Written by Dylan Hunter Carter
Over the past few weeks of NBA Basketball, we’ve witnessed some of the best competition at the Shooting Guard position since the primes of Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. Although the position may not have the immense depth of other positions, it certainly has the talent to match. Young talents such as Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson have taken the league by storm with their explosive styles of play while familiar faces such as Dwyane Wade and James Harden continue to lead their respective teams toward victory. While each player is holding their ground, only one can be named the best shooting guard in the NBA. Here are the NBA’s top 5 shooting guards.
Honorable Mentions:
Victor Oladipo, Bradley Beal, C.J. McCollum, Manu Ginobili, and Khris Middleton
5. Dwyane Wade
Although we are far past the glory days of Dwyane Wade, he still remains one of the top players at his position, even at 33 years old. In 30 MPG, Wade is averaging 18.1 PPG with 4.6 RPG, 4 APG, and a steal. Wade also has the fourth higher PER at the SG position with 20.55. Although his stats are not spectacular, there is no number value to prove Wade’s worth as a leader, competitor, and spark plug for the Miami Heat. Wade’s resurgence in his 12th year in the league has been an invigorating experience for basketball fans everywhere.
4. DeMar Derozan
For years, DeMar Derozan has put up consistently strong numbers without much recognition. Even as the Raptors have emerged as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, Derozan has been overlooked by the rest of the league. Now, through 37 games player, DeRozan averages a solid 22.8 PPG on 44% shooting along with 4.6 RPG and 4.1 APG. He also has the 3rd highest PER at the shooting guard position and 29th in the league. DeRozan’s fast paced and athletic play style makes him a matchup nightmare for any defender.
3. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson’s shooting prowess is nearly unmatched at this point in time. His ability to create shots and to extend above defenders to release his is a sight to behold. Although he is primarily known for his shooting abilities, Thompson is actually an incredibly skillful all-around player. Thompson is currently averaging 20.5 PPG on 46% shooting and a stellar 44% shooting from 3 Point territory. Thompson’s size, quickness, shooting abilities, and defensive capabilities make him one of the best underrated players at the shooting guard position.
2. James Harden
Although he has had ups and downs in his 4 years as a Houston Rocket, there is no question about James Harden’s scoring abilities. Whether it be in isolation, catch and shoot, or fast break scenarios, Harden is always a threat to the opposing defense. Harden currently leads all shooting guards in PER with 24.35 in his 45 games played. Harden currently averages 27.6 PPG on 42% shooting along with 6 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. While his stats do portray his fantastic offensive prowess, they do not reflect his atrocious on-ball defense. Harden and his defense have become a laughingstock amongst NBA fans and players everywhere. If Harden could push himself to improve as a defender, he could easily solidify himself as a top 5 player in the NBA, but he will not reach that status until his defense improves.
1. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is often criticized as “overrated” or a “system player”, but the past few weeks have been a true testament to the skill of this young shooting guard. In the month of January, Butler is averaging 26.5 PPG on 46% shooting from the field along with 5.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Through the downfall of a once dominant Bulls team headlined by Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah came the growth of Butler as a player and as a leader. Butler’s ambition, leadership, and Basketball IQ have all grown immensely in his 4 years as a Chicago Bull. Butler’s defensive abilities and strong all around presence have defined him as the best at his position.
http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/307/files/2014/02/8312134-850x560.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment