For the month of June, we will be ranking the top 10 NBA players at each position. These rankings will be based only on the 2020-21 regular season and will not include any injured players. The positions of players are determined by ESPN. Without further ado, let’s rank the top 10 shooting guards from the 2020-21 NBA season.
You can check out my point guard rankings here.
No. 10 | Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
Injuries to point guards Devonte’ Graham and LaMelo Ball opened the door for Rozier this season. Through 69 games played, Rozier averaged 20.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 45 percent shooting. Despite missing the playoffs, the Hornets backcourt has proven to be one of the best in the league.
No. 9 | Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors
One of the lone bright spots on the Raptors roster, VanVleet put together another solid campaign in 2021. He averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 assists, and a position-best 1.7 steals per game. The former Wichita State player also dropped 54 points in a game against the Orlando Magic, breaking the record for most points scored in a game by an undrafted player.
No. 8 | CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
Despite missing several weeks with a foot injury, McCollum was exceptional when healthy. In 47 games, he put up 23.1 points per game on 45/40/80 shooting splits. The Trail Blazers season ended early, however they have arguably the best backcourt duo in the league between McCollum and Damian Lillard.
No. 7 | Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
One of the top candidates to win Most Improved Player, Brown took a major leap this season, earning his first career All-Star selection. The Celtics guard averaged a career-best 24.7 points per game, while shooting 48 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc.
No. 6 | Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
George flew under the radar in the league this season, not getting much recognition for another solid campaign. Through 54 games, he scored 23.3 points, grabbed 6.6 rebounds, and dished out 5.2 assists per game. George also matched his career-high for three point percentage (41 percent).
No. 5 | Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine dominated this season after moving back to the shooting guard position. He posted career high averages in points (27.4), rebounds (5.0), assists (4.9), field goal percentage (51 percent), and three point percentage (42 percent). LaVine was also acknowledged with his first-career All-Star selection.
No. 4 | Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
One of the best scorers in the league, Booker helped the Suns post the second best record in the league after missing the playoffs in 2020. Over 67 games, he scored 25.6 points per game, while also averaging 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Booker’s best performance came in a win over the Chicago Bulls in which he dropped 45 points on 17-for-24 shooting.
No. 3 | Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Beal and the Wizards turned their season around late and secured the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He finished the season second among all players with 31.3 points per game, while also contributing 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per outing. Beal scored a career-high 60 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in December.
No. 2 | Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell continues to improve with each season, this year leading the Jazz to the best record in the league. “Spida” averaged 26.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while also posting a career-best effective shooting percentage (52 percent). Mitchell scored upwards of 20 points in all but eight games this season, including four separate 40-point outings. The future is bright in Utah.
No. 1 | James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
Being one of the most ball-heavy shooting guards in the league, Harden led the position in rebounds, assists, and triple doubles. In 44 games, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. Over the last seven games of the season, Harden averaged 30 points and 11 assists en route to helping the Nets claim the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
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