Tracy McGrady recently sparked debate by unveiling his list of the five greatest shooters in NBA history. His choices included Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Mark Price, Craig Hodges, and Reggie Miller. While each of these players is undoubtedly a phenomenal shooter, McGrady’s exclusion of two legendary names—Ray Allen and Larry Bird—has left many fans scratching their heads. It’s particularly surprising given Allen’s long-standing reputation as one of the best shooters the game has ever seen.
Ray Allen’s omission is especially puzzling. Before he surpassed him in 2021, Allen held the NBA record for most three-pointers made, with an impressive 2,973 threes at a 40.0% shooting clip. Allen’s shooting prowess was so renowned that even Curry, often hailed as the greatest shooter ever, acknowledged Allen’s excellence. Given these credentials, many believe Allen should be a lock for any top-five shooter list, making McGrady’s decision to leave him out quite controversial.
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While McGrady’s picks of Craig Hodges and Mark Price highlight some underrated sharpshooters, they might not measure up to Allen’s legendary status. Hodges, a three-time three-point contest winner, and Price, a career 40.2% three-point shooter, were remarkable in their own right. However, their accomplishments in the broader context of NBA history may not rival those of Allen or even Bird, who, despite not having as prolific three-point stats, were known for their clutch shooting and versatility.
If adjustments were to be made to McGrady’s list, Ray Allen would certainly claim one of those spots alongside Curry, Thompson, and Miller. For the final spot, the decision is tough. While Bird has a strong case, Damian Lillard’s extraordinary range and clutch performances make him a compelling choice. Lillard’s ability to hit deep threes consistently has revolutionized the game, and he might edge out other contenders for that coveted fifth spot. Regardless of preferences, McGrady’s list has undoubtedly reignited discussions about the greatest shooters in NBA history.
