Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Denver Nuggets have featured elite three-point shooters throughout their NBA history. From the fast-paced offenses of the 1980s to the championship-winning teams led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, Denver has consistently relied on perimeter shooting as a major offensive weapon. The franchise has produced outstanding point guards, wings and stretch forwards capable of changing games from beyond the arc.
Here are the greatest three-point shooters in Nuggets history.
1. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray is the greatest three-point shooter in Denver Nuggets history. He holds the franchise record for career three-pointers made and has become one of the NBA’s premier shot-makers. Murray’s ability to hit pull-up threes, step-backs and clutch playoff shots has defined the most successful era in Nuggets history, including the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2023. (NBA.com)
Nuggets Career Highlights
- Franchise leader in career three-pointers made
- 2023 NBA Champion
- Elite playoff performer
- Outstanding off-the-dribble shooter
2. Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. possesses one of the purest shooting strokes in the NBA. Standing 6-foot-10, he combines exceptional size with elite shooting mechanics, making him one of the league’s toughest perimeter matchups. His career three-point percentage consistently ranks among the best in franchise history, and he has already climbed into the Nuggets’ all-time top three for made three-pointers. (Basketball Reference)
Why He Ranks So Highly
- Elite catch-and-shoot specialist
- Outstanding size for a perimeter shooter
- Career three-point percentage above 40%
- Championship starter
3. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was one of basketball’s original elite shooting guards. Long before today’s three-point-heavy style, he displayed unlimited range, a lightning-quick release and remarkable free-throw accuracy. His ability to score from deep helped modernize Denver’s offense during the early 1990s.
4. Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić is widely regarded as the greatest player in franchise history, and his outside shooting is an underrated part of his game. While best known for his passing and post play, Jokić has developed into a reliable high-volume three-point shooter capable of making difficult step-backs and clutch playoff shots. He ranks among the franchise leaders in career made threes. (Basketball Reference)
Career Highlights
- Three-time NBA MVP
- 2023 NBA Champion
- NBA Finals MVP
- Elite clutch shooter
5. Will Barton
Will Barton became one of Denver’s most productive perimeter scorers during his eight seasons with the franchise. His confidence, shot creation and willingness to fire from deep helped him finish among the Nuggets’ all-time leaders in made three-pointers. (Basketball Reference)
6. Michael Adams
Michael Adams was one of the NBA’s earliest high-volume three-point shooters. During Denver’s up-tempo offenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s, he regularly launched shots from well beyond the arc while posting some of the league’s highest attempt totals.
7. Danilo Gallinari
Danilo Gallinari brought outstanding floor spacing to Denver with his combination of size, shooting touch and offensive versatility. He consistently stretched opposing defenses while ranking among the franchise’s career leaders in made three-pointers. (Basketball Reference)
8. J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith was one of the NBA’s most explosive streak shooters during his Nuggets tenure. His athleticism and fearless shooting allowed him to score in bunches, and when he got hot, few players in the league could match his long-range scoring ability.
9. Chauncey Billups
After returning to his hometown team, Chauncey Billups provided leadership and elite perimeter shooting. His ability to knock down timely three-pointers while controlling the offense helped Denver reach the 2009 Western Conference Finals.
10. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony built his reputation on elite mid-range scoring, but he also developed into a dependable three-point shooter during his years in Denver. His ability to create difficult shots from beyond the arc made him one of the league’s premier offensive players and a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ resurgence in the 2000s.
Honorable Mentions
- Gary Harris
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Aaron Gordon
- Christian Braun
- Bones Hyland
- Malik Beasley
- Monte Morris
- Wilson Chandler
Ranking the Greatest Nuggets Shooters
| Rank | Player | Elite Traits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamal Murray | Franchise leader, elite playoff shooter, clutch performer |
| 2 | Michael Porter Jr. | Pure shooting stroke, outstanding efficiency |
| 3 | Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf | Revolutionary range, elite accuracy |
| 4 | Nikola Jokić | Clutch shot-maker, versatile offensive weapon |
| 5 | Will Barton | High-volume scorer and shot creator |
| 6 | Michael Adams | Pioneer of high-volume three-point shooting |
| 7 | Danilo Gallinari | Stretch forward with consistent range |
| 8 | J.R. Smith | Explosive streak shooter |
| 9 | Chauncey Billups | Clutch leader and dependable perimeter scorer |
| 10 | Carmelo Anthony | Elite scorer with reliable three-point range |
Final Thoughts
The Nuggets’ history is filled with outstanding perimeter shooters, but Jamal Murray stands alone at the top thanks to his franchise records, championship résumé and unforgettable playoff performances. Michael Porter Jr. has developed into one of the NBA’s purest shooters, while Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf helped pave the way for the modern three-point era. Combined with Nikola Jokić’s all-around brilliance, these players have helped establish Denver as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive franchises.