All Time 3pt List: How The New Kings Of The Arc Brilliantly Compare To NBA Legends
In today’s NBA, the three-point shot reigns supreme, revolutionizing the game and reshaping how teams approach offense. But how do the best shooters of this generation stack up against the legends who pioneered the art of long-range sharpshooting? This article dives into the performances of the NBA’s current elite shooters, compares them to their counterparts from the past, and examines where they fall on the NBA’s all time 3pt list.
The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot
Introduced to the NBA in 1979, the three-point line was initially met with skepticism. Players like Larry Bird and Dale Ellis gradually showcased its potential, paving the way for specialists like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Kyle Korver. However, the modern era—propelled by Stephen Curry’s historic rise—has transformed the three-pointer from a novelty into a cornerstone of championship basketball.
In this context, it’s no surprise that today’s best shooters are climbing the all time 3pt list at a staggering pace. With more emphasis on spacing and pace, players are not only shooting more often but also with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Today’s Best: Breaking Down the Top Shooters on the All Time 3pt List
Let’s take a closer look at some of the premier marksmen currently lighting it up from beyond the arc:
Stephen Curry
Steph Curry, the gold standard for shooting, is not only the all-time leader in three-pointers made (currently over 3,800) but has redefined what’s possible with his quick release and off-the-dribble shooting. His combination of volume, efficiency, and range makes him untouchable, securing his spot atop the all-time NBA 3 point leaders list and as perhaps the greatest shooter ever.
James Harden
James Harden has recently climbed to 2nd place on the NBA’s all time 3pt list, surpassing Ray Allen. Known for his signature step-back three-point field goal and high-volume scoring, Harden’s achievement reflects his remarkable skill and transformative impact on modern basketball.
Damian Lillard
Dame Time is synonymous with clutch three-point field goal shooting. Lillard’s deep-range bombs and fearless shot-making have propelled him into the top 10 of the all time 3pt list, with his versatility and efficiency setting him apart.
Klay Thompson
Curry’s Splash Brother, Klay Thompson, is an embodiment of precision. Known for incredible shooting sprees—like his 37-point quarter—Thompson has steadily climbed the all-time ranks and remains one of the most feared catch-and-shoot players. As a key member of the Golden State Warriors, his career contributions to their championships are unmatched.
LeBron James
LeBron James is often celebrated for his all-around game, including his place on the NBA all-time scoring list and NBA assists leaders. Despite not being known for efficiency from beyond the arc, his high volume of three-point attempts has propelled him into the top 10 of the NBA’s all time 3pt list.
As a key member of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has continued to refine his game, seamlessly balancing his scoring dominance with his playmaking prowess. His ability to adapt and grow as a shooter adds yet another dimension to his legendary career.
Paul George
Paul George recently surpassed Vince Carter to claim 9th on the NBA’s all time 3pt list, highlighting his elite shooting ability. Renowned for his smooth stroke, knack for creating space, and clutch performances, George’s consistency from beyond the arc has firmly secured his place among the game’s greatest shooters and on the NBA’s all time 3pt List.
Kevin Durant
Though not exclusively known for three-point shooting, Kevin Durant’s efficiency from deep and ability to shoot over defenders make him a unique case. His presence on the all time 3pt list reflects how versatile scorers like Durant have integrated the three-point shot into their arsenals.
Younger Guns on the Rise
The younger generation of players is leveraging advanced statistics to improve their three-point shooting efficiency and secure their place among future leaders.
Players like, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Halliburton, Desmond Bane and Buddy Hield are already showcasing improved or exceptional three-point shooting skill. While they have yet to reach the upper echelons of the NBA’s all-time 3 point leaders list, their trajectories suggest they’ll become fixtures in the conversation.
Where They Stand in History
Currently, Curry, Harden, Thompson, and Lillard dominate the top of the NBA all-time 3-point leaders list, reflecting how modern stars are rewriting the record books.
LeBron James, on the verge of surpassing Reggie Miller, exemplifies this evolution. Balancing his rise on the three-point leaderboard with his position on the NBA all-time scoring list and his steady climb among NBA assists leaders, James’s versatility showcases how today’s stars continue to redefine greatness across multiple statistical categories.
The Top 25 list of made three pointers (Full List)
Comparing Eras
The three-point revolution has reshaped modern basketball, but comparing statistics across eras reveals the unique challenges faced by past legends.
While today’s players thrive in a game built around spacing and pace, past icons like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and even Michael Jordan (though not primarily a three-point shooter) competed in an era where three-point shooting was less emphasized and defenses were tighter. Despite this, their achievements remain remarkable.
At the same time, the skill and creativity of modern sharpshooters like Curry, Harden, Thompson, and Lillard cannot be overlooked. They have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, blending skill with statistical dominance to cement their legacies as some of the greatest to ever play the game.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Long-Range Shooting
The NBA all-time assist leaders and scoring lists remind us of the league’s most versatile stars, but the all-time NBA 3 point leaders are emblematic of the game’s evolution. Today’s elite shooters not only dominate the leaderboard but also honor the legacy of the legends who came before them. From Curry’s unparalleled range to Thompson’s catch-and-shoot brilliance and Harden’s step-back mastery, the three-point field goal has become a defining skill in the modern NBA.
As we marvel at the current generation of marksmen, one thing is clear: the art of the three-pointer is alive and well, with no ceiling in sight. Whether it’s Curry launching from 30 feet or young stars like Trae Young or Tyrese Halliburton taking the torch, the future of shooting is brighter than ever.
Share On Social Media
