The Fierce Five: NBA’s Top 5 Shooting Guards

Historically, the shooting guard position has been filled with some of the best players in the NBA. Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant all played this position and now that Kobe is on his way out, it’s time to pass the torch on to the next great shooting guard. But who will it be? Who is the best shooting guard in today’s NBA? Here’s your look at the top 5 shooting guards to make the best shortlist for the next one.

1. James Harden

James Harden is by far the best shooting guard in the NBA today. He scores like no other and recently has become more dynamic by showing ability to both pass and rebound. One thing that could come back to bite Harden is his inability to cover even the most incompetent opposing player. Harden is a great offensive talent, but is arguably one of the worst defensive players in the league.

2. Jimmy Butler

Butler is a 2-way player who turned the corner from a supplemental player to the Bull’s best player. Although he only averages 20 points per game, Butler has shown that he has the ability to go off for 40 on any given night. At just 26, Butler will continue to improve and could turn into one of the league’s elite players.

3. Klay Thompson

Thompson is the second best player on arguably the best team in NBA history. With elite scoring ability, covering Thompson is a task that scares many opponents. Thompson is more than just an elite scorer, he is also one of the best passing shooting guards in the league. Klay has also showed the ability to lock down opposing players when he needs to, but is not as consistent of a defender as the Warriors would hope.

4. Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins was one of the biggest prospects out of high school and college since LeBron James. After a Rookie of the Year first season, Wiggins has picked up where he left off for his sophomore campaign. Wiggins is arguably the league’s best wing defender and has shown some scoring ability as well. At 20 years old, Wiggins is a virtual lock to take over as the best shooting guard, and possibly best player in the entire NBA.

5. Dwyane Wade

Wade has transformed his game from an athletic guard who will run by and jump over you, to a player who relies more on basketball I.Q. to do his damage. Although his athleticism has faded, he still has finds ways to light up the stat book. Wade also is a key factor in one of the league’s best defenses. Although he no longer seems to have the ability to lock down a team’s best player, he still finds a way to make it difficult for any player that he is matched up against.

One thing is true for every guy on this list, they are versatile. No player on this list is one dimensional. Shooting guard is a position that asks a lot out of a player, and these 5 guys deliver what is needed and much more. This list is full of young guys (other than Wade) who are still haven’t reached the prime of their careers. With that being said, the league is in for a great couple years as these guys fight for NBA supremacy.

–Michael Hersey

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