Porter Jr. stakes his claim as one of the NBA’s elite shooters outside Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, a status that often overshadows the many skilled marksmen thriving in today’s NBA. Curry and the Warriors helped usher in an era where the three-pointer is a prized weapon for teams across the league.
In a recent stream with influencer Plaqueboymax, Michael Porter Jr. asserted that he sits among the top three-point shooters outside Curry, placing himself in the same conversation as some of the game’s all-time snipers. “Stephen Curry. That’s the only one I’m giving like a clear ‘elite, can shoot better than me.’ There’s dudes that are on the same level. I think Klay Thompson. KD, I think…” Porter Jr. said. “If I got in the gym, like Duncan Robinson, he probably can shoot with me. You know, Trae Young, Dame… But I think Steph is the only one that’s clearly a better shooter.”
Porter Jr. isn’t shy about backing up his claim with numbers. The article cites a comparison of career three-point percentages from 2018 to 2025, showing Porter Jr. at 40.6% versus 40.2% for Klay Thompson and 40.5% for Kevin Durant. Trae Young sits at 35.2%, Damian Lillard at 37.2%, and Duncan Robinson at 39.7%.
The piece adds that Porter Jr. is eyeing a Nikola Jokic-style playmaking role with the Brooklyn Nets, emphasizing that his three-point ability remains his strongest asset as he expands his responsibilities beyond pure shooting.
A logical takeaway from Porter Jr.’s stance is that a modern offense benefits from a mix of elite spacing and shot-making. If his shooting holds around the 40% mark and he continues to develop as a facilitator, he could provide valuable offensive spacing alongside a playmaking center or ball-dominant scorer.
Summary: Michael Porter Jr. has publicly positioned himself among the NBA’s top outside shooters, second only to Stephen Curry in his view, and backs this up with a career 3-point percentage near the 40% mark. He also signals a Jokic-like playmaking path with the Nets, suggesting a broader offensive toolbox beyond shooting.
Additional comments: This dialogue underscores how the league’s best shooters remain a benchmark for emerging talents. If Porter Jr. maintains or improves his consistency from deep and continues to evolve as a passer, his value to the Nets could grow, especially in lineups designed to maximize spacing and late-shot-clock decisions.
Positive angle: The ongoing emphasis on three-point proficiency keeps Porter Jr.’s confidence grounded in demonstrable shooting, offering fans a storyline of growth, self-assurance, and potential partnership with high-level playmakers.