The NBA introduced the 3-point line back in 1979, adding a new level to the game. The NBA 2K series has seen its fair share of great 3-point shooters, with some still being in the series today. The following list below has some of the best marksmen in NBA 2K12. And although a few might be missing, we think the players on this list are well-deserving.
 

Ray Allen - Boston Celtics

You can mention other players, but when talking about who the best 3-point shooter is in NBA 2K12, the definitive answer is Ray Allen.

Allen can hit the necessary trey during a fast break, or by running off screens and picks. He's one of the few shooters in 2K12 who can actually fade away to the side and still hit the 3-pointer with ease.

Although most strategies involve driving the lane and drawing contact, when you have Allen everything can change. Really, it's hard to argue that Allen is not only the best 3-point specialist in 2K12, but he's also the best pure shooter in the game as well.

Dirk Nowitzki;Jason Terry - Dallas Mavericks

Two of the best 3-point shooters in 2K12, both Terry and Nowitzki, can turn a game around for you if you're in need of treys instead of twos. Nowitzki is one of the best overall players in the game, and even with a hand in his face, he can easily knock down 3s due to his height. Just like Allen, Terry is great at hitting 3s on a fastbreak. Also, running a pick-and-roll or give-and-go with these two Mavs is just downright deadly. With an "A" 3-point rating, Terry is actually one of the best in the game. Even though Terry doesn't get as much recognition in the game as Nowitzki, he can still hold his own, and at times can be more deadly beyond the arc than his buddy Dirk.

Manu Ginobili;Richard Jefferson;Chris Quinn - San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have one of the best 3-point tandems in the game. Ginobili, Jefferson and Quinn can help you blow your opponent out, or help you stay in a game. Ginobili is more known for driving to the lane, and although his 3-point rating is only a "B-," he's one of the most consistent shooters available.

Jefferson is at his best from mid-range, but is great at running the give-and-go, thus making him wide open most of the time. Although Quinn is not as well known as the other two, he can still hold his own behind the arc ("B+" rating). Even though the Spurs are one of the oldest teams in 2K12 (Quinn is only 28), these three players can still hit the necessary 3-pointers.

Quinn currently plays for a Russian basketball team, but according to the game, he is still a member of the San Antonio Spurs.

Kyle Korver - Chicago Bulls

Korver doesn't get the recognition he deserves as one of the best 3-point shooters in the game. By no means is he one of the best all-around players in the game, but if you're driving down the lane with Derrick Rose, Korver is always a great option in the corner. His range is at a solid 89, meaning Korver can not only get it done downtown, but he's one of the best at doing so. Your opponent might not pay too much attention to Korver, with Rose, Boozer, Noah and others being so key to the Bulls, so that means you should have no problem making it rain.

Jason Kapono - Los Angeles Lakers

Kapono was actually not meant to be on this list. But since he is now a Laker, we feel he deserves the honor -- not to mention his "A-" 3-point rating in NBA 2K12. There is, and always will be, so much attention paid towards Kobe Bryant, that Kapono should be able to get wide open.

J.J. Redick - Orlando Magic

Redick doesn't get much love in the game, and that's mainly due to the fact that he's one dimensional. Sure he has decent ball handling skills, but that one dimension is his ability to shoot outside. While he may not win a game for you, if you're in the need for a 3-pointer, Redick can knock one down. He's great at hitting 3s running off of a screen, so try your best to set multiple. With an "A-" 3-point rating, Redick is definitely one of the best, and although he does lack depth in a lot of areas, you can't go wrong with him.

Honorable Mentions: Peja Stojakovic; Sasha Vujacic; Vladimir Radmanovic; Andres Nocioni

The above honorable mentions didn't make the list simply because they have fallen off over the years in the NBA 2K series. Stojakovic and Radmamovic used to be key players when playing online, and although Vujacic is still a young player, ever since he was traded away, he just hasn't been used as often. Nocioni just hasn't been in the same since he was traded away from the Bulls, just not many people care for his shooting ability anymore.

These are, of course, not all of the top 3-point shooters in NBA 2K12. But these are who Operation Sports thinks can help you out if outside shooting is your thing.

So what 3-point specialists do you think we left off the list?