Surprising Choices? Klay Thompson Picks NBA’s Elite Shooters

A natural-born sniper with one of the purest shooting forms the game has ever seen, Klay Thompson has long been considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Alongside his former Golden State Warriors backcourt partner Stephen Curry, the Splash Brothers transformed the league by making the three-pointer the game’s most valuable weapon.

Now 35 years old and playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson remains one of the league’s most respected voices when it comes to shooting. In a recent appearance on Michael Cooper’s Showtime with Coop podcast, Thompson was asked to name his top five shooters in today’s NBA. His answer blended expected legends with intriguing, modern-day stars.

Honorable Mentions: Luka Dončić, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving

Before naming his top five, Thompson admitted the fifth spot was difficult. The first player who came to mind was Luka Dončić, his former Mavericks teammate and now the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thompson acknowledged Dončić’s percentages don’t match the greatest shooters, but highlighted his ability to hit difficult, deep shots consistently. “He’s a little streaky from the outside,” Thompson said. “But I’ve seen Luka do some stuff where it’s like, not a lot of guys can step back from 30 feet and score all three levels.”

Podcast host Cooper reminded Thompson of Damian Lillard, and Klay quickly agreed that the Portland Trail Blazers guard deserves recognition. Lillard has built his career on clutch shooting, drilling some of the most iconic game-winners in playoff history. With 2,804 career three-pointers, Lillard ranks fourth all-time, just behind Ray Allen (2,973). Although sidelined for the 2025–26 season due to an Achilles tear, Lillard’s place among the greatest shooters is secure.

Thompson also gave credit to his current teammate Kyrie Irving. While not typically categorized as a pure shooter, Irving’s career 39.4% three-point percentage and ability to score at all three levels put him in the conversation. With 1,876 career threes, Irving currently ranks 25th all-time, showcasing his consistency as a scorer.

No. 4 – Devin Booker

Among Thompson’s definitive top four was Devin Booker, the star of the Phoenix Suns. A five-time All-Star, Booker has long been admired by Thompson for his smooth offensive game. Despite once flexing his championship rings at Booker in a heated moment, Thompson has always respected his shot-making ability.

Booker has a career 35.4% three-point shooting average, which isn’t elite compared to others on the list, but his form is among the most admired in the game. His high release and picture-perfect mechanics make his shot nearly impossible to defend. In addition, Booker is a three-level scorer, equally lethal from mid-range and capable of finishing at the rim.

For Thompson, Booker represents the artistry of shooting, even if the percentages don’t always tell the full story.

No. 3 – Klay Thompson

Naturally, Thompson included himself. Few would argue against it. Widely regarded as one of the most clutch shooters ever, Thompson’s resume speaks volumes.

Alongside Curry, Thompson helped the Warriors build the greatest shooting backcourt of all time. His legendary performances—such as his 38-point quarter, his iconic Game 6 against Oklahoma City in 2016, and his NBA record 14 three-pointers in a single game—cement his place in history.

In his first eight NBA seasons, Thompson never shot below 40% from three, maintaining an average of 41.9% from beyond the arc while scoring nearly 20 points per game. Even after devastating injuries—a torn ACL and Achilles—that sidelined him for two years, Thompson bounced back to lead the NBA in three-pointers made in the 2022–23 season with 301 triples at a 41.2% clip.

Though age and injuries have taken some toll, Thompson remains a career 41.1% three-point shooter, ranking among the best of all time. Even in his mid-30s, his shooting is more reliable than most active players.

No. 2 – Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, widely regarded as one of the most skilled scorers in basketball history, also made Thompson’s list. At 6-foot-11 with a nearly 7-foot-5 wingspan, Durant’s shooting ability is unmatched for a player of his size.

In the 2024–25 season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting an incredible 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range. Perhaps even more impressive, he knocked down 42.3% of tightly contested threes, showcasing his ability to score under heavy defensive pressure.

Durant may not take as many threes as Curry or Thompson, averaging just 6 attempts per game, but his efficiency and versatility make him nearly impossible to defend. His scoring arsenal, which includes one of the most unstoppable mid-range games ever, only adds to his legendary reputation.

Now entering his 18th NBA season with the Houston Rockets, Durant shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to redefine what a seven-footer can do offensively.

No. 1 – Stephen Curry

It came as no surprise that Thompson named Stephen Curry as the best shooter in today’s NBA—and by extension, the greatest shooter of all time.

Curry’s impact on the game is unparalleled. His deep shooting range, quick release, and limitless confidence have reshaped how basketball is played at every level. Teams now prioritize spacing, pace, and the three-point shot as a direct result of Curry’s revolution.

For his career, Curry averages 24.7 points per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 42.3% from three. His 4.0 made threes per game are the highest in NBA history, and he has led the league in three-pointers made per game 10 times.

Even at 37 years old, Curry remains the most feared perimeter threat in basketball. His off-ball movement, shooting gravity, and playmaking continue to break defenses. With 4.4 three-pointers per game last season, Curry again topped the NBA, proving that age has not dulled his touch.

Thompson’s Legacy and Perspective

Thompson’s list reflects both respect for current stars and acknowledgment of players who have changed the game. His inclusion of himself alongside Curry, Durant, and Booker underscores his place among the elite. His honorable mentions of Dončić, Lillard, and Irving highlight the depth of shooting talent in today’s NBA.

But beyond rankings, Thompson’s perspective carries weight because he helped redefine what great shooting looks like. From his iconic moments to his resilience after injuries, Thompson remains one of the purest shooters the game has ever seen.

Conclusion

In a league now defined by perimeter play, few voices carry more credibility than Klay Thompson when discussing the art of shooting. His top-five shooters—Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Devin Booker, with honorable mentions for Luka Dončić, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving—offer a blend of efficiency, artistry, and clutch performance.

While debates will continue, one thing remains certain: Thompson himself will always be remembered as one of the greatest shooters to ever step onto an NBA court.