The best free throw shooters of all time in the NBA

An important skill

Being a good free throw shooter is an important skill for NBA players, as it can make the difference between winning or losing.

The best

These are the best free throw shooters in NBA history, with all stats sourced from StatMuse.

(14) Calvin Murphy

At 5ft9, Calvin Murphy was an exceptional scorer in the land full of giants for over a decade in the NBA. Murphy was easily knocked around in the paint, but he made teams pay with his superior free throw ability. In 1980-81, Murphy made 206 of 215 free throws (95.8%), including a streak of 78 charity stripe attempts without a miss. He made 89.2% of his free throws.

(13) Larry Bird

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird was one of the best all-time mid-range and post players in the NBA. His crafty shot-creating ability was a nightmare for defenders in the 1980s, helping him get to the line consistently and effectively. Bird averaged five free throw attempts each game and made 3,960 of 4,471 attempts in his career (88.6%).

(12) JJ Redick

JJ Redick was the perfect role player during his NBA career. He was remarkably consistent at all three scoring levels and took the burden off his team's superstars. He made 2,060 of 2,310 attempts from the line (89.2%).

(11) Ray Allen

Ray Allen is better known for his three-point ability, but his free throw consistency is one of the most overlooked parts of his game. Allen holds the Boston Celtics franchise records for consecutive free throws made (72) and highest free throw percentage in a season (95%) after making 237 of 249 in 2008-09. His career percentage is 89.4.

(10) Chauncey Billups

The player with the seventh-best free throw percentage in NBA history is 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, who made 4,496 of 5,029 attempts (89.4%). For his late-game shooting ability, he earned the nickname 'Mr. Big Shot.'

(9) Peja Stojakovic

Serbian forward Peja Stojakovic didn't attempt as many free throws as more players on this list, but he did know how to punish the opposition when he sent to the line. Stojakovic has the sixth-best free throw percentage in NBA history (89.5%) after making 2,237 attempts.

(8) Reggie Miller

Reggie Miller is one of the most clutch players in NBA history. He has made countless three-pointers and free throws to secure important victories for the Indiana Pacers. Miller's skinny frame was a burden in the physical era of the 1990s, but it also helped him reach the charity stripe on 7,026 occasions, making 6,237 of his attempts (88.8%).

(6) Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is the most unstoppable mid-range player in NBA history. The 'Slim Reaper' can pull up from just about anywhere contested, making his free throws a near enough guarantee when he gets to the line. The former MVP has made 88% of over 8,200 attempts from the stripe, not bad from a guy nearly 7 feet tall.

(5) Damian Lillard

In the past decade, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the most exceptional marksmen in the NBA. Lillard has attempted nearly 6,000 free throws, making 90% of them. He is deadly from half-court to the basket on the court.

(4) Rick Barry

Rick Barry is one of four players with a career average of 90% or more from the free throw line. Barry was widely known for his unorthodox underarm free throw shot, which helped him rank first in ABA free throw percentage (88%) and first in NBA charity stripe attempts when he retired in 1980. We're still unsure why more players don't try Barry's technique.

(3) Mark Price

Mark Price was one of the first point guards to split the screen and role in the NBA. He forced his way into the paint and was fouled or made a tough shot. Price was an incredible free throw shooter when he got to the line, making 90.4% of his shots in 2,362 attempts.

(2) Steve Nash

Two-time MVP Steve Nash was incredible at getting to the line during his NBA career, punishing the opposition 90.4% of the time. The Canadian guard made 3,060 of his 3,384 free throw attempts.