The shooting guard position has been home to some of the greatest all-time NBA scorers and most electrifying players in basketball history.
From the all-time GOAT in Michael Jordan (yes, our opinion) attacking the rim, to more recent players like James Harden combining their long-range game with efficiency in the paint, the SG position is a hybrid of skill, speed and court vision.
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Best NBA Shooting Guards In History
The Midfield takes a look at our top 10 NBA shooting guards of all time, based on scoring, rebounding, blocking, playmaking abilities, and career longevity.
1. Michael Jordan
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,072
- Points per Game (PPG): 30.1
- Rebounds per Game (RPG): 6.2
- Blocks per Game: 0.8
- Assists per Game: 5.3
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, and sheer will to win made him the most dominant player of his era.
Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and won five MVP awards. His 30.1 points per game is the highest career average in NBA history, and his clutch performances in the playoffs are legendary.
2. Kobe Bryant
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,346
- PPG: 25.0
- RPG: 5.2
- Blocks per Game: 0.5
- Assists per Game: 4.7
Kobe Bryant, known as “The Black Mamba,” was one of the most skilled and relentless competitors the NBA has ever seen. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards.
Bryant was a prolific scorer, known for his footwork, fadeaway jumpers, and ability to take over games in crucial moments. His work ethic and desire to be the best set him apart from his peers.
3. Dwyane Wade
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,054
- PPG: 22.0
- RPG: 4.7
- Blocks per Game: 0.8
- Assists per Game: 5.4
Dwyane Wade, also known as “Flash,” was a dynamic scorer and playmaker who led the Miami Heat to three NBA championships. Wade was known for his explosive drives to the basket, acrobatic finishes, and clutch performances in the playoffs.
He was also a tenacious defender, capable of blocking shots and making game-changing steals. Wade’s ability to perform at a high level in the biggest moments earned him a place among the all-time greats.
4. Jerry West
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 932
- PPG: 27.0
- RPG: 5.8
- Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
- Assists per Game: 6.7
Jerry West, the player whose silhouette is featured in the NBA logo, was one of the most consistent and clutch performers in league history. Known as “Mr. Clutch,” West was a prolific scorer and playmaker who could also play strong defense.
He led the Los Angeles Lakers to one NBA championship and was named Finals MVP in a losing effort, the only player to ever receive the award in a Finals loss.
West’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership made him one of the greatest shooting guards of all time.
5. Allen Iverson
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 914
- PPG: 26.7
- RPG: 3.7
- Blocks per Game: 0.2
- Assists per Game: 6.2
Allen Iverson, also known as “The Answer,” was one of the most electrifying and influential players in NBA history. Despite his small stature, Iverson was a scoring machine, leading the league in scoring four times.
He was known for his lightning-quick crossover, fearless drives to the basket, and ability to score in bunches. Iverson’s impact on the game extended beyond the court, as he became a cultural icon and inspired a generation of players.
6. Clyde Drexler
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,086
- PPG: 20.4
- RPG: 6.1
- Blocks per Game: 0.7
- Assists per Game: 5.6
Clyde Drexler, known as “The Glide,” was a smooth and athletic scorer who led the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets to the NBA Finals.
Drexler was a ten-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Rockets in 1995.
He was known for his ability to score in transition, finish at the rim, and contribute across the board with rebounds, assists, and steals. Drexler’s versatility and consistency made him one of the best shooting guards of his era.
7. Ray Allen
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,300
- PPG: 18.9
- RPG: 4.1
- Blocks per Game: 0.2
- Assists per Game: 3.4
Ray Allen is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Allen was a key member of the 2008 Boston Celtics championship team and hit one of the most famous shots in NBA history to help the Miami Heat win the 2013 title.
Known for his deadly three-point shooting, Allen set the record for most three-pointers made in a career, a record that stood until 2021. His ability to score from beyond the arc and in clutch situations made him a feared opponent.
8. Reggie Miller
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,389
- PPG: 18.2
- RPG: 3.0
- Blocks per Game: 0.2
- Assists per Game: 3.0
Reggie Miller was one of the most clutch shooters in NBA history, known for his ability to make big shots in critical moments. Miller spent his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
He was known for his three-point shooting, particularly in the playoffs, where he delivered numerous memorable performances.
Miller’s confidence and shooting ability made him one of the most dangerous players in the game.
9. James Harden
Career Stats (as of August 2024):
- Games Played: 1,050
- PPG: 24.7
- RPG: 5.6
- Blocks per Game: 0.5
- Assists per Game: 7.0
James Harden, known for his scoring ability and playmaking, has been one of the most dominant offensive players in the NBA during the 2010s and 2020s. Harden won three scoring titles and an MVP award while leading the Houston Rockets to deep playoff runs.
Known for his step-back three-pointer, Harden has revolutionized the game with his ability to draw fouls and create scoring opportunities.
His combination of scoring and passing makes him one of the most well-rounded shooting guards ever.
10. George Gervin
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 791
- PPG: 25.1
- RPG: 5.3
- Blocks per Game: 1.0
- Assists per Game: 2.6
George Gervin, known as “The Iceman,” was one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. Gervin led the league in scoring four times and was known for his smooth finger roll and effortless scoring ability.
He played the majority of his career with the San Antonio Spurs and was a nine-time All-Star.
Gervin’s scoring prowess and consistency made him one of the greatest shooting guards of all time.
Best NBA Shooting Guards In History Statistics
This table takes the stats from the legends above and places them below in a simple representation of statistics for each player by comparison.
| Player | Games | PPG | RPG | BPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Michael Jordan | 1,072 | 30.1 | 6.2 | 0.8 | 5.3 |
| 2. Kobe Bryant | 1,346 | 25.0 | 5.2 | 0.5 | 4.7 |
| 3. Dwyane Wade | 1,054 | 22.0 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 5.4 |
| 4. Jerry West | 932 | 27.0 | 5.8 | – | 6.7 |
| 5. Allen Iverson | 914 | 26.7 | 3.7 | 0.2 | 6.2 |
| 6. Clyde Drexler | 1,086 | 20.4 | 6.1 | 0.7 | 5.6 |
| 7. Ray Allen | 1,300 | 18.9 | 4.1 | 0.2 | 3.4 |
| 8. Reggie Miller | 1,389 | 18.2 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 3.0 |
| 9. James Harden | 1,050 | 24.7 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 7.0 |
| 10. George Gervin | 791 | 25.1 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 2.6 |
The shooting guard position in the NBA has gifted us with some of the most iconic players in basketball history. From Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, these legends have changed eras and set new standards for dominance.
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