Who is a Better Shooter? Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, or Kyrie Irving
Who is a Better Shooter? Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, or Kyrie Irving
The question of who is the better shooter in Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, or Kyrie Irving has been a subject of debate among basketball enthusiasts. Each player has their unique skills and strengths, making it challenging to decide. In this article, we will analyze their shooting statistics and techniques to determine who stands out the most.
Shooting Mechanics: Michael Jordan vs. Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving
When it comes to pure shooting mechanics, Steph Curry stands out as the best among these three players. As the all-time career free-throw (FT) leader, Curry's ability to accurately release the ball from various angles and distances showcases the high level of his shooting mechanics. He is a master of maintaining balance, precise hand-eye coordination, and consistent shot placement, qualities that are evident in his 41.2% career free-throw percentage.
In contrast, Michael Jordan's career statistics in free throws are not as impressive. Jordan finished around 100th place in the all-time career FT standings and his shooting percentage declined over his career. Notably, his highest free-throw shooting percentage was 85.7% in a single season, and he shot below 80% in his last five seasons with the Chicago Bulls, with a lowest of 78.4% in his final season.
While Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving both have excellent free-throw shooting, they are slightly behind Curry in this category, especially when considering the number of shots each player takes. Additionally, they have shown impressive consistency in their three-point shooting, which is a key aspect of modern basketball.
Three-Point Shooting: A Comparative Analysis
Both Curry and Irving are known for their exceptional three-point shooting. According to the statistics, Curry's career three-point percentage is 43.7%, while Irving's is 40.1%. While Curry's percentage is slightly higher, both players regularly hit crucial three-pointers during their games, contributing significantly to their teams' success.
Interestingly, when comparing field goal (FG) percentages, Curry and Irving are relatively close, with Curry slightly ahead. Curry has a career FG percentage of 48.7%, while Irving's is 46.6%. This close margin highlights the skilled competition they offer as shooters.
Steph Curry not only takes more three-point shots than Kyrie Irving but also maintains a higher accuracy rate. This is a testament to his ability to put the ball through the hoop consistently, even when under pressure.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
After analyzing the shooting statistics, techniques, and overall impact on their teams, it is clear that Steph Curry emerges as the superior shooter among Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, and Kyrie Irving. While Michael Jordan was undoubtedly a great shooter, his later career saw a decline in free-throw shooting, and his overall shot selection and release were not as consistent as Curry's in today's shooting-dominated game.
Steph Curry's expertise in three-point shooting, combined with his high free-throw percentage, make him the current gold standard in shooting mechanics. He has revolutionized shooting in basketball, setting new standards in the process. However, Kyrie Irving shows exceptional talent and consistency, making him a strong contender in this debate as well.
Final Thoughts
While Michael Jordan is a legendary player with unmatched skills and an iconic shot, the modern shooting game favors those with precise mechanics and a high volume of three-point attempts. Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving exemplify these qualities and cement their status as top shooters in the game today. For a fuller appreciation of their talents, watching their games can provide insights into their unique shooting skills and abilities.