Ranking the top 30 shooting guards in the NBA
player. 118. . SG. Utah Jazz. Donovan Mitchell. 6
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 6. Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
Donovan Mitchell’s defensive apathy was a major storyline in Utah’s first-round exit. He doesn’t look very interested in that side of the ball, which has to change in the future. Even so, the athletic 25-year-old is already one of the most complete offensive guards in basketball. He took on more on-ball duties as a result of Mike Conley’s decline, and he continues to be virtually unstoppable on drives to the lane. Not many players can match Mitchell’s speed, burst, and strength at 6-foot-1. He’s a mini freight train.
Jaylen Brown. 5. player. 18. . SG. Boston Celtics
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 5. Jaylen Brown, Celtics
Jaylen Brown finally embraced the No. 2 role in Boston, and now the Celtics are in the Finals. Brown’s two-way versatility is right at the center of Boston’s dynamic system. He can guard the opposition’s best player, then turn around and drop 30 points with great efficiency at all three levels. He’s not much of a ball-handler, but he gets to his spots and hits tough shots with regularity.
142. . SG. Washington Wizards. Bradley Beal. 4. player
Top 30 NBA shooting guards — 4. Bradley Beal, Wizards
Bradley Beal can lead the NBA in scoring in any given year. He’s naturally gifted with the ball in his hand, deploying fluid handles, dynamic step-backs, and crafty finishes to keep the defense off balance. He doesn’t need much space to get his shot off, and when you consider both volume and shot difficulty, it’s easy to consider Beal one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. He has also grown considerably as a playmaker. He is Washington’s de facto point guard when he’s out there, even if Raul Neto is technically setting the table.