In an era where the three-point shot and slam dunks steal the spotlight, the art of the mid-range jumper often gets overlooked. However, the 2023-2024 NBA season has shown us that having a reliable mid-range game can still be a game-changer. Whether it's a smooth pull-up jumper or a clutch fadeaway, these shots remain vital in breaking down defenses and creating scoring opportunities.
In this article, we will dive into the top 20 mid-range shooters in today's NBA, highlighting their stats, their impact on the court, and what makes their mid-range game so effective. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these players have mastered the art of the mid-range shot, proving that this skill remains crucial in modern basketball.
Requirement: At least 90 Mid-Range FGM in the season
Mid-Range Stats: 51.8% (251 FGM - 485 FGA)
Kevin Durant played 75 games this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Durant's mid-range game was particularly impressive, as he made 251 mid-range shots out of 485 attempts, equating to a 51.8% shooting percentage and averaging 6.7 mid-range shots per game.
Despite his stellar individual performance, the Phoenix Suns struggled, finishing with a 44-38 record and exiting the playoffs in the first round, losing 4-0 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant's proficiency in the mid-range continues to be a crucial aspect of his scoring arsenal, showcasing the enduring value of this skill in modern basketball.
Mid-Range Stats: 43.0% (235 FGM - 547 FGA)
DeMar DeRozan played 79 games this season, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Known for his exceptional mid-range game, DeRozan made 235 mid-range shots out of 547 attempts, translating to a 43.0% shooting percentage and an average of approximately 3.0 mid-range shots per game. Despite DeRozan's impressive performance, the Chicago Bulls struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 39-43 record and failing to secure a playoff spot, as they were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament by the Miami Heat.
Mid-Range Stats: 48.7% (184 FGM - 378 FGA)
Devin Booker played 68 games this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Booker's mid-range game was exceptional, as he made 184 mid-range shots out of 378 attempts, translating to a 48.7% shooting percentage and averaging approximately 2.7 mid-range shots per game. Despite Booker's stellar performance, the Phoenix Suns had a challenging season, finishing with a 49-33 record. They managed to secure the 6th seed in the Western Conference, but their playoff run was cut short as they were swept 4-0 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Mid-Range Stats: 48.3% (168 FGM - 348 FGA)
Brandon Ingram excelled with his mid-range shooting this season, averaging 2.6 mid-range makes per game. He appeared in 64 games, posting averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Ingram's scoring and playmaking were vital for the New Orleans Pelicans, who finished the regular season with a 49-33 record, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff run was short-lived as they were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Mid-Range Stats: 49.4% (166 FGM - 336 FGA)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's season was nothing short of spectacular, cementing himself as one of the league's elite scorers. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds across 75 games, making him a vital player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His mid-range game was particularly effective, with an average of 2.2 mid-range shots made per game, shooting 49.4% from that range.
This outstanding performance earned him the second spot in the MVP voting, behind Nikola Jokic, who secured his third MVP award. The Thunder, under Shai's leadership, finished with an impressive 57-25 record, marking a significant improvement and securing the top seed in the Western Conference, although falling short of the Conference Finals after being beaten by the Mavericks.
Mid-Range Stats: 42.7% (134 FGM - 314 FGA)
Jalen Brunson had a remarkable season with the New York Knicks, emerging as the team's key player. Over the course of 77 games, Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. His mid-range game was solid, making 134 out of 314 attempts, averaging approximately 1.7 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 42.7%.
The Knicks had a strong season, finishing with a 50-32 record, which placed them 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Brunson recorded career highs and made his first All-Star appearance this season. He continued to shine in the playoffs, averaging 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game over 13 games. Despite his efforts, the Knicks' postseason run ended in the Conference Semifinals where they lost a close 4-3 series to the Indiana Pacers.
Mid-Range Stats: 43.8% (133 FGM - 304 FGA)
Luka Doncic had an extraordinary season, solidifying his status as one of the NBA's premier players. Over the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds across 70 games. Doncic’s proficiency in the mid-range was evident as he made 133 out of 304 attempts, averaging approximately 1.9 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 43.8%.
The Dallas Mavericks had a stellar season, finishing with a 50-32 record and securing the 5th seed in the Western Conference. Doncic's remarkable performances, including multiple triple-doubles and high-scoring games, were crucial in leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals. Throughout the playoffs, he maintained impressive averages of 28.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists over 17 games, guiding the Mavericks past tough competition to reach the Finals.
Mid-Range Stats: 45.3% (130 FGM - 287 FGA)
Paul George had a solid season, consistently contributing to the Los Angeles Clippers' success. Over 74 games, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His mid-range shooting was reliable, making 130 out of 287 attempts, which averages to about 1.75 mid-range shots per game with a 45.3% shooting percentage.
The Clippers finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the 4th seed in the Western Conference. George's performance was crucial in many games, including multiple high-scoring outings and key defensive plays. In the playoffs, George maintained his impactful play, but the Clippers were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks.
Mid-Range Stats: 49.2% (128 FGM - 260 FGA)
Dejounte Murray proved to be a key player for the Atlanta Hawks this season, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. In 78 games, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. His mid-range efficiency was notable, as he converted 128 out of 260 attempts, averaging around 1.6 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 49.2%.
Despite Murray's strong performance, the Hawks had a tough season, ending with a 36-46 record and finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference. This record placed them out of the playoff picture, but Murray's contributions were a highlight for the team.
Mid-Range Stats: 49.8% (113 FGM - 227 FGA)
Kyrie Irving's performance this season has been pivotal for the Dallas Mavericks. Over 58 games, he averaged 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. His mid-range efficiency was outstanding, with 113 makes out of 227 attempts, translating to 1.95 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 49.8%.
Irving's contributions were crucial in complementing Luka Doncic's efforts, making the Mavericks a formidable force in the Western Conference. The Mavericks finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the 5th seed in the West. They navigated a challenging playoff path, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, then the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently, they are competing in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Mid-Range Stats: 58.5% (113 FGM - 193 FGA)
Khris Middleton had a solid season with the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his efficiency from the mid-range. In 55 games, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His mid-range shooting was particularly impressive, with 113 makes out of 193 attempts, translating to 2.05 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 58.5%.
Despite Middleton's efforts, the Bucks faced a challenging season. They finished the regular season with a strong 49-33 record, securing a playoff spot. However, their playoff run was cut short as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Middleton played a crucial role in their efforts, averaging 26.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the playoffs. His standout performance included a career-high 42 points in Game 3, although it wasn’t enough to carry the team past the Pacers.
Mid-Range Stats: 48.2% (123 FGM - 255 FGA)
Joel Embiid had a standout season for the Philadelphia 76ers, displaying his dominance across various facets of the game. In just 39 games, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His mid-range efficiency was noteworthy, making 123 out of 255 attempts, which averages to 3.15 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 48.2%.
Despite missing a portion of the season due to injuries, Embiid’s performance was critical in keeping the 76ers competitive. The team finished the regular season with a 47-35 record, securing the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Embiid’s contributions were vital in their playoff push, although they faced a tough series against the New York Knicks and were eventually eliminated in the first round.
Mid-Range Stats: 48.0% (121 FGM - 252 FGA)
Cade Cunningham had an impressive season with the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. In 62 games, he averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His mid-range efficiency was solid, making 121 out of 252 attempts, which averages to 1.95 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 48.0%.
Despite Cunningham's efforts, the Pistons had a tough season, finishing with a 14-68 record, placing them last in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for Detroit, as he continued to develop into one of the league's promising young talents.
Mid-Range Stats: 47.0% (119 FGM - 253 FGA)
Jamal Murray played a crucial role for the Denver Nuggets this season, averaging 21.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 59 games. His mid-range game was effective, making 119 out of 253 attempts, averaging 2.02 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 47.0%.
The Denver Nuggets finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, Murray’s performance was instrumental, but the Nuggets were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a hard-fought seven-game series.
Mid-Range Stats: 40.0% (134 FGM - 335 FGA)
Paolo Banchero had a standout season with the Orlando Magic, proving himself as a key player. In 80 games, Banchero averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His mid-range game, though not as efficient as others on this list, was still significant, with 134 makes out of 335 attempts, averaging 1.68 mid-range shots per game at a 40.0% shooting percentage.
Banchero's performance helped the Magic finish with a 47-35 record, earning them the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, Banchero’s versatility and scoring were crucial, but the Magic were eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series.
Mid-Range Stats: 42.9% (118 FGM - 275 FGA)
Cam Thomas had a notable season with the Brooklyn Nets, emerging as a significant scorer for the team. Over 66 games, he averaged 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His mid-range efficiency was solid, making 118 out of 275 attempts, which translates to 1.79 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 42.9%.
The Brooklyn Nets had a challenging season, finishing with a 32-50 record, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs. Thomas' ability to score from all over the court, including his mid-range game, was a highlight in an otherwise difficult season for the Nets.
Mid-Range Stats: 41.9% (111 FGM - 265 FGA)
Kawhi Leonard had a solid season with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 68 games. His mid-range game was efficient, with 111 makes out of 265 attempts, which translates to 1.63 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 41.9%.
The Clippers had a successful regular season, finishing with a 51-31 record, securing the 4th seed in the Western Conference. Leonard's contributions were critical in both scoring and defense. However, their playoff run ended in the first round, where the Dallas Mavericks eliminated them in a six-game series.
Mid-Range Stats: 51.2% (109 FGM - 213 FGA)
Deandre Ayton made a significant impact for the Portland Trail Blazers this season, delivering consistent performances. He averaged 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 55 games. His mid-range game was efficient, with 109 makes out of 213 attempts, averaging 1.98 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 51.2%.
Despite Ayton's efforts, the Trail Blazers finished the season with a 21-61 record, struggling throughout and missing the playoffs. Ayton's reliable scoring and rebounding were bright spots in an otherwise difficult season for Portland.
Mid-Range Stats: 52.4% (108 FGM - 206 FGA)
Michael Porter Jr. had a strong season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 81 games. His mid-range shooting was particularly effective, making 108 out of 206 attempts, which averages to 1.33 mid-range shots per game with a shooting percentage of 52.4%.
The Denver Nuggets finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. Porter's consistent scoring and rebounding were key factors in their success. In the playoffs, the Nuggets faced a tough battle and were ultimately eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Mid-Range Stats: 45.3% (106 FGM - 234 FGA)
Bobby Portis delivered a strong season for the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing consistently on both ends of the floor. Over 82 games, he averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His mid-range game was reliable, with 106 makes out of 234 attempts, averaging 1.29 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 45.3%.
The Bucks finished the regular season with a 49-33 record, securing the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite Portis' solid contributions, the Bucks faced an early exit in the playoffs, being eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers.
Mid-Range Stats: 41.9% (104 FGM - 248 FGA)
Devin Vassell had an impressive season with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 19.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over 68 games. His mid-range shooting was solid, making 104 out of 248 attempts, which translates to 1.53 mid-range shots per game at a shooting percentage of 41.9%.
The Spurs had a challenging season, finishing with a 22-60 record and missing the playoffs. Despite the team's struggles, Vassell's performance was a bright spot, demonstrating his growth and potential as a key player for the future.
Source: NBA
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