As we find ourselves closing in on the NBA playoffs, let’s take a look at the elite shooters in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks: CJ McCollum
Ever since the trade that sent McCollum to Atlanta, he has been a lockdown shooter. He did have a very slow start upon arrival, but he has started to heat up and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown
While Brown is not the flashy answer, as he is not an explosive three-point threat, he is quietly having one of the best mid-range creator seasons ever. He has been a sniper and well above league average from inside the arc, and is still shooting a respectable 35% from three. These numbers are that much more impressive when you factor in the attention Brown pulls as the clear first option.
Brooklyn Nets: Michael Porter Jr.
With Cam Thomas’ release, this answer is even more obvious. MPJ is getting up nearly 10 shots per game and is knocking them down at a 39% clip. With him being the only bright spot on an awful team, his shots are usually incredibly contested, making his shot diet one of the toughest in the league
Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel
Kon’s rookie year has been a sight to see, as he has not only been the best rookie shooter but one of the best shooters in the entire league. At nearly eight attempts per game from three, Knueppel’s hitting nearly 43% of them. He will likely be one of the best spot-up shooters for years to come.
Chicago Bulls: Anfernee Simons
Before the trade deadline, this question would be a bit harder. But when you add a shot-first guard who dominates in the isolation, the answer is much clearer. Simons has been one of the top shot creators and makers over the last few seasons, and a move to Chicago gives him a perfect situation to succeed in.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson
While Mitchell is shooting almost 38% on one of the highest volumes in the league, 48% from three is pretty hard to ignore. In just his sophomore season, Tyson has become an elite shooter and a perfect outlet for the newly acquired point guard James Harden.
Detroit Pistons: Duncan Robinson
Despite their success, shooting has not been Detroit’s strongsuit. However, Duncan Robinson has been the outlier. Robinson has once again been one of the top spot-up shooters in the league. On over 7 attempts per game, Robinson is making them at the illustrious rate of 40% from three.
Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nembhard
With Haliburton out due to injury, this role goes to Nembhard. While his efficiency is nothing incredible, we saw what he can do in the playoffs. When Haliburton returns to the offense, Nembhard’s shots will likely become much easier, and his efficiency will increase.
Miami Heat: Norman Powell
Powell has been able to hover around 40% from three his entire career, which has been a big reason for Miami’s surprising success this season. Whether it’s catch-and-shoot or isolation creation, Norman Powell has been able to remain effective. He certainly earned his first all-star selection this season.
Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis
While Ryan Rollins has made an incredible leap as a shooter and a scorer, Bobby Portis has quietly put together an incredible shooting season. At 31 years old, Portis is shooting nearly 46% from three and continues to be one of the top role players in the league.
New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson
While there are several top-tier catch-and-shoot guys across this roster, Brunson has been shooting at an impressive rate while taking some of the toughest shots across the league. Defenses are keyed in on him, yet he is still able to stay solid in the efficiency category.
Orlando Magic: Desmond Bane
The worst three-point shooting team in the league does not have much to offer, but Desmond Bane has remained a threat from beyond the arc. Bane’s efficiency has gone down this season, but it is likely due to the situation around him. Nevertheless, Bane is the guy Orlando goes to when they need a shot.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey
Maxey is an MVP candidate for a reason, and he has done much of his damage through his shot. Despite averaging the most minutes per game in the entire league and only missing two games, the exhaustion has not caught up with him. He has leaned into the primary option role and has become an elite shooter.
Toronto Raptors: Immanuel Quickley
Despite operating in a mediocre offense, Quickley has planted himself into the offense. He learned to be a solid spot-up guy in New York, and now in Toronto, he has become a solid creator, too. He has been a vital reason for the surprise playoff spot they currently have.
Washington Wizards: Bub Carrington
Not a lot has gone well for Washington, but Bub Carrington has been a solid shooter in their offense. On over 5 threes per game, Carrington has hit nearly 40% if then. While this team is not in a winning position, Carrington can definitely find a job on one.
