Steph Curry's Legacy Is He the Greatest Shooter of All Time

Steph Curry's Legacy: Is He the Greatest Shooter of All Time? Stephen Curry’s influence on the game of basketball is undeniable, and his place in NBA history is secure. But the question that continues to be asked—and debated—across courts and media outlets is this: Is Steph Curry the greatest shooter of all time? The answer is multifaceted, depending on criteria like shooting range, consistency, influence, and evolution of the game. However, as his career progresses, Curry’s case for being the greatest shooter in NBA history grows stronger, challenging the conventional boundaries of what a “great shooter” truly means. A Revolutionary Style of Play Steph Curry’s shooting ability has revolutionized the NBA. His effortless three-point shooting has become the hallmark of his game, transforming how teams approach offensive strategies and how players develop their skills. Before Curry, the three-point shot was seen as a secondary weapon—valuable, but not a central part of a team’s offensive scheme. Now, it’s the cornerstone of modern basketball, and much of that credit goes to Curry’s early success in breaking records and pushing the boundaries of what was possible from beyond the arc. Curry’s deep range, combined with his quick release and ball-handling skills, allows him to shoot from virtually anywhere on the floor. His range is not only about distance but also the speed at which he can get his shot off—often without any space or time to set up. He is equally dangerous off the dribble, creating his own shot in transition or off a screen. This versatility in shooting and the fearlessness with which he pulls up from 30 feet (and beyond) has redefined what it means to be a shooter in the modern NBA. Breaking Records One of the most compelling arguments for Curry’s place as the greatest shooter of all time is his incredible list of shooting records. In 2021, Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s all-time record for career three-pointers made, a monumental achievement for anyone aspiring to be considered the best shooter in NBA history. But what sets Curry apart is how he broke that record. He did it with a combination of speed, accuracy, and consistency that no one else had ever come close to. Curry holds multiple records for single-season three-pointers made, with his 2015-2016 season (with 402 threes made) being a prime example. His ability to average over 5 three-pointers per game for multiple seasons while maintaining high efficiency is a feat unmatched by any other player in NBA history. Beyond just the numbers, Curry’s ability to make difficult, contested shots in clutch moments further strengthens his case. His deep three-pointers, buzzer-beaters, and game-winning shots have become a regular part of his legacy. Curry’s impact on the game is not just statistical; it’s felt in the culture of basketball, where shooting has become the focus of training programs and coaching. Comparing to the Legends When evaluating the greatest shooters of all time, the conversation often involves the likes of Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Larry Bird, and Klay Thompson. While these players all had exceptional careers as shooters, Curry has taken shooting to an entirely new level. Ray Allen, regarded for years as the greatest shooter before Curry, primarily relied on catch-and-shoot situations, primarily in the corner and from mid-range. His career three-point shooting percentage is remarkable, but Curry’s shooting ability far exceeds Allen’s, particularly in terms of range, off-the-dribble shooting, and versatility.