Klay Thompson’s injury has left a gap in the top 10 shooting guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season. His ability to play both ends of the floor will be missed by many NBA fans. Fortunately for the NBA, several teams still feature several amazing guards.
The criteria for ranking these guards was mentioned previously in my top 10 point guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season article.
Here are my top 10 shooting guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season:
1.James Harden- Houston Rockets
Even when Thompson was healthy, it was difficult to make the case that anyone was better than Harden at the shooting guard position. Whether you consider him a point guard or a shooting guard, there is no denying Harden’s brilliance. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest offensive players of all time. Defenders cannot afford to make a single mistake against Harden. As long as Harden is healthy, he will have another run at the MVP trophy.
2. Bradley Beal- Washington Wizards
Beal finished second on Yaw’s top ten shooting guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season as well, for good reason. Beal has shown a commitment in the past to helping his teammates enjoy the game of basketball. #EverybodyEats. He understands the importance of having fun. He is also one of the most gifted scorers. Beal is a solid player on both ends of the floor. I know the Wizards are in a tough predicament. However, he could drop significantly on my list if he does not impact winning this season.
3. Donovan Mitchell- Utah Jazz
Mitchell has taken a significant leap from last year’s list. Donovan Mitchell has continued to develop as a stellar two way shooting guard. The addition of Conley Jr. will only help him take his game to the next level. The Jazz have lacked the play maker that would make his life easier. They now have one. They have also added shooting around him. The Jazz are one of my sleeping contenders. Their ability to win an NBA championship this season will heavily depend on Mitchell taking the leap I fully expect him to. The main contribution to ranking him above Booker was his impact on winning.
4. Devin Booker- Phoenix Suns
Booker has all the scoring tools to not only be an elite shooting guard, but also be an all-time great scorer. I don’t think he has had the right mindset up until this point. Nor do I think he has been in a situation that has helped bring the most out of him. His skill is undeniable. NBA and Phoenix Suns fans need to start seeing some winning in order to take him seriously. It’s time.
5. CJ McCollum- Portland Trail Blazers
McCollum is an undersized shooting guard that doesn’t play like it. He is a phenomenal scorer who is willing to finish at the rim. Although he isn’t an elite defender, his contribution to the Blazers’ success, in addition to his superior offensive skill, is why I have him ranked above Jrue Holiday.
6. Jrue Holiday- New Orleans Pelicans
Jrue Holiday is one of the best two way players in the NBA. The Pelicans’ dysfunction hasn’t helped get the most out of Holiday yet. With a little consistency and competing, I can see Holiday moving up all the way to the top three on this list.
7. Luka Doncic- Dallas Mavericks
I spent more time researching what position Luka Doncic was than time researching his accomplishments thus far. Although Doncic is listed as a SG, he plays up to four positions with the Dallas Mavericks. His versatility, even at a young age, is what has him ranked so highly on my list this early in his NBA career. Doncic is a high IQ basketball player that can put on a show. He also looks in better shape than he was last season. I’m high on Doncic heading into the 2019-2020 NBA season.
8. Derrick White- San Antonio Spurs
Derrick White emerged on the scene during last season’s playoffs with the Spurs. He is a highly skilled combo guard that can play and defend multiple positions. Playing alongside Dejounte Murray, I expect White to flourish at the combo-guard position. Shooting guard seems to make a lot of sense for White on the Spurs.
9. Zach LaVine- Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine came back from his injury looking strong, and played like it last season. He averaged a career best 23.7 PTS last season with the Bulls. LaVine’s ability to finish at the rim, combined with an improving jump shot, makes LaVine a candidate to climb up this list. The one knock on LaVine is how much losing he has done over his young NBA career. In order to climb up this list, LaVine is going to need to start winning.
10. Gary Harris- Denver Nuggets
Gary Harris has been a reliable shooting guard for the Denver Nuggets, except when they need him most. Harris is very talented. However, he has been absent from too many big games over the last couple of years. Harris will need to be more involved in big games if he wants to be a part of a championship team as a Nugget. The talent is there. Nuggets fans just need him to show up when it counts most.
The NBA is fortunate to be deep at all positions. Do you think someone was snubbed from my top 10 shooting guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season list? Tweet me @tprx11.