As the NBA gears up for the 2026-27 season, the debate over who the league's top shooters are has become an engaging discussion among fans and analysts alike. In this breakdown, the B/R NBA staff has meticulously ranked the best sharpshooters in the game based on a combination of three-point and mid-range shooting percentages, with three-point shooting carrying the majority of the weight. The analysis excludes players sidelined or unsigned as the new season approaches, leading to an exciting look at the current shooting landscape in the Association.
Trey Murphy III: The Rising Long-Range Threat
Trey Murphy III has steadily established himself as one of the more consistent long-range threats in the NBA, peaking at an impressive 40.6 percent from three-point range during the 2022-23 season. Although he played with less-than-stellar teammates on the New Orleans Pelicans, Murphy’s offensive game has shown promise. Expectations are high that if placed on a more competitive team with better playmakers, he could average upwards of 25 points per game, making him a player to watch closely this season.
CJ McCollum: The Clutch Shooter
CJ McCollum's shooting prowess has allowed him to maintain his scoring ability over ten consecutive seasons, even as his minutes fluctuated last year after moving to the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. His ability to create shots and make clutch plays remains formidable, as evidenced by his 37.6 percent shooting from off-the-dribble three-pointers last season.
OG Anunoby: The Three-and-D Specialist
Known primarily for his defensive abilities, OG Anunoby’s shooting has quietly improved since he entered the league, maintaining a long-distance shooting percentage between 36.3 and 39.8 percent consistently over the last few seasons. Anunoby’s skill set as a reliable three-point shooter while guarding the opponent's top scorers makes him a valuable asset for his team, and he continues to draw attention as a dual-threat player.
Devin Booker: The Mid-Range Maestro
Devin Booker has excelled in the mid-range game, frequently ranking among the top players in that area. Despite the criticism of valuing mid-range shots, Booker's efficiency speaks volumes, having made at least 46.0 percent of his mid-range attempts since the 2018-19 season. His ability to knock down difficult pull-up shots has solidified him as one of the league’s best shooters.
Bobby Portis: The Overlooked Sniper
While the Milwaukee Bucks may not have received much attention last season, Bobby Portis's shooting statistics are impressive. He shot close to 46.0 percent from three, showcasing high percentages on both pull-up and above-the-break attempts. Defensively limited but a scoring threat, Portis's shooting ability makes him a key contributor for his team.
Cade Cunningham: Crafting Opportunities
Despite a career marked by challenges, Cade Cunningham's emergence as a reliable shooter is noteworthy. Averaging 39.0 percent from three when shooting without dribbling last season, he has shown consistent scoring skills, especially considering that he has often been forced to create his own shots against tough defenses.
Austin Reaves: The Emerging Star
Austin Reaves's breakout season helped solidify his reputation as a reliable shooter, particularly from three-point range, where he shot 48.0 percent last season. Now entrusted with a more prominent role with the Los Angeles Lakers, Reaves’s shooting touch will be vital for his team’s success moving forward.
Cam Johnson: The Versatile Shooting Threat
Cam Johnson is another player whose shooting efficiency spiked after joining the Denver Nuggets. One of the league’s best spot-up shooters last season, where he showcased an impressive 63.9 effective field-goal percentage on spot-ups, Johnson's development places him amongst the elite shooters in the game today.
Lauri Markkanen vs. Karl-Anthony Towns: Big Men on the Rise
The battle for the title of the best shooting big man features Lauri Markkanen and Karl-Anthony Towns. Markkanen’s versatility as a shooter, combined with his ability to make shots from a variety of positions on the floor, positions him as a strong contender against Towns, who has been a consistent threat from beyond the arc in his career.
Michael Porter Jr. vs. Desmond Bane: Young Guns
Michael Porter Jr. and Desmond Bane are both emerging as elite shooting prospects in the NBA, showcasing their ability to drain threes and create space for their shots. Bane, known for his side-step shooting, couples his accuracy with reliable numbers, whereas Porter has demonstrated a strong offensive game, especially in tough situations.
Stephen Curry: The Greatest Shooter of All Time
While others have made headlines, Stephen Curry remains the default benchmark for greatness in shooting. He continues to set the bar higher with each season, effortlessly pulling up from beyond the arc while being double-teamed. His enduring achievement of leading in made threes for multiple seasons proves his unmatched dedication and skill level in the shooting department.
Conclusion: The Future of Shooting in the NBA
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the landscape of NBA shooting continues to evolve, with emerging talent and established stars vying for recognition. With each of these players showcasing unique skill sets and distinct shooting mechanics, fans can eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in the world of basketball shooting.
