This is the first time in years James Harden will not be ranked at the top of my NBA shooting guards rankings for the sole purpose that he is now officially listed as a point guard. NBA fans are also looking forward to the possibility of Klay Thompson finally returning to the Warriors’ starting lineup. The shooting guard position arguably features the most talent among all other positions in the NBA. Figuring out where Klay would fall on this may be difficult come next summer. Despite currently not having Thompson or Harden, there are still many other elite talents to rank.
Here are the top 10 shooting guards for the 2021-2022 NBA season.
10. Bogdan Bogdanović- Atlanta Hawks
Bogdan Bogdanović is arguably the most underrated player in the NBA today. Having played in Sacramento and in the shadow of Trae Young’s brilliance, NBA fans haven’t paid enough attention to how spectacular of a player Bogdanović truly is. He is a hybrid guard capable of scoring in many ways, a leader, and can handle the largest of moments. Yes, fit is a big part of the equation. We can easily argue that many teams would rather have Duncan Robinson or Fred VanVleet. However, its important to recognize Bogdanović’s often overlooked brilliance.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- Oklahoma City Thunder
The only thing holding back Gilgeous-Alexander has been the Thunder’s pursuit of high draft picks. Gilgeous-Alexander, in limited moments, has already proven to have tremendous talent at either guard position. I’m curious to see how high he can climb on the top 10 shooting guards list if the Thunder decide to compete this season.
8. CJ McCollum- Portland Trail Blazers
I often wonder how McCollum would perform as a point guard on other teams in the NBA. At 6’3, he is undersized at the shooting guard position. His defensive weaknesses, alongside Dame Lillard’s, hinder the Trail Blazers’ ability to defend. In addition to that, the my turn your turn offense that they run limits ball movement.
Despite all that, CJ McCollum equips great handles and phenomenal scoring potential. There are several other guards ranked lower than him that many teams would rather have. However, his individual talent has earned him a spot on the top 10 shooting guard list for several years in a row.
7. Jaylen Brown- Boston Celtics
Similar to the Bogdanović/Young dynamic, Jaylen Brown is often overshadowed by Jayson Tatum’s brilliance. Tatum’s flashy skillset shouldn’t distract you from how talented Brown really is. Brown is a tactical scorer with very limits to his offensive game. In addition to that, he is also one of the best two way players in the NBA.
Should the Celtics choose to move the basketball this season under Udoka, we should see Brown’s efforts be rewarded this season.
6. Khris Middleton- Milwaukee Bucks
Did you know Khris Middleton’s full name was James Khristian Middleton? Batman is one of the most deceptive scorers in the NBA. He doesn’t look like the type of guy who is capable of filling up a highlight reel. However, he proved that to be false during his playoff run with the Bucks. They would not be NBA champions without his scoring.
Plus, he looks like the GOAT every time he plays vs the Boston Celtics.
5. Donovan Mitchell- Utah Jazz
At 6’1, Donovan Mitchell is a quite a bit undersized at the shooting guard position. However, he makes up for that with his wingspan, athleticism, and grit. Mitchell is an electrifying scorer who has been asked to shoot a high clip ever since his rookie season with the Utah Jazz.
I believe the demand, alongside the Jazz’s mediocre ball movement, has caused Mitchell to shoot a career 43.9 FG%. Mitchell is a very capable scorer, but he is the least efficient scorer among the top 5 shooting guards in the NBA.
4. Kyrie Irving- Brooklyn Nets
Irving being listed at shooting guard messes up my entire list. I still think of him as a point guard. When available, he is one of the most lethal and fun to watch guards in the NBA. He has all time great handles and finishing ability. He can shoot from anywhere. Offensively, Irving can score with the best of them. Playing alongside Durant and Harden has only made his life easier.
If healthy, and available, Irving and the Nets are almost impossible to beat.
3. Devin Booker- Phoenix Suns
As talented as Devin Booker has proven to be, I believe the best of him is ahead of him. Booker turns 25 this season, which is still a couple years away from the point which most players enter their prime. Playing alongside Chris Paul has helped him evolved into an efficient scorer, better defender, and ultimately a winner.
In order to make his claim as the best shooting guard in the NBA, Booker will need to continue to improve on everything he has done so far, and perhaps work on handling double teams.
2. Bradley Beal- Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal is one of the best scorers in the NBA. There is no stopping Beal when he wants to get going. The only thing holding him back is the Washington Wizards organization’s inability to surround him with an abundance of talent. I also question his mental toughness. I felt like he started the season wanting to give up. Russell Westbrook had to put the Wizards on his back and carry them into the playoffs. I’m hoping that Westbrook’s mindset was contagious.
If Beal could replicate that relentless approach to the game, alongside the Wizards’ updated roster, the Wizards may take a step forward this season.
I don’t have any questions related to Beal’s offensive game. I have many questions related to his commitment to the Wizards and winning this season.
1. Paul George- Los Angeles Clippers
Paul George proved to his last season that he is still capable of carrying a team. George, currently listed as a shooting guard, is one of the best two way players in the NBA. Listed at 6’8″ with guard skills and elite scoring ability, George is a threat against any team in the NBA. With Leonard being absent this season, George is a potential MVP sleeper.
If the Clippers are going to remain relevant, George is going to need to carry them all year the way he carried them in the playoffs.
Honorable mentions.
Fred VanVleet and Duncan Robinson are the first that come to mind. Duncan Robinson’s basketball career is something made for a movie. His resiliency has taken him from a D-2 basketball player to a $90-million player. He may not be as dynamic as someone like Fred VanVleet, but plays his specific role as well as anyone else in the NBA. All thirty teams would take Robinson in their starting lineup today. The same cannot be said for the undersized VanVleet.
Do you think VanVleet or Robinson belonged on the top 10? Tweet me @TPRx11!