The Golden State Warriors and NBA fans are going to miss Klay Thompson. However, there is still an abundance of talent in the top 30 shooting guards list this NBA season.
Here are the top 30 shooting guards in the NBA this season.
30. Derrick White- San Antonio Spurs
NBA fans expected more out of White after his playoff success a few seasons back. For whatever reason, he and the San Antonio Spurs have taken a step back last season. Whether or not White can climb up this list depends on what the Spurs’ winning intentions are this season.
29. Duncan Robinson- Miami Heat
Ranking him this low on my top shooting guard list made little sense to me, considering I’d rather have him over many guys on this list. What Robinson does as a spot up shooter in the NBA is impressive.
However, a lot of what he does well is amplified by the Miami Heat’s selfless offense. The reality is, Robinson isn’t the best defender or shot creator.
Despite his weaknesses, Robinson is a player that every single team in the association should want.
28. Danny Green- Philadelphia 76ers
If Ben Simmons was a Lakers point guard, Lakers fans would have bullied him into either becoming Ray Allen, or fleeing. Luckily for Green, 76ers fans are less toxic than Lakers fans.
Under less pressure, in an offense that literally needs him, I expect the 3 & D championship guard to have a successful season.
27. R.J. Barrett- New York Knicks
Barrett is a shooting guard with potential to swiftly climb up this list. With a new head coach and management in New York, I expect the Knicks to finally turn the ship in the right direction.
26. Lou Williams- Los Angeles Clippers
He really knows where the best wings are.
25. Eric Bledsoe- New Orleans Pelicans
This role player brings toughness and scoring in the regular season. Not built for the playoffs though.
24. Gary Harris- Denver Nuggets
Harris has sunk far past my top 10 shooting guards list from last season. He still has the two way talent to be a top shooting guard in the NBA. However, he fell off when Denver needed him most last season.
It has yet to be seen if his dip in performance is a product of his health, ability, or emergence of numerous young stars on the Denver Nuggets.
As a fan of what the Denver Nuggets are doing, I hope Harris returns to form this season. However, I am not very optimistic about it.
23. Seth Curry- Philadelphia 76ers
Seth Curry has emerged as a reliable shooter with the Dallas Mavericks. The 76ers are a team that are desperate for shooters like Curry. If there was one place Curry was built to flourish, it’s Philadelphia.
Doc Rivers offenses typically bring out the most out of shooters, especially ones like Curry who can create their own shot. I’m excited to see what this 76ers team can do this season.
22. Devonte’ Graham- Charlotte Hornets
Graham had himself an exciting break out season with the Hornets last season. The Hornets have added a couple of scoring ball handlers. How he fits in with them is going to be an interesting assignment for head coach James Borrego.
Graham is another player that has the potential to climb up this list.
21. Evan “Don’t Google” Fournier- Orlando Magic
Fournier averaged 18.5 PTS on the Orlando Magic last season, proving to be a very capable guard in the NBA. Unfortunately for Fournier, the Magic remain irrelevant, despite having a lot of young talent.
If Fournier is going to climb up this list, the Magic are going to need to collectively be better.
Here are the top 20 shooting guards in the NBA.
20. Jordan Clarkson- Utah Jazz
Clarkson found himself a home in Utah. Clarkson adds much needed scoring to a Jazz team that can struggle to create shots at time. When healthy, this Jazz team has serious contending potential. I am excited to see what they can put together this season.
19. Eric Gordon- Houston Rockets
In a very small lineup, Gordon has often been forced to move over to the small forward position. He also often assumes the shooting guard position when Harden moves down to the point guard.
Gordon is a talented shooter that compliments any guard well. Whether he is in your starting line up or coming off the bench, Gordon is a very reliable guard that would fit in any franchise.
18. Kelly Oubre Jr. – Golden State Warriors
Oubre Jr. has improved his averages year after year, going all the way from averaging 3.7 PTS his rookie season, to 18.7 PTS last season with the Phoenix Suns.
Oubre Jr. is not Klay Thompson, but he alongside Wiggins, should help make up for some of the scoring that needs to be had in the absence of Thompson.
Oubre Jr. also claims to be one of the last few players in the league willing to play defense. Warriors fans better hope he is being truthful because somebody has to guard Steph Curry’s matchups.
17. Tyler Herro- Miami Heat
If there was ever a player in a position to take a second year leap, it’s Tyler Herro. Herro showed NBA fans around the world just how deep his offensive arsenal is during the Miami Heat’s playoffs run last season.
I originally second guessed how high I ranked Herro, thinking placing him behind Clarkson was a safer bet. However, if he continues to be focused and can manage to build off last season, I don’t see why Herro can’t justify this high of a ranking.
If only Herro could play my Boston Celtics 82 games a year, he’d be at the top of anyone’s top 30 shooting guards list.
16. Tim Hardaway Jr. – Dallas Mavericks
Friendly reminder that the New York Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. for Dennis Smith Jr.
15. Buddy Hield- Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings chose to over pay Hield, which ultimately made it harder for them to justify resigning Bogdan Bogdanović.
Hield repaid them by averaging less points, and shooting less efficiently last season. Kings fans are hoping that Hield can take the next step in his career, playing alongside a healthy Fox.
I still don’t understand how anyone can say he should be ranked higher than Jaylen Brown on the top 30 shooting guards list though.
14. Dillon Brooks- Memphis Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks emerged as a two way player last season for the Memphis Grizzlies. He almost doubled his scoring average from the prior season, while also increasing almost all of his averages.
Brooks is a tough two way player with a lot to like about. I hope that he continues to develop as successful young players usually do.
As this young Grizzlies team gets healthier, look for them to make another run at a playoff spot in the western conference.
13. Bogdan Bogdanović- Atlanta Hawks
Despite being criminally misused in Sacramento, Bogdan Bogdanović still managed to average 15.1 PTS, 3.4 REB, and 3.4 AST. Bogdanović is a player capable of playing any of the guard positions, as well as the small forward position.
He is a very gifted wing who is an international superstar on the FIBA stage. If used properly, I believe Bogdanović can really show that he is one of the top guards in the NBA.
He should have more opportunities to run successful pick & rolls in Atlanta. Playing alongside a perfect combination of young talent and veterans, look out for Bogdanović this season. If the Hawks are going to be a threat in the eastern conference, Bogdanović is going to be a big piece of that puzzle.
12. Zach LaVine- Chicago Bulls
LaVine is an insanely talented young shooting guard who averaged 25.5 PTS last season. He is also one of the most fun players to watch. The reason he is dipping on most lists, including my top 30 shooting guards list, is the fact that he is associated with losing.
Zach LaVine has been on notoriously bad teams ever since he entered the NBA. His 25.5 PTS average are the most meaningless points in the NBA, to many.
If we are going to put respect on LaVine’s name, the Bulls are going to need to start winning games. No, the entire blame is not on LaVine. However, it’s time to win.
11. Caris LeVert- Brooklyn Nets
LeVert is another incredibly talented wing player who has continued to improve year after year. In his fourth season with the Brooklyn Nets, LeVert averaged 18.7 PTS, 4.2 REB, and 4.4 AST.
As many of you know, I am down on the Brooklyn Nets. If they are going to prove me wrong, LeVert is going to be a big reason why.
The only thing capable of holding LeVert back is his health, and Kyrie Irving.
The top ten.
10. Fred VanVleet- Toronto Raptors
Bet on yourself, and you might just break into the top tier of many people’s top 30 shooting guards lists.
VanVleet is a combo guard, currently listed at shooting guard as he plays alongside veteran point guard Kyle Lowry. VanVleet handles the duties of both positions.
In his fourth season, VanVleet averaged 17.6 PTS, 3.8 REB, 6.6 AST, and 1.9 STL.
LeVert is knocking on VanVleet’s door, but VanVleet gets the top 10 nod for now.
9. Victor Oladipo- Indiana Pacers
It should take me less than three games to figure out whether Oladipo will climb, or vastly fall on my top 30 shooting guards list.
Oladpio was on fire in 2017, averaging 23.1 PTS, 5.2 REB, 4.3 AST, and 2.4 STL. Unfortunately for Oladipo, he suffered a gruesome injury the following season.
Oladipo’s production simply relies on the state of his health. Whether or not he can return to form has yet to be seen.
8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the exciting young guards in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander can play and defend both guard positions.
Playing alongside Chris Paul last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 19.0 PTS, 5.9 REB, and 3.3 AST. For Gilgeous-Alexander to remain at the top of my top 30 shooting guards list, he is going to need to prove that he can have similar production, without playing alongside Chris Paul.
7. Jaylen Brown- Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. While Jayson Tatum gets most of the praise, Brown has been the one doing most of the dirty work, alongside Marcus Smart, for the Boston Celtics.
Last season, the two way guard averaged 20.3 PTS, 6.4 REB, 2.2 AST, and 1.1 STl, on 48.1 FG%.
Brown is an efficient young guard who is better than Buddy Hield (inside argument via persources IG).
6. C.J. McCollum- Portland Trail Blazers
C.J. McCollum is a combo guard who plays alongside Damien Lillard for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is an undersized guard capable of getting buckets on the best of defenders.
Whether the Trail Blazers need him to play point guard or shooting guard, McCollum can and will deliver. His handles are also very, very underrated.
5. Donovan Mitchell- Utah Jazz
When the lights are brightest, Mitchell shines. Utah Jazz fans were blessed the day they drafted this high flying, three point shooting, mesmerizing talent.
Mitchell’s joy and excitement while playing the game of basketball makes it easy to be a fan of his. He is an extremely talented young guard who continues to improve year after year in the NBA.
Entering year four in the NBA, Mitchell has the potential to make a run for the MVP award.
4. Bradley Beal- Washington Wizards
The best kept secret in the NBA right now is that the Wizards could be a top four team in the eastern conference this season. Bradley Beal can get buckets, on anyone, anytime.
Paul George had his best season playing alongside Russell Westbrook. Should Beal experience something similar, Beal could move up to the second spot on this list.
3. Devin Booker- Phoenix Suns
As long as Devin Booker isn’t facing a double team, he can get buckets on anyone, anywhere, anytime. Booker averaged 26.6 PTS, 4.2 REB, and 6.5 AST last season, proving that he is one of the most talented young guards in the NBA.
Playing alongside Chris Paul, not only should Booker’s averages go up, the Phoenix Suns should finally start winning. If the Suns are winning and Booker is on a roll, this is another guard in play for an MVP caliber season.
2. Paul George- Los Angeles Clippers
Relax Paul George haters, he is still elite. Although I view Paul George as a small forward, he has always viewed himself as a shooting guard. He finally got his wish to switch back to the shooting guard position, playing alongside Kawhi Leonard.
George remains one of the best defenders in the NBA, while also being one of the best offensive players.
I believe that George’s biggest issue is social media. Nobody in the NBA is cyber bullied more than Paul George. It clearly gets to him, as he blocked persources IG for posting a Gatorade joke.
Nonetheless, he still makes any team he goes to better. If he is considered a shooting guard, he deserves to be near the top of my top 30 shooting guards list.
1.James Harden- Houston Rockets
No player in the NBA knows how to have as much fun as Harden does, then hang a thirty point triple double the next day. Harden is not just the best isolation offensive player in the NBA today, he is arguably the best in NBA history.
Harden can score on your best defender in so many ways, it hurts. If you choose to send multiple defenders at him, he will punish you with immediately with the perfect assist.
He is also the only man in the NBA capable of shutting down the best offensive player in the NBA (himself), he proves it every year in the playoffs.
Honorable mentions.
I wanted to mention Brynn Forbes and Kevin Huerter, but I feel like Klay Thompson needs to be mentioned in numerous paragraphs. Before the ACL tear, Klay Thompson was arguably the best shooting guard in the NBA.
Not only is Thompson the perfect fit for any franchise from an offensive stand point, he was also one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Thompson was elite and efficient.
I hope he comes back healthy and better than ever.
Didn’t find your favorite shooting guard? Chances are, they can be found on my top 30 small forwards list.
Care to debate my top 30 shooting guards list? Tweet me @TPRx11