When discussing the NBA’s greatest shot creators, James Harden always comes to mind. He’s led the league in scoring multiple times. In the 2018-2019 season, Harden averaged an astonishing 36.1 points per game. With a step-back three-pointer that seems almost unstoppable, he utilizes a mixture of quickness, ball-handling, and an uncanny ability to draw fouls. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) often hovers around 30, showcasing his elite-level productivity on the court.
Another player who steps into this conversation effortlessly is Kevin Durant. Standing at 6'10", with a wingspan that exceeds 7 feet, Durant transforms into an offensive juggernaut. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court is matched by few. Throughout his career, Durant has maintained a high true shooting percentage, often exceeding 60%. This metric aggregates field goals, three-point shots, and free throws to give a holistic view of shooting efficiency. Whether he's with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, or Brooklyn Nets, KD’s impact on the floor remains consistent.
Many fans still remember Kobe Bryant, who despite all odds and his achilles injury, has left a mark on NBA history. Kobe's famous 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 exemplifies his unparalleled scoring ability. Over his 20-year career with the Lakers, Kobe maintained an average of 25 points per game. His footwork, pivot moves, and fadeaways remain the gold standard for current players looking to refine their scoring techniques.
No discussion on shot creators would be complete without mentioning Michael Jordan. His Airness dominated the 90s with six NBA championships and a career scoring average of 30.1 points per game. His clutch performances in the NBA Finals are the stuff of legend, highlighted by his game-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals against the Utah Jazz. Jordan’s usage rate, often in the mid-30s, points to the degree his teams relied on his scoring and shot-creating abilities.
Luka Dončić, though only a few years into his NBA career, has already shown signs of greatness. In his rookie season, Luka averaged 21.2 points per game and followed it with 28.8 points per game in his sophomore year. His ability to create shots using a combination of step-backs, floaters, and isolation plays is reminiscent of some of the legends mentioned earlier. By the end of his third season, Luka posted a PER of 25.5, reflecting his significant contribution to the Dallas Mavericks.
Stephen Curry revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. He's not just a shooter, he's a creator. Curry holds the single-season record for most three-pointers made at 402. His off-ball movement and quick release leave defenders scrambling. His 2015-2016 MVP season saw him average 30.1 points per game on a surreal 50-40-90 shooting split, emphasizing efficiency and volume.
Kyrie Irving, too, deserves recognition when talking about creating shots. His handles are arguably the best the league has ever seen. During the 2016 NBA Finals, Irving’s clutch three-pointer over Stephen Curry in Game 7 remains one of the iconic moments in NBA history. With a career scoring average hovering around 22 points per game and an impeccable finishing ability around the rim, Kyrie’s offensive toolbox is vast.
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the late, great Allen Iverson. Standing at just 6 feet tall, Iverson dominated the league with his crossover and fearless attacking style. In the 2000-2001 season, he averaged 31.1 points per game and led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. His league-best usage rate of 37.8% that year speaks volumes about his central role in the team's offense.
LeBron James, often heralded as the greatest all-around player, doubles as an incredible shot creator. LeBron’s court vision lets him create shots for himself and his teammates. Over his career, he has maintained an average of about 27 points per game, alongside 7.4 assists per game, indicating his hybrid scoring and playmaking capabilities. The 2012-2013 season highlights his efficiency, as he posted a PER of 31.6, the highest of his career.
Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard is another modern shot creator making waves. Lillard’s performance in the 2020 NBA Bubble, notably his 61-point game against the Mavericks, showed his ability to score in clutch moments. Averaging 30 points per game that season, his deep-range shooting and off-the-dribble prowess put him among the elite scorers.
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Each of these players has redefined what it means to be a shot creator in the NBA. Whether through their scoring prowess, their efficiency, or their clutch performances, they’ve each contributed to the rich tapestry of NBA history. Watching them perform offers glimpses of true basketball artistry, elevated by both historical benchmarks and modern metrics.