Ranking: The players with the most missed shots in NBA history
hoopshype staff
·6-min read
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LeBron James made history in the Lakers' season opener. He not only became the first NBA player to compete alongside his son but also surpassed Kobe Bryant for the most missed shots in NBA history, a record Bryant had held since 2014.
Make no mistake, though... Despite this record, LeBron has been a highly efficient scorer in the NBA, shooting better than 50 percent in 13 different seasons. Meanwhile, Bryant never exceeded 47 percent – though Kobe played during an era of tougher defense.
For the ranking of most missed shots ever, check below.
1. LeBron James: 14,484 missed shots
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a shot over Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 50.6 percent
Best shooting season: 56.7 percent (2014)
Worst shooting season: 41.7 percent (2004)
All-time scoring rank: No. 1
2. Kobe Bryant: 14,481 missed shots
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22, 2007 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 44.7 percent
Best shooting season: 46.9 percent (2002)
Worst shooting season: 35.8 percent (2016)
All-time scoring rank: No. 4
3. John Havlicek: 13,417 missed shots
Unknown date; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward John Havlicek (17) in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 43.9 percent
Best shooting season: 46.4 percent (1970)
Worst shooting season: 39.9 percent (1966)
All-time scoring rank: No. 18
4. Elvin Hayes: 13,296 missed shots
Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Bullets forward Elvin Hayes (11) against Atlanta Hawks center Tom McMillen (54). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Career FG%: 45.2 percent
Best shooting season: 50.1 percent (1977)
Worst shooting season: 40.6 percent (1984)
All-time scoring rank: No. 12
5. Karl Malone: 12,682 missed shots
TORONTO, CANADA: Toronto Raptor Gary Trent (L) tries unsuccesfully to block Utah Jazz's Karl Malone layup during first quarter action 03 March at Toronto's Skydome. Malone was named the NBA player of the month for Febuary leading the Jazz to a 9-2 record by averaging 26.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. AFP PHOTO Carlo ALLEGRI (Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 51.6 percent
Best shooting season: 56.2 percent (1990)
Worst shooting season: 45.4 percent (2002)
All-time scoring rank: No. 3
6. Dirk Nowitzki: 12,565 missed shots
Apr 4, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) tries to shoot as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 47.1 percent
Best shooting season: 51.7 percent (2011)
Worst shooting season: 35.9 percent (2019)
All-time scoring rank: No. 6
7. Carmelo Anthony: 12,524 missed shots
Mar 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 44.7 percent
Best shooting season: 49.2 percent (2008)
Worst shooting season: 40.4 percent (2018)
All-time scoring rank: No. 10
8. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 12,470 missed shots
LOS ANGELES - 1987: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a layup during an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1987. (Photo by: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 55.9 percent
Best shooting season: 60.4 percent (1980)
Worst shooting season: 47.5 percent (1989)
All-time scoring rank: No. 2
9. Michael Jordan: 12,345 missed shots
Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan (L) takes a shoot while being guarded by Atlanta Hawks Tyrone Corbin 27 March in Atlanta Ga. An NBA attendance record was broken as 62,046 fans watched the game. AFP PHOTO Steven R. Schaefer (Photo by STEVEN R. SCHAEFER / AFP) (Photo by STEVEN R. SCHAEFER/AFP via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 49.7 percent
Best shooting season: 53.9 percent (1991)
Worst shooting season: 41.1 percent (1995)
All-time scoring rank: No. 5
10. Vince Carter: 12,046 missed shots
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 15: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks puts up a shot against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center on November 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 43.5 percent
Best shooting season: 46.7 percent (2003)
Worst shooting season: 33.3 percent (2015)
All-time scoring rank: No. 21
11. Dominique Wilkins: 11,626 missed shots
LOS ANGELES - APRIL 24: Dominique Wilkins #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes up for a dunk past Dennis Rodman #10 of the San Antonio Spurs on April 24, 1994 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 46.1 percent
Best shooting season: 49.3 percent (1983)
Worst shooting season: 37.9 percent (1999)
All-time scoring rank: No. 15
12. Russell Westbrook: 11,604 missed shots
Oct 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rob Dillingham (4) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Career FG%: 43.8 percent
Best shooting season: 47.2 percent (2020)
Worst shooting season: 39.8 percent (2009)
All-time scoring rank: No. 24
13. Elgin Baylor: 11,478 missed shots
Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 43.1 percent
Best shooting season: 48.6 percent (1970)
Worst shooting season: 40.1 percent (1965)
All-time scoring rank: No. 35
14. Allen Iverson: 11,439 missed shots
The Philadelphia 76ers point guard Allen Iverson (L) flys past the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (R) on his way to the basket in 19 March 1999 in Philadelphia. Iverson scored 41 points in the 76ers' 105-90 victory. AFP PHOTO/TOM MIHALEK (Photo by TOM MIHALEK / AFP) (Photo credit should read TOM MIHALEK/AFP via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 42.5 percent
Best shooting season: 49.7 percent (2010)
Worst shooting season: 38.7 percent (2004)
All-time scoring rank: No. 28
15. Wilt Chamberlain: 10,816 missed shots
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) shoots over New York Knicks forward Bill Bradley (24) and Nate Bowman (17) at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 54.0 percent
Best shooting season: 72.7 percent (1973)
Worst shooting season: 46.1 percent (1960)
All-time scoring rank: No. 7
16. Paul Pierce: 10,797 missed shots
Apr 27, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) shoots as Miami Heat center Jermaine O'Neal (7) defends during the second half of game five of the first round of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 44.5 percent
Best shooting season: 49.7 percent (2011)
Worst shooting season: 36.3 percent (2016)
All-time scoring rank: No. 17
17. Kevin Garnett: 10,637 missed shots
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES: San Antonio Spurs' Malik Rose (R) knocks the ball away from Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett as he Garnett to the basket in the third quarter 27 February 2000 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wolves won 102-98. AFP PHOTO/Craig LASSIG (Photo credit should read CRAIG LASSIG/AFP via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 49.7 percent
Best shooting season: 53.9 percent (2008)
Worst shooting season: 44.1 percent (2014)
All-time scoring rank: No. 19
18. Ray Allen: 10,388 missed shots
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives by Smush Parker #1 of the of the Los Angeles Lakers as Parker runs through a screen in the fourth quarter on November 3, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 45.2 percent
Best shooting season: 49.1 percent (2011)
Worst shooting season: 42.8 percent (1998)
All-time scoring rank: No. 27
19. Alex English: 10,378 missed shots
Alex English #2, Small Forward for the Denver Nuggets jumps to shoot for the basket over the Los Angeles Lakers defense during their NBA Pacific Division basketball game on 8th January 1985 at The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Nuggets won the game 126 - 124. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 50.7 percent
Best shooting season: 55.1 percent (1982)
Worst shooting season: 43.9 percent (1991)
All-time scoring rank: No. 22
20. Hal Greer: 10,307 missed shots
NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1960's: Hal Greer #15 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes up to shoot over the New York Nick during an mid circa 1960's NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Greer played for the 76ers from 1958-73. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 45.2 percent
Best shooting season: 47.8 percent (1968)
Worst shooting season: 39.2 percent (1973)
All-time scoring rank: No. 41
21. Bob Cousy: 10,300 missed shots
1962; FILE PHOTO; In a 1962 playoff game against Philadelphia, Tommy Heinsohn (15) is about to receive a pass from Bob Cousy, a fellow Holy Cross graduate. Mandatory Credit: Telegram & Gazette-USA TODAY NETWORK
Career FG%: 37.5 percent
Best shooting season: 39.7 percent (1955)
Worst shooting season: 33.3 percent (1970)
All-time scoring rank: No. 104
22. Bob Pettit: 10,282 missed shots
NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images
Career FG%: 43.6 percent
Best shooting season: 46.3 percent (1964)
Worst shooting season: 40.7 percent (1955)
All-time scoring rank: No. 36
23. Hakeem Olajuwon: 10,242 missed shots
10 Jun 1994: Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets (center) goes up for two during the NBA finals game against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport
Career FG%: 51.2 percent
Best shooting season: 53.8 percent (1985)
Worst shooting season: 45.8 percent (2000)
All-time scoring rank: No. 13
24. Oscar Robertson: 10,112 missed shots
Unknown date and unknown location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Milwaukee Bucks guard Oscar Robertson (1) against Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Network.
Career FG%: 48.5 percent
Best shooting season: 51.8 percent (1963)
Worst shooting season: 43.8 percent (1974)
All-time scoring rank: No. 14
25. Tim Duncan: 10,049 missed shots
May 31, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) looks to shoot over Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the first half in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 50.6 percent
Best shooting season: 54.9 percent (1998)
Worst shooting season: 48.4 percent (2006)
All-time scoring rank: No. 16
26. Jerry West: 10,016 missed shots
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) moves past San Francisco Warriors guard Jim King (21) and Nate Thurmond (42) at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 47.4 percent
Best shooting season: 51.4 percent (1968)
Worst shooting season: 41.9 percent (1961)
All-time scoring rank: No. 25
27. Gary Payton: 9,990 missed shots
Jun 1996; Seattle, WA USA; FILE PHOTO; Seattle Supersonics guard Gary Payton (20) lays the ball up against the Chicago Bulls during the 1996 NBA Finals at Key Arena. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 46.6 percent
Best shooting season: 50.9 percent (1995)
Worst shooting season: 39.3 percent (2007)
All-time scoring rank: No. 39
28. Kevin Durant: 9,925 missed shots
Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) defends during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 50.1 percent
Best shooting season: 56.5 percent (2023)
Worst shooting season: 43.0 percent (2008)
All-time scoring rank: No. 8
29. Joe Johnson: 9,897 missed shots
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 03: Joe Johnson #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Barclays Center on December 3, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nuggets defeat the Nets 111-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 44.1 percent
Best shooting season: 100.0 percent (2022)
Worst shooting season: 39.7 percent (2003)
All-time scoring rank: No. 49
30. Moses Malone: 9,790 missed shots
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 1984: Moses Malone #2 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Rick Mahorn #44 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1984 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Malone played for the 76ers from 1982-86 and 1993-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Career FG%: 49.1 percent
Best shooting season: 54.0 percent (1979)
Worst shooting season: 31.0 percent (1993)
All-time scoring rank: No. 11
31. Jamal Crawford: 9,715 missed shots
Apr 7, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. (4) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 41.0 percent
Best shooting season: 50.0 percent (2020)
Worst shooting season: 35.2 percent (2001)
All-time scoring rank: No. 59
32. James Harden: 9,672 missed shots
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Career FG%: 44.1 percent
Best shooting season: 49.1 percent (2012)
Worst shooting season: 40.3 percent (2010)
All-time scoring rank: No. 20
33. DeMar DeRozan: 9,567 missed shots
Oct 9, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Career FG%: 46.9 percent
Best shooting season: 53.1 percent (2020)
Worst shooting season: 41.3 percent (2015)
All-time scoring rank: No. 31
34. Dolph Schayes: 9,564 missed shots
SYRACUSE, NY - UNDATED: Dolph Schayes #4 of the Syracuse Nationals drives to the basket for a layup during an NBA game circa 1949-1962 in Syracuse, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images)
Career FG%: 38.0 percent
Best shooting season: 40.1 percent (1960)
Worst shooting season: 30.8 percent (1964)
All-time scoring rank: No. 73
35. Patrick Ewing: 9,540 missed shots
Patrick Ewing won an NCAA crown at Georgetown, where he currently coaches. He was the first choice in the 1985 NBA Draft and became the franchise player the New York Knicks desperately needed. An 11-time All-Star, Ewing scored 24,815 points and collected 11,617 rebounds. The only line missing from his resume: NBA champion. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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