The shooting guard position is historically one of the most difficult positions to evaluate because of the nature of how the position is evolving. Some teams elect to utilize their shooting guard as their primary ball handler. Others want their SG running around screens, looking for open shots. I’m probably going to have to redo this list once the Boston Celtics, and other franchises, finalize their depth charts as well. The top shooting guard was difficult to rank, in particular, not due to skill, but due to team dynamics and chemistry issues which impact a few of these top players. As of right now, here are the top 10 SG’s for next season.
- James Harden- Houston Rockets
Harden was last season’s MVP for a reason. He is asked to do a lot in an evolving and complex Mike D’Antoni offense. Harden has also recommitted, a little bit at least, to the defensive end. ‘The Beard’ may also be the most gifted isolation offensive player I have ever seen in my entire life. This selection was pretty straightforward. - Klay Thompson- Golden State Warriors
Thompson is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Fans often rank him much lower than he deserves to be, because of the team that he is on. He may not be flashy, but he is often the X-Factor in many Warriors victories which they had no business winning. When needed, Thompson can score in bulk with minimal effort. He also guards most of Steph Curry’s matchups which is not easy to do. Klay is a low maintenance, efficient, all-time great shooting guard. He might also have the best looking jump shot in the entire NBA. - Bradley Beal- Washington Wizards
This was a very hard selection for me to make. In my opinion, it was either this high, or much lower for Beal; No in between. Bradley Beal can score with the best of them, is a beloved teammate, and puts in effort at the defensive end of the floor. His ability to stop on the dime and pull up in any defender’s face is remarkable. That being said, I’m hoping chemistry issues with John Wall improve next season. #NobodyEats #EverybodyEats - Devin Booker- Phoenix Suns
I almost ever talk about Devin Booker on our Instagram page, PerSources. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been watching Booker. Although he did not make my top 10 shooting guard list last season, I do believe that Booker will take the necessary step forward this season. He has always had the talent, I was just waiting for the Suns to decide that they’re in the business of winning basketball game. Booker has had the time to develop his game, mature into his body, and learn the NBA game. Is it too soon to put him above established guys like McCollum, DeRozan, and Holiday? Perhaps. I’m still going with my gut on this one. - DeMar DeRozan- San Antonio Spurs
The difficult part about evaluating how DeRozan will perform next season is the obvious fact that he was traded to a new team. The San Antonio Spurs will expect a lot out of DeRozan, but they’ll also give him the appropriate amount of rest. I really hope he puts in the time on the developing his ability to shoot the 3-ball. Popovich is expected to get the most out of DeRozan by the playoffs; That doesn’t mean he will rely on DeRozan to put up the numbers of the past during the regular season. - C.J. McCollum- Portland Trailblazers
McCollum is an undersized combo-guard with defensive weaknesses. However, when his jump shot is on, he is one of the hardest threats to deal with in the NBA. His offensive talent more than makes-up for what he lacks in size and strength. I know Jrue Holiday and the Pelicans gave him problems in the playoffs. However, night-in & night-out, I’m taking McCollum’s offensive arsenal for this slot. - Victor Oladipo- Indiana Pacers
Everybody likes a quality underdog story and Oladipo is just that. After being traded to the Indiana Pacers, Oladipo has finally found himself with an opportunity to show off what he can really do. Within hours of losing to LeBron and the Cavaliers, he was planning his next workout with David Alexander. What Oladipo lacks in pure offensive skill, he makes up with athleticism and effort. Oladipo is a hard working on both ends of the floor and I hope his development continues next season. - Jrue Holiday- New Orleans Pelicans
Holiday is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and proved that during last year’s playoff series vs Portland. However, with the departure of Rajon Rondo, much more will be expected of Holiday. On one side, he will have a lot of added pressure on him. On the other side, he will have a lot more opportunity to score as New Orleans’ primary ball handler. My only hesitation with this selection is evaluating how much the absence of Rondo will hurt Holiday’s production. - Khris Middleton- Milwaukee Bucks
While Brogdon is technically listed as the projected SG for Milwaukee, the Bucks are not fooling me. They have predominately played Middleton and Antetokounmpo at the wing positions. I may have to shift this selection around based on where Mike Budenholzer plays him though. That being said, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Middleton miss a jump shot from the high post. Even when the Bucks struggled in half court offense, Middleton was able to get his own buckets. I expect that to only get easier under Mike Budenholzer’s leadership. - Donovan Mitchell- Utah Jazz
Mitchell cracked my top 10 list for now, but may be shifted out as depth charts solidify around the league. I’m sure highlight watchers will argue this point. In all honesty, there is a real argument to be made that Mitchell could you could swap Booker and Mitchell in these two slots. Quinn Snyder’s system does force feed Mitchell the basketball, which gives him the opportunity to score the basketball at will. That being said, there will be an emphasis on guarding Mitchell next season. With an extra season of tape on the kid, I fully expect NBA defenses to adjust accordingly. Sometimes you have to take a step backwards before you take a step forward. I would not be surprised if Mitchell had a decent regular season, and a monster playoff run. If we’re being completely transparent, this kid is special and I do see it. If he keeps his head on right, I can even see an MVP run as soon as this season. With that being said, I don’t want to get ahead of myself just yet.
Guys like D’Angelo Russell, Gary Harris, Andrew Wiggins, and whoever plays shooting guard for the Boston Celtics all have a case to make to be on this list. I fully expect this list to shift as I have a better understanding of how team systems will be ran. If you missed my projected top point guard list, you can check it out here.
Who do you think was snubbed? Tweet me @TPRx11.
Per Sources Misses Nothing.