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The 10 Best Midrange Scorers In The NBA

By Nicholas Agar-Johnson

Mar 23, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35, left) defends in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard has made massive strides on offense this year, and much of the credit goes to his improved mid-range game. Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is another brilliant midrange scorer, and his pairing with LaMarcus Aldridge drives much of the Spurs’ success from that area. Leonard has improved his scoring average every season and is averaging a career-high 24.4 points this year. Kawhi is shooting 45.7 percent on midrange shots and is taking 6.0 attempts per game from that range.

Like the next player on this list, Kawhi is responsible for creating the majority of his looks in the in-between game. Just 36.5 percent of his midrange shots have come from assists this season per NBA.com’s shot tracking data. Leonard has been the unquestioned focal point of the Spurs’ offense this year, and much of that offense has come from his midrange game. Kawhi has attempted more of those shots than either three-pointers or restricted area shots this season.

Kawhi has a varied repertoire of shots in the midrange area, which allows him to score effectively in isolation. In addition to making a solid percentage of his open jumpers from inside the arc, Leonard has also developed a strong pull-up jumper and a deadly fadeaway jumper.

Leonard has made 50.0 percent of his pull-up jumpers this season and 58.8 percent of his fadeaway jumpers this season. His ability to score in the midrange both in the post and off the dribble makes him one of the better midrange players in the NBA.