Author: Shaik Jacamile
Today’s NBA is packed with some of the most electrifying shooting guards in the game right now. Below are my top picks of shooting guards from the NBA who can put up 50 on any given night and wings who can shut down the best player on the floor. Remember that this list of my best shooting guards could easily be changed by the end of the season as several rising players are in for some competition.
1. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Player Background: Devin Booker was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2015. Booker has grown into one of the league’s best pure scorers. Booker is a four-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA member, and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021.
He also became one of the youngest players in NBA history to score over 70 points in a single game. He has also led the Suns to multiple playoff appearances.
Characteristics and Play Style: Devin Booker’s play style is usually compared with the late Kobe Bryant’s, on the positive side. Booker is a scoring-dependent Shooting Guard, primarily because of his excellent mid-range shooting capabilities. He’s not much of a passer or a defender; he’s also not bad at it. Booker has relied on Isolation, Transition, Off-Screen, Pick and Roll, and Spot-Up plays. One thing that Booker lacks compared to Kobe’s play style is his close-range scoring.
Why Booker Is One of the Best: Booker has proved to the NBA that he can be the best player on a championship-caliber team. Booker is still on his way to his first title and is in a great position to get it done this upcoming NBA season. We also saw his performance with Team USA at the Olympics, and that is something we should hold onto.
2. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Player Background: Kyrie was initially drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011 as a point guard, bringing them a championship in 2016.
Characteristics and Play Style: Kyrie Irving is known for his exceptional ball-handling, shot creation, and ability to score anywhere inside the court. His creativity and ball-handling make him a player who is difficult to guard. No matter the coverage and backline help, Kyrie will find his way to the basket with a collection of moves we have never seen before.
Why Kyrie Is One of the Best: Kyrie isn’t exactly a true shooting guard like the others on this list because he is a point guard by height. However, what makes Kyrie a good shooting guard is definitely his versatility, which lets him play off the ball and thrive. He can run the offense or position himself to catch-and-shoot, which gives his team flexibility in lineups.
3. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Player Background: Jaylen Brown was drafted by the Celtics in 2016 and has become one of the league’s most improved and complete players. As he heads into his 9th NBA season after winning his first title last season, Jaylen Brown has made significant progress and established himself as a key player for the Celtics.
Characteristics and Play Style: Jaylen Brown’s play style relies heavily on his flexibility. He is an excellent finisher to the basket and has shown the ability to create for himself at times. Brown has also worked hard to become a consistent shooter, and his three-point shooting has improved through the years, slowly becoming a three-point threat.
Why Jaylen Brown is one of the Best: He can play multiple positions, can shoot, and is one of the best in the league at driving to the basket. He’s also a great defender; try rewatching last year’s NBA finals, where he is guarding Luka, and just observe how solid his defense was.
Jaylen Brown is a great player who covers and dominates both ends of the floor. His leadership, especially in the playoffs, and his role in Boston’s success solidify his place as one of the best shooting guards today.
4. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Player Background: Mitchell was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, only to be traded to the Utah Jazz for the 24th pick (Tyler Lydon) and Trey Lyles. Donovan Mitchell quickly rose to fame thanks to his athleticism and vast arsenal of iso moves. He is now with the Cleveland Cavaliers and continues to impress everyone with his constant improvement.
On January 2, 2023, Mitchell unexpectedly scored an NBA-season high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record 71 points, along with 8 rebounds and 11 assists.
Characteristics and Play Style: Despite being undersized, Donovan Mitchell has a great skill set for an NBA player. It’s also his massive 6-foot 2-inches wingspan that makes up for it.
Mitchell’s athleticism and scoring are his greatest strengths. He’s an elite finisher inside the paint while also being able to knock down tough and contested jumpers.
Why Mitchell Is One of the Best: Since joining the Cavaliers, Mitchell has improved his game to a new level. He added several tools to his arsenal that made the Cleveland Cavaliers a highly competitive team once again.
Donovan Mitchell is a great basketball player with a sufficient basketball IQ, a good shot-creator, and an inspiring work ethic. Mitchell’s unpredictable, explosive scoring and ability to pop off during crucial moments, specifically during playoff games, stand out. His leadership on a young Cavaliers team and being paired with Darius Garland has further paved his reputation in the league.
5. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Player Background: Anthony Edwards is an emerging star in the NBA; he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA 2020 Draft.
Over his first few seasons, Edwards has developed into one of the league’s top young shooting guards and is considered a foundation for the Timberwolves’ future. He also brought the Timberwolves with him to the NBA Playoffs last season but was eliminated by the Mavs.
Characteristics and Play Style: Ant Man is an explosive athlete, combining speed, power, and a strong shooting touch. Edwards is a true game-changer, bringing fire and passion to every big moment. His jaw-dropping athleticism fuels a highlight reel of posterizing dunks and unbelievable plays.
With his ability to blow past defenders and throw down powerful slams, he’s always a threat to pump up the court. Not only is he a force inside the paint, but Edwards has also flashed the potential to be an elite three-point shooter. With a bit more shot selection, he could quickly evolve into one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
Why Anthony Edwards Is One of the Best: Ant-Man’s hungriness to compete feeds his fearlessness, and confidence at a young age set him apart.
Edwards has the perfect build to lock down the other team’s best guard, and he’s already shown he can hang with them. If he starts focusing more on defense, his potential as a two-way player could be off the charts.
In short, Anthony Edwards is a great shooting guard because of his scoring ability, athleticism, fearlessness, and growing defensive skills, making him a dynamic force on both ends of the court.
The Guards Reshaping NBA’s Perimeter
Each of these shooting guards has something unique to offer, from Irving’s clutch moments to Edwards’ explosive energy. With the new season coming up, there’s always a chance we’ll see fresh talent emerge and shake up this list. The next breakout star could be just around the corner, making things even more interesting.
