There’s nothing quite like a beautiful jump shot. Whether it’s a silky-smooth release from the elbow or a deep three that barely brushes the net, pure shooters have a way of making basketball feel like art.
This list isn’t about all-around scoring or athleticism—it’s about guys who could flat-out shoot. From old-school marksmen to modern-day snipers, here are the 23 best pure shooters in NBA history, ranked.
23. Allan Houston
Smooth, poised, and deadly from mid-range, Allan Houston had one of the prettiest shooting strokes of the late ’90s. When he got hot, defenders might as well have stayed home.
22. Dale Ellis
Dale Ellis was knocking down threes before the three-point boom became trendy. He had a compact release and a sniper’s confidence.
21. CJ McCollum
Quietly, one of the most consistent shooters of his era, CJ McCollum, makes difficult shots look routine. His pull-up game is as polished as it gets.
20. Glen Rice
Glen Rice was a flamethrower who could light up a scoreboard in a hurry. His high-arching shot was both beautiful and brutally practical.
19. Klay Thompson
Klay’s shooting is surgical—quick, efficient, and emotionless in the best way. That 37-point quarter still doesn’t feel real.
18. Chris Mullin
Lefty shooters always look good, and Chris Mullin was no exception. He had an old-school rhythm that made his jumper pure gold.
17. Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver made a living curling off screens and draining threes with machine-like precision. His release was so swift and clean that it barely required space.
16. Jeff Hornacek
Hornacek wasn’t flashy, but his shot was fundamentally perfect. The guy didn’t miss open looks.
15. Peja Stojaković
Peja could torch teams from anywhere beyond the arc. When he squared his shoulders, it was usually game over.
14. JJ Redick
From Duke to the NBA, JJ Redick was a model of shooting consistency. His mechanics were textbook, and his range was limitless.
13. Kyrie Irving
Yes, Kyrie is flashy and known for his handles, but his shooting touch is elite. Off the dribble or spot-up, he’s as pure as they come.
12. Ray Allen
Ray Allen was the prototype of a perfect shooting guard. That jumper was so smooth it practically had a rhythm section backing it up.
11. Mark Price
Before small guards were taking over, Mark Price was cooking people with precision. He had a feathery touch and ice in his veins at the line.
10. Mitch Richmond
Richmond combined strength and finesse, and his jumper was money. Few players looked more comfortable rising for a shot.
9. Reggie Miller
Reggie loved the big moments, and his shot rarely let him down. His release was quick, and his confidence even quicker.
8. Devin Booker
Booker makes tough shots look like layups. His form is elite, and his scoring touch is effortless.
7. Kevin Durant
A 7-footer with a jumper this clean? KD’s shot is unblockable and borderline unfair.
6. Rick Barry
Underhanded free throws aside, Barry had a jumper that was pure and deadly. He could score from anywhere and did it with flair.
5. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk’s one-legged fadeaway is an all-time iconic shot. His touch was feather-light for a guy his size.
4. Damian Lillard
Logo Lillard isn’t just range—his form and shot-making are consistently elite. He’s one of the most dangerous shooters ever to touch the court.
3. Larry Bird
Larry didn’t care who was guarding him—if he got a good look, it was going in. His shot was old-school perfection with big-time results.
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2. Steve Nash
Nash barely missed, no matter the distance. His efficiency and form were almost flawless, like those of a shooting clinic.
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1. Stephen Curry
Nobody changed the game like Steph. The release, the range, the rhythm—he’s the undisputed king of pure shooting.
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