Throughout NBA history, several players have set records for the highest field goal percentage in a single season. The ability to maintain such efficiency over an entire season requires not only skill but also a well-defined playing style that prioritizes high-percentage shots. In this article, the website https://wintips.com/ will explore the NBA highest field goal percentage in a season's history, analyzing the players who achieved them and the impact their performances had on the game.
What is field goal percentage and why does it matter?
Before diving into the record holders, it’s important to understand what field goal percentage represents and why it’s such a crucial statistic in basketball.
Definition of field goal percentage (FG%)
The field goal percentage is calculated using the formula:
FG%= Field Goals Attempted (FGA) / Field Goals Made (FGM)
This statistic measures how efficiently a player converts shot attempts into points. A high field goal percentage typically indicates smart shot selection, excellent finishing ability, and a strong understanding of when and where to shoot.
The Importance of FG% in Basketball
- Scoring efficiency: Players with high FG% contribute significantly to their team’s success by making the most of their opportunities.
- Shot selection: Efficient scorers take high-percentage shots, often near the basket, rather than forcing difficult attempts.
- Game strategy: Teams that prioritize efficient shooting tend to have higher offensive ratings and better overall performance.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the greatest field goal percentage records in NBA history and the players who achieved them.
NBA highest field goal percentage in a season
During the 2019-20 NBA season, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson achieved the highest field goal percentage ever recorded in a single season: 74.2%. This incredible feat broke the long-standing record set by Wilt Chamberlain and solidified Robinson as one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history.
Robinson’s success came from his playing style, which focused on high-percentage shots around the basket. His offensive game primarily consisted of:
- Dunks and alley-oops: Robinson capitalized on his athleticism and length to finish lobs from teammates.
- Putbacks: He frequently scored second-chance points by grabbing offensive rebounds and converting them into easy buckets.
- Shot selection: Unlike perimeter players who take difficult jump shots, Robinson avoided low-percentage attempts, which kept his FG% high.
Robinson’s record-breaking season highlighted the importance of efficiency in modern basketball. In an era dominated by three-point shooting, his ability to maximize scoring opportunities near the rim showed that traditional big men still have a valuable role in today’s NBA.
Other players with the highest single-season FG% records
Before Mitchell Robinson broke the record, Wilt Chamberlain held the highest single-season field goal percentage for nearly five decades, shooting 72.7% in the 1972-73 season. While Robinson and Chamberlain hold the top two spots, several other players have recorded historically high field goal percentages in a season. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
Wilt Chamberlain
Chamberlain was one of the most dominant forces in basketball history. Standing at 7'1", he used his size, strength, and skill to overpower defenders and score with ease. His high FG% was the result of:
- Close-range dominance: Chamberlain took most of his shots within a few feet of the basket, where he was nearly unstoppable.
- Minimal long-range attempts: Unlike modern centers who occasionally shoot jumpers, Chamberlain played almost exclusively in the paint.
- Superior rebounding and putbacks: Wilt often grabbed his misses and converted them into baskets, further boosting his efficiency.
In the early 1970s, the NBA was much more physical than it is today. Despite the tougher defensive play, Chamberlain still managed to maintain an elite level of efficiency, proving his greatness. His 72.7% mark stood as the best in NBA history until Robinson surpassed it nearly 50 years later.
DeAndre Jordan (71.4% in 2016-17)
DeAndre Jordan was known for his high-flying dunks and efficient scoring near the rim. During the 2016-17 season, he shot an incredible 71.4% from the field while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Jordan’s record-breaking season reinforced the importance of high-percentage offense and the role of rim-running centers in modern basketball.
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- Lob City connection: Playing alongside elite passers like Chris Paul, Jordan benefited from easy scoring opportunities via alley-oops.
- Limited shot attempts: Jordan focused exclusively on high-percentage shots near the rim, avoiding contested jumpers.
- Elite rebounding: His offensive rebounding ability created second-chance points that boosted his efficiency.
Rudy Gobert (68.2% in 2021-22)
Rudy Gobert, a defensive powerhouse, also made his mark in NBA history with one of the NBA highest field goal percentages in a season records. In the 2021-22 season, Gobert shot 68.2% while anchoring the Utah Jazz’s offense and defense. Gobert’s performance demonstrated that modern big men can still be dominant without a three-point shot, as long as they maximize their efficiency inside the paint.
- Pick-and-Roll finishing: Gobert thrived in pick-and-roll plays, where he received easy dunks and layups.
- High Basketball IQ: He positioned himself well for open looks, avoiding unnecessary contested shots.
- Defensive presence leading to offense: His shot-blocking and rebounding created transition opportunities that resulted in easy buckets.
In conclusion
NBA highest field goal percentage in a season is a testament to the importance of efficiency in basketball. While scoring volume often grabs headlines, the ability to convert shots at an elite rate is just as valuable. Players like Mitchell Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain, DeAndre Jordan, and Rudy Gobert have demonstrated that mastering high-percentage shots can make a lasting impact on the game. Their records highlight the evolution of offensive strategies, where smart shot selection and positioning near the rim lead to historic efficiency. As the NBA continues to evolve, future players may challenge these records, but the principles of efficiency and shot selection will always remain essential in defining greatness.
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