JJ Redick Says Bird Isn't Greatest 3-Point Shooter: Unpacking The Bold Claim

By Mr. Julius ProsaccoJul 17, 2025

A recent comment from former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick has really got basketball fans talking, and it's all about who holds the crown for the best 3-point shooter. He made a statement that Larry Bird, a true legend of the game, might not be the absolute best from beyond the arc. This, you know, sparked a lot of chatter among folks who love the sport and its history.

It's a bold take, that's for sure. Larry Bird, for many, is a name that just goes hand-in-hand with incredible shooting, especially from downtown. So, to hear someone like JJ, who himself made a career out of sinking long shots, suggest otherwise, it really makes you pause and think. People are wondering, like, what's behind this kind of declaration?

This article will look into what JJ Redick actually said, why it's such a big deal, and then we'll consider what makes a "greatest" shooter. We'll also explore other players who might be in the running for that top spot, and, you know, discuss how the game itself has changed over time. It's a pretty interesting discussion, as a matter of fact.

JJ Redick's Biography and Career
- Personal Details and Bio Data
The Controversial Statement: JJ Redick's Take
- What JJ Said, Exactly
- The Immediate Reaction
Larry Bird's Shooting Legacy
- Bird's Impact on the Game
- His Three-Point Prowess
Who Are the Contenders for Greatest Shooter?
- Modern Sharpshooters
- Historical Figures Beyond Bird
The Nuance of "Greatest": More Than Just Makes
Why This Debate Matters to Fans
Frequently Asked Questions

JJ Redick's Biography and Career

JJ Redick, whose full name is Jonathan Clay Redick, built a really solid career in the NBA as a sharp-shooting guard. He was known for his ability to hit three-pointers with incredible consistency. Before making it to the pros, he played college basketball at Duke University, where he became one of the most celebrated players in the school's history. He was, you know, a true scoring machine there.

His time at Duke was pretty legendary. He broke numerous scoring records and was a key player on teams that consistently competed at a high level. Fans remember him for his intense focus and, quite frankly, his picture-perfect shooting form. After his college days, he was drafted into the NBA, and that's where he really cemented his reputation as a top-tier outside shooter. He played for several teams, always bringing that shooting touch.

Over his professional journey, JJ proved himself to be a valuable asset, stretching the floor for his teams and, you know, making defenses work harder. He wasn't just a spot-up shooter, either; he learned to move without the ball and create his own shots. His career is a good example of how dedication to a specific skill can really pay off in the league. He just kept getting better at what he did best, that is for sure.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Jonathan Clay Redick
Born	June 24, 1984
From	Cookeville, Tennessee, USA
College	Duke University
NBA Draft	2006, Round 1, Pick 11 (Orlando Magic)
Teams Played For	Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks
Position	Shooting Guard
Career Highlights	Consistently ranked among NBA's top 3-point shooters, All-American at Duke

The Controversial Statement: JJ Redick's Take

So, the big moment happened when JJ Redick, during a discussion, shared his thoughts on Larry Bird's place in the pantheon of great shooters. It wasn't just a casual remark; it was a pretty direct challenge to a widely held belief. He, you know, essentially argued that while Bird was phenomenal, there are others who might surpass him in the specific skill of 3-point shooting. This kind of statement, it really gets people talking.

It's interesting because JJ himself is seen as one of the best shooters of his generation. So, when someone with that kind of experience and knowledge makes such a claim, people pay attention. It's not like it came from just any fan; it came from a player who spent years perfecting the art of the long-range shot. This, you know, adds a lot of weight to his words, whether you agree with them or not.

The conversation quickly went viral, spreading across social media and sports talk shows. Everyone, it seemed, had an opinion on whether JJ was right or if he was, perhaps, completely off base. It's a classic sports debate, you know, one that makes you think about how we define greatness in different eras. And that's, like, a big part of the fun for fans.

What JJ Said, Exactly

While the exact phrasing might vary in different retellings, the core of JJ Redick's argument was that when you look at the sheer volume and efficiency of 3-point shooting in today's game, some modern players have surpassed what Larry Bird did. He, like, wasn't saying Bird was a bad shooter; quite the opposite. He acknowledged Bird's incredible skill and impact on the game. But the point, apparently, was about the evolution of the shot itself.

JJ, it seems, highlighted how the game's style has changed. Back in Bird's time, the three-point shot wasn't used nearly as much, and players weren't encouraged to shoot it with the same frequency. Modern players, on the other hand, are pretty much living beyond the arc. So, for JJ, this difference in context, you know, makes it hard to directly compare across eras without considering the numbers.

He might have pointed to things like attempts per game, shooting percentages in different eras, and the overall offensive schemes that prioritize the three-pointer today. It's about, you know, looking at the data with a fresh perspective, rather than just relying on reputation. This is, in a way, a very analytical approach to the debate.

The Immediate Reaction

As you can imagine, the moment JJ Redick's comments hit the airwaves, the internet just exploded. Fans, former players, and sports analysts all weighed in. There were, you know, passionate defenses of Larry Bird's legacy, with many arguing that you can't compare players from different eras so directly. They pointed to Bird's clutch shots and his overall impact, which, they felt, went beyond just raw shooting numbers.

Then there were those who agreed with JJ, suggesting that the game has simply moved on. They argued that the sheer volume and skill of today's shooters are, in some respects, on a different level. It was a classic "old school vs. new school" debate, playing out in real-time. This kind of discussion, it really gets the blood pumping for basketball enthusiasts, doesn't it?

Some people, you know, even brought up Bird's famous performance in the 3-point contest, where he famously asked who was coming in second before he even started shooting. That moment, apparently, is etched into the minds of many fans. So, to hear anyone question his shooting prowess, it was always going to cause a stir. It's like questioning a fundamental truth for some people.

Larry Bird's Shooting Legacy

Larry Bird is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. His name conjures up images of incredible passing, fierce competitiveness, and, of course, that smooth, seemingly effortless jump shot. He wasn't just a shooter; he was a complete player who could do everything on the court. His impact, you know, went far beyond just scoring points.

He played in an era where the three-point shot was still relatively new to the NBA and wasn't utilized with the same frequency as it is today. Yet, Bird still managed to be a truly elite shooter from long range. He had that uncanny ability to hit big shots when it mattered most, which, you know, earned him the nickname "Larry Legend." His shooting touch was, arguably, one of his defining characteristics.

For many fans, Bird represents a golden age of basketball, a time when rivalries were intense and individual brilliance shone brightly. His legacy is built on championships, MVP awards, and countless memorable moments. So, when we talk about his shooting, it's always within that broader context of his overall greatness. He was, in a way, a pioneer for modern offensive play.

Bird's Impact on the Game

Larry Bird's influence on basketball is pretty immense. He helped define the small forward position, showing how a player could be a primary scorer, rebounder, and playmaker all at once. His court vision was, like, truly exceptional, allowing him to make passes that very few others could even see. He just made everyone around him better, which is, you know, a sign of a truly great player.

He was a fierce competitor, known for his trash talk and his unwavering belief in his own abilities. This mental toughness, it really set him apart. He always wanted the ball in his hands during crucial moments, and more often than not, he delivered. This kind of clutch play, you know, builds a legend. He was, apparently, just built for those big moments.

Beyond his individual skills, Bird was a winner. He led the Boston Celtics to multiple championships, creating one of the most famous rivalries in sports against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. His style of play, which combined skill with grit, inspired a whole generation of players. He really, you know, left a huge mark on the game, changing how people thought about what a forward could do.

His Three-Point Prowess

When we talk about Larry Bird's three-point shooting, it's important to remember the context of his time. The three-point line was introduced to the NBA in 1979, just before Bird's rookie season. Teams weren't, you know, launching threes at the rate they do today. It was more of a specialized weapon, used sparingly.

Despite the lower volume, Bird was incredibly effective. He had a career 3-point percentage of 37.6%, which is, you know, very respectable for any era, especially given the defensive rules and spacing of his time. He led the league in 3-point percentage twice and won the NBA's Three-Point Contest three times in a row. That's, like, a pretty strong indicator of his skill.

What made Bird's three-point shooting so memorable wasn't just the makes, but the way he made them. He had a knack for hitting shots from deep at critical moments, often with a defender right in his face. His confidence, you know, was legendary. He wasn't afraid to take the big shot, and that, in a way, is a hallmark of a truly great shooter. He just had that kind of belief in himself, apparently.

Who Are the Contenders for Greatest Shooter?

If Larry Bird isn't the greatest 3-point shooter, then who is? This is where the debate really heats up, because there are, you know, so many incredible players who have mastered the art of shooting from long range. It's not just about who made the most; it's also about how they did it, and against what kind of competition. The discussion, in some respects, depends on your criteria.

The modern era has seen an explosion in three-point shooting, with players developing skills that were almost unheard of decades ago. The volume of shots, the range, and the creativity involved in getting those shots off have all, you know, reached new heights. So, naturally, many of the top contenders come from recent times. But there are also historical figures who deserve a mention, too.

When you start listing names, you quickly realize how many truly special shooters there have been. It's a pretty stacked field, honestly. And each player brings something a little different to the table, making the comparison, you know, quite complex. It's not just a simple matter of counting makes, as a matter of fact.

Modern Sharpshooters

If you're talking about modern 3-point shooting, one name comes up almost immediately: Stephen Curry. He has, you know, pretty much revolutionized the game with his incredible range and ability to shoot off the dribble. He can pull up from anywhere on the court, and he does it with amazing efficiency. His impact on how the game is played is, arguably, unmatched.

Then there's Klay Thompson, Curry's teammate, who is known for his quick release and his ability to get hot in a hurry. He can score in bunches, and his catch-and-shoot game is, like, truly a thing of beauty. Damian Lillard is another one, known for his "Logo Lillard" shots from way beyond the arc and his clutch shooting. These guys are, you know, changing what's possible from deep.

Other names like James Harden, Kevin Durant, and even younger players like Trae Young and Luka Doncic also show incredible 3-point prowess. They shoot with high volume and often high efficiency, pushing the boundaries of offensive play. It's almost like every team needs a few of these JJJ-level shooters to really compete today, you know, just to keep up.

Historical Figures Beyond Bird

While Larry Bird is a towering figure, he wasn't the only great shooter from past eras. Reggie Miller is, you know, another name that comes up often in these discussions. He was known for his incredible clutch shooting, his ability to draw fouls, and his relentless movement without the ball. He just tormented defenses for years with his shooting.

Ray Allen is another strong contender. He holds the record for most career 3-pointers made for a long time and was known for his perfect shooting form and his ability to hit shots in big moments, including that famous shot in the NBA Finals. He was, like, a master of the catch-and-shoot. These players, you know, set the stage for today's volume shooters.

Even going further back, players like Dale Ellis and Steve Nash were incredibly efficient from deep, even if their volume wasn't as high as today's stars. They showed that skill and precision from the perimeter were always valuable, regardless of the era. It's interesting to see how, you know, different players approached the shot in their own times.

The Nuance of "Greatest": More Than Just Makes

The discussion about the "greatest" 3-point shooter is, you know, much more complex than just looking at total makes or even percentages. There are so many factors that play into it, and ignoring them would mean missing the bigger picture. It's not like comparing cherry grades where a JJJ is always bigger than a J; in basketball, context really matters, too.

For instance, the rules of the game, the defensive strategies, and even the type of basketballs used have all changed over time. A shot that was considered difficult decades ago might be, you know, a routine shot for a modern player. So, how do you fairly compare a player from the 1980s to one playing today? It's a bit of a puzzle, honestly.

This is where the debate gets really interesting, because it forces us to think about what "greatness" truly means in a sport that is always evolving. Is it about pure skill, or is it about impact within your own era? These are, like, the kinds of questions that keep fans talking for hours, you know, well into the night.

Era Differences and Rules

The NBA has changed a lot since Larry Bird's playing days. In his era, hand-checking was allowed, meaning defenders could put their hands on offensive players to slow them down. This made it much harder to get open for shots, especially from deep. Today, that's, you know, largely gone, which gives shooters more space and freedom. This is, like, a pretty big difference.

Also, the emphasis on the three-point shot was different. Teams didn't build their offenses around it; it was more of a secondary weapon. Coaches didn't, you know, encourage players to shoot it with the same volume. So, even if a player had the skill, they might not have had the opportunity to launch as many threes as today's players. That's, you know, a significant point to consider.

The spacing on the court was also different, with more big men clogging the paint. This meant less room to operate on the perimeter. So, when Bird hit a three, it was often against tighter defense and in a less spread-out offense. This, in a way, makes his efficiency even more impressive, considering the circumstances.

Volume vs. Efficiency

One of the core arguments in the JJ Redick debate centers on volume versus efficiency. Modern shooters like Stephen Curry take a huge number of three-pointers, often far more than Bird ever did in a single season. And they do it at a very high percentage. So, is a player who shoots 40% on 10 attempts per game "greater" than a player who shoots 40% on 3 attempts per game? It's, you know, a fair question.

Bird's efficiency was excellent for his time, but his volume was much lower. Today's players are, like, pushing the boundaries of both. They're hitting more threes than ever before, and many are doing it at percentages that would have been considered elite in any era. This, you know, complicates the comparison quite a bit.

Some argue that true greatness means being able to maintain high efficiency even with a massive volume of shots. Others might say that efficiency in a tougher, less spaced-out game is, in some respects, more impressive. It really comes down to what you value most in a shooter, you know, the quantity or the quality under specific conditions.

Clutch Shooting and Pressure

Beyond the raw numbers, there's the intangible quality of clutch shooting. This is where Larry Bird truly shined. He had a legendary ability to hit game-winning or game-tying shots under immense pressure. He just wanted the ball in those moments, and he delivered time and time again. This, you know, is a characteristic that many fans hold in very high regard.

While modern shooters also hit clutch shots, Bird's reputation for it is, like, almost mythical. He famously hit a game-winner against the Houston Rockets in the 1986 Finals, among many others. These moments, you know, create lasting memories and add to a player's legend. It's about performing when the stakes are highest.

So, when you consider "greatest," do you factor in these pressure moments more heavily than sheer volume? Some would argue that hitting a few crucial shots in a playoff game is, perhaps, more valuable than hitting many in a regular-season blow-out. It's a nuanced point, and one that, you know, really shapes how people view a shooter's legacy.

Why This Debate Matters to Fans

These kinds of debates, like whether jj reddick says bird isnt greatest 3 point shoot3er, are, you know, a big part of what makes sports so engaging. They allow fans to discuss history, compare eras, and passionately argue for their favorite players. It's not just about who's "right" or "wrong"; it's about the conversation itself. These discussions, you know, bring people together.

They also help us appreciate the evolution of the game. By debating whether a player from one era could dominate in another, we start to understand how strategies, training, and player skills have changed over time. It's a way to, like, connect the past with the present, and to see how basketball has grown. You can learn more about basketball history on our site, actually.

Ultimately, these conversations are a celebration of basketball excellence. They highlight the incredible talent and dedication of players across generations. Whether you agree with JJ Redick or stand firm with Larry Bird, the debate itself is, you know, a testament to the enduring appeal of these legendary figures. It's pretty cool, honestly, to talk about these things.

It's also a chance for fans to share their own experiences and memories of watching these players. Someone might remember a specific Bird shot, while another might highlight a recent Curry masterpiece. These personal connections, you know, add a lot of flavor to the discussion. And you can find more about different player styles here, too.

This kind of back-and-forth also shows how different generations view the game. Younger fans, who grew up watching the modern era of high-volume three-point shooting, might naturally lean towards contemporary players. Older fans, on the other hand, might have a stronger connection to the legends of their youth. It's, like, a blend of perspectives, which is really what makes it rich.

And it's not just about shooting, either. These debates often spill over into discussions about overall greatness, team success, and even the cultural impact of players. It's a way for fans to, you know, engage deeply with the sport they love. It keeps the history alive, and it keeps the passion burning. It's pretty much what sports fandom is all about.

For more detailed statistics on NBA players and their shooting percentages, you might want to check out resources like Basketball-Reference.com. They have, you know, pretty comprehensive data that can help inform these kinds of discussions. It's a good place to look up stats, apparently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Larry Bird considered one of the best shooters of all time?

Yes, Larry Bird is, you know, widely considered one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. Even with lower 3-point volume compared to today, his efficiency and clutch shooting were legendary for his era. Many fans and experts still hold his shooting in very high regard, as a matter of fact.

Who does JJ Redick think is the greatest 3-point shooter?

While JJ Redick didn't explicitly name one single "greatest" in his initial statement about Bird, his comments generally lean towards modern players who shoot with high volume and efficiency. He often praises players like Stephen Curry for their revolutionary impact on the shot. He, like, seems to value the sheer scale of today's shooting.

How has 3-point shooting changed in the NBA?

3-point shooting has changed dramatically in

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