With the 2020 NBA season just ending and the 2021 NBA season on the horizon, many of us know there are many star players and shooting guards in the NBA. But on this list, only the 10 best shooting guards will make the cut. Who will they be and why?
10. Zach Lavine
The swifty shooting guard out of UCLA averaged 25ppg, 4apg, and 4rpg this past season, but Bulls coach Jim Boylen hindered a possible breakout season for Lavine. Boylen benched Lavine numerous times and sometimes even had him off the floor in critical situations down the stretch. It’s also interesting to note that even though Lavine played three less games this past season than the previous one, he attempted over 140 more three-pointers. Is Zach Lavine trying to change his game for the better? Either way, with Lavine’s impressive play so far at the NBA level he deserves to make the list.
9. CJ McCollum
After signing a 100 million dollar contract and after how promising last season looked, you would have expected him to be higher on this list. Don’t get me wrong, his scoring numbers were still good, but his efficiency and inconsistency wasn’t good enough to get the Blazers higher than the 8th seed. Mccollum had Damian Lillard carry the load this season but can still hit incredibly tough shots.
8. Jrue Holiday
The veteran shooting guard is known as a fantastic player and teammate (he just recently won teammate of the year) with averages just under 20ppg, 5rpg, and 7apg. Though Holiday is getting older, he looked good as new this past season. Oh, and don’t forget about the best part of his game, his defense. Jrue Holiday is arguably the best guard defender in all of basketball. Look for Jrue to continue his very strong play.
7. Jaylen Brown
The tall athletic shooting guard averaged just over 20ppg, 4rpg, and 4apg during the regular season. Brown had very similar stats to those during the playoffs. Putting up those solid stats, Brown was able to help lead his team to the Eastern Conference Finals alongside Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker. Even though Brown is young and not the first option, he hit many clutch shots throughout the regular season and playoffs. Expect Brown to have an even bigger year coming up.
6. Donovan Mitchell
The athletic shooting guard out of Louisville averaged 24 ppg, 4 rpg, and 4apg during the regular season but it was the playoffs where he really started to shine. Though the Jazz blew a 3-1 against the Denver Nuggets, you can’t fault Mitchell as he left it all out on the court and had two 50 point games in the series. We also can’t forget all of the explosive plays and highlight dunks Mitchell had during that series.
5. Devin Booker
Similar to Bradley Beal, Booker is one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA due to his team. However, we cannot look past Booker who averaged 26ppg, 4rpg, and 6apg this past season. The 1-time All-star has carried his team for years but don’t be surprised if he demands another star to be on his team or to be traded. Booker is one of the most clutch players in the NBA and has incredible shot-making skills.
4. Paul George
Yes, we all know that Paul George didn’t have his best stuff in the playoffs. However, he averaged 21ppg, 5.7rpg, and 4.9apg during the regular season. George was also injured for a decent portion of the season and is on a Clippers team that is loaded with talent. George is known for hitting tough high-arching three pointers and for his flashy dunks back. I’m sure Paul George is looking for a huge bounce back season next year.
3. Klay Thompson
I could sit here and go through Klay Thompson’s averages but instead all I need to tell you is that he is a 3 time NBA champion. He also holds the record for most points scored in a quarter with 39. There is no doubt he is one of the best three point shooters ever and despite being the second option on his team and being hurt all of last season, Thompson is still up at the top.
2. Bradley Beal
It’s hard to believe Beal didn’t get selected to the all-star team this past season in the not so stacked Eastern Conference. With averages of over 30ppg, 4rpg, and 6apg Bradley Beal could very well be the most underappreciated and underrated player currently in the NBA. Many say his underappreciation is due to the team he plays for and how poor they have been over the last five or so years. Either way, Beal has incredible playmaking ability and skill set allows more opportunities to be created for himself and his teammates.
1. James Harden
Harden, who averaged over 34 points per game(ppg), 6 assists per game(apg), and 7 rebounds per game(rpg), this past season tops out the list. Harden had similar stats during the playoffs and led his team to the second round of the playoffs who eventually lost to the future finals champions. Harden is known for his unbelievable handles and stepback shots from way behind the three point line.
Honorable Mentions:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Victor Oladipo
