Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Best Boston Celtics Three-Point Shooters Ever
The Boston Celtics built their dynasty long before the three-point line existed, but once the NBA embraced perimeter shooting, the franchise produced some of the greatest long-range threats in league history. From Larry Bird’s revolutionary shot-making in the 1980s to Ray Allen’s textbook jumper and the modern volume of Jayson Tatum, Boston has consistently featured elite shooters capable of changing games from beyond the arc.
Here are the greatest three-point shooters in Celtics history.
1. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce is the greatest three-point shooter in Celtics franchise history when longevity and production are combined. He remains Boston’s all-time leader in three-pointers made, knocking down over 1,800 triples during his 15 seasons with the franchise. Pierce could create his own shot, hit difficult step-backs, punish defenders in isolation and deliver countless clutch threes throughout his Hall of Fame career. His combination of volume, shot creation and playoff success places him at the top of the list. (NBA.com)
Celtics Career
- 15 seasons
- Franchise leader in three-pointers made
- 2008 NBA Champion
- NBA Finals MVP
2. Ray Allen
Few players in NBA history possessed a purer shooting stroke than Ray Allen. Although he spent only five seasons in Boston, he helped transform the Celtics into one of the league’s premier three-point teams. Allen consistently shot around 40 percent from deep while making difficult movement shots that very few players could replicate. During his Boston tenure he also became the NBA’s all-time leader in career three-pointers. (NBA.com)
Strengths
- Elite catch-and-shoot ability
- Outstanding off-ball movement
- One of the greatest shooters in NBA history
3. Larry Bird
Larry Bird played before the three-point revolution, yet he still established himself as one of basketball’s deadliest perimeter threats. His confidence, quick release and ability to hit impossible shots made him nearly impossible to defend. Bird won three consecutive NBA Three-Point Contests from 1986 to 1988 and would almost certainly have produced much higher three-point totals in today’s era.
Career Highlights
- Three-time NBA Champion
- Three-time NBA MVP
- Three consecutive Three-Point Contest champion
4. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum has rapidly climbed Boston’s all-time three-point leaderboard and already ranks among the franchise’s greatest perimeter scorers. He combines high-volume shooting with the ability to create off the dribble, making him one of the NBA’s toughest offensive matchups. As his career continues, he has an excellent chance of eventually breaking the franchise record for made three-pointers. (NBA.com)
Why He Stands Out
- High-volume three-point scorer
- Excellent pull-up shooter
- Elite shot creator
5. Antoine Walker
Before stretch forwards became common, Antoine Walker was launching three-pointers at an unprecedented rate. His efficiency fluctuated, but his willingness to shoot from anywhere stretched defenses in ways few power forwards had done before. Walker finished his Celtics career among the franchise leaders in made three-pointers.
6. Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart never posted elite shooting percentages, but his durability and willingness to shoot helped him become one of Boston’s all-time leaders in made threes. More importantly, he developed a reputation for hitting timely shots in big moments, particularly during deep playoff runs. (NBA.com)
7. Sam Hauser
Sam Hauser has quickly established himself as one of the most accurate shooters ever to wear a Celtics uniform. His outstanding catch-and-shoot ability, quick release and efficient floor spacing have made him one of the NBA’s premier role-player specialists from beyond the arc.
8. Jaylen Brown
While best known for his athleticism and scoring versatility, Jaylen Brown has steadily improved into a dangerous three-point shooter. His ability to hit difficult transition threes, pull-ups and catch-and-shoot opportunities has become an important part of Boston’s offense.
9. Payton Pritchard
One of the NBA’s premier bench shooters, Payton Pritchard has developed into a fearless long-range specialist. His deep shooting range, quick trigger and ability to score in limited minutes have made him one of Boston’s most valuable perimeter weapons.
10. Dana Barros
Dana Barros spent only five seasons in Boston but ranks among the most accurate three-point shooters in franchise history. His excellent shooting percentages and quick release made him one of the league’s better perimeter scorers during the late 1990s. (NBA.com)
Honorable Mentions
- Derrick White
- Eddie House
- Isaiah Thomas
- Terry Rozier
- Jeff Green
- Kyrie Irving
- Glen Rice (brief stint)
- Al Horford
Ranking the Greatest Celtics Shooters
| Rank | Player | Elite Traits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Pierce | Franchise leader, clutch shot-maker, longevity |
| 2 | Ray Allen | Pure shooting form, elite efficiency |
| 3 | Larry Bird | Legendary shot-maker, clutch performer |
| 4 | Jayson Tatum | Modern volume scorer, self-created threes |
| 5 | Antoine Walker | Pioneer stretch forward |
| 6 | Marcus Smart | Longevity and timely shooting |
| 7 | Sam Hauser | Elite catch-and-shoot specialist |
| 8 | Jaylen Brown | Versatile scorer with improving range |
| 9 | Payton Pritchard | Deep-range bench sniper |
| 10 | Dana Barros | One of Boston’s most accurate shooters |
Final Thoughts
The Celtics’ history is filled with Hall of Famers, but only a select few truly changed games with their three-point shooting. Paul Pierce’s longevity and franchise records keep him atop the list, while Ray Allen remains one of basketball’s purest shooters. Larry Bird revolutionized perimeter scoring before the three-point boom, and modern stars like Jayson Tatum continue to build on that legacy. Together, these players represent the greatest long-range shooters ever to wear the famous green and white.