Some of the best shooting guards right now also happen to be some of the best scorers in the league. That’s far from a coincidence, as we’ve seen guys at this position historically dominate opposing defenses, with legends like Jerry West, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan as names that come to mind.
Best shooting guards right now 2022-23
Ironically, however, putting together a list of the best shooting guards in the NBA for 2022-23 is one of the toughest tasks in the league. This is because some of those guys are in the backend of their prime, so it’s tough to rank them ahead of other younger, up-and-coming talents.
Having an elite shooting guard can take any team to great lengths. They can create their own offense, take pressure off the point guard with their playmaking skills, and some of them are even lockdown perimeter defenders.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the top 10 best shooting guards in the NBA 2022-23.
10. Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro just got paid as one of the best shooting guards today, so it’s time he proves he can consistently be one of them. He’s shown glimpses of greatness since he first entered the league, but he’s lacked the consistency to take a step forward and prove that he can sit at the big boy’s table.
Herro can proficiently score from all three levels and is one of the few young players who could one day join the 50/40/90 club. He’s also proven to be fearless when things get hard, never shying away from taking a big shot. He’s got to improve as a defender, which has been a point of emphasis in his training.
9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder continue to hold him back, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top-10 talent at the shooting guard position right now. He can play at both spots in the backcourt, but Josh Giddey‘s presence as a pass-first PG makes him a better fit at the two.
Gilgeous-Alexander drew plenty of attention from NBA scouts for his defense. He’s strong, fast, and long enough to hold his ground versus bigger opposition. However, it didn’t take long before his offensive game also stepped up, becoming a versatile scorer and playmaker.
8. Jordan Poole
Given enough playing time, Jordan Poole could be the best shooting guard in the game after the season. He’s expected to take on an expanded role in 2022-23 after breaking out last year, and some even think he should start ahead of Klay Thompson.
Poole went from being one of the worst players in the league to being in line to sign a massive contract extension. He can score in a variety of ways and is expected to carry Stephen Curry‘s torch in the Golden State Warriors dynasty once the Chef is ready to step aside.
7. Klay Thompson
While some may not consider Klay Thompson to be one of the best shooting guards right now, we know better than to count a guy like him out. He’s an elite backcourt defender and one of the greatest shooters to ever lace them up, and he’ll have a full season to bounce back.
Thompson missed plenty of time with two major injuries, so it was natural to see that he struggled to find consistency last season. But he’s one of the most efficient pure shooters this game has ever seen, so we fully believe in his ability to get back to his usual self.
6. James Harden
Love him or hate him, no one can deny that James Harden is already one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. He’s got the résumé of a first-ballot Hall of Famer and is one of the most dynamic and unstoppable scorers to ever set foot on a basketball hardwood.
Harden is reportedly in great shape after finally taking an offseason seriously. If he avoids injury, he can be a top-10 player in this league again, even if he’s in the backend of his prime. Not many players can score and pass the rock like him, so people better stop sleeping on him.
5. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal gets a lot of criticism for the contract he signed, but that’s not his fault. It’s just proof that the Washington Wizards didn’t learn anything from the John Wall fiasco and that they’ll always favor having a franchise player over actually being able to compete.
Beal is one of the most disruptive offensive talents in the league. And while the eye test may say otherwise, he’s actually a solid one-on-one defender. Now, whether he has what it takes to turn this franchise around once and for all remains to be seen.
4. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine was by far one of the top SGs in 2022. It’s clear that having DeMar DeRozan by his side didn’t take a toll on his game or his numbers. If anything, it helped him get way more wide-open shots and make the most of his drives by knocking down three after three.
LaVine isn’t a good defender by any means, and chances are he’ll never be one. Nonetheless, he makes up for that with unmatched athleticism, speed, and a constantly-improving shooting mechanic. He could lead the league in scoring and still flirt with 50% shooting, and not many players can brag about that.
3. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is finally free, so now it’s up to him to prove that he’s best shooting guards today, and that he was worthy of that big trade package the Cleveland Cavaliers gave up for him. Despite his youth, he’s already shown that he can be a leader, and he always steps his game up in the postseason.
Mitchell has vowed to become a better defender, which is perhaps the only flaw in his game. He can score from all three levels and is nearly unstoppable when he gets in the zone. The Cavs will have one of the most explosive and entertaining backcourts in the league with him playing side-by-side with Darius Garland.
2. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards was a consensus first-overall pick even despite being a lazy defender. He made sure to fix that right away, drastically improving in that regard. Also, he’s bulked up and has the physical tools to become one of the best two-way players in the Association.
Edwards is a dominant scorer and an athletic freak. He can put the best rim protectors on a poster by taking off from the free-throw line, but he can also pull-up from 30 feet and knock down breath-taking shots. He could be an MVP candidate two years from now.
1. Devin Booker
Devin Booker was the top amongst the top SGs in 2022, so he enters this season as the best player in his position. He went from being overlooked and underrated to finally getting the praise and recognition he was worthy of, but that comes with plenty of responsibility.
Once again, analysts believe the Phoenix Suns have already peaked and expect some regression from them in 2023. So, it’ll be up to Booker to silence his doubters and carry the load to take them back to the promised land. He sure has the offensive skills to do so, and he could flirt with 50/40/90 shooting next season.
