Ranked: The 19 smoothest jumpers in NBA history

• Rhythm, technique and prettiness are the criteria for the smoothest jumper of all-time
• Just one Australian player has made the list
• Michael Jordan is NOT no1 in this list, nor is Mark Price or Ray Allen

Shooters shoot and in the history of the NBA there have been scores of players that could absolutely knock it down from mid-range and deep.

These — in my completely biased opinion — have the smoothest mechanics and when they get in rhythm are a treat to watch shoot the ball.

19. Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford wasn’t a mechanical shooter like Ray Allen or Klay Thompson but it was devastatingly effective when he got in rhythm. He had a high release and a quick trigger making him a tough guard from both the midrange and three. He was a flat-out scorer too.

18. Chris Mullin

Left-handed Chris Mullin’s jump shot is  one of the purest and most technically sound in NBA history. Mullin’s shot had near-perfect fundamentals — balanced base, squared shoulders, and a consistent follow-through. As a lefty, his shot had a naturally smooth arc and unique visual rhythm. Mullin was elite at relocating off the ball and catching in rhythm, he didn’t jump high, but his timing, mechanics, and footwork allowed him to consistently get his shot off.

16. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony made a career out of contested twos. His turnaround jumper and pull-ups from the elbows were nearly automatic at his peak. Melo got significant lift on his jumper, especially in the midrange, making it tough to block even with defenders draped on him. While not as mechanically precise as Chris Mullin or as improvisational as Jamal Crawford, Carmelo’s jumper was about rhythm and inevitability — once he got to his spot, it felt like it was going in.

15. George Gervin

George Gervin’s jump shot was a reflection of his nickname — “The Iceman” — cool, smooth, and seemingly effortless. Gervin often flowed into his jumper with a graceful glide, using long strides and fluid movement rather than explosive bursts. He didn’t jump high but used his length and smooth mechanics to get clean looks. The ball came out high and fast—tough to contest. His shot was less about textbook mechanics and more about feel—a scorer’s jumper, not a shooter’s. It was part of a broader arsenal that included finger rolls, floaters, and runners, but when Gervin rose up, it looked like poetry in motion.

14. Shane Heal

The only Australian on the list, Shane Heal’s jump shot was a defining feature of his game — marked by deep range, quick release, and fearless execution. Standing at 6'0" (183 cm), Heal compensated for his height with exceptional shooting skills, making him one of Australia's most prolific scorers. His shooting motion was compact and rapid, allowing him to get shots off before defenders could react.

13. Brandon Roy

Brandon Roy’s shooting motion was fluid and economical. He maintained a consistent shooting pocket, with minimal wasted movement, allowing for quick and repeatable releases. Whether pulling up off the dribble or catching and shooting, Roy exhibited excellent footwork. He consistently squared his shoulders to the basket, ensuring optimal balance and alignment. Although his career was shortened because of knee injuries, Roy's shooting technique remains a model for aspiring players.

12. Devin Booker

Devin Booker's jump shot is a blend of technical precision, fluid mechanics, and elite shot-making instincts—making it one of the most respected in the NBA today. Standing at 6'5", Booker utilises his height advantage by releasing the ball at a high point, making it difficult for defenders to contest his shots effectively. Booker excels in the midrange area, often creating space with subtle dribble moves before rising for a jumper. His ability to stop on a dime and elevate makes him a constant threat from 15 to 20 feet.

11. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter of all time. His jump shot is a masterclass in precision, rhythm, and innovation — widely regarded as the most influential shooting form in basketball history. But it's not the smoothest: It's the most potent, powerful and ice cold. Curry has a seamless, one-motion shooting form where the ball flows from his shooting pocket to release without pause. It allows for a quicker release and consistent rhythm, making his shot difficult to contest.

10. Allan Houston

Allan Houston’s jump shot is widely regarded as one of the most technically sound and aesthetically pleasing in NBA history. A cornerstone of the New York Knicks during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Houston's shooting mechanics combined textbook fundamentals with a smooth, effortless delivery. His technique was a model of shooting fundamentals — feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and a consistent shooting pocket. His release featured a high arc and a soft touch, contributing to his impressive 40.2% career three-point shooting percentage.

9. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant’s jump shot is a masterclass in blending elite mechanics with physical advantages, making him one of the most unguardable scorers in basketball history. Standing at 6'10" with a 7'5" wingspan, Durant releases the ball from an exceptionally high point. This, combined with his vertical leap, makes his shot nearly impossible to contest, even against the league's best defenders. Durant employs a smooth, one-motion shooting form. His motion is seamless from the catch to the release, minimising wasted movement and allowing for a quick, consistent shot. Durant's jump shot combines technical precision with physical advantages, making it a cornerstone of his scoring arsenal.

8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jump shot is a reflection of his overall game: smooth, methodical, and uniquely effective. While not the most conventional in form, his shooting mechanics have evolved to complement his elite scoring ability. Shai's shooting form features a relatively low release point, often initiated from chest level. This, combined with a slower load-up, can make his shot appear unconventional. But his exceptional footwork and timing compensate for these mechanics, allowing him to create space and get his shot off effectively. It's still a pretty shot.

7. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s form was built on the absolute fundamental "triple 90" principle: approximately 90-degree angles at the armpit, elbow, and wrist at the set point. This alignment optimised power transfer and consistency. He fully extended his shooting arm, finishing with a high release and a soft wrist flick. This technique provided a clean arc and made his shot difficult to contest, especially his signature post fadeaway, which is pure poetry. It's what made him the SECOND greatest player in NBA history.

6. Byron Scott

Byron Scott's shooting form was fluid and repeatable. He employed a quick release with minimal wasted motion, allowing him to get his shot off effectively, even under defensive pressure. Standing at 6'3", Scott utilised a high release point, which, combined with his elevation, made his shots difficult to contest. There was nothing better than seeing Scott catch and shoot, especially from the midrange in the Showtime Lakers transition game.

5. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson consistently employs a shoulder-width stance, providing a stable base for his shot. This uniformity aids in maintaining balance and consistency, whether he's shooting off the catch or the dribble. Unlike many shooters who dip the ball before shooting, Thompson minimises this motion, allowing for a faster release. This efficiency is crucial in game situations where defenders are closing out quickly. He keeps the ball high on the catch. Thompson's form remains consistent regardless of game situations. His shooting elbow is aligned under the ball, and his follow-through is precise, often described as reaching into a "cookie jar," ensuring a soft touch and accurate shot. You don't score 60 points with just 11 dribbles without being able to shoot the ball.

4. Ray Allen

Ray Allen’s jump shot exemplifies the principles of balance, consistency, and precision, making it a model for players and coaches alike. Allen consistently maintained a balanced stance, with his feet shoulder-width apart and squared to the basket. This foundation allowed for optimal stability and alignment throughout his shooting motion. He utilised a high release point, fully extending his shooting arm and snapping his wrist to generate a soft backspin. This technique contributed to the arc and accuracy of his shots. Allen hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history — corner baseline — for the Miami Heat against the San Antonio Spurs. Form was perfect.

3. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s jump shot is an iconic weapon that helped define his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Kobe often began his offensive moves from the triple-threat stance, keeping the ball low and close to his hips with his shooting elbow behind the ball. This position allowed him to seamlessly transition into a shot, drive, or pass. One of Kobe's signature moves was his high-release fadeaway jumper a la Michael Jordan. By leaning back and elevating, he created separation from defenders, making the shot nearly impossible to block. This move became a staple in his scoring arsenal.

2. Mark Price

Mark Price's jump shot exemplified precision and consistency, establishing him as one of the premier shooters in NBA history. His shooting technique was characterised by meticulous mechanics and a deep understanding of the game's nuances. He maintained a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring stability. His shooting elbow was kept in alignment under the ball, and he executed a smooth, high release with a consistent follow-through. This form contributed to his impressive career shooting percentages: 47.2% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range, and 90.4% from the free-throw line. Price incorporated a slight "dip" in his shooting motion, lowering the ball slightly before the upward shooting action. This technique helped generate rhythm and power, contributing to the fluidity and accuracy of his shot. Mark Price's shooting prowess earned him four NBA All-Star selections and two Three-Point Contest championships. He was one of the earliest members of the exclusive 50-40-90 club.

1. Glen Rice

My number one choice will always be Glen Rice. It was beautiful. His jump shot was a hallmark of his basketball career, characterised by a smooth, high-arching release and exceptional accuracy. Standing at 6'8", Rice utilised his height to shoot over defenders with ease, making his shot difficult to contest. His shooting motion was quick and fluid, enabling him to get his shot off rapidly, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. This was particularly evident during his time with the Charlotte Hornets, where he led the league in three-point shooting percentage at 47.0% during the 1996-97 season, an era when the three-ball was just starting to become a thing. Rice's shooting prowess earned him multiple accolades, including three NBA All-Star selections and the 1997 All-Star Game MVP. He also won the NBA Three-Point Shootout in 1995.