The Best NBA Shooting Guards In 2023-24 By Tiers
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Upon completion of the 2023-24 NBA season, we have named the 25 best shooting guards in the world and divided them into five tiers. The shooting guard position has seen countless passing of the torches since Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade retired, but there could be a new man on the block for the foreseeable future. The best shooting guards in the world right now include the future face of the NBA, a 2023-24 NBA Finalist, and the hottest potential trade target this summer.
Note that key shooting guard Zach LaVine (25 games) has been excluded due to unavailability.
Credit for the position: Basketball-Reference
Tier 1 (The Best)
Anthony Edwards
No doubt, Anthony Edwards has managed to separate himself from the other shooting guards in the NBA this season. The superstar shooting guard had a fantastic season, posting 25.9 points per game and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the third seed in the West before making the Western Conference Finals with an average of 27.6 points per game in the playoffs. Edwards is showing glimpses of becoming the best player in the NBA or at least a staunch competitor for that title, and it will be more than exciting to see his growth over the next few seasons.
Tier 2 (Superstars)
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is right behind Anthony Edwards as the best shooting guard in the NBA since Devin Booker occupied the point guard spot for the 2023-24 season. Mitchell averaged 26.6 points per game in the regular season and 29.6 points per game in the playoffs, indicating his true dominance when it comes to tearing defenses apart. Mitchell’s future in Cleveland with the Cavaliers is uncertain but whatever happens with the player, he will be one of the best players in the world going forward.
Tier 3 (Bonafide Stars)
Scottie Barnes, Desmond Bane
Scottie Barnes has signed a max rookie extension and he always had it coming. The 22-year-old is a terrific all-around player, posting 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on 47.5% from the field and 34.1% from three this past season. Barnes already has an All-Star Team selection to his name and will only get better as the primary player on the Toronto Raptors squad.
Desmond Bane is a terrific player who could be due for an All-Star Team selection soon. Despite playing without his superstar point guard Ja Morant for the entire season, Bane averaged 23.7 points and 5.5 assists per game on 38.1% from three while playing above-average defense. The former No. 30 overall pick is showing he can create offense for himself but once Morant returns, watch out for Bane’s improvement.
Tier 4 (All-Stars)
Dejounte Murray, Tyler Herro, Jalen Green, Derrick White, Bradley Beal
Dejounte Murray has always been a versatile guard known for his elite defensive skills and ability to contribute across the board offensively. His playmaking and rebounding from the guard position make him a unique asset, and his averages of 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game as the second option behind Trae Young are more than impressive. He will now look to start a new phase as a starting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Tyler Herro has quickly become one of the league's premier scoring guards even if he is often overshadowed by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. His ability to create his own shot and score from beyond the arc makes him a constant offensive threat and he posted 20.8 points per game on 39.6% from three which means he could be ready for a breakout season next year.
Jalen Green proved to be an explosive scorer with elite athleticism and a knack for making highlight-reel plays. His ability to attack the rim and shoot from long range makes him a dynamic offensive weapon, and the confident scorer averaged 19.6 points per game on 33.2% from three. Even if his numbers don’t scream All-Star, Green got hot towards the end of the season and deserves his spot in Tier 4.
The man that all Boston Celtics fans adore, Derrick White is a highly skilled guard known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute on offense. His smart decision-making and efficient shooting make him a reliable scorer and playmaker and he is easily a member of Tier 4 following his team’s championship run in 2023-24. White posted 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in the regular season but the NBA championship was the highlight of the guard’s season.
Bradley Beal is a prolific scorer and still one of the most reliable offensive players in the league despite his struggles throughout the season. It would be too harsh to relegate Beal to Tier 5 when he can still drop 30 points in a game quicker than players below him. Playing with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker hasn’t been easy so far, but Beal is hoping to bounce back and prove he is still an All-Star in 2024-25.
Tier 5 (Star Starters)
Anfernee Simons, Cam Thomas, RJ Barrett, Devin Vassell, Alex Caruso, Collin Sexton, Terry Rozier, Malik Monk, Donte DiVincenzo, Jalen Suggs, Austin Reaves, Norman Powell, Jordan Clarkson, Caris LeVert, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jordan Poole
Anfernee Simons has emerged as a dynamic scorer (22.6 PPG in 2023-24), capable of creating his own shot and knocking down three-pointers at a high clip. Simons' development has been a bright spot for the Trail Blazers, showcasing his potential as a future star following the departure of franchise legend Damian Lillard before the season.
Cam Thomas is a prolific scorer with a knack for getting buckets in bunches which is why he has become a staple on the Brooklyn Nets. His ability to score from various spots on the floor makes him a versatile offensive weapon, and the shooting guard averaged 22.5 points per game this season which is a strong sign for immediate improvement.
RJ Barrett has steadily improved each season, becoming a reliable scoring option and showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. A key part of the Toronto Raptors core, Barrett posted 20.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season and will continue showing growth since he is only 24 years old.
Devin Vassell has emerged as a standout two-way player, known for his defensive instincts and ability to score efficiently. His length and athleticism make him a disruptive force on defense, often guarding the opponent's best perimeter player but his offense has followed as he posted 19.5 points and 4.1 assists per game this season.
Alex Caruso is in Tier 5 because his ability to impact the win-loss column cannot be ignored. The shooting guard is now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder and we can expect him to have an immediate impact as a defender and shooter. Posting 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game on 40.8% from three while making the All-Defensive Second Team proves he is a win-now player.
Collin Sexton is a relentless scorer, known for his aggressive drives to the basket and fearless approach on offense. The former No. 8 overall pick posted 18.7 points and 4.9 assists per game on 39.4% from three this past season, meaning he is back to his best following major injuries that only let him play 60 total games in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Terry Rozier’s quickness and shooting range make him a constant threat on offense, while his defensive tenacity adds to his all-around game which is why the Miami Heat traded for him this season. The combo guard averaged 19.8 points per game this season and can still fill it up no matter the players he has beside him.
Sixth-man extraordinaire Malik Monk is an explosive guard known for his scoring bursts and ability to change the momentum of a game with his shooting. Posting 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game on 35.0% from three, Monk finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting and he will take on a bigger responsibility for the Kings next season.
Donte DiVincenzo had the best season of his career with the Knicks this year, posting 15.5 points per game on 40.1% from three in the regular season and 17.8 points per game on 42.5% from three in the playoffs. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions and provide valuable minutes off the bench or as a starter and will be a key player for the Knicks next year.
Jalen Suggs showcased his true value this season with elite defensive intensity, consistent playmaking, and scoring potential. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him a key piece for the Magic, and the shooting guard averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while making the All-Defensive Second Team.
Austin Reaves has quickly established himself as a reliable starter, known for his hustle, shooting, and playmaking ability. His high basketball IQ and willingness to do the dirty work make him a favorite among coaches and teammates but his rather consistent clutch ability is what earns him a spot in Tier 5.
Norman Powell is a strong, athletic guard known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His explosiveness and shooting touch make him a constant threat on offense, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Powell's experience and leadership are valuable assets for the Clippers, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Jordan Clarkson might not be an elite defender but the man knows how to score. He posted 17.1 points and 5.0 assists per game this season despite shooting 41.3% from the field and 29.3% from three. He isn’t the most efficient player but can fill it up in bunches when he gets hot, meaning he can be a perfect sixth man.
Caris LeVert is a talented scorer and playmaker, known for his ability to create shots and facilitate offense for his teammates. His length and agility make him a capable defender, often tasked with guarding top perimeter players and he had a strong role as the Cavaliers’ bench player with averages of 14.0 points and 5.1 assists per game.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is a versatile offensive player, known for his sharp shooting and ability to create plays for himself and others. Posting 16.9 points per game on 37.4% from three this season, Bogdanovic is a reliable scorer and can do a job defensively as well which is why he slides into Tier 5.
Jordan Poole has become a dynamic scorer, capable of heating up quickly and taking over games with his shooting and playmaking. He was at risk of falling out of Tier 5 following his poor shooting this season (41.3% FG, 32.6% 3-PT FG), but he can fill it up offensively, and averaging 17.4 points per game is not too bad at all.
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