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Big men shooting 3s in the NBA is always exhilarating to watch, as not all of them can knock down long-range efforts with efficiency.
However, modern-day bigs are much better with their 3-point shooting than their counterparts from yesteryears. Not only does that benefit the player individually, but it also works wonders for the team.
On that note, here's a look at five centers who have recorded the most 3-point field goals in NBA history.
#5 Bill Laimbeer - 202
Bill Laimbeer wasn't one of the most favored opponents for many players. He was termed as one of the most notorious ones to play the NBA. That was because of his rough playing style, which led to many on-court brawls.
Nevertheless, he was still one of the best centers to grace the NBA. Laimbeer won two back-to-back championships with the Detroit Pistons during the 'Bad Boys' Pistons era. He was the ultimate iron man, playing 685 consecutive games, a staggering record that still stands.
Laimbeer was a beast on the defensive boards, recording the most defensive rebounds between 1982 and 1990. He was also a very efficient shooter from the foul line and three-point distance for someone of his size. He shot 32.6% of his 3-point field-goal attempts during his NBA career, and 83.7% from the charity stripe.
Laimbeer also shot a record six 3-pointers during an NBA Finals game between the Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers.
#4 Joel Embiid - 296
Joel Embiid is one of the most versatile centers in the NBA right now. The Philadelphia 76ers talisman, who has improved rapidly, is one of the most well-rounded offensive players in the league.
He is a three-level shooter who has averaged at least 20 points per game since his rookie season in the NBA. Last campaign, Embiid finished second in the MVP voting. He averaged a career-high 28.5 points per game, shooting 51.3% from the floor, including 37.7% from the three-point line.
Embiid's MVP-caliber campaign saw the Sixers end the regular season as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Joel Embiid has always been a decent 3-point shooter. In just five years, the 27-year old has recorded almost 300 three-point field goals. He could end up as the best 3-point shooting big of all time if he continues his present exploits.
#3 Marc Gasol - 431
Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol has made almost 450 three-pointers during his career. The Spaniard wasn't always a high-volume shooter from long range. It's a skill he developed late in his career, especially during the 2016-17 season.
In his last five seasons, Gasol has shot at 37.7% from the three-point range. He has done so, attempting almost three shots per game. These are remarkable numbers for a 7' 1" center. He has seen his production take a hit in the last few years, though. But he remains a lethal threat because of his high basketball IQ and efficient shooting from long range.
That has also helped him stay relevant in the league despite being 36. A title-contending team like the LA Lakers opting to sign him last season is a great testament to Gasol's pedigree.
#2 Nikola Vucevic - 452
Nikola Vucevic took time to make his mark in the NBA. But at 30, he is now one of the best centers in the league. The Chicago Bulls big man made his debut All-Star game appearance this year.
Like Embiid, Vucevic is also one of the most versatile bigs in the NBA. He can score from all three levels. That has helped him become a highly efficient scorer in the last few seasons. Vucevic has actively attempted long-range shots at a high frequency since the 2017-18 NBA campaign.
The ten-season veteran shot a career-best 40% from the 3-point line last season. He did so while attempting 6.3 shots per game, which makes him one of the most efficient high-volume three-point shooting centers in the NBA.
Vucevic recorded a whopping 176 3-point field goals last season, swelling his overall career tally past 450.
#1 Brook Lopez - 633
Brook Lopez is arguably one of the most underrated big men in the NBA. But Lopez is quite efficient at both ends of the floor, which is evidenced by his numbers.
He has averaged 16.5 points per game during his career on 49/34/79 shooting splits. Lopez has also recorded 1.8 blocks per contest in over 850 career games. He recently won his first NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lopez played a key role for the team, especially with his 3-point shooting and rim protection.
Lopez wasn't an effective 3-point shooter when he arrived in the league. But the 2016-17 season saw a huge spike in his attempts per game from the deep. Since then, he has converted 34.4% of his shots from long range, doing so on five attempts per contest.
With over 600 3-point field goals, Lopez has the most 3-point field goals by any center in the history of the NBA. He has averaged 126 threes in the last five seasons. If he continues at the same pace for a few years, Lopez could breach the 1000-mark.
