Top NBA Shooting Guards for 2021-22 And All-Time Player Rankings
15 Jul 2024
There is a lot of debate over who the best shooting guards in the NBA are. Some people argue that a few players are better than the rest, while others believe that the shooting guard position is deep and that many players could be considered the best.
In this blog post, Red's Army e will look at some of the best shooting guards NBA and see what makes them so good.
Booker is at the top of this list because he had a great season that helped the Suns get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
During the regular season, the 24-year-old averaged 25.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, which helped Phoenix break a 10-year playoff drought. He took his game to a new level in his first playoff run.
Booker scored 30 or more points four times against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, including a 47-point, 11-rebound masterpiece to end the series and send LeBron James out of the first round for the first time in his career. After that, Booker didn't slow down. He averaged 25.3 points per game to beat the Denver Nuggets in three straight games and move on to the Conference Finals.
The 24-year-old (turns 25 on October 30) had the best game of his young career in his first Conference Finals game. He went for a 40-point triple-double and helped the Suns win without floor general Chris Paul. When Phoenix finally made it to the NBA Finals, Booker showed why he should be Finals MVP by scoring 40 or more points in Games 4 and 5. However, Phoenix didn't win the title, so those hopes were crushed.
In Year 7, the young star guard will have to deal with higher expectations than ever before, but if his season is anything like that playoff run, he'll shine even brighter as the stakes get higher.
Mitchell could have been running for MVP last year, but the 25-year-old player didn't even make an All-NBA Team.
The Jazz star had another great year. He averaged 26.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while leading Utah to the best record in the NBA. He made 3.4 3-pointers and made 38.6 percent of them. He also tried 6.0 free throws per game, which is the most he's ever done.
Even though Mitchell missed the last month of the regular season and the first game of the playoffs (probably why he didn't make the All-NBA team), he was a monster when he returned for the playoffs. During the Jazz's run to the Western Conference Semifinals, he averaged 32.3 points and shot 43.5 percent from the 3-point range. In seven of his 10 playoff games, he scored 30 or more points.
Mitchell will be hungry for more this coming season after not making it to the Conference Finals.
Beal is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He came close to winning his first scoring title last season.
In 2019-20, Beal scored an average of 30.5 points per game, which was second in the league, behind only Harden (34.3). It looked like he would win the scoring title for 2020-21, but in the last two months of the season, Stephen Curry went full Human Torch and averaged 32.0 points per game, beating Bradley Beal's 31.3.
Even though Beal doesn't have a scoring title, it's hard to argue how easily he scores the rock. He has averaged more than 25.0 points per game for the past three seasons, shooting 47.1 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from 3, and 84.7 percent from the line.
Beal's work is even more impressive because Washington doesn't have many other good players.
LaVine keeps getting better every year, and in 2020-21, he was finally recognized for it when he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
LaVine proved he wasn't just a one-dimensional player and a bad scorer by averaging career-highs of 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and shooting.507/.419/.849 from the field.
The 26-year-old showed that he could be a secondary playmaker in addition to being a great scorer, and if everything goes as planned, we'll finally see that lead to wins in 2021-22. With the additions of Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Bulls have given LaVine the best teammates he's ever had. LaVine should have a great season and maybe even make the playoffs for the first time in his career now that he has more weapons to worry about.
McCollum was on his way to making the All-Star team for the first time in his career before he hurt his foot 13 games into the season.
Before McCollum got hurt for two months, he played in 12 games and averaged 27.6 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The 30-year-old came back from injury strong and finished the season with averages of 23.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. He was the Robin to Damian Lillard's Batman, helping the Trail Blazers get into the playoffs again.
McCollum is one of the best midrange shooters in the league, and he has a lethal floater that he uses to kill the weak spots in the defenses of other teams. Portland's hopes of winning the championship are getting harder and harder every year, so it will be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve as he starts a new season with a clean bill of health.
Thompson was by far the hardest to put on this list because he would be much higher than seventh if he were healthy. But after missing the last two full seasons because of injuries to his ACL and Achilles, what kind of player will the 31-year-old be?
Thompson's last season was 2018–19. He averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game and shot 40.2 percent from 3-point range. He made All-Star for the fifth year in a row, was named Second Team All-Defense, and helped lead the Warriors to the NBA Finals for the fifth year. He was still a good 3-point shooter and a lockdown defender, and Golden State will hope he gets back to playing like that.
Thompson should make his debut around Christmas, so he'll probably miss half the season.
Over the past few seasons, Rozier has gone from being a backup guard to a solid starter in the NBA. This is a great story of success.
When the Hornets gave Rozier a three-year deal worth $57 million in the summer of 2019, it raised a few eyebrows. He responded by doubling the number of points he scored per game from the previous season (9.0 PPG to 18.0 PPG) while shooting better than ever before in his career.
Last season, he increased his scoring average, shot even better, and became one of the best scorers in the league when it mattered most. Rozier averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the field, which was the best of his career.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson, James Harden, and Damian Lillard were the only players who scored more points and shot better than Rozier when it counted.
This offseason, Charlotte doubled its bet on Rozier by giving the 27-year-old a four-year, $97 million contract extension. He is, without a doubt, one of the top shooting guards in NBA.
Smart brings more to the court than what his averages show. Smart is one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA. He plays with a lot of heart and intensity that can't be measured by numbers alone. Even so, the Celtics captain set career highs with 13.1 points and 5.7 assists per game last season, coming into his own as a playmaker.
Smart didn't make an All-Defensive Team for the first time in three years in 2020-21. This is likely because he only played 48 games due to injuries or coronavirus health and safety rules. The scrappy guard will likely get back on one of the two All-Defensive Teams if he plays in more games in 2021-22.
He is ranked as the Best NBA shooting guard on this list, but don't be surprised if Smart starts the season as the starting point guard by new head coach Ime Udoka.
Even though Edwards didn't win Rookie of the Year in his first season, the former No. 1 overall pick will be great.
Once the 20-year-old got used to the NBA, he stepped things up. Eighteen games into the season, he became the Timberwolves' full-time starting shooting guard. He kept improving as the year progressed and showed how much he could do in the last few weeks of the season.
After the All-Star break, Edwards averaged 23.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 45.4 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range, which was a big improvement. He had the undeniable Dunk of the Year and started to be "the guy" for his team in the last few minutes of games.
Right now, he's 10th on this list, but Edwards is likely to keep moving up the ranks every year.
In 2019, Haliburton led the United States to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Heraklion, Greece. He was also named to the all-tournament team.
In 2021, he was sent back to the Pacers as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade between four teams. In 2022, LeVert was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the middle of the season.
At the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, he helped the U.S. win the gold medal. In the 2021 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons took him with the first pick overall.
In the 2021 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets picked Green with the second overall pick.
He was chosen for the All-Decade Team for the EuroLeague from 2010 to 2020.
Sexton's average of 24.3 points is the 25th best for a player who was 22 years old. We should also say that he averaged 4.4 assists, which helped him get to 11th place in the record books. Sexton can make up for his low effective field goal percentage and the fact that Cleveland was still worse when he was on the court if he has the right role.
Robinson is a great NBA success story. He went from being a free agent who wasn't picked to one of the best shooting guards NBA. He's already established himself as one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA and has earned a starting spot on an NBA Finals team. It will be interesting to see if he can keep shooting off the catch at an all-time rate.
Brooks is just one of those players you hate to face. He's a tough, physical defender who never stops working while he's on the court.
Evan Mehdi Fournier is a French professional basketball player who plays for the NBA's New York Knicks (NBA). From 2007 to 2009, he was a junior player at the French INSEP academy.
LeVert has a stress fracture in his back, which could change his position on this list, but when he's at full strength, there's no denying the 27-year-talent old's as a scorer and playmaker. If he hadn't been hurt, he could have been in the top 10.
With high hopes for Cunningham and Green in their first year, it was almost impossible to place the future stars. Killian Hayes is expected to play point guard, so Cunningham will play shooting guard. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft could easily make a case for being one of the best at his position right away if he plays up to his full potential. Green will be put in charge of the Rockets' offense right away. He will have the chance to put up crazy numbers to win him Rookie of the Year.
The next group comprises Bogdanovic, Sexton, Robinson, Brooks, Fournier, and Hardaway. All these players are certified starters who are good at what they do and bring something different to their teams. One could argue that you could switch the order of those six and still be right.
Ben Simmons's refusal to shoot from beyond five feet and, more recently, his refusal to play have forced Curry to take on more point guard duties.
But Curry is a shooting guard at heart. He has a deadly shot and an underrated ability to score in the pick and roll.
A player who didn't get picked in the draft went straight to the big leagues because of how well he played on offense. By his third season, he scored 17.2 points per game, which was his highest point total. He hasn't had a good year yet, but people still pay attention to him because it's rare for him to do this well so quickly.
Gary Dajaun Trent Jr. is an American pro basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Toronto Raptors (NBA). The college team he played for was the Duke Blue Devils.
Before the Philadelphia 76ers picked him with the first pick in the 2017 NBA draft, he played college basketball for the Washington Huskies.
The Milwaukee Bucks picked DiVencenzo with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He won his first championship with the Bucks in 2021, but he was traded to the Sacramento Kings the next year.
Terance Stanley Mann is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played basketball for the Florida State Seminoles when he was in college.
He has made more three-pointers than anyone else in Nuggets history. He did this in March 2022. In 2022, the Washington Wizards got him in a trade.
He is a best shooting guard in the NBA and a point guard, and the Brooklyn Nets picked him with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. However, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The San Antonio Spurs took White with the 29th pick in the 2017 NBA draft. In February 2022, he was traded to the Celtics, with whom he went to the NBA Finals.
Curry could move up this list if he has to make up for some of the point guard work that Ben Simmons is likely to miss. Dort has become one of the best defenders on the perimeter in the NBA, but he still has a long way to go to improve his offensive skills. After being traded to Toronto, Trent's role was all over the place due to injuries and, to be honest, tanking. It will be interesting to see what he can do as a likely full-time starter.
Fultz and DiVincenzo had injuries that ended their seasons, but they both showed a lot of promise in their last time on the court.
Mann and Alexander-Walker are two players to keep an eye on this year as they take on new team roles.
Each position plays a different role in the team, so if you wonder which is the best in a basketball game, see this guide: The Best Position For Basketball and Best Power Forwards in NBA 2021-2022 Season And All Time Ranking
Top accolades: Six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 14 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, and nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections.
NBA rank: 3rd in steals, 5th in points, 47th in assists, 123rd in blocks, 131st in rebounds.
Six of the eight people who voted on our Top 75 list put Michael Jordan at the top of their list. This isn't a unanimous choice, but it's close. Jordan also has the longest list of top-level accomplishments and the highest peak of all the GOAT candidates (as of now). Jordan was a crazy competitor, so he worked harder than any NBA player to get his body in top shape so he could destroy his opponents.
His face-ups, jab-steps, pull-ups, turnarounds, fadeaways, and everything else in the mid-range were the best. He was also a freak athlete who could finish through contact and over length. And then there was Jordan's ability to make big shots when it mattered most. He often made game-winning shots when the pressure was at its highest. Oh, and he was one of the best defenders.
Jordan was the face of the NBA for a long time, and it's still hard to believe that he's a star outside of basketball. Overall, our voters still think he's the best of all time.
Top accolades: Five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, 11 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 18 All-Star selections, and nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections.
NBA rank: Scored 4th in the NBA and had 16 steals, 31 assists, 108 rebounds, and 196 blocks.
Even though he didn't reach the same fame as other superstars, he had a career of amazing sustained excellence. This was due to his almost unmatched work ethic and dedication to his craft, which helped him become an amazing scorer from mid-range and close to the basket and a high-impact perimeter defender.
First, Kobe Bryant was Shaq's sidekick. Then, he became the main player for the Lakers and helped them win five titles. In two of those titles, he was named Finals MVP. Bryant had more All-NBA 1st Team picks at the end of his career than Jordan (wow), and he probably got more people interested in basketball than any player who wasn't named Michael (or Earvin).
Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one Most Valuable Player in the Finals, eight All-NBA selections, 13 All-Stars, and three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections.
NBA rank: 30th in the NBA for points and steals, 43rd for assists, and 128th for blocks.
Dwyane Wade never won a league MVP award, but in 2008-09 and 2009-10, he was very close. He was also a good passer and defender, especially in blocking shots, as he had the most blocks of any player 6-foot-4 or shorter. Wade also showed a lot of humility by waiting for LeBron to win titles while he went after his own.
Top accolades: One Most Valuable Player, seven All-NBA teams, and 11 All-Stars are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 14th in the NBA for steals, 25th for points, and 48th for assists.
Allen Iverson is a cultural icon and one of the best point guards of his time. He is also one of the most insanely fast athletes the sport has ever seen, especially for a player only 6 feet tall. Iverson's crossover was devastating (just ask Jordan), and his bombastic scoring style was exciting to watch when he was at his best.
Top accolades: One Most Valuable Player, six All-NBA 1st Team picks, nine All-Stars, and one-Sixth Man of the Year.
NBA rank: 32nd in the NBA for points scored, 41st for assists, and 62nd for steals.
James Harden is already in the Hall of Fame because he is so good at scoring and making plays. His crossover, step-back jumper, and strong shoulder-on drives to the basket make it impossible to stop him once he gets going. Harden has the chance to add a lot to his legacy over the next few years.
Top accolades: One NBA title, five All-NBA picks, and 10 All-Star
NBA rank: 8th in steals, 33rd in scoring, 34th in assists, 130th in rebounds, and 172nd in blocks
Clyde Drexler was a great scorer, rebounder, and playmaker for his position. He also defended well with his athleticism.
Top accolades: Five players made the All-NBA 1st Team, and nine were named All-Stars.
NBA rank: Scored 42 points, blocked 184 shots and stole 203.
George Gervin was a smooth scorer on the wing who could fill it up with the best of them, even though he didn't have much of a three-point shot. People remember him most for his beautiful finger-roll layup, which is still one of the best moves ever used by a player.
Top accolades: Three players made the All-NBA 3rd Team, and five were All-Stars.
NBA rank: 21st in the NBA for points, 48th for steals, and 113th for assists.
Reggie Miller is one of the best shooters of all time, and he has made the third most three-pointers in NBA history (2,560). He was also very good at making big shots when it mattered. His career highlight reel had several game-winning threes from high-pressure postseason games.
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, two All-NBA picks, and 10 All-Stars
NBA rank: 24th in the NBA for points, 53rd for steals, 94th for assists, and 237th for rebounds.
It's interesting to think about what Ray Allen's numbers might have been like if he had reached his peak 20 years later. His bombastic style of play, which consisted of shooting a lot of threes, would have fit in well with today's NBA. Still, Allen became one of the best shooters of his time and is now in the Hall of Fame. His shot in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals is arguably the biggest shot in NBA history.
Top accolades: Two were named to the All-NBA team, and eight were named All-Stars.
NBA rank: 19th in the NBA for points, 76th for assists, and 138th for boards.
Vince Carter was one of the best dunkers in the history of the NBA, but he was also a good player for 22 years, which not many people would have thought possible given how much he relied on his athleticism during his prime.
Top accolades: Seven All-NBA picks, seven All-Stars, and one Most Improved Player award.
NBA rank: 72nd for points, 111th for assists, 147th for blocks, and 235th for rebounds.
Tracy McGrady's place on this list could have been very different if he had done better in the playoffs (he never got out of the first round when he was at his best) or had he played longer. But at his best, McGrady was one of basketball's fastest, most productive, do-it-all wings. If he had played in the NBA today, he would have dominated.
Top accolades: One NBA championship, seven All-NBA 2nd Team picks, and 10 All-Stars.
NBA rank: 37th in the NBA for points, 86th for assists, and 206th for boards.
Hal Greer was one of the best and most underrated guards of the 1960s. During that decade, he was an All-Star 10 times and an All-NBA 2nd Teamer 7 times. Along with Wilt Chamberlain, he helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a championship in 1966–1967.
Top accolades: One NBA title, one spot on the All-NBA 1st Team, and four All-Stars.
NBA rank: 88th in the NBA for points scored and 153rd for assists.
Earl Monroe was a very good scorer, especially when he drove, slashed to the basket, and made circus shots his specialty. Allen Iverson was like The Pearl because he was a great player who could quickly handle the ball.
Top accolades: three NBA titles, two spots on the All-NBA 3rd Team, five All-Stars, and one spot on the All-Defensive 2nd Team.
NBA rank: 263rd in the NBA for points scored.
His all-time stats may have been the main reason he didn't make the final NBA75 list, but it's important to remember that Klay Thompson missed two full seasons in the middle of his prime because of injuries. Even so, he has made five All-Star teams and won three championships while already ranking in the Top 20 all-time in three-pointers. If Thompson can come back and eventually get back to his best form, he will move up in the list of all-time greats.
Top accolades: 10 NBA titles, three spots on the All-NBA 2nd Team, and five All-Star nods.
NBA rank: 132nd in scoring
Sam Jones was the Celtics' go-to scorer during their dynasty in the 1960s. He was also a clutch player who always came through in the playoffs. Jones also had a very accurate jump shot, which was rare even for guards in his time.
Top accolades: Four NBA titles, two times on the All-NBA 3rd Team, two times as an All-Star, and once as the Sixth Man of the Year.
NBA rank: 59th in the NBA for steals, 119th for assists, and 173rd for points.
Manu Ginobili was a confident and energetic scorer who could score in several ways, such as by slashing to the basket, finishing over big guys, and hitting step-back threes in the faces of his opponents. In his prime, the left-handed Argentine was a natural leader on the court and was very quick. He also helped make the Euro step a common move in the NBA.
Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one Most Valuable Player award in the Finals, two All-NBA selections, five All-Stars, and six All-Defensive 1st Team selections are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 51st in the NBA for assists and 130th for points.
Dennis Johnson was among the best defensive guards of all time, so it was surprising that he wasn't on the NBA75 list. Johnson was also a great playmaker at the combo-guard position, so he could score. Johnson could have been a superstar, but he was selfless enough to be a role player on the 1980s Celtics team that won everything.
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one Finals MVP, three All-NBA picks, six All-Stars, and six All-Defensive picks are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 81st in the NBA for assists, 106th for points, and 229th for steals.
Joe Dumars was a key member of the Bad Boys Pistons dynasty that won back-to-back championships in the late 1980s. He was an elite defender who played in the backcourt. Dumars was a great "glue guy" on many top teams and could make jump shots off the dribble from mid-range at a high level. Another underrated playmaker.
Top accolades: Four NBA titles, four spots on the All-NBA 1st Team, and eight All-Star nods.
NBA rank: 228th in the NBA
Bill Sharman was one of the first NBA players who were good at shooting jump shots. In his prime, he could make jump shots from a long distance and was an important part of several great Celtics teams. He also had a high basketball IQ, which was shown by the fact that he was a successful head coach after he stopped playing.
Top accolades: One NBA title, one spot on the All-NBA 1st Team, and five All-Stars.
NBA rank: 58th in the NBA for points scored and 75th for assists.
Gail Goodrich was a great shooter for his time and could score many points at the basket when he was at his best. Goodrich also always came through for his team when they needed him to. The Hall of Famer was a great offensive player, but he didn't do much on defense.
Best Shooting Guards In NBA: Rankings 2021-22
1. James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
Harden was likely to get the ball more than anyone else in Brooklyn, with or without Kyrie Irving. Is he the guard who shoots? The one in charge? Does it depend on who moves into the starting lineup to replace Irving? Does any of that make a difference? When it comes down to it, Harden is one of the few players who have ever put on a pair of shoes and played basketball who are sure to score. Even though we can argue back and forth about his role and how he makes plays and blah blah blah, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Harden scores more points and more efficiently than any other guard in the league. Period. If Irving misses a long time while deciding whether or not to get vaccinated for COVID, we'll likely see a version of James Harden, who scored 30 or more points in 32 straight games for the Rockets. That was not only the second-longest streak of that kind in NBA history, but it was also twice as long as any other guard in NBA history. Now that he's in his 13th season and doesn't have to carry the team while playing next to Kevin Durant, Harden could have his best season yet, which isn't hard for a three-time scoring champion and former MVP.2. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Booker is at the top of this list because he had a great season that helped the Suns get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
During the regular season, the 24-year-old averaged 25.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, which helped Phoenix break a 10-year playoff drought. He took his game to a new level in his first playoff run.
Booker scored 30 or more points four times against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, including a 47-point, 11-rebound masterpiece to end the series and send LeBron James out of the first round for the first time in his career. After that, Booker didn't slow down. He averaged 25.3 points per game to beat the Denver Nuggets in three straight games and move on to the Conference Finals.
The 24-year-old (turns 25 on October 30) had the best game of his young career in his first Conference Finals game. He went for a 40-point triple-double and helped the Suns win without floor general Chris Paul. When Phoenix finally made it to the NBA Finals, Booker showed why he should be Finals MVP by scoring 40 or more points in Games 4 and 5. However, Phoenix didn't win the title, so those hopes were crushed.
In Year 7, the young star guard will have to deal with higher expectations than ever before, but if his season is anything like that playoff run, he'll shine even brighter as the stakes get higher.
3. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell could have been running for MVP last year, but the 25-year-old player didn't even make an All-NBA Team.
The Jazz star had another great year. He averaged 26.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while leading Utah to the best record in the NBA. He made 3.4 3-pointers and made 38.6 percent of them. He also tried 6.0 free throws per game, which is the most he's ever done.
Even though Mitchell missed the last month of the regular season and the first game of the playoffs (probably why he didn't make the All-NBA team), he was a monster when he returned for the playoffs. During the Jazz's run to the Western Conference Semifinals, he averaged 32.3 points and shot 43.5 percent from the 3-point range. In seven of his 10 playoff games, he scored 30 or more points.
Mitchell will be hungry for more this coming season after not making it to the Conference Finals.
4. Bradley Beal, for the Wizards in Washington
Beal is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He came close to winning his first scoring title last season.
In 2019-20, Beal scored an average of 30.5 points per game, which was second in the league, behind only Harden (34.3). It looked like he would win the scoring title for 2020-21, but in the last two months of the season, Stephen Curry went full Human Torch and averaged 32.0 points per game, beating Bradley Beal's 31.3.
Even though Beal doesn't have a scoring title, it's hard to argue how easily he scores the rock. He has averaged more than 25.0 points per game for the past three seasons, shooting 47.1 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from 3, and 84.7 percent from the line.
Beal's work is even more impressive because Washington doesn't have many other good players.
5. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine keeps getting better every year, and in 2020-21, he was finally recognized for it when he was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
LaVine proved he wasn't just a one-dimensional player and a bad scorer by averaging career-highs of 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and shooting.507/.419/.849 from the field.
The 26-year-old showed that he could be a secondary playmaker in addition to being a great scorer, and if everything goes as planned, we'll finally see that lead to wins in 2021-22. With the additions of Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Bulls have given LaVine the best teammates he's ever had. LaVine should have a great season and maybe even make the playoffs for the first time in his career now that he has more weapons to worry about.
6. C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
McCollum was on his way to making the All-Star team for the first time in his career before he hurt his foot 13 games into the season.
Before McCollum got hurt for two months, he played in 12 games and averaged 27.6 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The 30-year-old came back from injury strong and finished the season with averages of 23.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. He was the Robin to Damian Lillard's Batman, helping the Trail Blazers get into the playoffs again.
McCollum is one of the best midrange shooters in the league, and he has a lethal floater that he uses to kill the weak spots in the defenses of other teams. Portland's hopes of winning the championship are getting harder and harder every year, so it will be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve as he starts a new season with a clean bill of health.
7. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
Thompson was by far the hardest to put on this list because he would be much higher than seventh if he were healthy. But after missing the last two full seasons because of injuries to his ACL and Achilles, what kind of player will the 31-year-old be?
Thompson's last season was 2018–19. He averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game and shot 40.2 percent from 3-point range. He made All-Star for the fifth year in a row, was named Second Team All-Defense, and helped lead the Warriors to the NBA Finals for the fifth year. He was still a good 3-point shooter and a lockdown defender, and Golden State will hope he gets back to playing like that.
Thompson should make his debut around Christmas, so he'll probably miss half the season.
8. Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
Over the past few seasons, Rozier has gone from being a backup guard to a solid starter in the NBA. This is a great story of success.
When the Hornets gave Rozier a three-year deal worth $57 million in the summer of 2019, it raised a few eyebrows. He responded by doubling the number of points he scored per game from the previous season (9.0 PPG to 18.0 PPG) while shooting better than ever before in his career.
Last season, he increased his scoring average, shot even better, and became one of the best scorers in the league when it mattered most. Rozier averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 45.0 percent from the field, which was the best of his career.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson, James Harden, and Damian Lillard were the only players who scored more points and shot better than Rozier when it counted.
This offseason, Charlotte doubled its bet on Rozier by giving the 27-year-old a four-year, $97 million contract extension. He is, without a doubt, one of the top shooting guards in NBA.
9. Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Smart brings more to the court than what his averages show. Smart is one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA. He plays with a lot of heart and intensity that can't be measured by numbers alone. Even so, the Celtics captain set career highs with 13.1 points and 5.7 assists per game last season, coming into his own as a playmaker.
Smart didn't make an All-Defensive Team for the first time in three years in 2020-21. This is likely because he only played 48 games due to injuries or coronavirus health and safety rules. The scrappy guard will likely get back on one of the two All-Defensive Teams if he plays in more games in 2021-22.
He is ranked as the Best NBA shooting guard on this list, but don't be surprised if Smart starts the season as the starting point guard by new head coach Ime Udoka.
10. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Even though Edwards didn't win Rookie of the Year in his first season, the former No. 1 overall pick will be great.
Once the 20-year-old got used to the NBA, he stepped things up. Eighteen games into the season, he became the Timberwolves' full-time starting shooting guard. He kept improving as the year progressed and showed how much he could do in the last few weeks of the season.
After the All-Star break, Edwards averaged 23.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 45.4 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range, which was a big improvement. He had the undeniable Dunk of the Year and started to be "the guy" for his team in the last few minutes of games.
Right now, he's 10th on this list, but Edwards is likely to keep moving up the ranks every year.
11. Tyrese Haliburton, Sacramento Kings
In 2019, Haliburton led the United States to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Heraklion, Greece. He was also named to the all-tournament team.
12. Caris LeVert, Indiana Pacers
In 2021, he was sent back to the Pacers as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade between four teams. In 2022, LeVert was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the middle of the season.
13. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
At the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, he helped the U.S. win the gold medal. In the 2021 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons took him with the first pick overall.
14. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
In the 2021 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets picked Green with the second overall pick.
15. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks
He was chosen for the All-Decade Team for the EuroLeague from 2010 to 2020.
16. Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Sexton's average of 24.3 points is the 25th best for a player who was 22 years old. We should also say that he averaged 4.4 assists, which helped him get to 11th place in the record books. Sexton can make up for his low effective field goal percentage and the fact that Cleveland was still worse when he was on the court if he has the right role.
17. Duncan Robinson, Miami Heat
Robinson is a great NBA success story. He went from being a free agent who wasn't picked to one of the best shooting guards NBA. He's already established himself as one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA and has earned a starting spot on an NBA Finals team. It will be interesting to see if he can keep shooting off the catch at an all-time rate.
18. Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
Brooks is just one of those players you hate to face. He's a tough, physical defender who never stops working while he's on the court.
19. Evan Fournier, New York Knicks
Evan Mehdi Fournier is a French professional basketball player who plays for the NBA's New York Knicks (NBA). From 2007 to 2009, he was a junior player at the French INSEP academy.
20. Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks
LeVert has a stress fracture in his back, which could change his position on this list, but when he's at full strength, there's no denying the 27-year-talent old's as a scorer and playmaker. If he hadn't been hurt, he could have been in the top 10.
With high hopes for Cunningham and Green in their first year, it was almost impossible to place the future stars. Killian Hayes is expected to play point guard, so Cunningham will play shooting guard. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft could easily make a case for being one of the best at his position right away if he plays up to his full potential. Green will be put in charge of the Rockets' offense right away. He will have the chance to put up crazy numbers to win him Rookie of the Year.
The next group comprises Bogdanovic, Sexton, Robinson, Brooks, Fournier, and Hardaway. All these players are certified starters who are good at what they do and bring something different to their teams. One could argue that you could switch the order of those six and still be right.
21. Seth Curry, Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons's refusal to shoot from beyond five feet and, more recently, his refusal to play have forced Curry to take on more point guard duties.
But Curry is a shooting guard at heart. He has a deadly shot and an underrated ability to score in the pick and roll.
22. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder
A player who didn't get picked in the draft went straight to the big leagues because of how well he played on offense. By his third season, he scored 17.2 points per game, which was his highest point total. He hasn't had a good year yet, but people still pay attention to him because it's rare for him to do this well so quickly.
23. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
Gary Dajaun Trent Jr. is an American pro basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Toronto Raptors (NBA). The college team he played for was the Duke Blue Devils.
24. Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
Before the Philadelphia 76ers picked him with the first pick in the 2017 NBA draft, he played college basketball for the Washington Huskies.
25. Donte DiVincenzo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks picked DiVencenzo with the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He won his first championship with the Bucks in 2021, but he was traded to the Sacramento Kings the next year.
26. Terance Mann, LA Clippers
Terance Stanley Mann is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played basketball for the Florida State Seminoles when he was in college.
27. Will Barton, Denver Nuggets
He has made more three-pointers than anyone else in Nuggets history. He did this in March 2022. In 2022, the Washington Wizards got him in a trade.
28. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, New Orleans Pelicans
He is a best shooting guard in the NBA and a point guard, and the Brooklyn Nets picked him with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. However, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
29. Derrick White, San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs took White with the 29th pick in the 2017 NBA draft. In February 2022, he was traded to the Celtics, with whom he went to the NBA Finals.
30. Wayne Ellington, Los Angeles Lakers
Curry could move up this list if he has to make up for some of the point guard work that Ben Simmons is likely to miss. Dort has become one of the best defenders on the perimeter in the NBA, but he still has a long way to go to improve his offensive skills. After being traded to Toronto, Trent's role was all over the place due to injuries and, to be honest, tanking. It will be interesting to see what he can do as a likely full-time starter.
Fultz and DiVincenzo had injuries that ended their seasons, but they both showed a lot of promise in their last time on the court.
Mann and Alexander-Walker are two players to keep an eye on this year as they take on new team roles.
Each position plays a different role in the team, so if you wonder which is the best in a basketball game, see this guide: The Best Position For Basketball and Best Power Forwards in NBA 2021-2022 Season And All Time Ranking
20 Greatest Shooting Guards Ever
1. Michael Jordan
Top accolades: Six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 14 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, and nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections.
NBA rank: 3rd in steals, 5th in points, 47th in assists, 123rd in blocks, 131st in rebounds.
Six of the eight people who voted on our Top 75 list put Michael Jordan at the top of their list. This isn't a unanimous choice, but it's close. Jordan also has the longest list of top-level accomplishments and the highest peak of all the GOAT candidates (as of now). Jordan was a crazy competitor, so he worked harder than any NBA player to get his body in top shape so he could destroy his opponents.
His face-ups, jab-steps, pull-ups, turnarounds, fadeaways, and everything else in the mid-range were the best. He was also a freak athlete who could finish through contact and over length. And then there was Jordan's ability to make big shots when it mattered most. He often made game-winning shots when the pressure was at its highest. Oh, and he was one of the best defenders.
Jordan was the face of the NBA for a long time, and it's still hard to believe that he's a star outside of basketball. Overall, our voters still think he's the best of all time.
2. Kobe Bryant
Top accolades: Five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, 11 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 18 All-Star selections, and nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections.
NBA rank: Scored 4th in the NBA and had 16 steals, 31 assists, 108 rebounds, and 196 blocks.
Even though he didn't reach the same fame as other superstars, he had a career of amazing sustained excellence. This was due to his almost unmatched work ethic and dedication to his craft, which helped him become an amazing scorer from mid-range and close to the basket and a high-impact perimeter defender.
First, Kobe Bryant was Shaq's sidekick. Then, he became the main player for the Lakers and helped them win five titles. In two of those titles, he was named Finals MVP. Bryant had more All-NBA 1st Team picks at the end of his career than Jordan (wow), and he probably got more people interested in basketball than any player who wasn't named Michael (or Earvin).
3. Dwyane Wade
Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one Most Valuable Player in the Finals, eight All-NBA selections, 13 All-Stars, and three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections.
NBA rank: 30th in the NBA for points and steals, 43rd for assists, and 128th for blocks.
Dwyane Wade never won a league MVP award, but in 2008-09 and 2009-10, he was very close. He was also a good passer and defender, especially in blocking shots, as he had the most blocks of any player 6-foot-4 or shorter. Wade also showed a lot of humility by waiting for LeBron to win titles while he went after his own.
4. Allen Iverson
Top accolades: One Most Valuable Player, seven All-NBA teams, and 11 All-Stars are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 14th in the NBA for steals, 25th for points, and 48th for assists.
Allen Iverson is a cultural icon and one of the best point guards of his time. He is also one of the most insanely fast athletes the sport has ever seen, especially for a player only 6 feet tall. Iverson's crossover was devastating (just ask Jordan), and his bombastic scoring style was exciting to watch when he was at his best.
5. James Harden
Top accolades: One Most Valuable Player, six All-NBA 1st Team picks, nine All-Stars, and one-Sixth Man of the Year.
NBA rank: 32nd in the NBA for points scored, 41st for assists, and 62nd for steals.
James Harden is already in the Hall of Fame because he is so good at scoring and making plays. His crossover, step-back jumper, and strong shoulder-on drives to the basket make it impossible to stop him once he gets going. Harden has the chance to add a lot to his legacy over the next few years.
6. Clyde Drexler
Top accolades: One NBA title, five All-NBA picks, and 10 All-Star
NBA rank: 8th in steals, 33rd in scoring, 34th in assists, 130th in rebounds, and 172nd in blocks
Clyde Drexler was a great scorer, rebounder, and playmaker for his position. He also defended well with his athleticism.
7. George Gervin
Top accolades: Five players made the All-NBA 1st Team, and nine were named All-Stars.
NBA rank: Scored 42 points, blocked 184 shots and stole 203.
George Gervin was a smooth scorer on the wing who could fill it up with the best of them, even though he didn't have much of a three-point shot. People remember him most for his beautiful finger-roll layup, which is still one of the best moves ever used by a player.
8. Reggie Miller
Top accolades: Three players made the All-NBA 3rd Team, and five were All-Stars.
NBA rank: 21st in the NBA for points, 48th for steals, and 113th for assists.
Reggie Miller is one of the best shooters of all time, and he has made the third most three-pointers in NBA history (2,560). He was also very good at making big shots when it mattered. His career highlight reel had several game-winning threes from high-pressure postseason games.
9. Ray Allen
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, two All-NBA picks, and 10 All-Stars
NBA rank: 24th in the NBA for points, 53rd for steals, 94th for assists, and 237th for rebounds.
It's interesting to think about what Ray Allen's numbers might have been like if he had reached his peak 20 years later. His bombastic style of play, which consisted of shooting a lot of threes, would have fit in well with today's NBA. Still, Allen became one of the best shooters of his time and is now in the Hall of Fame. His shot in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals is arguably the biggest shot in NBA history.
10. Vince Carter
Top accolades: Two were named to the All-NBA team, and eight were named All-Stars.
NBA rank: 19th in the NBA for points, 76th for assists, and 138th for boards.
Vince Carter was one of the best dunkers in the history of the NBA, but he was also a good player for 22 years, which not many people would have thought possible given how much he relied on his athleticism during his prime.
11. Tracy McGrady
Top accolades: Seven All-NBA picks, seven All-Stars, and one Most Improved Player award.
NBA rank: 72nd for points, 111th for assists, 147th for blocks, and 235th for rebounds.
Tracy McGrady's place on this list could have been very different if he had done better in the playoffs (he never got out of the first round when he was at his best) or had he played longer. But at his best, McGrady was one of basketball's fastest, most productive, do-it-all wings. If he had played in the NBA today, he would have dominated.
12. Hal Greer
Top accolades: One NBA championship, seven All-NBA 2nd Team picks, and 10 All-Stars.
NBA rank: 37th in the NBA for points, 86th for assists, and 206th for boards.
Hal Greer was one of the best and most underrated guards of the 1960s. During that decade, he was an All-Star 10 times and an All-NBA 2nd Teamer 7 times. Along with Wilt Chamberlain, he helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a championship in 1966–1967.
13. Earl Monroe
Top accolades: One NBA title, one spot on the All-NBA 1st Team, and four All-Stars.
NBA rank: 88th in the NBA for points scored and 153rd for assists.
Earl Monroe was a very good scorer, especially when he drove, slashed to the basket, and made circus shots his specialty. Allen Iverson was like The Pearl because he was a great player who could quickly handle the ball.
14. Klay Thompson
Top accolades: three NBA titles, two spots on the All-NBA 3rd Team, five All-Stars, and one spot on the All-Defensive 2nd Team.
NBA rank: 263rd in the NBA for points scored.
His all-time stats may have been the main reason he didn't make the final NBA75 list, but it's important to remember that Klay Thompson missed two full seasons in the middle of his prime because of injuries. Even so, he has made five All-Star teams and won three championships while already ranking in the Top 20 all-time in three-pointers. If Thompson can come back and eventually get back to his best form, he will move up in the list of all-time greats.
16. Sam Jones
Top accolades: 10 NBA titles, three spots on the All-NBA 2nd Team, and five All-Star nods.
NBA rank: 132nd in scoring
Sam Jones was the Celtics' go-to scorer during their dynasty in the 1960s. He was also a clutch player who always came through in the playoffs. Jones also had a very accurate jump shot, which was rare even for guards in his time.
17. Manu Ginobili
Top accolades: Four NBA titles, two times on the All-NBA 3rd Team, two times as an All-Star, and once as the Sixth Man of the Year.
NBA rank: 59th in the NBA for steals, 119th for assists, and 173rd for points.
Manu Ginobili was a confident and energetic scorer who could score in several ways, such as by slashing to the basket, finishing over big guys, and hitting step-back threes in the faces of his opponents. In his prime, the left-handed Argentine was a natural leader on the court and was very quick. He also helped make the Euro step a common move in the NBA.
18. Dennis Johnson
Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one Most Valuable Player award in the Finals, two All-NBA selections, five All-Stars, and six All-Defensive 1st Team selections are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 51st in the NBA for assists and 130th for points.
Dennis Johnson was among the best defensive guards of all time, so it was surprising that he wasn't on the NBA75 list. Johnson was also a great playmaker at the combo-guard position, so he could score. Johnson could have been a superstar, but he was selfless enough to be a role player on the 1980s Celtics team that won everything.
19. Joe Dumars
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one Finals MVP, three All-NBA picks, six All-Stars, and six All-Defensive picks are among his best honors.
NBA rank: 81st in the NBA for assists, 106th for points, and 229th for steals.
Joe Dumars was a key member of the Bad Boys Pistons dynasty that won back-to-back championships in the late 1980s. He was an elite defender who played in the backcourt. Dumars was a great "glue guy" on many top teams and could make jump shots off the dribble from mid-range at a high level. Another underrated playmaker.
19. Bill Sharman
Top accolades: Four NBA titles, four spots on the All-NBA 1st Team, and eight All-Star nods.
NBA rank: 228th in the NBA
Bill Sharman was one of the first NBA players who were good at shooting jump shots. In his prime, he could make jump shots from a long distance and was an important part of several great Celtics teams. He also had a high basketball IQ, which was shown by the fact that he was a successful head coach after he stopped playing.
20. Gail Goodrich
Top accolades: One NBA title, one spot on the All-NBA 1st Team, and five All-Stars.
NBA rank: 58th in the NBA for points scored and 75th for assists.
Gail Goodrich was a great shooter for his time and could score many points at the basket when he was at his best. Goodrich also always came through for his team when they needed him to. The Hall of Famer was a great offensive player, but he didn't do much on defense.