Top NBA Stars with the Highest True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
True Shooting percentage meaning is simple, it’s a basic way to understand how efficiently a player scores in basketball. Besides made shots, it also includes three-pointers and free throws, which gives a clearer statistic of scoring efficiency. Today in the NBA, efficiency matters the most, basically. Teams want players to score, but also to make smart use of their possessions instead of forcing low-quality shots.
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What TS% tells us about scoring?
Two players can average the same number of points, but one may need far fewer shots to get there. TS% helps to see that difference and gives extra context to traditional scoring numbers. Because of that, the stat is often used to separate efficient scorers from players who rely more on volume. It doesn’t tell the whole story though, but it helps explain who is making the most of their scoring opportunities.
Why the basket is the easiest place to score?
Did you know that shots near the basket are usually the easiest in basketball? Players are close to the rim, defenders react slower, and many of these are simple layups or dunks, so they go in more often than jump shots. Rudy Gobert is a good example, as most of his points come from easy finishes around the rim. Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo are similar, using strength and speed to get high-percentage looks. That’s why they often finish above the league average true shooting percentage.
Stars who score a lot but stay efficient
Some of the NBA’s best scorers can still be efficient with a big offensive load. It’s mostly about skill and shot selection.
- Stephen Curry: Takes tough threes from deep range but still converts enough to stay very efficient, helped by strong free throw shooting.
- Kevin Durant: Scores from anywhere on the floor and almost never wastes possessions with bad shots.
- Nikola Jokic: Picks his spots well and often goes for the easiest option, which keeps his efficiency high.
- Joel Embiid: Gets most of his points in the paint and from free throws, which boosts his efficiency overall.
Draymond Green spoke about Jokić’s impact in an ESPN interview during the NBA Finals:
“…so if you have them in a bad way, where you’ve got a clear 2-on-1, he just kicks the ball, stops the play, and it’s a side out.”
Why does TS% have limits?
True Shooting is very useful, but it doesn’t show everything. It doesn’t really show how difficult a shot is or how much pressure a player is dealing with on defense. In the NBA, TS% usually ends up around the mid-50s on average. If someone is above 60%, that’s generally considered very efficient. The top spots are often taken by players finishing near the rim or elite shooters, while guards who take tougher, more contested shots tend to be a bit lower. If you’re wondering what is true shooting percentage NBA, it’s basically this idea of measuring scoring efficiency using all types of shots, not only field goals.
Nikola Jokić explained his mindset in another ESPN interview, which is a good example of how players can stay efficient:
“I’m patient because I cannot really run fast, and that’s my only option.”
Conclusion
High TS% players don’t all score in the same way, but they make the most of their chances. Some of them finish close to the rim, rely on shooting, or just make consistently smart decisions with the ball. All in all, in modern basketball, efficiency has become just as important as putting up big scoring numbers.