Let me tell you something about shooting that I've learned after watching basketball for over two decades - true shooting greatness isn't just about making shots, it's about transforming the game itself. I still remember watching Ray Allen's corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, that perfect form that seemed almost mechanical in its precision, and thinking this is what basketball immortality looks like. The evolution of the three-point shot from novelty to necessity has completely reshaped how we evaluate players, and in my view, the true masters of this art form deserve recognition beyond mere statistics.
When we talk about the all-time leaders, the conversation naturally begins with Stephen Curry - and honestly, it should. I've never seen anyone who could pull up from 30 feet with such consistency that it actually became a rational basketball decision. His 3,117 career threes and counting represent not just quantity but revolutionary quality. What many casual fans might not appreciate is how Curry's shooting forced entire defensive schemes to adapt, creating spacing that benefited every teammate on the floor. Watching him work off screens reminds me of how Cagulangan, that savvy floor leader mentioned in our reference material, operates with high offensive skills - though obviously at different levels, both understand that creating separation isn't just about physical space but mental anticipation.
Ray Allen's 2,973 three-pointers represent a different era of shooting excellence. I always admired his textbook-perfect form - the quick release, the balanced base, the follow-through that looked identical every single time. His game was less about audacious range and more about surgical precision. Reggie Miller's 2,560 threes came in an era when the three-pointer was still considered somewhat experimental, yet he made it his weapon of choice in clutch moments. I've re-watched his 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks more times than I can count, and what strikes me isn't just the makes but the confidence to take those shots when everyone in the building knew they were coming.
The modern era has given us shooters like James Harden and Damian Lillard who have expanded the very geography of the court. Harden's step-back three has become one of the most unstoppable moves in basketball, while Lillard's "Logo Lillard" range has forced defenses to guard him from the moment he crosses half-court. I've noticed how their approach differs from traditional shooters - they create their own shots rather than relying on screens, which in my opinion makes their numbers even more impressive. This reminds me of how different players contribute differently to team success, much like how a 6-foot-10 center like Millora-Brown can be a 'one-and-done' case yet make significant impact in limited time - every player finds their role in the ecosystem of basketball.
What fascinates me about Kyle Korver's place on this list is how he carved out a 17-year career almost exclusively as a movement shooter. His 2,450 threes came mostly off screens and quick releases, the kind of specialized skill that analytics have made increasingly valuable. I've always believed Korver doesn't get enough credit for how he forced defenses to account for him at all times, creating driving lanes for teammates simply by existing on the perimeter. Similarly, Vince Carter's longevity allowed him to accumulate 2,290 threes while adapting his game across different eras - from explosive dunker to respected veteran shooter.
The international influence appears prominently with players like Dirk Nowitzki, whose 1,982 threes came primarily from the power forward position, revolutionizing what was expected from big men. I distinctly remember how his shooting ability pulled opposing centers away from the basket, creating mismatches that simply didn't exist before him. This evolution toward stretch big men continues today, with players at every position expected to have at least respectable range. It's this kind of positional flexibility that makes players like Millora-Brown particularly interesting - a 6-foot-10 center who can shoot would be incredibly valuable in today's game.
When I look at the complete list of all-time leaders, what stands out to me isn't just the names but the changing percentages and volumes. Curry's career 42.8% on extremely high volume is historically unprecedented, while players like Steve Kerr maintained incredible accuracy (45.4% career) on fewer attempts. This distinction matters because in my view, both types of shooters have value - the high-volume creators and the efficient specialists. The beauty of basketball is how these different skills complement each other, much like how a floor general's distribution skills enable shooters to get clean looks.
As the game continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see more players climbing this list at younger ages. The emphasis on three-point shooting at all levels means today's rookies enter the league with more attempts and better technique than ever before. While statistics give us objective measures of greatness, what makes these shooters truly legendary in my eyes is their ability to perform when everyone knows what's coming - the game-winning shots, the playoff pressure, the defensive attention focused entirely on stopping them from doing what they do best. That combination of skill, nerve, and consistency is what separates the great shooters from the truly historic ones.