As we continue our series on the Best NBA Players of all time, we turn our attention to the shooting guards. The shooting guard position is one of the most dynamic in basketball, having produced some of the most famous players the league has ever known.
Best NBA Players of All Time – Shooting Guards
- Allen Iverson (914 GP, 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG)
Despite being only 6 feet tall, Iverson was a dominant force on the court, with a devastating crossover and a explosive style that made him a thrilling player to watch during his prime. - Clyde Drexler (1086 GP, 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG)
Known as “The Glide,” Drexler was a 10-time All-Star, a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, and led the Portland Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances. He wowed fans with his dunks and was a scoring threat from anywhere with his mid-range game and underrated passing. - Dwyane Wade (1054 GP, 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG)
Wade’s greatness as a scorer came from his explosive drives, accuracy, and clutch moments. His 48% career shooting and playoff performances, specifically the 2006 Finals, solidified his legacy as one of the best shooting guards in NBA history. - George Gervin (1060 GP, 25.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.6 APG)
“The Iceman” sits among the NBA scoring legends thanks to his mesmerizing blend of scoring artistry and raw power. He was an electrifying scorer with four scoring titles and a career average of 25.1 points, thanks to his unstoppable finger roll and fearless drives to the hoop. Gervin’s influence on future generations and his iconic status in San Antonio solidify his claim as one of the greatest guards to ever lace ’em up. - James Harden (1031 GP, 24.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.1 APG)*
Harden is a dominant scorer with an unstoppable step-back, a talent for drawing fouls, and a knack for creating offense. He has an MVP award, scoring titles, and elite efficiency. Harden’s offense, whether it’s treys, drives, or fouls, makes him one of the greatest scoring guards of all time.
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The Best Shooting Guards of All Time
- Jerry West (931 GP, 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG)
Jerry West, “The Logo,” is one of the NBA’s highest-scoring guards, with a career average of 27 points per game. He led the league in 1970 with 31.2 points per game and has the highest career playoff scoring average (30.3 points). He also led the Lakers to nine NBA Finals appearances. - Kobe Bryant (1346 GP, 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG)
Bryant’s claim to greatness isn’t just about numbers. However, they’re impressive: third-highest career regular season scoring average among shooting guards (25.0 ppg), two scoring titles, and an 81-point explosion that still stands as the second-highest single-game total ever. It’s about the relentless pursuit of perfection, the unyielding work ethic, and the killer instinct that made him a scoring force. Additionally, the Mamba was a tremendous defensive player, with 12 All-Defensive Team selections (nine First team). - Michael Jordan (1072 GP, 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG)
Michael Jordan won 10 scoring titles, which is the most by any shooting guard in NBA history. He remains the NBA’s all-time career leader in Win Shares per 48 minutes and Player Efficiency Rating, both of which can be computed going back to 1951-52. Also, Jordan was an incredible defensive player, with nine All-Defensive Team selections (all First Team). - Jordan’s impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable, and his cultural significance is still felt today. He is a global icon and a symbol for an entire generation of basketball fans.
- Ray Allen (1300 GP, 18.9PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG)
One of the greatest pure shooters of all time, Allen is viewed as one of the greatest three-point shooters of all-time, and he held the record for most three-pointers made in a career until he was surpassed by Stephen Curry.
