When I first started following basketball in the early 2000s, the three-point shot was still considered somewhat of a novelty—a high-risk, high-reward weapon rather than the fundamental offensive strategy it has become today. It's fascinating to think that the NCAA's current logo, introduced back in Season 82 in 2006, has been around for nearly two decades now, and in that same timeframe, the three-pointer has completely transformed the game at both collegiate and professional levels. As someone who has analyzed basketball statistics for over fifteen years, I've watched this evolution firsthand, and nothing captures this shift better than examining the players who have made the most three-pointers in NBA history.
Let's start with the undisputed king of the long ball—Stephen Curry. As of my last count, Curry has drained over 3,500 three-pointers in his career, and he's still adding to that total. What makes his achievement so remarkable isn't just the volume but how he revolutionized the very concept of shooting range. Before Curry, players typically took threes from designated spots behind the arc. Curry changed all that by pulling up from what we now call "logo range"—areas that were previously considered low-percentage shots. His quick release, often taking less than 0.4 seconds from catch to shoot, combined with his ability to create space off the dribble, made him virtually unguardable. I've always argued that Curry's impact goes beyond statistics—he fundamentally changed how coaches at all levels, from the NCAA to the NBA, think about offensive spacing and shot selection.
Right behind Curry sits Ray Allen with 2,973 career threes, though I suspect Curry will eventually surpass that by a wide margin. Allen was the prototype of the perfect shooter—textbook form, relentless preparation, and incredible consistency. Watching Allen play was like watching a master craftsman at work; every movement was precise and repeatable. His record-breaking shot in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, which saved Miami's championship hopes, perfectly demonstrated his clutch mentality. What many casual fans don't realize is that Allen would often arrive at arenas hours before games to run through his shooting routine, sometimes taking up to 500 practice shots. That level of dedication is what separates good shooters from legendary ones.
Then we have Reggie Miller, who finished his career with 2,560 three-pointers and essentially defined the role of the three-point specialist throughout the 1990s. Miller was the original master of using the three-pointer as both a strategic weapon and a psychological one. His famous eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks in 1995 showcased how quickly he could change a game with his shooting. What I've always admired about Miller was his exceptional movement without the ball—he was constantly running through screens, changing directions, and finding ways to get open that frustrated defenders to no end. His unorthodox shooting form, with that high release point and leg kick, proved that effective shooting isn't always about perfect mechanics but about finding what works consistently.
The evolution of three-point shooting really mirrors the broader changes in basketball strategy since that NCAA rebrand in 2006. Back then, teams averaged around 16 three-point attempts per game—today, that number has skyrocketed to over 35. Players like James Harden and Damian Lillard, who currently sit at fourth and fifth on the all-time list with approximately 2,750 and 2,400 threes respectively, represent the modern approach where the three-pointer isn't just an option but the primary offensive weapon. Harden's step-back three has become his signature move, while Lillard's willingness to shoot from well beyond the arc has forced defenses to extend in ways we never saw even a decade ago.
What's particularly interesting to me is how these shooting legends developed their skills. Curry's father, Dell Curry, was himself an excellent NBA shooter, providing Stephen with both genetics and early training. Allen famously developed his routine through military-like discipline, while Miller honed his craft against his sister Cheryl, one of the greatest women's basketball players ever. This variety in backgrounds and training methods shows that there's no single path to shooting greatness, though they all share an almost obsessive work ethic. I've had the opportunity to speak with several shooting coaches over the years, and they consistently emphasize that while natural talent helps, the best shooters are made through thousands of hours of purposeful practice.
Looking at the current landscape, it's clear that Curry's record of 3,500-plus threes won't stand forever. Young players like Trae Young are already launching from unprecedented distances with impressive accuracy. The game continues to evolve toward more perimeter shooting, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see someone eventually challenge 4,000 career three-pointers within the next decade. Personally, I love this evolution—it's made basketball more dynamic and mathematically sophisticated, though I do sometimes miss the post-up game and mid-range artistry that has somewhat faded from prominence.
As I reflect on these shooting legends and the transformation of basketball since that 2006 NCAA rebrand, what stands out most is how the three-pointer has become the great equalizer—allowing smaller players to compete effectively against bigger opponents and enabling teams to overcome deficits quickly. The players who mastered this skill didn't just accumulate impressive statistics; they changed how basketball is played, coached, and appreciated. Their legacy extends beyond record books into the very DNA of modern basketball, ensuring that the three-pointer will remain central to the game's evolution for years to come.