The Top 5 Shooters in the 2024 NBA Draft With Nic Thomas

1- Reed Sheppard

Is it even a question? Reed Sheppard shot a total of 52.1% from three-point range this season, on nearly four-and-a-half attempts per game. He shot 83.2% from the line. His shot is smooth, his mechanics sound. He ticks every possible box to qualify as an elite shooter. I can’t recall the last time I saw a prospect make more three’s than he misses on such a high volume.

---

2- Dalton Knecht

Knecht, while more than a shooter, will get a heavy diet of jump shots in the NBA playing as a deeper option than the first option he was at Tennessee. With a clean, quick shooting stroke that is always consistent and repeated, Knecht can spot-up and hit catch & shoot jumpers over contests both from a standstill and moving right or left. He also can attack closeouts well and hit jumpers off the dribble, which makes him difficult to defend playing alongside multiple star ball-handlers. 

---

3- Payton Sandfort

One of the top shooters statistically, Sandfort can shoot off of screens, off the dribble (with a nice spin jumper), and be elite at standstill 3s. At 6’7 with a great feel for the game, not only does he make his teammates better, but Sandfort makes playmakers’ lives much easier by always moving to the right spots and hitting the shots he is supposed to make. On top of that, Sandfort is able to grab a board and pull up in transition for 3s, making his game an easy adjustment and translation to the quick NBA tempo.

4- Jared McCain

While McCain is a tweener guard with the size of a point guard, but the skillset of a shooting guard, his shooting ability will keep him on an NBA floor. His jump shot is fluid and he can score off the dribble in quick offense. His ability to thrive in any tempo and to shoot off the dribble or play off the ball makes him valuable.

5-Robert Dillingham

Sheppard’s Kentucky teammate, Dillingham is as sure of a thing as it comes as a shooter. he shot 44.4% from three on 4.4 attempts per night. The only remote question mark is his free throw shooting. It isn’t bad, don’t get me wrong. In fact; it’s good. But shooting 77% from the line (when you have to split hairs between such elite shooter) is certainly a drawback. His frame may also be an issue, with it being a relatively easy shot to alter or block if he pulls up in the midrange.