For the most part, NBA fans agree that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are at the top of shooting guard ranking list. The third best shooting guard of all time has been left open for debate.
Before expressing my thoughts, I did some extensive research on the subject. Most articles, like this article on ESPN, rank Jerry West as the third greatest shooting guard of all time. Other common names in the debate typically include Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Clyde Drexler, Jerry West, and James Harden.
The final evaluation will be taking into consideration statistics, awards, achievements, and impact on winning.
First, let’s recap Allen Iverson’s career.
Pound for pound, many NBA players and fans regard Allen Iverson as the greatest to ever do it. However, the NBA is not a league with weight classes.
Allen Iverson’s career highlights and awards:
- Career Averages: 26.7 PTS, 3.7 REB, 6.2 AST, 2.2 STL, 42.5 FG%
- Best Statistical Season (2004-2005): 33.0 PTS, 3.2 REB, 7.4 AST, 1.9 STL, 44.7 FG%.
- Championships: 0
- MVP Awards: 1
- NBA All-Star: 14x
- All-NBA: 3x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team, 1x All-NBA Third Team
- NBA Al-Star: 11x
- Rookie Of The Year
- NBA Scoring Champion: 4x
- NBA Steals Leader: 3x
Ultimately, Allen Iverson had a great career, mostly with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson lead the 76ers to the NBA finals once, but came up short against Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers. Many young fans believe Iverson’s steals were a result of tremendous defense. Unfortunately, his steals are a bit misleading of Iverson’s true impact on the defensive end.
Statistically speaking, Iverson belongs with the all time great shooting guards.
Yes, Iverson played with a lot of heart; he did not necessarily impact winning or make his teammates better as much some of his peers at his position.
Now, let’s take a quick look at Jerry West’s career.
Jerry West is one of the most decorated NBA players and executives in NBA history. He helped shape the game at such an early level that his silhouette is incorporated in the NBA logo.
Jerry West’s career highlights and awards as a player:
- Career Averages: 27.0 PTS, 3.7 REB, 6.7 AST, 2.6 STL, 47.4 FG%
- Best Statistical Season (1969-1970): 31.2 PTS, 4.6 REB, 7.5 AST, ? STL, 49.7 FG%.
- NBA Championship: 1x
- NBA-Finals MVP: 1x
- All-NBA: 10x All-NBA First Team, 2x All-NBA Second Team, 4x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 1x NBA All-Defensive Second Team
- NBA Scoring Champion: 1x
- NBA Assist Leader: 1x
Unfortunately, Jerry West played during an era where a lot of statistics weren’t recorded the way they are today. If you look up his stats, even steals and blocks weren’t recorded properly. In addition to that, he had to deal with the loaded Boston Celtics teams of the 60s & 70s. Although West had a mediocre NBA finals by his standard, he and Wilt were able to capture one NBA championship. There is no denial that West helped innovate the game and was a great regular season player. He also lead the Lakers to numerous NBA finals appearances. Despite the lack of the championships, his ability to score, make his teammates better, and carry a team on his back is why West is always held in high regards.
Next, Dwyane Wade.
Dwyane Wade has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout his NBA career. He has been one of the most slept on and overrated players at the same time throughout his career. One thing we know for sure though, he is a leader of winners.
Dwyane Wade’s career highlights and awards:
- Career Averages: 22.0 PTS, 4.7 REB, 5.4 AST, 1.5 STL, 48.0 FG%
- Best Statistical Season (2008-2009): 30.2 PTS, 5.0 REB, 7.5 AST, 2.2 STL, 49.1 FG%.
- NBA Championship: 3x
- NBA-Finals MVP: 1x
- NBA All-Star: 13x
- All-NBA: 2x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team 3x All-NBA Third Team, 3x NBA All-Defensive Second Team
- NBA Scoring Champion: 1x
When looking through Wade’s career highlights and awards, I was shocked to see that he was never selected to an NBA All-Defensive First Team. Wade’s ability to play multiple positions and also guard multiple positions on the other end help separate him from most great shooting guards in NBA history. Yes, most NBA fans remember Wade as a winner alongside Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James. However, even in the years were Miami did not have an elite roster, Wade often helped carry the Miami Heat to the playoffs.
Let’s see how Clyde Drexler compares.
Before becoming the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 league, Drexler had a phenomenal NBA career as a shooting guard for the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets.
Clyde Drexler’s career highlights and awards:
- Career Averages: 20.4 PTS, 6.1 REB, 5.6 AST, 2.0 STL, 47.2 FG%
- Best Statistical Season (1988-1989): 27.2 PTS, 7.9 REB, 5.8 AST, 2.7 STL, 49.6 FG%.
- NBA Championship: 1x
- NBA All-Star: 10x
- All-NBA: 1x All-NBA First Team, 2x All-NBA Second Team 2x All-NBA Third Team.
There is no doubt that Clyde Drexler was one of the most exciting players to watch in the 80’s and 90’s. He impacted the game in numerous ways on the offensive end. He also played. However, I’m not sure if he was ever truly a top 5 player in the NBA during his time in the NBA. West, Iverson, and Wade were regarded a top 5 player at least at one point during their times in the League. In addition to that, Drexler’s defensive style was more similar to Iverson’s.
Lastly, let’s examine James Harden’s career thus far.
James Harden’s career is far from over. He has been regarded as the best shooting guard in the game for a while now. Yet, he is still one of the most statistically accomplished players at his position of all time. However, without the championship, does he have enough to be ranked the third greatest shooting guard of all time?
James Harden’s career highlights and awards:
- Career Averages: 24.3 PTS, 5.2 REB, 6.2 AST, 1.6 STL, 44.3 FG%
- Best Statistical Season (2016-2017): 29.1 PTS, 8.1 REB, 11.2 AST, 1.5 STL, 44.0 FG%.
- NBA All-Star: 7x
- All-NBA: 5x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Third Team
- Sixth Man Of The Year: 1x
- Scoring Champion: 2x
- Assist Leader: 1x
James Harden, in my opinion, is the greatest offensive player in isolation that we have ever seen. Harden has the ability to score in numerous ways and will often find the open man for an assist. You cannot commit a single mistake against Harden without paying for it.
Then again, Mike D’Antoni’s system is tailored to Harden’s ball dominance in a way that no player has ever had. In addition to that, Harden’s lackadaisical efforts on the defensive end and lack of playoff success work heavily against him. Keep in mind, Harden’s career is not over.
So who is the third best shooting guard in NBA history?
Allen Iverson and Clyde Drexler are two of the most fun offensive players in NBA history. Jerry West helped innovate the game and put the NBA on the map. James Harden might be the greatest offensive player of all time.
However, none of these players are as accomplished as Dwyane Wade in terms of playoff success. In addition to that, Wade is arguably the best defender of the bunch, which is often disregarded in the discussion. All of the shooting guards mentioned above belong from a statistical perspective.
Wade combines statistical dominance, playoff success, and intangibles more than the other players mentioned on the list. Although he is not on the level of Kobe or Jordan, he is a tick above everyone else in my books.
Do you believe that Dwyane Wade is the third best shooting guard of all time? Do you believe someone else is? Tweet me @TPRx11
Some honorable mentions: George Gervin, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Vince Carter, and Klay Thompson