Shooting guards are due for a comeback. It’s a position rich in history — think Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade — but has been outshined by other spots in recent years. Heading into 2024-25, the shooting guard role has a handful of legitimate superstars and is filled with depth. There were at least 20 names in consideration for this list. Eventually, we narrowed it down to 10 names. This list consists of offensive savants, two-way athletes, and knockdown shooters. Here are the top 10 shooting guards heading into the NBA season:
10. Austin Reaves — Los Angeles Lakers
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Austin Reaves is living proof that your draft position does not matter. The former Oklahoma Sooner went undrafted in 2021. A year later he’s starting and contributing for a Western Conference finalist. Reaves’ development was integral to the Lakers’ 2023 postseason run. Reaves gained more experience playing for Team USA in last Summer’s FIBA World Cup. In ’24, Reaves played in all 82 games and set career highs across the board. He can score from all three levels and is adept at getting to the foul line. Reaves has a career true shooting percentage (which adjusts for threes and free throws) of .633. The only players in NBA history with a higher number are all centers — Rudy Gobert, DeAndre Jordan, and Nikola Jokić. The former collegiate point guard is also an underrated passer and often guarded the other team’s best perimeter player last season.
