The modern NBA values shooting more than any other time throughout the sport. Bigs and even some guards could avoid their negative shooting reputation as long as they contributed in other areas—not today. In this day and age, scouts look for the ability to shoot and shoot consistently from all positions.
This year’s draft is littered with effective shooters whether they are guards or big men. To expound on more of our draft coverage, I compiled a list of the 10 best shooting in this year’s draft in no particular order.
Although the NBA is becoming a 3-point league, this list does not just highlight three-point shooters. These players are efficient from beyond the arc, mid-range, and the free-throw line. I highlight five statistics to help measure their college productivity beginning with points per game, three-point percentage, two-point percentage, true shooting percentage, and free throw percentage.
Corey Kispert
The 6’7”, 200 lbs. forward is often considered the top shooter in this draft. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations and has the potential to be an elite off-balance shooter. He was the second-leading scorer on a very talented Gonzaga team who made it to the championship game. He holds five collegiate awards including NCAA All-Region, Consensus All-American, 2020-21 WCC POY, 2x, ALL-WCC, and 2021 ALL-WCC Tourney.
NBA comparison: Mike Miller
PPG: 18.6
3P%: 44%
2P%: 63%
TS%: 67%
FT%: 88%
Davion Mitchell
The 2021 National Championship winner increased his draft stock tremendously displaying his ability to shine on both ends of the floor. He knows how to make contested shots, and he balances himself well towards the rim. He was named NCAA All-Tourney, All-Region, Big 12 DPOY, 2x All-Big 12, and 2x Big 12 All-Defense. He can score anywhere on the floor, but his consistent ability to hit perimeter shots has NBA teams itching to draft him.
NBA Comparison: Donovan Mitchell
PPG: 14
3P%: 45%
2P%: 56%
TS%: 62%
FT%: 64%
Trey Murphy lll
This 6’9” wing is an absolute sniper from beyond. He has excellent catch-and-shoot ability and he’s one of those deadeye shooters from the corner. Scouts say he is very “role-aware,” playing his part in the offense while avoiding bad or rushed shots. Like Mitchell, he is very effective on the defensive end, but his consistent and disciplined shot-making can shoot him up draft boards.
NBA comparison: Bruce Bowen
PPG: 11.3
3P%: 43%
2P%: 62%
TS%: 67%
FT%: 92%
Jared Butler
One of the best all-around shooters in the draft is Jared Butler. His strengths on the offensive end are shot creation, playmaking, and handle. He can get to wherever he wants on the floor, and his consistent mechanics and balance are reasons for his production. The Baylor product has seven awards comprising of NCAA All-Tourney, All-Region, Tourney MOP, Consensus All-American, Big-12 All-Defense, All-Freshman, and 2x All-Big 12. He is a smart, crafty player and any NBA team would be lucky to have him.
NBA comparison: George Hill
PPG: 16.7
3P%: 42%
2P%: 53%
TS%: 60%
FT%: 78%
Joe Wieskamp
The 6’6” Iowa product is a lethal three-point shooter. He can create his own shot while also making his mark with great catch-and-shoot ability. He is more athletic than some presume so if he can improve his ball-handling, it will facilitate opportunities to score anywhere on the floor. The 2x All-Big Ten and All-Freshman helped lead his school to a 22-9 record and was second in scoring behind the John Wooden award winner Luka Garza
NBA comparison: Tyler Herro
PPG: 14.8
3P%: 46%
2P%: 52%
TS%: 62%
FT%: 68%
Tre Mann
The 2020-21 All-SEC guard is an athletic, shifty, three-level scorer. He is a tough-shot maker often shooting off-balance but still maintains good body control. He also has the ability to be an asset in the pick-and-roll when he plays with good pace and awareness. If he obtains open looks and improves his shot selection, he can be a dangerous force on the offensive end.
NBA comparison: Kemba Walker
PPG: 16
3P%: 40%
2P%: 50%
TS%: 58%
FT%: 83%
Chris Duarte
Chris Duarte is a very consistent shooter and excels at shooting off the dribble as well. He shot 48% on catch-and-shoot jumpers last season and plays well off screens. His form is pure shooting with great bounce and a consistent release. He was a 2020-21 All-Pac-12 selection and Pac-12 All-Defense. He can improve on his playmaking so right now he projects as more of a scoring two-guard in the NBA.
NBA comparison: Danny Green
PPG: 17
3P%: 42%
2P%: 63%
TS%: 66%
FT%: 81%
Marcus Zegarowski
Zegarowski makes his name by being a tough, spirited playmaker with a strong ability from beyond the arc. The 6’2” guard supplies great floor spacing for his team and plays like a quarterback with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t care if there is a hand in his face and possesses effective bounce on his jumper. The Creighton stand-out was 2021 All-Big East Tourney, Big-East All-Freshman, and 2x All-Big East.
NBA comparison: Derek Fisher
PPG: 15.8
3P%: 42%
2P%: 52%
TS%: 60%
FT%: 78%
Sam Hauser
The fifth-year senior is a sharpshooter from three. He is a skilled forward that shot 44% from three during his college career. He seems to have a high basketball IQ with the ability to get to his spots on the floor to knock it down. The 2018-19 All-Big East, and 2020-21 All-ACC winner projects to be a three-point specialist at the next level.
NBA comparison: Ryan Anderson
PPG: 16
3P%: 42%
2P%: 60%
TS%: 63%
FT%: 89%
Isaiah Livers
Isaiah Livers has the skill set that translates very nicely into the NBA. He’s a great three-point shooter especially in the corners but also has nice vertical athleticism. He knows how to get to open positions off the ball and if left open it's a done deal. The 2020-21 All-Big Ten selection plays smooth and confident with great shooting consistency.
NBA comparison: Patrick Patterson
PPG: 13
3P%: 43
2P%: 49
TS%: 60
FT%: 87
