As we find ourselves closing in on the NBA playoffs, let’s take a look at the elite shooters in the Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks: Klay Thompson
It may not be the statistical answer, but no shooting list is complete without both Splash Brothers. While Thompson is far from his prime, he is still a solid shooter at nearly 38% from three.
Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray
The best offense in the entire league is shooting nearly 40% as a team, and it starts with Murray. He is having an all-time dominant shooting season, currently shooting 43% on 7.4 attempts per game. Jokic might be the engine of the offense, but Murray is the steering wheel.
Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry
No comment is needed. The best shooter in NBA history is still at the top of his game, and there is no other answer. 39% on the most attempts from three in the league, and arguably taking the hardest attempts, too. The once great dynasty is not what it used to be, but Curry has not slowed down.
Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant
Speaking of that Warriors’ dynasty, the Slim Reaper is also still at the top of his game. At 37 years old, he’s nearly shooting 50/40/90 (FG%/3P%/FT%), missing the clip from the line (88FT%). The Rockets traded for him for a reason, and it has paid off.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard
What do you get when you combine an elite free-throw shooter with a sniper from deep, and you add the best touch from mid-range? Well, you get Kawhi Leonard. With Harden gone, even more pressure is on the Klaw’s shoulders. Luckily, he is still MVP caliber, largely due to his efficiency.
Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Kennard
While big names like Luka Doncic and LeBron James reside in LA, Luke Kennard is quietly having an insanely efficient season. While the volume is not massive, 49% from three and a 72% true shooting mark is impossible to ignore. Kennard has been one of the nicest spot-up guys in the league, and this season has been no exception.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cam Spencer
Despite a disappointing season for the team overall, Spencer has been a nice find for the struggling team. He has been elite from deep and uber-efficient across the board. In year two, he is already proving his value in this league.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
Despite entering the league with incredible athleticism, Ant has developed into an elite shooter. He’s averaging 29 points per game while shooting 40% from three, making him nearly impossible to stop. Could be face of the league material…
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III
Not a lot is going well for the Pels, but Murphy has continued to thrive. He has been able to increase his workload as a scorer and defender while largely keeping up the same level of efficiency and play. If New Orleans decides to completely blow it up, Trey Murphy will find a starting spot on a contender.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The MVP of the league amped up his efficiency even further this year. Shai doesn’t do his damage from beyond the arc, but he certainly can. He’s shooting 39% from three on over 4.5 attempts per game, and oh yeah, he’s an elite mid-range shooter too. Jokes aside, he is also a top-tier free-throw shooter. There is a lot of parity in the MVP race this season, but Shai definitely deserves it.
Phoenix Suns: Collin Gillespie
Gillespie has quietly become an integral part of the Suns’ success this season, and his tre-ball is a big reason why. He is shooting over 42% from three and has solid accuracy pretty much anywhere on the court. Phoenix needed a point guard, and Gillespie came through.
Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara
Portland is one of the worst shooting teams in the league, but Toumani Camara has been one of the exceptions. He has been a solid shooter this season at 37% from three, despite teams knowing his ability. He has secured his spot on the Blazers and should be a threat from deep for a while.
Sacramento Kings: Malik Monk
While the Kings have been a bottom-feeder team, Monk is not the problem. He has been an efficient part of an otherwise awful team. Whether it is with the Kings or elsewhere, Monk will provide decent shooting depth somewhere in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama
Is he 7’5”? Yes. Can he shoot? Also yes. Does this make him the most dynamic player ever? Maybe. Either way, Wemby is the tallest player in the league, making him unstoppable down low, but he can also shoot over anyone. The sky is the limit for Wemby, and he already looks unbeatable at 22 years old.
Utah Jazz: Keyonte George
Even though the Jazz have been revoltingly bad this season, George has found a way to be a productive shooting guard. He has been able to thrive in a difficult situation, and in just his third season, he has proved his worth as a player.
