Fans have witnessed tons of lethal shooters throughout NBA history.
Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry are just some of the marksman who have made bucket after bucket during their illustrious careers.
7
However, to Michael Jordan, one sharpshooter stands out among all the many other greats.
During an interview with Cigar Aficionado founder Marvin R. Shanken in 2005, MJ was asked who the best shooter he’s ever seen was.
His answer will surprise even the most hardcore basketball fan.
“Best shooter. Oh, boy. That’s a great question. Pure shooter?,”No. 23 asked.
“Or clutch shooter,” Shanken replied. “I have another one here, best clutch player. You can combine the two if you want.
“Did you ever watch the Big O [Oscar Robertson] play?”
“Yeah, I watched him play, Jordan responded.
“He was an all-around player, but I wouldn’t say he was one of the best shooters. But he was one of the best all-around players, in the same category as Magic Johnson, who could rebound, assist and score.
“Pure shooter, I would say Brian Winters, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks. He had the most beautiful stroke of all the people whom I can think of. “
Basketball fans caught wind of Jordan’s response, with many admitting they’d never even heard of Winters.
7
7
“I generally consider myself to be a nerd about history and sports history, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of this player,” one fan posted.
“I’ve followed basketball for over 30 years and for some reason, never heard of this guy,” another wrote.
However, several ardent fans had heard of Winters and shared their thoughts about MJ’s seemingly obscure choice.
“One of the games best kept secrets. A great talent love watching him play,” someone wrote.
“He was a textbook #2 guard. He was real good and a helluva shooter!” a second responded.
“Brian was a fantastic player, very underappreciated. Back then it was much more physical. I can see him putting up 30 points per game today,” another familiar with Winters’ game posted.
7
7
“I absolutely remember this guy when I was a kid, and he was absolutely deadly from outside. I cannot argue with this assessment from Jordan. He gave the Celtics fits every time we played them,” a fourth commented.
“This is absolutely right. Many years ago I saw Winters torch the San Antonio Spurs of the Iceman [George Gervin] Era with the greatest exhibition of shooting I have ever seen.”
For those who don’t know, Winters was the 12th pick in the 1974 NBA draft, taken by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Winters was held in high regard as his jump shot was textbook and fell at a high rate. Besides his excellent shooting, Winters was also known for his high basketball IQ, with the combo of his shot and smarts making him a lethal scorer.
The 6ft 4in guard made the NBA All-Rookie Team with the Lakers in 1975 before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the deal that brought future Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to LA.
Winters became something of a fan favorite in Milwaukee, making the All-Star Game twice, in 1976 and 1978.
7
7
He retired in 1983, at which point the Bucks retired his number 32 jersey, making him the third player in franchise history to be honored with a jersey retirement.
Winters then moved into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers, Hawks, Nuggets, Warriors and Bobcats between 1986-2013.
During that period he was also the inaugural coach for the Vancouver Grizzlies for a year and a half, as well as the WNBA’s Indiana Fever.
The now 72-year-old has been a talent scout for the Indiana Pacers since 2014.
