Sports Football Isl

As I was watching Alex Eala's unexpected exit from the 2025 US Open the other day, it struck me how much consistency matters in sports - whether we're talking about tennis or basketball. That got me thinking about one of basketball's most remarkable records: the highest field goal percentage in NBA history. Now, if you're expecting me to name some flashy scorer like Michael Jordan or LeBron James, you might be surprised. The truth is, the player holding this record embodies something far more fundamental to the game.

When I first dug into the statistics, I was genuinely surprised to discover that Artis Gilmore holds the NBA's all-time record for field goal percentage at 59.9%. That's not just good - that's historically dominant. Gilmore, who played primarily for the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs from 1976 to 1988, achieved this through what I'd call "shot selection mastery." He understood his strengths perfectly and rarely deviated from them. Unlike today's players who might settle for long two-pointers or contested threes, Gilmore operated almost exclusively within his comfort zone - close to the basket. His approach reminds me of watching elite athletes in any sport who understand that sometimes, the smartest play isn't the most spectacular one.

What fascinates me about Gilmore's achievement is how he maintained this efficiency over an entire career spanning 12 NBA seasons. He didn't just have one hot season - he consistently made smart decisions with the basketball. The 7'2" center took high-percentage shots because he understood positioning and timing better than almost anyone. I've always believed that great players don't just practice their skills; they practice their decision-making. Gilmore's basketball IQ was off the charts when it came to knowing exactly when and where to take his shots. He wasn't just tall and athletic - he was brilliant in his simplicity.

The contrast between Gilmore's approach and modern basketball is striking. Today's game emphasizes three-point shooting so heavily that we sometimes forget the value of high-percentage interior scoring. Watching players like Nikola Jokic today, I see echoes of Gilmore's philosophy - taking what the defense gives you, rather than forcing difficult shots. Gilmore's record has stood for decades not because no one has been talented enough to break it, but because the fundamental approach to the game has shifted so dramatically. Teams now value spacing and three-point efficiency over two-point field goal percentage in a way that would have seemed foreign during Gilmore's era.

Looking at current players, the closest active player to Gilmore's record is DeAndre Jordan at 67.4%, though he's played significantly fewer seasons. The difference in era context matters tremendously here. Gilmore maintained his efficiency through an era where physical play in the post was far more common, and defensive rules favored big men far less than they do today. That context makes his achievement even more impressive in my view. It's not just about the number - it's about sustaining excellence within the constraints of his time.

Reflecting on Eala's recent match, there's a parallel in how consistency and smart decision-making translate across sports. Gilmore's record isn't just a statistical anomaly - it's a testament to basketball intelligence and discipline. In an age where we celebrate flashy crossovers and deep threes, there's something beautifully pure about a player who mastered the most fundamental aspect of the game: putting the ball in the basket efficiently. Records like Gilmore's remind us that sometimes, the most effective approach isn't the most exciting one, but it's often what stands the test of time.