Top 5 midrange shooters in NBA ahead of 2024-25 season
Midrange shooting has become a dying art in the modern-day NBA, with teams continuously encouraging players to seek 3-pointers and shots around the rim. Nevertheless, several players still prosper from midrange, converting shots at a high enough clip to make their attempts worthwhile.
During the 2023-24 season, the NBA's midrange-shooting efficiency leaderboard was mostly comprised of big-name shot creators. However, a few role players made the cut, including an oft-criticized big man.
On that note, ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, here are the NBA's top five most efficient midrange shooters (minimum 150 attempts) based on last season.
NBA's 5 most efficient midrange shooters entering 2024-25 season
#5. Kyrie Irving
Broadly considered one of the NBA's craftiest scorers and ball handlers, star guard Kyrie Irving flourished in his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks.
Serving as superstar guard Luka Doncic's co-star, Irving finished fifth in the league in midrange shooting at 49.8% over 58 outings. The eight-time All-Star averaged 25.6 points per game, shooting 49.7% and 41.1% from 3-point range, making him one of the NBA's deadliest guard threats.
#4. Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton hasn't met expectations since being selected No. 1 in the 2018 NBA draft. Fans and analysts frequently question the 7-footer's toughness and motivation to improve. However, Ayton still has a soft shooting touch for a big man.
Across 55 appearances last season, Ayton finished fourth in the league in midrange shooting at 51.2%. He averaged 16.7 ppg, shooting 57.0% and 82.3% at the free-throw line.
#3. Kevin Durant
Perhaps the least surprising inclusion is Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant, who has long been hailed as one of the NBA's premier midrange shooters.
The 6-foot-11 sharpshooter ranked third in midrange shooting at 51.8% over 75 outings in his age-35 season. Durant averaged 27.1 ppg, shooting 52.3% and 41.3% from deep, earning his 14th All-Star selection.
#2. Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is best known as a catch-and-shoot long-distance threat playing off superstar center Nikola Jokic. However, he also flourished from midrange during the 2023-24 season, shooting a second-best 52.4% over 81 games.
Porter averaged 16.7 ppg, shooting 48.4% and 39.7% from 3, making him one of the league's preeminent 3-and-D role players.
#1. Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks star wing Khris Middleton has taken on a reduced offensive role over the past two years. That includes becoming Milwaukee's full-time tertiary scoring option behind superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard last season.
Nonetheless, the three-time All-Star thrived in the midrange, shooting a league-leading 58.5% across 55 contests. Middleton averaged 15.1 ppg, shooting 49.3% and 38.1% from deep, showcasing his offensive versatility in his age-32 campaign.
Also Read: Listing NBA's top 5 3-point leaders of all-time