Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The New York Knicks are one of the NBA’s oldest and most iconic franchises. While much of their early success came before the three-point line existed, the Knicks have produced numerous outstanding perimeter shooters since the NBA adopted the long ball in 1979.

From John Starks’ fearless shot-making and Allan Houston’s textbook jump shot to Jalen Brunson’s modern offensive brilliance, New York has featured some of the league’s most memorable long-range scorers. Today, Brunson has rewritten the franchise record book, becoming the Knicks’ all-time leader in made three-pointers.

What Makes a Great Three-Point Shooter?

This ranking considers:

  • Total three-pointers made with the Knicks
  • Three-point shooting percentage
  • Shooting volume
  • Shot difficulty
  • Longevity with New York
  • Playoff performances
  • Overall offensive impact

Best New York Knicks Three-Point Shooters

1. Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson has quickly established himself as the greatest three-point shooter in New York Knicks history.

Although best known for his footwork, leadership and clutch scoring, Brunson has also become one of the NBA’s elite perimeter shot creators. His ability to knock down pull-up threes, step-backs and late-game daggers has transformed New York’s offense.

Brunson became the franchise’s all-time leader in made three-pointers while leading the Knicks back into championship contention.

Why he ranks first

  • Franchise leader in made three-pointers
  • Elite off-the-dribble shooter
  • Outstanding playoff performer
  • Clutch late-game scorer
  • One of the NBA’s premier offensive guards

2. Allan Houston

Few players have ever possessed a smoother jump shot than Allan Houston.

Houston became the face of Knicks perimeter scoring throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, combining textbook mechanics with remarkable consistency from beyond the arc.

His memorable playoff performances and clutch shooting made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Career strengths

  • Elite shooting mechanics
  • Outstanding catch-and-shoot player
  • Reliable clutch scorer
  • Two-time NBA All-Star

3. John Starks

John Starks helped define the Knicks’ identity during the 1990s.

Playing with unmatched confidence, Starks became the first player in franchise history to make more than 200 three-pointers in a season and consistently delivered big shots during deep playoff runs.

Career strengths

  • Fearless shooter
  • High-volume scorer
  • Excellent playoff performer
  • Knicks fan favorite

4. Quentin Richardson

Although his New York tenure was relatively short, Quentin Richardson enjoyed one of the best shooting seasons in franchise history.

His willingness to launch from deep perfectly suited the evolving NBA offense.

Career strengths

  • Elite volume shooter
  • Outstanding floor spacer
  • Excellent transition scorer
  • Reliable catch-and-shoot player

5. Danilo Gallinari

Danilo Gallinari quickly developed into one of New York’s most dependable perimeter scorers.

His combination of size, shooting touch and offensive versatility made him one of the league’s most difficult forwards to defend.

Career strengths

  • Excellent shooting efficiency
  • High basketball IQ
  • Versatile scorer
  • Reliable stretch forward

6. Steve Novak

Steve Novak was one of the NBA’s purest shooting specialists.

Although he rarely created his own offense, his exceptional catch-and-shoot ability made him one of the league’s most efficient three-point threats during his Knicks career.

Career strengths

  • Elite spot-up shooter
  • Outstanding shooting percentage
  • Quick release
  • Excellent floor spacer

7. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

While much of his offense came from the mid-range and post, Anthony consistently made difficult three-pointers and remains among the franchise leaders in long-range production.

His 2012-13 scoring title highlighted one of the greatest offensive seasons in Knicks history.

Career strengths

  • Elite shot creator
  • Outstanding isolation scorer
  • NBA scoring champion
  • Ten-time All-Star

8. Latrell Sprewell

Latrell Sprewell brought explosive scoring and dependable perimeter shooting to New York.

His ability to score in transition and hit timely outside shots played a major role in the Knicks’ memorable run to the 1999 NBA Finals.

Career strengths

  • Dynamic scorer
  • Strong playoff performer
  • Excellent athlete
  • Reliable wing shooter

9. JR Smith

JR Smith was one of the NBA’s most dangerous streak shooters.

Capable of making impossible shots from well beyond the arc, Smith won the 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award while providing instant offense for New York.

Career strengths

  • Elite shot creator
  • Unlimited shooting confidence
  • Sixth Man of the Year
  • High-volume scorer

10. Kristaps Porziņģis

Kristaps Porziņģis helped redefine the stretch-big position during his Knicks career.

His combination of size and perimeter shooting created difficult mismatches and foreshadowed the modern offensive role of seven-foot shooters.

Career strengths

  • Elite shooting for a center
  • Excellent floor spacing
  • High shot release
  • NBA All-Star

Honorable Mentions

  • Immanuel Quickley
  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Landry Fields
  • Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Hubert Davis
  • Derek Harper
  • Evan Fournier
  • Michael Ray Richardson
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Dick Barnett

The Evolution of Three-Point Shooting in New York

The Knicks won both of their NBA championships before the introduction of the three-point line, making the franchise’s long-range history relatively modern. John Starks and Allan Houston helped popularize perimeter shooting during the 1990s before players like Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith expanded New York’s offensive firepower. In today’s NBA, Jalen Brunson has elevated the position even further, combining elite shot creation with record-breaking three-point production to lead one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.

Final Thoughts

Jalen Brunson stands as the greatest three-point shooter in New York Knicks history thanks to his franchise-record production, elite shot creation and outstanding playoff performances. Allan Houston and John Starks remain iconic figures whose shooting defined an era of Knicks basketball, while Quentin Richardson, Danilo Gallinari and Steve Novak showcased elite perimeter accuracy during different periods. Together, these players have shaped the evolution of three-point shooting for one of the NBA’s most historic franchises.