7 NBA Players Who Barely Jump When Shooting

When we think about the great shooters in the NBA, many of us picture players who rise above defenders with impressive hops, launching their shots from what feels like another dimension. But there’s a unique group of players who don’t need to get too high off the ground to make their mark from the field.

Instead, they use timing, precision, and body control to get their shots off in the most effective way. These players might not soar through the air with thunderous dunks, but they still manage to score at will by barely leaving the floor. Here are seven NBA players who barely jump when shooting.

1. Luka Dončić – The Master of Crafty Footwork

Luka Dončić’s style of play often feels like a slow waltz with the defense. His ability to change directions, control tempo, and maintain balance while shooting makes him one of the most unpredictable players in the game.

Despite being a strong presence on the floor, Dončić rarely has to jump high to get his shot off. Whether it’s a step-back three or a floater in the lane, he uses subtle body movements and quick thinking to find his space and release his shot.

Dončić’s jump shot is the epitome of a low-effort, high-reward style. He often uses a herky-jerky motion to create separation, and when defenders close in, he doesn’t rely on elevation; instead, he maintains a low center of gravity and uses his craftiness to maneuver around obstacles.

Think of it like a chess player setting up a brilliant move—he’s already three steps ahead, and all he needs to do is make the right adjustment at the right time.

What makes Luka’s shooting even more impressive is his consistency. He doesn’t need to leap sky-high to make contested shots or hit tough step-backs.

It’s a lesson in skill over power; Dončić proves that high basketball IQ and understanding how to use your body can be just as effective as brute force.

His ability to remain grounded, literally and figuratively, makes him one of the most dangerous shooters in the league without needing to leave the floor.

2. Nikola Jokić – The Playmaking Tower of Efficiency

Nikola Jokić is an oddity in the NBA. The 6’11” Serbian center is a walking paradox: a big man with the finesse of a point guard and the vision of a seasoned playmaker.

When it comes to his shooting, Jokić has a style that requires minimal lift. His unorthodox mechanics allow him to launch accurate shots with hardly any elevation, relying more on his strength and touch than his vertical leap.

Jokić’s mid-range game is especially lethal. When shooting over smaller defenders or creating his own shot in the post, Jokić rarely leaves the ground. He uses his wide frame to shield defenders, and with his clever footwork, he creates enough space to get a clean look.

His soft touch on his shot—whether it’s a fadeaway or a smooth jumper—doesn’t require him to jump high, but it still results in high percentages. It’s like watching a magician pull off a sleight of hand—there’s no need for flash or drama, just precision.

In a way, Jokić’s shooting style can be compared to a pitcher in baseball who doesn’t need to throw heat to get batters out. He doesn’t jump or put a lot of muscle into it, yet he’s efficient and effective every time he releases the ball. His shooting ability might not be the most explosive, but it’s certainly among the most skillful in the game.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns – The Stretch Big Who Stays Grounded

Karl-Anthony Towns, or “KAT,” is one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. Towns isn’t known for relying on a massive vertical leap to get his shots off.

Instead, he uses his size and smooth shooting mechanics to score from virtually anywhere on the floor. As a center with deep range, Towns is one of the few players who can comfortably shoot three-pointers without needing to jump very high.

What sets Towns apart from other big men is his ability to maintain balance while shooting.

Instead of springing up for every shot, Towns is often in a low, controlled stance that allows him to fire off jumpers with minimal elevation. His smooth shot, especially from the outside, is more about balance and form than about explosive leaping ability.

In many ways, watching Towns shoot from deep is like watching a sniper take a shot—everything is calculated, and every movement is deliberate.

Towns’ shooting ability makes him a constant threat on the floor, especially in today’s NBA, where stretch big men are a premium. But his ability to shoot without needing to jump high makes him even more dangerous.

He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need to rely on athleticism to dominate; his shot is pure and repeatable, making him a nightmare for defenders who can’t match his size and skill.

4. LaMelo Ball – The Fluid Playmaker With Precision

LaMelo Ball is another young star who relies on timing and craftiness to get his shots off without needing to jump high. Ball is known for his unorthodox style of play, but one of his standout attributes is his ability to shoot from anywhere on the court with minimal lift.

Whether it’s a pull-up three or a floater in the paint, Ball’s smooth and fluid shooting motion is effective because of how he uses his body to generate space rather than his vertical.

The way Ball shoots is a bit like a skater on ice—gliding across the surface with ease. He’s a player who rarely has to force a shot or jump high to get his look.

Instead, he relies on his vision and quick release to take advantage of defenders who try to close out on him. His shooting form is all about quickness and fluidity, making it hard to block or contest.

In a way, Ball’s shooting style is the antithesis of high-flying, acrobatic finishes. He keeps his feet planted firmly on the ground, relying on his court awareness and smooth mechanics.

It’s a style that works for him and has helped him become one of the most exciting young playmakers in the NBA, despite having weak ankles.

5. Tyrese Haliburton – The Smooth Operator

Tyrese Haliburton is another player who exemplifies efficiency with minimal lift. Haliburton’s shooting form is often praised for its consistency and smoothness, but what really stands out is how rarely he has to leave the ground.

Whether it’s his pull-up jumper or his floater, Haliburton is a player who knows how to create just enough space to get his shot off without a massive leap.

Haliburton’s style can be likened to a well-oiled machine. Every motion is precise, with little wasted energy. He doesn’t jump high, yet his shots still seem to have perfect arc and touch. It’s as if he’s figured out the secret to shooting in the most efficient way possible—making his shots without relying on explosive athleticism.

What makes Haliburton particularly dangerous is his ability to shoot off the dribble, often catching defenders off guard by releasing the ball before they even have a chance to contest.

His unorthodox jump shot is a perfect blend of skill and poise, allowing him to score efficiently without needing to get airborne.

6. D’Angelo Russell – The Guard Who Prefers a Subtle Approach

D’Angelo Russell is another guard who has perfected the art of shooting without needing to get too high off the ground. Russell is a fluid, crafty scorer, and his shooting mechanics are built on subtlety.

Whether he’s coming off a screen or pulling up from three, Russell uses quick, sharp movements to get his shot off, relying on finesse over power.

Russell’s style can be compared to a sculptor—carving out space in a defense with precise movements, then executing his shot with minimal effort.

He doesn’t need to leap high into the air to release his jumper; his shot selection and timing are the true keys to his success. By keeping his jump short and controlled, Russell is able to get his shot off without much interference, even in tight spaces.

D’Angelo’s ability to shoot without jumping high is a reminder that a player doesn’t always need to be explosive to be effective. He’s able to use his IQ, craftiness, and smooth mechanics to make his shots, proving that skillful shooting can often outperform athleticism.

7. Naz Reid – The Underestimated Big Man

Naz Reid might not be a household name, but he’s one of the most underrated big men when it comes to shooting. Reid, like the other players on this list, doesn’t rely on jumping high to score.

Instead, he uses his size and finesse to make his shots, particularly from the mid-range and beyond the arc. Despite being a bigger player, Reid’s shooting form is smooth and controlled, often requiring minimal vertical leap.

Reid’s shooting is a perfect example of how a player doesn’t need to leap into the air to score effectively. His low center of gravity and wide frame make it easy for him to shoot over defenders without needing much elevation.

What makes Reid so effective is his ability to shoot with confidence, regardless of how high he jumps.

His ability to shoot from different spots on the floor while keeping his shots efficient is what sets him apart. His rise as a versatile big man in the NBA is a testament to the fact that shooting doesn’t always require elevation, just a solid foundation.

Well that completes our list. While most NBA players depend on jumping high to release their shots, the players on this list have shown that there’s more than one way to shoot efficiently.

By mastering the art of body control, timing, and precision, these players prove that you don’t always have to jump to make an impact. They’ve crafted their shooting techniques to minimize lift, but not effectiveness—showing that skill and savvy often are more important raw athleticism.