In basketball, field goal percentage is a key metric for shooting efficiency. It reflects a player’s accuracy in making baskets. This statistic holds great importance in evaluating performance.
We will explore field goal percentage, its role in player and team success, and its variations across basketball leagues. This includes the NBA’s average field goal percentage.
Understanding this concept is essential for grasping basketball’s nuances. Let’s delve into the world of field goal percentage and its significance in the game.
NBA Players with the Best Career Average Field Goal Percentage
DeAndre Jordan – 67.5%
DeAndre Jordan, renowned for his remarkable efficiency, is an NBA player with the highest career FG% in NBA history.
Jordan, primarily known for his time with the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the “Lob City” era, has been a dominant force in the paint. His career, marked by high-percentage shots, often dunks, has made him a formidable center, earning him multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors.
Rudy Gobert – 65.3%
Rudy Gobert, often referred to as “The Stifle Tower,” is notable for his defensive prowess and efficient scoring. Playing for the Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gobert has made a name for himself as a multiple-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
His ability to score efficiently around the rim, coupled with his defensive skills, has made him one of the most impactful centers in the league.
Jarrett Allen – 63.3%
Jarrett Allen, a young and rising star in the NBA, has quickly established himself with a remarkable field goal percentage. Known for his time with the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Allen has been a consistent inside scorer and a strong defensive presence. His agility and ability to finish at the rim have made him a key player on his teams.
Clint Capela – 62.4%
Clint Capela has made a significant impact in the NBA with his high FG%, primarily during his tenure with the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks. Capela is known for his role as a pick-and-roll finisher and a strong rebounder, contributing significantly to his squads’ offensive and defensive schemes.
Montrezl Harrell – 61.9%
Montrezl Harrell, known for his high energy and powerful playstyle, rounds out the top five. Harrell has played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers, and is well-regarded for his scoring efficiency, especially in the paint.
His aggressive style and ability to score under pressure have made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Best Average FG% In A Season
Mitchell Robinson – 74.2% in 2019-20
Mitchell Robinson achieved the highest field goal percentage in a single NBA season, recording an impressive 74.2% in the 2019-20 season. Playing for the New York Knicks, Robinson demonstrated exceptional efficiency in scoring, primarily around the basket.
His ability to convert high-percentage shots consistently made him a significant asset for the Knicks. Robinson’s record-setting season reflects his skill in maximizing scoring opportunities, making him a standout player in the league for his shooting accuracy.
Best Career 3-point Field Goal Percentage
Steve Kerr – 45.4%
Steve Kerr, a notable NBA player, leads with a 45.4% average in three-point FG. His career, marked by stints with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, showcased his exceptional shooting skills.
Kerr’s success extends beyond his playing days, as he later became a celebrated coach for the Golden State Warriors.
Hubert Davis – 44.1%
Hubert Davis, with a 44.1% average in 3-point FG%, played for teams like the New York Knicks.
His consistent performance from beyond the arc made him a valuable player in the league.
Dražen Petrović – 43.7%
Dražen Petrović, remembered for his remarkable shooting, averaged 43.7% in 3-point FG%.
His impactful yet brief NBA career, particularly with the New Jersey Nets, left a lasting legacy in basketball.
Luke Kennard – 43.6%
Luke Kennard, an active player in the NBA, has a 43.6% average in three-point field goals. Playing for NBA teams like the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers, Kennard’s sharpshooting is a significant asset.
Joe Harris – 43.6%
Joe Harris, also averaging 43.6% in three-point field goals, is known for his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. His consistent three-point shooting prowess earned him the title in the 2019 NBA 3-Point Contest.
Best 3-point FG% In A Single Season
Steve Kerr – 52.4% in 1994-95
Steve Kerr set an impressive record in the 1994-95 NBA season with the highest 3-point field goal percentage of 52.4%. During this season, Kerr played for the Chicago Bulls, contributing significantly to the team’s success with his exceptional shooting skills.
His ability to consistently make three-point shots was a key factor in the Bulls’ offensive strategy, making him a valuable player in the league and a standout in NBA history for his shooting accuracy.
FG% in Basketball Explained
Field goal percentage, a vital basketball statistic, is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted.
This figure indicates a player’s or team’s shooting effectiveness in a game.
Calculating it is straightforward: divide the successful shots by the total attempts, resulting in the field goal percentage.
However, three-pointers introduce a twist in measuring shooting efficiency. This is where effective field goal percentage (eFG%) becomes relevant.
eFG% adjusts for the higher value of three-pointers, which are 1.5 times more valuable than two-pointers. This metric offers a truer representation of shooting prowess, considering the impact of three-point shots.
Player positions significantly influence FG%. For instance, centers like Rudy Gobert often record higher FG% due to their proximity to the basket, leading to more layups and dunks. Thus, a player’s court position is a key factor in their shooting success.
Triple-Double on a 100% FG%?
Wilt Chamberlain set a record with a 100% field-goal percentage in a triple-double, scoring 42 points against the Baltimore Bullets on February 24, 1967. This performance underscores his dominance and efficiency in NBA history.
Has anyone had 100% FG in the NBA?
Yes, there have been players in the NBA who have achieved a 100% field goal percentage in a game, with Wilt Chamberlain being a notable example.
Who has the lowest FG percentage in NBA history?
The player with the lowest FG% in history, considering a significant number of shot attempts, is often cited as Chris Dudley.
Sources
1. teamrankings.com – NBA Basketball Player Stats – Field Goal Percentage
2. wikipedia.org – Field goal percentage
3. sportsbrief.com – Ranked! A list of NBA players with the best field goal percentage
4. statmuse.com – NBA League Average Field Goal Percentage By Position
5. blog.gitnux.com – The Most Surprising NBA Shooting Statistics And Trends in 2023
