Anyone who follows the NBA is aware of how much the game has changed in recent years. The game is played on the perimeter, and it has become a game where everyone on the court has to be capable of shooting the ball. There have been debates about who is the best 3-point shooter. Some say Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, as he's mainly credited for changing the game so much, while others choose Portland Trail Blazers stud Damian Lillard for his ability to shoot it from deep with ease.
It seems we're getting some clarity on that argument from Dame himself, as he recently shared his thoughts on the best shooters in the NBA.
Via Mark Medina of USA TODAY Sports:
Article Continues Below“Steph's the best shooter ever,” Lillard told USA TODAY Sports. “But when it comes to shooting from deep range, I feel like I can do that as deep as anybody.”
Lillard certainly has an argument. The Blazers star has taken most of his 3-point shots from 25 to 29 feet (298) and made an impressive 40.6% of them. He's at 33.3% on shots from 30 to 34 feet. While Curry does have Lillard beat from both ranges (42.8%, 40.5%), Dame's numbers are still impressive
Additionally, Lillard always proclaims he can pull up from half court efficiently. We saw that firsthand during the All-Star Game, and it's a shot he consistently practices as well. Teammate CJ McCollum has backed that up in the past in multiple interviews.
When it comes down to it, Damian Lillard names Stephen Curry as the best shooter ever, while Lillard will gladly take the crown of being the best deep-ball shooter. The numbers say Curry still holds both crowns, but Lillard is in the conversation for those extra-long balls as he continues to get more and more audacious with his shot selection.