Top 10 3-Point Shooters in Orlando Magic history

The Orlando Magic helped revolutionize the league with their use of the 3-pointer in the 1990s. That means there are some great shooters in team history.

Since being formed in 1989, the Orlando Magic have had a large number of exceptional 3-point shooters.

Between the 2001 and the 2012 campaigns, the Magic only ranked outside of the top 10 teams in 3-point shooting three times, having a top-three finish in 2010 and 2012.

In that time, the Magic helped revolutionize the game with Stan Van Gundy’s spacing offense, following the Magic’s revolutionary spread offense in 1995.

With more than 15 players having shot better than 38 percent during their time in Orlando, the Magic are full of some great 3-point shooters. Parsing out the top 10 is pretty difficult.

The Magic have had plenty of great shooters cycle through the roster — both in short bursts like Beno Udrih, who shot 39.6 percent in 27 games with the Magic, and in long-term impact like Dennis Scott.

Taking into consideration their tenures with the Magic, and favoring those who stayed with the team longest, here are the top 10 3-point shooters in Magic history.

Next: Honorable Mentions

Honorable Mentions

Tyronn Lue (2004, 2009)

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The current Cleveland Cavaliers coach played two seasons with the Magic, separated by five years. Lue shot well from beyond the arc in his limited time in the Magic Kingdom, hitting 38.3 percent in 2004 on 2.8 attempts per game.

Doron Lamb (2013-14)

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Of all the players from the current Magic rebuild, there are few who had a more inconspicuous time at the club than shooting guard Doron Lamb.

A 3-point specialist, Lamb was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the J.J. Redick-Tobias Harris trade. Lamb shot 41.4 percent in his 1.5 seasons in Orlando, although the sample was relatively low — only 1.4 attempts per contest.

Courtney Lee (2009)

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Shooting Guard Courtney Lee played his rookie season for the Orlando Magic, shooting 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. Although Lee could not keep this up during the Playoffs, it would be a signal to come for a player who has remained one of the most consistent 3-point shooters in the NBA in the past few years.

Had he stayed in Central Florida for longer than a single season, and thus played more that 77 games in a Magic jersey, he could well have ranked much higher on this list.

Arron Afflalo (2013-14)

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Despite a forgettable first season in Orlando, it was swingman Arron Afflalo’s second campaign in Central Florida that helps him become an honorable mention.

Afflalo shot 42.7 percent from deep on the season, on 4.1 attempts per contest, in what was a near-All-Star season for the UCLA product.

Since leaving the Magic, Afflalo’s entire game has declined, with his 3-point shooting being no exception.

Channing Frye (2015-16)

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Channing Frye’s brief stint with the Orlando Magic was undoubtedly a failure. Brought in as a veteran coming off a strong season, he failed to connect on both ends of the floor with the Magic’s center, Nikola Vucevic.

In spite of this, Frye actually shot well from deep, shooting just less than 40 percent from beyond the arc during his 119 games for Orlando. Frye was eventually traded at the trade deadline to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nick Anderson (1990-99)

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Despite having a lower overall Magic career 3-point shooting average than most on this list, Nick Anderson had two standout seasons that were part of a Magic run that was instrumental to the franchise’s reputation and history.

In 1995, Anderson shot an astonishing 41.5 percent from the floor on 5.7 attempts per contest, while shooting 38.3 percent throughout that season’s playoffs.

The following season saw Anderson shoot 39.1 percent on 8.3 attempts. Despite his inability to maintain these high percentages throughout his Orlando career, they came at an important time in Magic history. And at a time when the 3-point shot was not a primary weapon in the league.

Next: Rookie of the Year Sharpshooter

10. Mike Miller (2001-03)

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The Orlando Magic drafted Mike Miller in the 2000 Draft. Miller went on to win the Rookie of the Year award on the back of averages of 11.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 40.7 percent on 4.4 attempts per contest. This helped the Magic reach the playoffs, where the Milwaukee Bucks bounced them in the first round.

Miller continued this impressive 3-point shooting streak throughout his tenure with the Magic, although he struggled in his final half-season with the team, shooting an uncharacteristically low 34 percent.

He would improve after moving to the Memphis Grizzlies, and he has continued to be a reliable presence from beyond the arc for the entirety of his NBA career.

Next: 9. The assist man finishes too

9. Scott Skiles (1990-94)

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Although he may be better known for his NBA-record 30 assists in a single game against the Denver Nuggets in December 1990, Scott Skiles was also a competent 3-point shooter, hitting the three-ball at a 38 percent during his five-season tenure in Central Florida.

Despite not being even a decent shooter beyond the arc during his time in Milwaukee and Indiana before the 1989 Expansion Draft, Skiles eclipsed the 40 percent mark twice for the Magic — in 1991, where he shot 40.8 percent from 3-point land on 2.9 attempts per contest and in his final year in Orlando in 1994, where the point guard shot 41.2 percent on 2.0 attempts.

While others such as Mike Miller and Channing Frye shot similar, if not better percentages during their time with the Magic, it was Skiles’ long-standing consistency throughout his run with the Magic during the early 1990s that earns Skiles a spot on this list.

Next: 8. French Connection

8. Evan Fournier (2015-Present)

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Despite having only spent two seasons with the Orlando Magic (so far) and having played just 137 games for the ball club, Evan Fournier has already proven himself to be one of the team’s best 3-point shooters in a long time.

Known for his ability with the three-ball when he came in along with a second round pick (which turned into Devyn Marble) as part of a 2014 Draft Night trade, Fournier shot 37.8 percent in his first year with Orlando. It started off well but soon tempered off as the season wore on.

But his second season in Central Florida was a different story.

Fournier shot 40 percent from deep on a career-high 4.9 attempts per contest, whilst becoming the model of consistency. Despite struggling in October and April, Fournier otherwise never shot worse than 38.2 percent for any month, and shot better than 40 percent in November, February and March, with the figure for the middle of these being an a scorching 47.2 percent.

Fournier has a long career ahead of him, and should he continue his sweet-shooting ways. Expect him to shoot up this list sooner rather than later.

Next: 7. Ryno

7. Ryan Anderson (2010-12)

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A popular figure around the league, Ryan Anderson played a reserve — yet crucial role in the 2010 and 2011 Orlando Magic teams that made the playoffs.

Anderson shot 37 percent from deep in his first season with Orlando (2010) following his arrival from the New Jersey Nets, and then proceeded to increase this figure to 39.3 percent for each of the following two seasons, despite increasing his attempt numbers — first to 5.3 and then 6.9.

Anderson is a true stretch-4 who had the added bonus of being a solid rebounder, something rarely found among stretch-bigs.

His finest personal season in Orlando came in his last, which saw him start all 61 games he played in. That year, Anderson put up 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds.

Next: 6. Mighty Mouse

6. Jameer Nelson (2005-14)

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A longtime fan favorite in the City Beautiful, Jameer Nelson was a steady presence at the starting point guard spot for 10 seasons prior to his departure to the Dallas Mavericks.

Aside from being a decent playmaker who was able to become an effective presence despite being undersized, Nelson was also a competent 3-point shooter.

Shooting 37.4 percent across his time in Central Florida. Nelson’s best 3-point shooting season was undoubtedly in 2009, where he hit the three-ball at a 45.3 percent clip on 4.3 attempts. This, along with headline stats of 16.7 points and 5.4 assists per game helped propel Nelson into his one-and-only All Star appearance, although an unfortunate injury forced him out of the game itself.

But this was not the only time Nelson impressed from beyond the arc. He shot better than 40 percent three further times — in 2006 (42.4 percent on 2.7 attempts), 2008 (41.6 percent on 2.2 attempts) and 2011 (40.1 percent on 3.9 attempts).

Nelson will go down in the history books as someone who gave his all for the Orlando Magic, and this includes in his efforts from beyond the arc.

Next: 5. Mr. Clutch from deep

5. Hedo Turkoglu (2005-09, 2011-13)

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There have been few figures in Orlando Magic history as charismatic as Hedo Turkoglu. And the man from Turkey also just happens to be one of the finest 3-point shooters in the history of the ball club.

Turkoglu shot better than 40 percent three times during his time with the Magic, knocking the 3-ball down at a 40.3 percent clip in 2006, 40 percent clip in 2008 and a 40.4 percent clip upon his return to the Magic via a trade in 2011.

He impressed throughout his stretch with the Magic, as evidenced by his 37.9 percent shooting percentage from deep, across his entire run (both stints with the Magic). This comes despite (an admittedly short) 2013 campaign, where he shot a mere 4.2 percent on 2.2 attempts per contest.

But it was his charm and charisma which stood out throughout all of this, and the memories he left behind.

Turkoglu was not only an excellent 3-point shooter, but he was one who could always be relied on to score. Few players were capable of pulling off as many big shots as the small forward, whose accolades during his time with the Magic include being the Most Improved Player (2008).

When the Magic needed that crucial three, it was Turkoglu they could rely on.

Next: 4. Stretch-4

4. Rashard Lewis (2008-11)

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When it comes to the reasons as to why the Dwight Howard-Stan Van Gundy Magic teams from 2008-2010 were so successful, one of those near the top was the presence of Rashard Lewis. Without Lewis, the concept of having four shooters around Howard may have never come off.

It was this formula that led to that success.

Lewis came to Orlando on the back of being a one-time All Star during his nine seasons with the Seattle Supersonics. His final year with the team in 2007 saw him put up 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, on 46.1 percent shooting and 39 percent shooting from deep. This led to the Magic signing Lewis to a massive six-year, $118-million contract as part of a sign-and-trade.

Although Lewis never quite lived up that figure, he did make a single All-Star appearance during his time with the Magic and shot the lights out from distance for practically the entirety of his tenure.

His strongest 3-point shooting season actually came a year before the Finals season. The 2008 season saw Lewis shoot 40.9 percent from beyond the arc on 6.8 attempts per contest.

Lewis was an innovative figure in Magic history, playing a part in what has possibly been the most innovative system in Magic history. He has certainly earned a high place on this list.

Next: Rated PG

3. Pat Garrity (2000-08)

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It is possible to look at a three-year stretch in the career of Pat Garrity and determine that he was the finest 3-point shooter in Orlando Magic history.

Garrity shot 40.1 percent from three in 2000, before hitting the three-ball at astronomical clips of 43.3 percent and 42.7 percent in 2001 and 2002 respectively. He also performed admirably a season later in 2003, where he shot 39.6 percent from beyond the arc.

While Garrity never put up the gaudy numbers, or had the amount of influence as other players on this list, it is undeniable he was a fine 3-point shooter.

Particularly notable for Garrity, in what was his finest 3-point shooting season in a Magic uniform in 2001, was in January 2001. Garrity shot a scorching 53.2 percent from deep on 3.4 attempts per game that month.

While not a standout name like others mentioned, he certainly earned his place on this list.

Next: 2. J.J.

2. J.J. Redick (2007-13)

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Though he may not have quite gained the reputation he would later receive with the Los Angeles Clippers, sharpshooter J.J. Redick was one of the finest beyond-the-arc scorers to ever wear an Orlando Magic jersey.

Redick never shot worse than 37.4 percentduring his seven seasons with the ball club, and shot at least 38.8 percent in six of them. As a result, Redick has an incredible shooting average of 39.8 percent from deep for his time in Central Florida. The peak of his Magic career came in 2012, where he shot 41.8 percent from deep on 4.1 attempts per game, while putting up 11.6 points per game.

With a beautifully smooth shooting stroke and a stunning 3-point shooting resume, Redick is not only one of the best shooters in Orlando Magic history, but also has become one of the best period in the current NBA.

The 2016 season was his greatest season yet. Redick hitting his shots from beyond the arc at 47.5 percent on 5.6 attempts per game.

But even with this impressive resume, Redick still cannot claim the top spot on this list.

Next: 1. 3-D

1. Dennis Scott (1991-97)

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They do not call him 3-D for nothing!

While there have been many incredible long-distance shooters for the Orlando Magic over the years, none have been able to surpass one from the early days of the ball club — Dennis Scott.

Scott played for the Magic between 1990 and 1997, including being part of the 1995 team that made it to the NBA Finals. Scott was instrumental in that run, hitting the three-ball at a career-high 42.6  percent clip on 5.7 attempts per contest — a huge number for the period.

One year later, he continued his expert marksmanship, shooting 42.5 percent form deep despite taking an even more notable 7.7 attempts per game.

But what makes Scott stand above the crowd was his consistency.

While some had excellent seasons coupled with poor seasons — for example, Jameer Nelson, and others were consistent, but lacked any particular standout season —  Scott was both consistent, and had standout seasons.

He thus shot an incredible 40.3 percent on 5.5 attempts per game for his Magic career, and only once shot worse than 37.4 percent (an anomalous season in 1992 where he played just 18 games due to injury).

To put the icing on the cake, Scott previously held two 3-point shooting NBA records.

He first achieved the record for the most number of 3-point makes in a single game, hitting 11 against the Atlanta Hawks. This record would stand for seven years, before Kobe Bryant broke it in 2003.

The second record was for the number of threes made in a single NBA season, with Scott making 267 shots from beyond the arc for the 1996 regular season. This record survived even longer, Ray Allen broke it a decade later.

Next: Orlando Magic Top 25: The Top 5

Years and players have come and gone, and so have eras too. Yet through out all, there has yet to be anyone, who can match 3-D from beyond the arc.