Ranking the Top 10 Shooting Guards entering the 2019/20 NBA Season

Some of the greatest basketball players were shooting guards, including arguably the greatest player of all-time Michael Jordan, the legendary Laker Kobe Bryant, and even the recently-retired Dwyane Wade.

They're typically the best shooters, scorers and perimeter defenders on the team. However, what makes some better than others is athleticism, consistency and their role in getting a team to work together.

One current shooting guard may already be in the argument for breaking into that top 3, so it's no surprise that he's at the top of this list. Having said that, let's look at the top 10 shooting guards in the league right now.

Honorable mentions

Lou Williams (LAC)

Jaylen Brown (BOS)

JJ Redick (NOP)

Josh Richardson (PHI)

#10 Zach LaVine

With the Bulls, LaVine has dominated by displaying his full range of scoring. During his years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was mainly known for his elite dunking ability and a decent 3-point shot. Now, he is a fantastic shooter and rim-attacker while possessing the ability to get to the free-throw line with ease.

The only problem is that the other areas of his game are quite weak, which is limiting him from becoming an All-Star caliber player.

#9 CJ McCollum

McCollum has been the perfect backcourt partner of superstar point guard Damian Lillard because he takes the pressure away from him with superb scoring, especially in the clutch. Since winning the 2016 Most Improved Player award, CJ has continued to make strides in his all-round ability and decision making.

However, he has often been the subject of trade rumors because Portland always seem to be missing one more piece that would supposedly elevate them to title contention.

#8 Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic with the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award

The reigning Rookie of the Year has so much potential to become an NBA great as there are few players with as much skill as the Slovenian guard. Doncic is fantastic at scoring, passing, rebounding and hitting clutch shots. There probably hasn't been a rookie with as much all-round talent since LeBron James.

Look out for Luka and the Dallas Mavericks in the long-run, especially if Kristaps Porzingis gets back to the level he was at two seasons ago when he was averaging 23 points and 7 rebounds per game.

#7 Devin Booker

The Suns SG is one of the best scorers in the league and is also a very good passer and rebounder for his position. On the other hand, being on the Phoenix Suns hasn't helped his chances of achieving something more than a high scoring average in the league.

Whilst he does have a great young center alongside him in DeAndre Ayton, the Suns, as usual, are expected to finish with the worst record in the league because of their extremely poor front office decisions such as drafting Cam Johnson whilst losing TJ Warren and Josh Jackson for virtually nothing.

#6 Donovan Mitchell

By being paired with two players who can get 20+ points per outing in Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic, pressure will be taken off Donovan Mitchell which will allow him to become a more efficient offensive player.

The 22-year-old is very strong and athletic for a shooting Guard which allows him to dominate while driving to the rim, but with more space to operate, I expect him to impress even more with improved 3-point shooting.

#5 Bradley Beal

Despite high speculation that Beal would be traded by the Wizards as they look to rebuild, he hasn't slowed down as he has single-handedly carried the team without John Wall to several wins with his fantastic scoring ability and defensive effort. Whether with Washington or another team, Beal definitely has what it takes to be an All-Star on a contending team.

#4 Victor Oladipo

The Pacers SG has become an All-Star after being traded to the Pacers two seasons ago as the go-to offensive option on a team that lacks other scorers. Oladipo is also probably the team's best defensive player with his effort and athleticism.

Whilst Indiana managed to sign other offensive options in Brogdon, Lamb, and Warren, they need Oladipo to return in order to win a series in the NBA Playoffs.

#3 DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan has always been a top scorer in all of his years with the Raptors, but in his first season with the San Antonio Spurs, he significantly improved the other areas of his game such as passing, rebounding, and defense whilst becoming more efficient.

This was shown by DeRozan averaging career highs in assists, rebounds and FG% throughout the 18/19 campaign. The Spurs may not be contenders but the duo of DeRozan and Aldridge along with the young talented guards should be enough for the team to make the playoffs.

#2 Klay Thompson

Whilst Klay will probably be out until the All-Star break, he is still expected to return and continue on as the 2nd best shooting guard in the league. Thompson is arguably the second-best shooter ever after teammate Steph Curry and perhaps second to none at spot-up shooting.

Also, he has a superb mid-range game and is smart at finishing around the rim. Meanwhile on defense, he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league so altogether the 3-time NBA Champ is which makes him one of the best two-way players in the game.

#1 James Harden

"The Beard" had the best scoring season since Michael Jordan in the 1986-87 season last year by averaging a whopping 36.1 points per game! He has one of the most unstoppable offensive moves of all-time in his lethal step-back 3-pointer. However, James Harden is also incredible at scoring at the rim- largely because he's the best in the league at drawing contact and getting to the free throw line.

Furthermore, his passing is as good as any point guard which basically makes him the most well-rounded and best offensive player in the NBA. By being reunited with former OKC backcourt partner Russell Westbrook, Harden has a chance to co-lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals if they manage to beat the two LA teams.

Edited by Raunak J