Basketball Field Goal Percentage

When it comes to measuring success on a basketball court, field goal percentage is a huge factor. Read on to learn more about field goal percentage in basketball, and how some of the best players in the game stack up.

Personal Field Goal Percentages

A very good field goal percentage is usually 50% (or .500) or above. It’s important to consider that certain positions are more likely to have higher field goal percentages than others. Forwards and centers are more likely to have high field goal percentages than guards.

In the 2018-19 NBA season, the best field goal percentage was 66.9% by Utah’s Rudy Gobert. 

Team Field Goal Percentages

On the team level, about half of teams shoot more than 46% for field goals. In 2018-19, Golden State led in field goal percentage with 49.1%, and the New York Nicks finished last with 43.3%.

All Time Records

DeAndre Jordan had the highest ever career field goal percentage. Jordan shot 67.1% in his career, meaning he made more than ⅔ of his shots!

Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for highest field goal percentage in a season. In the 1972-73 season, Chamberlain shot an astounding 72.7%. 

Both of these records are unlikely to ever be beaten, especially DeAndre Jordan’s.  

Variation of Statistics

Field goal percentage can also be used on a more advanced level. Basketball analysts may consider field goal percentage from certain zones or spots on the court to give insight about where to shoot.