Creating a 2018-19 NBA Top 10 SGs list is difficult given the raw amount of factors, (especially in the league now) along with defining what exactly the list aims to do. For the purpose of this list, I’ll be proposing a combination of past performances and predictions for their play this year. Placement of a few players, mostly young, shows that I think they’ll take a step forward in some way this season. Other players stay stagnant due to their age and my lack of belief that they’ll take any major steps forward.
WHO JUST MISSED OUT – Khris Middleton, Eric Gordon, Louis Williams, Jamal Murray
10 – Gary Harris (DEN)
One of the most underrated players in the league, he was outshined by Jamal Murray, do to his more lowkey play. Instead of the flashy handles or shot-making potential his teammate has, he ops for a more 3-and-D play style. Despite averaging only the 15th highest PPG for his position, he ranks fourth in steals per game and seventh in FG percentage for SGs with more than 25 minutes (fourth for SGs with more than 30 minutes). Through consistent shot-making and well-rounded play style, Gary Harris lands 10th on a top-heavy SG list.
9 – CJ McCollum (POR)
CJ McCollum is interesting because he’s a pure scorer. He doesn’t offer much playmaking wise, as he averages 22nd in assists for SGs despite having the third most minutes. He’s 27th in steals and only averages four RPG (though I give him slack due to his height). What you get from him as a player is rather simple, putting the ball in the basket. Granted he does this at an All-Star level, but it doesn’t garner enough to push him above a still respectable ninth spot on the list. Getting swept by the Pelicans doesn’t help his placement either, though it’s still commendable he, along with Damian Lillard, make the playoffs.
8 – Bradley Beal (WAS)
Bradley Beal suffers similar problems. He rides behind a PG and provides great scoring from the perimeter, but he provides a little more sauce. He’s 13 places ahead of CJ in steals (14th) for his position and ninth in assists for SGs as well. He has a fantastic mid-range game complemented by a collection of pull-up moves, which also allows him to make plays for others. Defensively he can become sluggish (50th in defensive win shares), and he doesn’t seem to be making any large jumps forward anytime soon.
7 – Donovan Mitchell (UTA)
The Louisville star tore apart notions that he wasn’t going to be good enough in the league, and that trend of proving people wrong may continue. He ranked seventh in defensive win shares amongst all players and was eighth in PPG for SGs as a rookie. Even if Mitchell maintains those stats, a simple step forward in efficiency would propel him into legit conversations about being one of the best two-way players. His athleticism is vicious yet fluid, and he has a fantastic drive to improve. He’s also one of the few players that may be able to dodge the feared Sophomore slump.
6 – Devin Booker (PHX)
The amount of hate Devin has received recently for being “overrated” is quite alarming, as if the kid isn’t 21 years old. His ability to score the basketball continues to grow and was already uncanny (cite the Boston Celtics). Yet the question marks people have for him seem to be the same ones that a player like CJ McCollum has, and he’s three spots above.
So, why here? Well, he’s the youngest player on the list, and he’s already a top 10 scorer for not only his position but the league. I also firmly believe that if you surround him with better players the effort will rise on defense, as the exertion on offense he puts out leaves little for the other side of the court. He didn’t have major defense problems at Kentucky, and with the right coaching/players, he could be an average defender.
He’s also the best looking NBA player, which has to account for something.
5 – DeMar DeRozan (SAS)
The now San Antonio Spur comes onto an entirely new team with an interesting season ahead of him. With his attempts to improve his playmaking and three-point shooting last year at the age of 28, does he continue to try and reshape his game under coach Pop is still a question that needs answering. This is especially given his average to below-average effective field goal percentage. Either way, he’s a great scorer that provides fantastic athleticism and good playmaking. He isn’t impressive defensively, which he may be able to hide more in San Antonio if he plays his role.
4 – Klay Thompson (GSW)
I may be crucified for this, but I’m putting the greatest spot-up shooter ever at the fourth spot. The reason is rather simple, as he’s had the best scenario for his career ever. He plays with the best shooter ever with a savant of an offensive mind coaching in the greatest era for three-point shooting.
He’s the model for an amazing 3-and-D player on a model team for his playstyle. We simply don’t know what he’d do by himself. Could be maintain efficiency on an average roster with the defense targeting him solely? The logical answer is no, but to what extent he would become less productive is unknown. The last three players either perform better defensively or are just able to demonstrate a more well-rounded arsenal.
3 – Victor Oladipo (IND)
I’ve loved him since he was drafted out of Indiana, and last year he proved his full worth. He took a step forward in almost every aspect of his game, leading the league in SPG (a fantastic 2.4 per game), finished top 15 in PPG in the league, was second in RPG for SGs, and top 10 in APG for SGs. He’s one of the most athletic players on this list and had a good playoff performance last year. The only thing holding him back in most people’s minds is his ability to continue this trend of great performance. This list assumes he maintains the impressive stats he had last year with improvements in a couple places like three-point shooting.
2 – Jimmy Butler (MIN)
This may seem rather high for the former Bull and current Timberwolf, but he has a lot to prove. Given the current situation with him and his team or the fact that he has a player option this offseason, he may have his best season this year. He’s already arguably the best wing defender in the league and top 20 in PPG during the 2017-2018 season. His ability to perform on both sides of the court at high levels of activity proves his dog-like attitude. He’s one of the best workers in the NBA that has talent. What else can you ask for?
1 – James Harden (HOU)
When creating this list I had to go with my gut and put certain players over others (Klay at four is a good example). Yet having Harden anywhere but number one would be a joke. He’s one of the most unguardable players in the league while being efficient (53% EFG), a solid rebounder (first in RPG for SGs), and a great playmaker (fourth in APG). Because of this, it makes his low-effort defense easily ignorable. If he doesn’t win a championship he may go down as one of the most talented players to never win one, which is a list I wouldn’t want to be included on.