When we talk about NBA shooting guards, we're looking at a position that requires an incredible mix of skills: shooting accuracy, defensive capabilities, and often the ability to fill multiple roles on the court. The guys at arena plus have thrown up some rankings that I find really interesting.
First up, we have James Harden. This guy is averaging 24.6 points per game, which is a mind-blowing stat given the level of competition in the league right now. Harden knows how to break down defenders with his isolation plays and his step-back three-pointer is practically unstoppable. When it comes to advanced metrics, his Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 25.1 is among the highest for shooting guards.
Another name that never misses the spotlight is Bradley Beal. Currently, he's dropping an average of 23.2 points per game. Beal has grown tremendously as a leader for the Washington Wizards, and his shooting splits are very respectable with a 47.7% FG percentage. What really gets me is his ability to perform under pressure; during clutch moments, he’s scored 50 points or more in several games last season. That’s insane.
We can't forget Devin Booker. Booker is one heck of a shooter, netting 26.8 points per game with a 48.9% shooting percentage. He’s been pivotal for the Phoenix Suns, especially during their deep playoff runs. His agility and ball-handling skills make him a dual threat both as a shooter and playmaker. Plus, Booker's advanced stats are similarly impressive, with a 1.22 points per shot attempt which showcases his scoring efficiency.
Looking at Zach LaVine, he might not be the first name that pops into your head, but the guy can ball. LaVine’s 24.8 points per game and 41.1% three-point shooting make him a critical asset for the Chicago Bulls. His athleticism allows him to drive to the hoop with ease, while his improved defense is starting to get recognized. If you’ve watched any Bulls games, you’d know that LaVine can take over at any moment.
Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors is like a machine when it comes to shooting threes. Though he's faced some injuries in recent seasons, when he's healthy, his shooting accuracy is unparalleled. In the last season he played full-time, he had a remarkable 42.9% three-point shooting percentage. What's more impressive? He scored 60 points in just 29 minutes in one game, showcasing unreal efficiency.
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics deserves some love too. Brown’s stat line isn't just about points; it’s about versatility. Averaging 24.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, he's a key two-way player for the Celtics. His defensive rating is 107.4, among the best for perimeter players and his consistency helps solidify Boston's defense. Anyone familiar with Celtics lore understands what it means to have a player like Jaylen.
CJ McCollum might have flown under the radar for some time, but his numbers don't lie. He’s putting up 21.1 points per game and has a reliable shooting percentage of 44.7%. His ability to perform consistently during playoff pushes has been phenomenal, especially those clutch three-pointers that leave defenders shaking their heads.
When discussing promising young talents, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves comes to mind immediately. He averages 22.1 points per game and his build strongly supports his aggressive playstyle. His athleticism at the age of 22 (he’s only getting better) is something that almost every analyst I know gushes about. It's exciting to see how far he'll go.
Lastly, but by no means least, Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He stands out with his powerful drives and shooting accuracy, contributing 26.4 points on average per game. What sets Mitchell apart isn't just his stats but his performance in high-stress situations. Scoring 57 points in a single playoff game isn't something you see every day. The kid's got talent and heart.
In this golden age of shooting guards, it’s hard to make a definitive ranking without stirring some debates. Every one of these guys offers a unique skill set, turning games around in mere seconds. And for those of us who live and breathe basketball, this makes for an electrifying, non-stop season of NBA action.