The position of the shooting guard determines the outcome of the game!
Over the past decade, the NBA has witnessed a surge in talent across every position, with players elevating their performances to compete among the league's elite. Among these positions, the shooting guard role has particularly seen a remarkable influx of top-tier players.
Devin Booker has firmly established himself as the preeminent shooting guard in the NBA over the past nine seasons. Drafted 13th overall in 2015, Booker quickly rose to prominence, averaging 22.0 points per game by his second season and earning recognition as a top player at his position. His consistent excellence led to four All-Star selections in the last five seasons between 2020 and 2024.
Since 2020, Booker has been a cornerstone for the Phoenix Suns, averaging 26.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on impressive shooting efficiency. His leadership on and off the court has been instrumental in guiding the Suns to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 and securing individual honours like All-NBA First Team recognition.
Donovan Mitchell's ascent to stardom began in 2018, as he showcased his athleticism and scoring ability for both the Utah Jazz and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With three All-Star selections and impressive scoring averages, Mitchell has established himself as a dynamic force at the shooting guard position.
His impact goes beyond individual accolades, as he has played a pivotal role in leading his teams to success, averaging 28.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game since joining the Cavaliers in 2022.
Anthony Edwards has rapidly emerged as one of the league's top shooting guards, displaying tremendous growth and maturity in just his fourth season. Since being selected as the first overall pick in 2020, Edwards has demonstrated his versatility and scoring prowess for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With notable improvements in his statistics and leadership on the court, Edwards has propelled the Timberwolves to playoff contention, averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in his last two All-Star seasons.
Zach LaVine's journey from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Chicago Bulls has been marked by his evolution as a complete player. Despite facing challenges to team success, LaVine's individual skills and two All-Star selections underscore his impact as a top shooting guard in the league.
With career averages of 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, LaVine continues to be a potent offensive threat for the Bulls.
Tyler Herro's rapid rise since joining the Miami Heat in 2019 has been fueled by his scoring prowess and clutch performances. Emerging as a crucial force in the Heat's triumphs, Herro has firmly established himself among the league's elite shooting guards, maintaining an impressive average of 20.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over his last two seasons.
Despite facing trade rumours and injuries, Herro's impact on the court is undeniable, as he continues to excel in both scoring and playmaking roles for Miami.
Buddy Hield made waves in the NCAA in 2016 with his exceptional three-point shooting and offensive prowess during March Madness, leading to his selection as the sixth overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings by the trade deadline as part of the deal involving DeMarcus Cousins. Over the following eight-plus seasons, Hield showed his talent and became known for his proficiency in three-point shooting, consistently ranking among the NBA's leaders in total made threes. He sustained an impressive average of 16.6 points per game, displaying remarkable accuracy with a 43.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Despite his individual achievements, Hield has not yet participated in postseason action in his career.
Currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Hield has continued to excel, averaging 22.3 points per game in his first four games with the team. His efficient shooting, with a shooting percentage of 52.3% overall and 45.0% from three-point range, reaffirms his status as one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA since 2017.
Other talented shooting guards drafted in the past year include names like Jordan Poole, Jordan Clarkson, and RJ Barrett.
