The NBA is the best basketball league in the world. There’s no doubt that the game appeals to basketball fans and those who enjoy betting. As a result, there is a wide range of betting options available for NBA lines.
A bettor must turn their attention to focus on the best players who specialize in three-point shooting and defense (hence 3-and-D) since they can be key contributors to a team’s success. This post will give you some insight into the top 10 3-and-D players currently in the NBA.
- LeBron James
LeBron James is the most well-known and best all-around athlete to ever grace the NBA. He can be a lethal scorer when the need arises, but also has the skill set to be a gifted passer, and can also take on the responsibility of being a reliable 3-and-D player within the league. LeBron James’s Lakers per-game averages are as strong as ever, rounding out at 30.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 6.3 APG.
- Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is one of the smoothest shooters in the NBA. He has steadily developed his skills to become an elite rim protector. Considering that he has missed significant playing time with the Brooklyn Nets over the last couple of seasons, he maintains an excellent defensive rating of 112.3 this season, as evidenced by his current per-game figures of 30.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 6.1 APG.
- Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry has averaged 25.7 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 5.3 RPG this current season. However, it took Curry 12-plus seasons, converting 3.8 threes per game, with an accuracy of 43%, to achieve this, and to claim his position as one of the greatest 3-and-D players currently in the league. The Golden State Warriors star eclipsed Ray Allen to claim the all-time high 3-point record in late 2021 and has since established himself as the leader in career pointers throughout the NBA.
- Robert Covington,
Robert Covington does not get the full recognition that he deserves. Technically, the Clippers forward is one of this season’s most all-around productive players. He brings a lot of attributes to the team on both ends of the floor (offense and defense) that make him a real powerhouse. This year, the forward is shooting with 8.5 PPG, 1.3 APG, and 5.5 RPG. He’s also shooting 42.0% from the field.
- Kawhi Leonard
Despite being benched this season due to injury, we just had to include this 3-and-D specialist on our list. Kawhi Leonard plays with lots of grit and can out-rebound nearly any other small forward in the league. Leonard has vastly improved his shooting skills while with the Clippers, almost reaching the 40% mark from beyond the arc to go along with 1.8 steals per game. In this current season, Leonard’s per game average is as follows; 4.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.3 APG.
- Danny Green
Danny Green is a career 40% shooter from three-point territory, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. The thing that makes him extremely valuable is his ability to effectively defend opposing guards and wings and also stop fast breaks. As a result, Green is considered to be a huge threat to the opponent’s ball. He continues to excel and is averaging 5.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, and 0.9 APG in this current season.
- Matisse Thybulle
Philadelphia 76ers swingman Matisse Thybulle has stepped up as the team’s first on-ball option. The Sixers forward made his mark in a match against the Warriors when he actively blocked two 3-point attempts from the legendary Stephen Curry. Thybulle is currently averaging 5.8 PPG and 2.3 RPG and is high up the NBA ranks in terms of steals with 1.8 per game.
- Mikal Bridges
Phoenix Suns wing defender Mikal Bridges has truly made a name for himself in the league. His seemingly unlimited tank enables him to maintain a highly engaged defensive stance. As a result, he has impressive defensive numbers and is currently putting up 14.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.3 APG while shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc. Mikal Bridges also has an excellent 103.8 defensive rating and has earned respect as a premier defender.
- Luke Kennard
Luke Kennard’s 3-and-D ability has been a blessing for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, largely due to other players being benched with injuries. He currently has a three-point percentage of 45% which makes the former Blue Devil one of the greatest high-volume marksmen playing in the league. He currently maintains a per-game average of 11.8 PPG and an exceptional 114 defensive rating.
- Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins has the athleticism and size to shut down any wing in the league. Known for his ability to combat opposing wings on defense and for his impressive three-point stroke, the Golden State Warriors forward is establishing himself as another prominent 3-and-D player. He continues to shoot efficiently with the Warriors with a career-high of 48.1% from the field, a defense rating of 108.4, and 17.2 PPG.
Summary
The post above outlines the top-10 3-and-D players in the NBA. This article may help you gain more insight into their impressive performance, making them top among their competitors.
