Three-pointers made: 649 Three-pointers attempted: 1,727 Three-point percentage: 37.6% Basketball legend and one of the game’s all-time greats, Larry Bird, was good at every aspect of the game, but also at shooting. Famous for his unorthodox form, Bird was an almost impossible match-up due to his incredible outside game.
As a three-time Three-Point Contest consecutive champion and with numerous clutch threes, Larry Bird will probably remain on this list for at least the next hundred years.
Craig Hodges
Three-pointers made: 563 Three-pointers attempted: 1,408 Three-point percentage: 40.0% Craig Hodges is tied with Larry Bird as one of only two players in NBA history to have ever won three consecutive Three-Point Contests. He is perhaps the most overlooked shooter in recent times and led the league in 3-point shooting percentage three times.
This not so tall player was not just good in competitions, he also played well on the court, with a solid 40 percent from the outside throughout his career. He may not have made quite as many points as others on this list, but a three-peat in a contest that includes the NBA’s best shooters has rightfully earned him his spot.
Steve Kerr
Three-pointers made: 726 Three-pointers attempted: 1,599 Three-point percentage: 45.4% The three-point percentage leader of all-time, Steve Kerr, was often in the right place and the right time and used his superior shooting skills to make a name for himself.
He shared the court with basketball legends such as Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Scottie Pippen, which was perfect for him because, despite his smaller build, he was more of an off-guard than a point guard. With numerous seasons in which he shot more than 50 percent from the three-point line, Kerr was instrumental in five distinct NBA title runs.
Glen Rice
Three-pointers made: 1,559 (23rd all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,896 Three-point percentage: 40.0% During his time with the University of Michigan Wolverines, Rice became the school’s all-time scorer and scored a record-setting 184 points in tournament play, a record which he still holds. When he moved on to the NBA, he was the premier outside shooter for most of his career.
His 6-foot-8 frame helped him get good looks over shorter defenders, and his high release made him extremely difficult to block. He was a trailblazer for the new kind of three-point focused basketball currently being played, showcasing just how well it works on the court. Rice is currently ranked 23rd all-time in three-pointers, mostly behind players that came after him.
J.J. Redick
Three-pointers made: 1,464 (30th all-time) Three-pointers attempted: 3,524 Three-point percentage: 41.5% J.J Redick made a name for himself and won over a lot of fans when he was playing for the Blue Devils. He had a rough start in the NBA in Orlando, but soon adapted and became one of the best shooters around. His shots are textbook examples of perfection and should be used as an inspiration for young players everywhere.
However, what makes Redick unique are his skills off the ball, which are extremely important for all expert shooters. J.J. Redick has used his incredible stamina, quick moves, and a fantastic range to create an extraordinary career and legacy for himself.