5 Best shooting guards in the league right now

Backcourt play is arguably at its all-time peak in the NBA right now. There constantly seem to be tremendous battles between opposing guards who not only score efficiently but can also generate shots for their teammates. Shooting guards in today's NBA, such as Steph Curry, are complete offensive players who can handle the ball and distribute while creating good looks for themselves. However, the value of a shooting specialist cannot be overstated.

5 Best shooting guards in the NBA 2020-21 campaign

There are six shooting guards among the top 20 point-per-game scorers of the 2020-21 NBA season. While scoring is not the only important tool a shooting guard must possess, it is quickly becoming the most vital one.

These are the 5 best shooting guards in the 2020-21 NBA season so far.

#5 Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)

Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a three-point basket against Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Under normal circumstances, Zach LaVine would be proud about the possibility of earning his first All-Star Game selection.

Despite this year's All-Star game looking increasingly unlikely, and the Chicago Bulls' struggles, LaVine's campaign has been fantastic so far, thanks to his explosive and efficient scoring.

LaVine averaged 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in the previous three seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He also posted solid 45/37/82 shooting splits during those three years.

However, LaVine has found another level in the 2020-21 NBA season. He is averaging 27 points per night with five rebounds and five assists per game. His current shooting splits are excellent, as he is at a red-hot 50/39.5/89 shooting form.

#4 Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)

Donovan Mitchell's Utah Jazz are on fire right now and hold the best record in the entire NBA. Though the team has been able to win games with him off the floor, Mitchell is the best player on the roster and the leader on offense.

Mitchell had a rough shooting start to the 2020-21 NBA season but the guard has turned things around and is the first option for the Utah Jazz.

Mitchell is averaging 23.3 points, four rebounds, and five assists per game with 44/42/83 shooting splits.

#3 Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)

Though Jayson Tatum's status as the best player on the Boston Celtics remains clear, there is an outside argument to make for Jaylen Brown being the team's best player. That's how good his 2020-21 NBA season has been so far.

Brown is averaging a career-high 26 points per game in the current campaign, and he has been efficient on the offensive end. He is shooting career-highs from the field (52%), from the three-point line (42%), and the free-throw line (76%). He is also posting his career-highs in assists per game (5.5) and steals per game (1.3).

#2 Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards)

Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards dribbles against Landry Shamet #20 of the Brooklyn Nets.

The Washington Wizards' struggles on defense have prevented them from taking advantage of Bradley Beal's stunning offense so far. Though he is leading the league in points per game, Beal has led the Wizards to just five wins in his 18 appearances.

Despite the team's poor record, Beal has been a superstar since last year. After averaging 30 points per game for the first time in the 2020-21 NBA season, Beal is currently averaging 33 points per game, which is the highest in the NBA.

Beal is also matching his career-high in rebounds per game (five) and has 4.6 assists per night.

In the current season, Beal has the second-highest scoring game so far, with a career-high 60 points in a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6th.

#1 James Harden (Brooklyn Nets)

James Harden's place as the best shooting guard (or best guard, period) in today's NBA is too nailed for other players to pose a threat to him. 'The Beard' is a tremendous scorer who does not have any trouble distributing the ball for the Brooklyn Nets. As a result, his 'Big Three' partners - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, lead the team in scoring.

Harden averaged 24.8 points and 10.4 assists per game in his eight appearances with the Houston Rockets.

After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, Harden is posting 23.6 points, 11.8 assists, and eight assists per night in 11 matches.

He led the NBA in scoring for the last three seasons, and Harden is now running away with the assists title at an average of 11.2 per game.

Moreover, he continues to be an efficient scorer and has 47/36/88 shooting splits in the current NBA season (19 appearances with Houston and Brooklyn).

5 Best shooting guards in the league right now | NBA 2020-21