Last week, I probed the question of "top five point guards in the current NBA." Let's delve into a similar discussion: top five shooting guards. Here goes!
Just Missed:
Dwayne Wade, Andrew Wiggins, Victor Oladipo
5. C.J. McCollum
McCollum's recent 4-year, $106 million contract extension alone is enough to prove his status as a star in the league. However, for the purpose of argument, let's dig a little deeper into the Lehigh product. Thanks to the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge, McCollum evolved into a premier scorer. He averaged career highs in nearly every statistical category. The Portland Trailblazer backcourt of McCollum/Damian Lillard has transformed into an extremely formidable force. In my eyes, they are the best 1/2 duo in the NBA not named Curry/Thompson. And, let's not forget, McCollum won the Most Improved Player award this past season. He continues to get better. Watch out, Western Conference! A star is budding in Portland!
4. Jimmy Butler
Had Jimmy Butler not fallen victim to a midseason knee injury, he might very well be #2 on this list. Mind you, he was at the top of his game from the outset, scoring 53, 43 and 42 points in early contests. He earned himself a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the second year in a row. However, he wasn't the same after the injury and failed to lead Chicago to the playoffs. And, as I stated last week, spots at the top of the list are reserved for winners. Butler is a franchise player, but hasn't been able to will the Bulls past the second round. He'll be an interesting player to watch this upcoming season.
3. DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan played a lot like a Raptor this past season. He was a ferocious force on the offensive end all season long, and ultimately led Toronto to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. He upped his prowess on the defensive side of the ball, as well. Statistically, he had the best season of his career. And who can forget his masterful performances in the playoffs? Much like C.J. McCollum (mentioned above), DeRozan continues to get better, year after year. "The Six" has a good one.
2. James Harden
James Harden had another brilliant year, offensively speaking. He averaged career highs in points and assists and had 3 triple-double performances. But, aside from all of that, he still is a huge defensive liability, though. That is plainly illustrated by the 4% drop in his defensive field goal percentage. Harden hasn't won anything with Houston, either. It was very painful to watch their first-round series against Portland. Now, Harden is a superstar, don't get me wrong. He's definitely not the #1 shooting guard, though.
1. Klay Thompson
In my eyes, no other player on this list is relatively close to Klay Thompson. Don't agree? Just ask Oklahoma City. Thompson absolutely erupted in the Western Conference Finals, scoring 41 points (on an unreal 11 threes) in the pivotal Game 6. And who can forget his 37-point quarter two seasons ago? Greatness. Thompson's game transcends the three-point arc, too. He is an elite scorer, and showcased his exceptional repertoire all season long. He easily is one of the best two-way players in the game, as well. He is a terrific defender and was assigned to guard James Harden, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving in the playoffs. On top of all of that, let's not forget that Thompson currently is one of the best shooters in NBA history.
