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Sophie Cunningham's Mount Rushmore of Basketball Shooters

4/16/2026, 11:56:45 PM

Core Event: Sophie Cunningham's Selection of Top Shooters

During a recent event with Hard Rock Bet, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham shared her personal "Mount Rushmore" of basketball shooters, sparking discussion about the greatest shooters in the sport's history. Notably, her teammate Caitlin Clark was excluded from this elite list.

Key Figures in Cunningham's Selection

Cunningham's choices reflect a mix of current and former players, showcasing their shooting prowess:

  • Steph Curry: Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry boasts a three-point shooting percentage between 42% and 43% while maintaining a free-throw percentage of approximately 91%, the highest in NBA history. His ability to make difficult shots off the dribble solidifies his status as a top shooter.
  • Kayla McBride: The Minnesota Lynx guard, described by Cunningham as "underrated," has consistently achieved around 40% from three-point range in recent seasons. McBride is recognized for her exceptional free-throw shooting, often ranking among the league's best.
  • Ray Allen: A Hall of Famer and former record holder for the most career three-pointers made, Allen is celebrated for his shooting accuracy, with a career three-point percentage of 40% over 18 seasons. He is also a two-time NBA champion and a 10-time All-Star.
  • Diana Taurasi: A dominant figure in women's basketball, Taurasi is the WNBA's all-time leading scorer with 10,646 points and holds the record for the most career three-pointers at 1,447. Her career free-throw average is around 87%, and she is a six-time Olympic gold medalist.

Why It Matters: The Impact of Shooting in Basketball

Cunningham's selections highlight the evolving nature of shooting in basketball, emphasizing both historical and contemporary figures. The omission of Caitlin Clark, despite her rising prominence, suggests that while she is a talented shooter, she has yet to reach the level of the legends chosen by Cunningham.

Criticism & Opposition: The Case for Caitlin Clark

While Cunningham's choices are celebrated, some may argue that Caitlin Clark, a standout player at just 24 years old, deserves recognition among the top shooters. Her impressive performances and potential may warrant a reevaluation of her status in the future.

Official Statements & Responses

Cunningham expressed her admiration for her selections, stating, "This one is like so far left, but I promise you — Kayla McBride. She's underrated." Her enthusiasm for Ray Allen was evident as she remarked, "Oh my God, he has my heart." Regarding Taurasi, she acknowledged her as a "no-brainer pick" for the best shooters in women's basketball.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “This one is like so far left, but I promise you — Kayla McBride,” — Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever Guard
  • “Oh my God, he has my heart.” — Sophie Cunningham on Ray Allen
  • “Diana Taurasi When it comes to the best shooters in the women's game, Taurasi is the no-brainer pick.” — Sophie Cunningham

Cunningham's selections not only celebrate individual talent but also reflect the broader narrative of shooting excellence in basketball, setting the stage for future discussions about emerging talents like Caitlin Clark.