The Case for Ray Allen
For years before Curry’s rise, Ray Allen was the gold standard. He held the all-time record for three-pointers made and possessed a picture-perfect jump shot that was as reliable as it was beautiful. Allen was the consummate professional, a master of moving
without the ball and finding his spot. His argument for the #2 spot rests on his longevity, his incredible volume, and his role as the premier shooter on multiple championship-contending teams. He was more than just a spot-up shooter; in his prime, he was an athletic scorer who could create his own shot. And, of course, there’s “The Shot” in the 2013 NBA Finals—one of the most clutch shots in league history, which perfectly encapsulates his ice-cold precision under pressure.
The Case for Reggie Miller
If Ray Allen was the polished artist, Reggie Miller was the street-fighting assassin. Miller wasn't just a shooter; he was a master of psychological warfare who lived for the biggest moments. His unorthodox form didn't matter because the results were legendary. He was the original superstar who used the three-point line as his primary weapon, thriving in a physical, defense-oriented era. While Allen eventually passed him in total threes, many argue Miller was the more efficient and impactful scorer, elevating his game in the playoffs when it mattered most. His career is defined by clutch performances, from scoring eight points in nine seconds to his eternal rivalry with the New York Knicks. For many, his swagger and killer instinct make him the clear runner-up.
The Case for Klay Thompson
As the other half of the "Splash Brothers," Klay Thompson has a unique claim. Some argue he has the purest, most technically perfect jump shot in history. Unlike Curry, Miller, or a young Allen, Thompson is the ultimate catch-and-shoot specialist. His game is a testament to off-ball movement and a lightning-quick release that needs minimal space or dribbles to be effective. His case is built on explosive, almost unbelievable scoring outbursts. He holds the record for most threes in a single game (14) and once scored an NBA-record 37 points in a single quarter. In another iconic performance, he scored 60 points on just 11 dribbles. No one in history gets hotter, faster.
The Case for Larry Bird
Larry Bird’s greatness as a shooter can’t be measured by modern statistics. He played when the three-pointer was a novelty, not a necessity. Yet, he won the first three NBA 3-Point Contests, sometimes without even taking off his warmup jacket. Bird was an elite shooter from every spot on the floor and one of the first players to join the coveted 50-40-90 club (shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line). In the seasons where he began to embrace the three-point line more, his percentages were elite, even by today's standards. His confidence was legendary, famously asking teammates who was playing for second place before the shooting contest. His all-around scoring prowess and legendary trash talk make his case.
The Modern Challenger: Damian Lillard
If anyone embodies the evolution that Curry started, it's Damian Lillard. Known as "Logo Lillard," his defining skill is his incredible range. He has made shooting from 30-plus feet a regular and surprisingly efficient part of his arsenal, arguably even more so than Curry at times. Lillard's ability to pull up from near half-court changes the entire geometry of the defense. Like Miller, he is known for his clutch heroics, with a long list of game-winning and series-ending shots that have created the phenomenon known as "Dame Time." He is a high-volume, high-difficulty shot-maker who carries the torch for the deep-ball revolution.
