NBA Top 5- Shooting Guards

NBA Top 5

Hello all, this version of Top 5 features the 2-guard position. This position, in this writers opinion, has lost some of its shine due to the dominance of Small Forwards and the resurgence of Point Guards. However, there are still some very talented SGs in the league. Here is my top 5.

Shooting Guards

1. James Harden, Houston Rockets- Although his season ended with him being the topic of many memes thanks to the Based God’ curse (shout out to the Based God, whoo whoo swag,) the Beard held Houston down the entire year. His unstoppable offensive skill set alone was good enough to have him in MVP talks the majority of the year. Harden really does not play much defense, but he is only 26 so there is room to grow if he wants to make the effort. Look for Harden to continue to be the best shooting guard in the league this year and in the MVP hunt yet again.

2. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors- Klay signed a max contract before the year began, which had this writer scratching his head. However, the man earned his paycheck, raising his scoring average and shooting very well aside MVP Stephen Curry. He even had a game where he went off for 37 in a QUARTER. He is also one of the better two-way players in the league. He has crazy upside and a deep playoff run under his belt. He’ll only get better this year. This spot, however, is interchangeable based on the day of the week but I gave him the edge since he is a champion and the next guy isn’t.

3. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls- James G. Buckets has taken his game to that next level. Thank God that fat fuck Tom Thibodeau is no longer around to make the All-Star Butler his whipping boy, as Buckets led the league in minutes last year. He was already known as a defensive stopper entering the year, but he has stepped his game up on offense and is growing into a young leader on a Bulls team which is oft without their “best” player. As I mentioned above, he could easily be placed in that number two slot, in my opinion. He is only going to get better, as the two aforementioned guards are.

4. DeMar Derozan, Toronto Raptors- I am not a Derozan fan, but the numbers don’t lie. When the guy wasn’t injured, he was one of the better off guards in the East, hell, the whole league. He ended the season as player of the month in April and picked his game up aside Kyle Lowry. If he can remain healthy (damn, tired of saying this about half the league!) he should continue on his stretch he ended the year on, and help position his team for a postseason run in the East.

5. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat- Sorry I’m not sorry, but Wade is still the man. Three should be able to have a better season as Miami’s roster is better this year. He now shares a backcourt with the very serviceable Goran Dragic. Also, with the return of Chris Bosh, Wade will have another elite player on the floor with him. Health again is an obstacle as he missed almost a fourth of the season again last year. But wade can still fill up the scoreboard and anyone with a brain (shout to Shayne) knows this. Some guys are still great in the beginning of the decline of their careers and Wade is one of them.

Honorable Mentions

 

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers- I mean, what’s understood don’t need explaining. Kobe is who he is and we all know what the deal is. Coming off major knee and Achilles injuries, it will be interesting to see what he has left. We know he hasn’t lost any of his competitiveness; but what can he physically do?

 

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards- The theme of injuries continue with Beal. The guy was unreal in the Wiz Kids playoff run, but injuries have held him back into becoming more than just a great shooter and scorer. He and John Wall are my favorite backcourt in the NBA and I look forward to seeing them moving forward this upcoming year.

 

Danny Green, San Antonio Spurs- I have to give Green his props. He makes this list because, as far as fitting into systems goes, he is one of the best in the league. He has increased his defensive skill as well and fits right in to the Spurs team defense. He and Manu Ginobili are a perfect contrast to one another as Ginobili spells Green, which also gives him an advantage. If he continues to shoot a high percentage from outside and working hard on the floor he will maintain his status as at least a top ten SG.

 

Let’s debate! Hit me on twitter @mikeyvick_ and check out the weekly Good Podcast.

 

Next up, Small Forwards