shooting at the rate of 45.4% from beyond the arc.
He has become a model of consistency in his shooting, having been the only player to average over 40% shooting from beyond the arc in five different seasons.
His shooting efficiency has earned him numerous accolades, including two NBA MVP awards and a record-breaking 50-40-90 shooting season.
Shot Selection
Steph Curry’s shot selection is another factor contributing to his status as the greatest shooter in NBA history. He has a unique style of shooting, often taking quick releases and release points that other players wouldn’t dare to take.
He has shown time and time again that he can make shots from nearly any location on the court. He has the confidence and the ability to make shots from deep beyond the arc, as well as mid-range shots and floaters.
Also, his ability to create his shots makes him an even more exceptional shooter.
Creativity
Curry’s creativity on the court is another factor that sets him apart from other players. He has an exceptional ability to create space for his shots, change direction quickly and shoot accurately from any angle.
Defenders struggle to guard him due to his ability to create shots and his unpredictability. His creativity and versatility make him a dangerous offensive player, and therefore, the greatest shooter in NBA history.
Teamwork
Despite Curry’s remarkable individual talent, his teamwork also sets him apart from other players. His unselfishness and willingness to share the ball has earned him recognition as a leader and a team player.
He is known for his excellent passing skills and his ability to read the game. He often sets up his teammates for scoring opportunities, evident in his average of 6.5 assists per game throughout his career.
Steph Curry’s shooting efficiency, shot selection, creativity, and teamwork set him apart from other players, making him the greatest shooter in NBA history.
His dominance on the court, both as an individual player and as a team player, has made him an influential figure in modern basketball. His legacy as a player will undoubtedly remain for years to come.
Competition
Steph Curry’s shooting abilities are undeniable, but he is not the only NBA player known for his shooting prowess. There have been notable players in the league’s history who have made their names through their ability to put the ball in the basket.
In this section, we will look at some of these players and compare their records and achievements to that of Steph Curry.
One of the most widely considered contenders for the title of the greatest shooter in NBA history is Ray Allen. Allen played for 18 seasons in the league and was known for his smooth stroke from beyond the arc.
He retired as the all-time leader in 3-pointers made in NBA history, a record that has been surpassed by Steph Curry. Allen also won two championships, one with the Boston Celtics in 2008, and another with the Miami Heat in 2013.
In terms of overall shooting percentages, Allen’s career average is 45.2% from the field, 40% from 3-point range, and 89.4% from the charity stripe.
Reggie Miller is another player who is considered one of the best shooters in NBA history. Miller played for 18 seasons, exclusively with the Indiana Pacers, and retired as the second leading 3-point shooter in NBA history (now ranked 4th).
He was known for his excellent shooting accuracy and clutch performances throughout his career. Miller never won an NBA championship during his time in the league, but he did achieve many notable records and accomplishments.
Miller holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a game (along with Donovon Mitchell), with 9, and he’s had over 2,000 made 3-pointers in his entire career.
In terms of overall shooting percentages, Miller’s career averages are 47.1% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc, and 88.8% from the free-throw line.
Finally, we have Larry Bird, one of the most iconic players in NBA history. Bird played for 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics and was known for his incredible shooting instincts and accuracy.
He had a career scoring average of 24.3 points per game, and he was one of the best shooters from beyond the arc in his time in the league. Bird won three championships during his career and was named the league’s MVP three times consecutively.
His overall shooting percentages were 49.6% from the field, 37.6% from 3-point range, and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
While all of these players have had impressive records and achievements, Steph Curry’s statistics are remarkable.
As of the 2020-2021 NBA season, Steph Curry has the highest 3-point shooting percentage in NBA history at 43.3%, and he is already number 2 in all-time 3-pointers made behind Ray Allen.
He holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a single season (402), and he won the NBA’s MVP award twice in 2015 and 2016.
Curry has also won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, and he has been named the league’s scoring champion once.
While there have been many great shooters in NBA history, Steph Curry’s statistics and achievements set him apart from the rest.
His sharpshooting accuracy and overall ability on the court have made him a household name in the sport, and his influence will undoubtedly continue long after he retires.
Shooting Techniques
Steph Curry’s shooting technique is noteworthy for its fluidity, speed, and accuracy. Here are some key aspects of his shooting form:
- Stance: Curry’s stance is relatively narrow, with his feet shoulder-width apart, pointing straight ahead or slightly outward. This helps him maintain balance and generate power from his lower body while shooting.
- Grip: Curry uses a two-finger grip, with his index and middle fingers placed in the center of the ball, and the rest of his fingers spread naturally. This allows him to control the ball with precision and apply just the right amount of spin.
- Release: Curry’s release is lightning-fast, with a high arc and a quick snap of the wrist. This gives the ball a soft touch and a clean trajectory, making it easier to score from a distance.
- Follow-through: Curry’s follow-through is consistent and deliberate, with his shooting arm extending upward and his fingers pointing toward the rim. This helps him maintain his shooting form, even when he’s shooting on the move or under pressure.
- Footwork: Curry is also known for his quick footwork and ability to create space for his shot. He often uses a series of quick cuts, pivots, and step-back moves to get open and create scoring opportunities.
Overall, Curry’s shooting technique is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and attention to detail.
He has honed his skills through countless hours of practice, and his ability to shoot accurately from anywhere on the court has made him a true legend in the game of basketball.
Comparison to other players’ shooting techniques
While Curry’s shooting technique is unique, he has also drawn inspiration from other great shooters in NBA history. Here are some notable differences between his technique and that of other players:
- Ray Allen: Ray Allen is considered one of the greatest shooters of all time, and his technique involves a tighter grip on the ball and a smoother release. Whereas Curry relies on speed and accuracy, Allen’s technique is more about finesse and consistency.
- Reggie Miller: Another notable shooter is Reggie Miller, whose signature move was the curl screen. This involved running around a teammate to get open for a shot, and Miller’s quick release made him deadly from anywhere on the court. While Curry also relies on quick footwork to create space, he typically shoots more from beyond the three-point line.
- Larry Bird: Larry Bird was a phenomenal shooter in his own right, and his technique involved a high release point and a deliberate follow-through. Whereas Curry’s shooting form is more fluid and dynamic, Bird’s was more mechanical and deliberate.
Ultimately, each of these players has a unique shooting style that reflects their personality, skillset, and approach to the game.
While Curry may be the greatest shooter in NBA history, he has also learned from and been inspired by those who came before him, proving that basketball is a constantly evolving game.
Impact on the Game
Steph Curry’s shooting ability has had a significant impact on the game of basketball. He has revolutionized the way the game is played and has set a new standard for shooting.
Curry’s incredible range and accuracy have made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in basketball history.
His shooting has forced opposing teams to change their game plans, and they often create new defensive strategies specifically to try and slow him down.
Curry’s influence can be seen in the way that teams now prioritize shooting. The ability to shoot from beyond the arc has become a crucial part of modern basketball.
Curry’s success has shown that a team’s offense can be built around the three-point shot, which has led to a shift in the way that teams play the game.
Changes in strategies and game plans due to his shooting abilities
Curry’s shooting abilities have forced opposing teams to change their game plans. They now have to figure out how to defend against a player who can score from anywhere on the court.
Some teams have tried to double-team him or play more physical defense to try and force him into turnovers or less efficient shots.
Curry’s impact can also be seen in the way that teams now structure their offenses. Many teams are now emphasizing the three-point shot, recognizing its importance in today’s game.
Some coaches are designing sets specifically to get their shooter’s open looks from the three-point line.
Moreover, Curry has spawned a new generation of players who emulate his shooting style. Young players are now focusing on developing their long-range shooting skills from a young age, recognizing the importance of being able to shoot from distance.
Steph Curry’s shooting abilities have had a massive impact on the game of basketball. His range and accuracy have set a new standard for shooting, and he has forced opposing teams to adapt their strategies to try and stop him.
Curry’s influence can be seen in the way that teams now prioritize shooting and structure their offenses, and he has spawned a new generation of players who emulate his style.
Curry’s legacy as a game-changer in basketball is already secure, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
Is Michael Jordan a Better Shooter Than Steph Curry?
Jordan was an exceptional shooter with a career average of 49.7% from the field and 32.7% from three. He was known for his mid-range jump shots, fadeaways, and dunks.
The Shooting Skills of Steph Curry
Curry is an incredible shooter with a career average of 47.5% from the field and 43.5% from three. He is known for his impeccable range, quick release, and accuracy.
Comparing Their Shooting Statistics
While Jordan was a great scorer, Curry has a higher three-point percentage and has made more three-pointers in his career than Jordan. Jordan, however, has a higher overall field goal percentage.
The Importance of Context
It’s important to consider that Jordan played in a different era where the three-point shot was not as emphasized as it is now. Curry has also benefited from playing in an era where the pace is faster and more three-pointers are taken.
Overall, Who is the Better Shooter?
It’s difficult to compare the shooting abilities of Jordan and Curry because of the different eras they played in.
However, it’s safe to say that they are both exceptional shooters, with Jordan being more of a mid-range specialist and Curry being the greatest long-range shooter in basketball history.
To Recap
After analyzing the statistics, the records, and the opinions of experts in the field, it’s safe to say that Steph Curry is indeed the greatest shooter of all time.
His shooting accuracy, range, and consistency on the court have revolutionized the game of basketball and set a new standard for future generations.
With his remarkable achievements and influence, Steph Curry’s legacy as the greatest shooter of all time is sure to stand the test of time.
