- Michael Jordan won six championships.
- Jordan also was named MVP five different times.
- Kobe Bryant earned five rings.
Shooting guards are often tasked with providing a bulk of the scoring load for their respective teams.
Some wow fans and opponents alike with their otherworldly athleticism, while others showcase their craftiness and impressive range on the court. All have an impact on their team’s NBA Finals odds of winning a title.
Let’s take a look at some of the best shooting guards in NBA history.
9 Best Shooting Guards of All Time
Rank | Player | Years Played |
1 | Michael Jordan | 1984-1993; 1995-1998; 2001-2003 |
2 | Kobe Bryant | 1996-2016 |
3 | Dwyane Wade | 2003-2019 |
4 | Allen Iverson | 1996-2010 |
5 | James Harden | 2009-Present |
6 | Vince Carter | 1998-2020 |
7 | Clyde Drexler | 1983-1998 |
8 | Ray Allen | 1996-2014 |
9 | George Gervin | 1972-1986 |
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan was the complete package as a scorer in the midrange and at the rim. He elevated himself over defenders who showed no mercy while locking down the perimeter defensively.
Some of the best dunks from Michael Jordan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3kHX4D3MVk
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 14, 2019
Accomplishments: six championships, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 14 All-Star Games, one Defensive Player of the Year award, nine All-Defensive Team selections.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s work ethic was unparalleled. He mastered the ability to hit pull-ups and turnaround jumpers, consistently torching opposing defences while providing a suffocating defence.
Accomplishments: five championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, 15 All-NBA Team selections, 18 All-Stars, 12 All-Defensive Team selections.
3. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade split defences with ease, helping him finish with many beautiful dunks and layups. Wade was also an elite shot blocker for his size.
Accomplishments: three championships, one Finals MVP, eight All-NBA Team selections, 13 All-Stars, three All-Defensive Team selections.
4. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson’s crossover often left opposing defenders mesmerized, as he is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound scorer in NBA history.
Accomplishments: one MVP, seven All-NBA Team selections, 11 All-Stars.
5. James Harden
James Harden has made a living with his deadly crossover, stepback 3-pointer, ability to finish through contact and playmaking skills.
Accomplishments: one MVP, seven All-NBA Team selections, 10 All-Stars.
6. Vince Carter
Vince Carter’s dunks and highlights are why he’s widely considered the best of all time, but his deep range, hangtime, and post moves also helped him score with ease.
Accomplishments: two All-NBA Team selections, eight All-Stars.
7. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler showcased tremendous dunking, scoring, playmaking, and rebounding skills throughout his career, finishing second to Jordan in MVP voting in 1992.
Accomplishments: one championship, five All-NBA Team selections, 10 All-Stars.
8. Ray Allen
Ray Allen held the record for most 3-pointers ever made for over a decade, but could also attack and finish at the rim.
Accomplishments: two championships, two All-NBA Team selections, 10 All-Stars.
9. George Gervin
Known for his finger roll, George Gervin was a lethal scorer, averaging more than 30 points per game twice.
Accomplishments: seven All-NBA Team selections, nine All-Stars.
Who Is the Best Shooting Guard Ever in the NBA?
Michael Jordan is widely considered the best basketball player of all time. He led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in as many tries and won the Finals MVP each time.
Jordan also led the Bulls to a 72-10 record during the 1995-1996 season, which was the best in NBA history at the time.
MJ’s playoff average of 33.4 points per game is the highest in league history.
Who Are the Best Shooting Guards in the NBA Right Now?
Devin Booker
A midrange assassin, Devin Booker also possesses deep range, the ability to finish at the rim, and solid playmaking skills.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards, a lethal dunker, can be even more deadly if he becomes more efficient as a shot-creator.
Donovan Mitchell
A powerful dunker, Donovan Mitchell’s ability to create his own shot from a distance truly opens up his ability to score.