Shooting guards, often known as the “two-guard,” are typically among the most dynamic and high-scoring players on a basketball team. Traditionally tasked with scoring, they also show skills in ball-handling, passing, and defending. Their versatility on the court makes them crucial to a team’s success and often positions them as fan favorites. When discussing the greatest shooting guards of all time, one measures their offensive prowess, defensive abilities, contributions to the team’s success, and individual accolades. Here’s a nod to the ten shooting guards who have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.
#10 Joe Dumars
Detroit Pistons’ Joe Dumars made his impact felt in the NBA during the latter half of the 1980s and into the ’90s. As a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Dumars was a critical component of the “Bad Boys” Pistons era. Although not as flashy as some of his peers, Dumars was known for his exceptional defense, earning him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1989. He was also a potent scorer, with a career average of 16.1 points per game and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
#9 Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson, also known as “The Answer,” was a force of nature on the court. Renowned for his scoring ability, he led the NBA in points per game four times during his career. With a regular-season MVP award under his belt and 11 NBA All-Star selections, Iverson was a fearless competitor, despite being one of the smaller players in the league at 6 feet tall. His crossover dribble move was iconic and often left defenders scrambling. Even though Iverson never secured an NBA championship, his influence on the game and culture of basketball is unquestionable.
#8 Ray Allen
Regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Ray Allen had a knack for sinking three-pointers with laser precision. He is a ten-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion. Allen’s ability to spread the floor with his shooting prowess made him a critical asset for every team he played for, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. His clutch shooting is best exemplified by his memorable game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, which played a massive role in the Heat’s championship victory. Allen retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in regular-season and postseason three-point field goals made, a testament to his incredible shooting skills.
#7 Clyde Drexler
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler soared through his NBA career with finesse and athleticism that few could match. As a key member of the Portland Trail Blazers and later the Houston Rockets, Drexler was a ten-time NBA All-Star and an NBA champion with the Rockets in 1995. He was named to the All-NBA First Team once and the Second Team two times. Drexler was well-regarded for his abilities as a scorer, a rebounder, and a playmaker from the shooting guard position. His induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 confirmed his status as one of the game’s greats.
#6 George Gervin
When it comes to the art of scoring in basketball, few did it better than George “The Iceman” Gervin. Known for his cool demeanor and his trademark finger roll, Gervin led the NBA in scoring average four times and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. His time with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, and before that with the Spurs in the American Basketball Association (ABA), solidified his position as one of the game’s best offensive players. Although a championship eluded him, Gervin’s revolutionary scoring techniques influenced many shooting guards that came after him.
#5 James Harden
An offensive juggernaut, James Harden is widely considered one of the deadliest scorers in modern basketball. His unique ability to draw fouls, combined with exceptional shooting from beyond the arc and a strong presence in the paint, makes him a triple threat on offense. Harden took home the MVP award in the 2017-2018 season and has been a fixture in the NBA All-Star games year after year. Beyond scoring, he’s known for his playmaking skills, regularly racking up high assists numbers. Harden continues to build his legacy and could rise on this list by the end of his career.
#4 Dwyane Wade
Dwyane “Flash” Wade is Miami Heat royalty, leading the team to three NBA championships and earning the NBA Finals MVP in 2006 for his standout performance. He is a thirteen-time NBA All-Star and was known for his ability to drive to the basket and score under pressure. Wade was a versatile defender as well, earning NBA All-Defensive Team honors three times. His mid-range game was polished, and as his career advanced, he became an even more effective facilitator and mentor to younger players. Wade’s impact on the Heat culture and the game of basketball remains indelible.
#3 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers spanned 20 seasons, during which he was an 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, and two-time NBA Finals MVP. Known for his unshakable work ethic and fierce competitiveness, Kobe became synonymous with the “Mamba Mentality” – an approach to basketball and life focused on relentless hard work and the pursuit of greatness. His scoring achievements include an 81-point game, the second-highest in NBA history. As much as his on-court skills were impressive, his influence and inspiration extended beyond the basketball court, touching fans and players alike.
#2 Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan – “His Airness” – is frequently debated as the greatest basketball player ever. As the shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls, he captured six NBA championships, earning six Finals MVPs in the process. Jordan was a five-time regular-season MVP, a 14-time All-Star, and a ten-time scoring champion, showcasing his dominance on the court. He was a stellar defender as well, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1988. Jordan’s contributions to basketball were unparalleled, and his championship resolve set the standard for what it means to be a winner in the sport.
#1 Jerry West
“The Logo” Jerry West represents the quintessential shooting guard and is an emblem of the NBA – quite literally, as his silhouette graces the league’s logo. His reputation as a clutch performer lent him the nickname “Mr. Clutch.” West was a 14-time NBA All-Star and led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship in 1972. His career average of 27.0 points per game is nothing short of spectacular, and he was equally adept at playmaking and defending. Although championships were hard to come by in the era of the Boston Celtics dynasty, Jerry West’s overall impact on the game, his leadership, and his incredible skillset earn him the top spot among the greatest shooting guards of all time.
The debate about the greatest shooting guards in history is subjective and varies across different eras, but these ten players have indisputably etched their names in basketball lore. Through hard work, resilience, and sheer talent, they’ve inspired countless aspiring athletes and have become the benchmark for greatness at the two-guard position.