Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
The answer to that question may be simple, but ranking the top five is a much more difficult exercise. After two perennial All-NBA talents, the list drops off precipitously. For the league's weakest position, who is even worthy of a spot?
Taking into account production and impact, as well as playoff performance, here are the five best shooting guards in the NBA today. For point guards, check out yesterday's ranking here.
No. 5: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers
What if instead of shooting, you need your shooting guard to defend multiple positions and steady your team on both offense and defense? If that is the case, then Jrue Holiday is the guy you are looking for. He brings length, instincts and savvy to a defense, and his team defense in particular is stellar. He also is a capable playmaker and a good enough shooter not to kill a team.
Upon arriving on multiple teams he propelled them to championships, and last year he helped a young Portland Trail Blazers team grow up. While he began his career as a point guard, he may be starting at small forward for the Blazers, so he lands at shooting guard in our rankings.
No. 4: Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Holiday's former teammate in Boston, Derrick White does all of the little things extremely well for the Celtics. He is a bulldog defender at the point of attack, and he brings weakside shot-blocking from the guard position as well. If he is defending in transition he can blow up fastbreak attempts single-handedly.
Where White has grown the last few years is as a high-volume shooter, bombing away from deep in the Celtics' shot-happy scheme. His impact metrics are all elite even as his accuracy fluctuates and his scoring stays good, not great. He is not a star in the traditional sense of the word, but he drives winning at a high level.
No. 3: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker was once a mainstay in the All-NBA conversation, but his game has dropped off significantly as injuries and inefficiency have blunted his effectiveness. Playing alongside Chris Paul he flew to new heights of scoring and secondary playmaking, but without that level of wingman he has struggled. Given his age (he turns 30 during the first week of the season) and defensive issues, he would be much further down this list if anyone was worthy of supplanting him.
No. 2: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
There is a major leap up from No. 3 to No. 2 on this list, as Booker is no longer a Top-40 player in the NBA and Mitchell and Edweards are both in contention for the Top 10. The Cavaliers guard was once again a no-brainer All-NBA selection after a strong season in Cleveland. He is one of the league's best shooters and combines that with deft penetration and rim attacks. He is merely mediocre on defense, and that separates him from No. 1 on the list.
No. 1: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Insane athleticism that launches him into the air for ferocious dunks and spectacular finishes? Check. Supreme confidence shooting from distance at a high volume? Check. Tenacious defense that ensures there are no weaknesses in the Minnesota lineup? Check check. Now sprinkle in unparralled charisma and you get the quintessential Top 10 player in the league and best shooting guard around.
Edwards shook off his inefficient beginnings to become a dynamic offensive force who doesn't give anything back on defense. He holds the crown for best shooting guard in the league, and he may hold it for a very long time.
Honorable Mentions 6-10 (in alphabetical order): Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks; Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic; Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs; Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets; Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Add us as a preferred source on Google