The 7 elite members of the NBA's 50-40-90 Club
Since the introduction of the 3-point shot in the 1979-80 season, we've seen many great 3-point shooters knock it down at over 40% from downtown but they often fail to crack the 50% mark from the field. Conversely, those who shoot over 50% from the field struggle to touch 40% from beyond the arc.
Also read: Greatest 3-point shooters of all-time
There have been very few players who have mastered the art of scoring efficiently in all aspects of the game. The 50-40-90 Club was informally created for them. It requires a player to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% on free throws. Only 7 players have managed to record such a season and only 2 of them have managed to accomplish it in multiple seasons.
Here, we list down those special players.
Mark Price
Career Averages: 15.2 Points, 6.7 Assists, 1.2 Steals
Honors: 4x All-Star, 4x All NBA selection
Before a certain Lebron James showed up, Mark Price was the greatest player in Cleveland Cavaliers history. An excellent playmaker, Price was also known for his quickness and shooting ability. He won the 3-point contest in back-to-back years in 1993 and 94. He also ranks 2nd all-time in Free Throw shooting at 90.39%.
Price led the Cavs to seven playoff appearances in his nine seasons there. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals once but lost to Jordan and the Bulls in 6 games. Losing to the Bulls would be a familiar theme for Price as they knocked him out of the playoffs a total of 5 times.
Price entered the 50-40-90 club, in just his 3rd season in 1988-89. He put up 52.6 - 44.1- 90.1, just about getting in, with respect to the free throw criteria. He had a few other near misses as well. Price missed out on Free Throw % in 87-88 and FG% in 92-93 and 94-95. Injuries derailed him for much of his career, which forced him to retire at the age of 34.