It’s no secret that offense has exploded in recent years, with the NBA becoming more of an offensive-oriented league. Rule changes and the increased use of the 3-point line have all been factors in the offensive renaissance that the NBA is in. Thus, it should come as no surprise that shooting guards are helping to lead the charge, with the talent at the position having rebounded following a low point in the 2010s.
Now, just about every two-guard can put the ball in the basket with surprising efficiency, and that has changed the game for the better. But of the 30 starting guards, where do they rank? Let’s sort all 30 starting shooting guards into tiers!
The players in each tier are not necessarily in order.
NBA Tier 5: Up-and-coming guards and spot starters
Jaden Ivey-Detroit Pistons
Quinton Grimes-New York Knicks
Gary Harris-Orlando Magic
Royce O’Neale-Brooklyn Nets
Josh Richardson-Miami Heat
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-Denver Nuggets
Pistons guard Jaden Ivey headlines this list after being selected 4th in 2022. It is still too early to place him after a season, but his future in Detroit appears bright. Miami’s rotation is still a big question mark, but we’ll pencil in Richardson as their starting shooting guard.
Richardson played for the Spurs and Pelicans last season and proved to be a useful vet guard for both teams. He is a good shooter and a hard-nosed defender. Both things should make him an ideal fit in Miami, and he can also play point guard in a pinch, though he is much better suited to playing off-the-ball.
Quintin Grimes proved that he could hold his own as a starter on a good Knicks team, particularly as a versatile defensive player. Still, we’ll place him in Tier 5 for the time being. Overall, this group features mostly capable players, but most of the teams would probably upgrade if they could.