We’re getting to the business end of the NBA regular season now but there is still everything to play for.
One of the key positions as the season finale nears will be the shooting guards but who are the best shooting guards in the NBA right now?
Number 5. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
The Jazz currently top the Western Conference with a record of 44-16 and if there was any doubt over how important Mitchell is to the team then it’s been proven since his injury against the Pacers. Jazz have played four and lost two without him since.
His points per game return of 26.4 is well clear of the next closest on the Jazz roster; a big part of that is the fact he’s making 3.4 three pointers per game putting him amongst the best three point shooters in the NBA. Check out TwinSpires complete list here: https://edge.twinspires.com/nba/the-best-shooting-guards-in-nba-history/
His 5.2 assists and 1.0 steals aren’t too shabby either.
Number 4. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
The next name on our list of the best shooting guards in the NBA right now is Jaylen Brown. Brown, 2016’s number three overall pick, is on course to break a host of personal bests this year providing his standards don’t drop. Currently, he leads the Boston Celtics on steals with 1.2 and sits second with points per game at 24.4. Given his rebounds are up at 5.8 too he’s having a great all round season. The one area Brown might look to strengthen is in his assists, which at 3.4 per match is quite a way south of the other names on this list. He’s still be instrumental to the Celtics this season though so deserves a lot of credit.
Number 3. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine, like Mitchell, is another shooting guard whose absence has highlighted his qualities beyond what most already appreciated. What is worse though is that it’s widely expected the 2021 All-Star will be heading into free agency next season.
It would be a huge blow for the Bulls. LaVine’s 27.5 points per game will be his career best and is underpinned by a 50.6% field goal and 41.6% three point conversion, which will also be PBs if he can maintain form. Then there are his rebounds and assists (both 5.1). Again, at the moment, he is outperforming his best output to date in those categories.
Number 2. Paul George, LA Clippers
George sitting near the top of this list is hardly a new thing. He’s been one of the best shooting guards in the NBA for a while now with seven All-Star nods already having come his way. What’s he doing this season that means he deserves to up there again?
The Clippers are reasonably well positioned in the standings with a 43-19 record and George has played somewhat of a starring role. His game average of 24.0 points is tidy enough but it’s the other stuff where he really shows his worth. With rebounds (6.5), assists (5.4), steals (1.2) and blocks (0.5) he ranks amongst the best performing shooting guards in every front.
Number 1. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
There wouldn’t have been too many arguments had we swapped our first and second positions around such are the seasons these two are having but Beal clinches first place at this moment. Why? Points win games and, boy, is he smashing it for the Wizards with a game average of 31.1.
Given Beal finished last season with 30.5 he’s not only on course to eclipse that but it’s a real sign of his development at the top. With good numbers in assists (4.6), rebounds (4.8) and steals (1.2) he’s shining all round too.
There you have it, the best shooting guards in the NBA right now. Who did we miss?
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