About All-Time Career FT% Leaders
Free throw shooting is often called the purest form of shooting in basketball. Career FT% leaders are the most reliable shooters from the charity stripe, a skill that often defines close games and playoff moments.
Stephen Curry (91.0%) and Steve Nash (90.4%) lead the all-time FT% list. Mark Price (90.4%) was once the career leader and remains an icon of clutch free throw shooting.
On the opposite end, some of the game's greatest players were notoriously poor free throw shooters. Shaquille O'Neal (52.7%) and Wilt Chamberlain (51.1%) are among the most famous examples, leading to the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the highest career FT% in NBA history?
Stephen Curry leads with 91.0% career free throw percentage, followed by Steve Nash and Mark Price at 90.4%.
Why is free throw shooting important?
Free throws are 'free' points that don't require beating a defender. Elite FT shooters are invaluable in close games and playoff situations where intentional fouling is common.
Who are the worst free throw shooters among stars?
Wilt Chamberlain (51.1%), Shaquille O'Neal (52.7%), Ben Wallace (41.4%), and DeAndre Jordan (46.2%) are among the worst FT shooters in NBA history.
Does free throw shooting improve with age?
Generally, yes. FT% tends to improve through a player's prime years as technique becomes more consistent, though it can decline late in a career.