The collection of starting shooting guards in the league doesn't have the same level of talent as point guards. There are still three or four likely All-Stars from this group though and at least a dozen players that should average over 20 points per game.
Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell are in a class of their own as All-NBA locks. After those two, there are some young players that could be poised for breakouts, followed by reliable veteran scorers. Younger players still on their rookie deals round out the bottom.
Here are the top 30 shooting guards, listed from best to worst.
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NBA shooting guard rankings 2025-26
1. Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Edwards is a scoring machine, turning into one of the most deadly volume 3-point shooters in the league. That shooting pairs well with his tremendous athleticism and rim finishing ability. He's also a much-improved passer and a good one-on-one defender late in games. He's the best shooting guard in the league and easily a top 10 player.
2. Donovan Mitchell, Cavs
Mitchell has made seven straight All-Star games and has earned MVP votes in each of the past two seasons. He remains a relentless three-level scorer, has expanded his playmaking, and is no longer the defensive liability that he was earlier in his career.
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3. Stephon Castle, Spurs
Castle is a defensive pit bull that isn't afraid to get physical with other players. His point of attack defense is the perfect complement to Victor Wembanyama. He's a shaky 3-point shooter but provides value offensively with his drives and rim finishing.
4. Austin Reaves, Lakers
Reaves has a chance to grow into a larger role with the departure of LeBron James. He's a high-feel playmaker that can score from anywhere and draws fouls at a strong rate. He uses a shifty handle to get into the teeth of the defense, where he is devastating as a scorer and passer.
MORE: Reaves among top breakout candidates for 2026-27
5. Amen Thompson, Rockets
Thompson still doesn't have much of a jump shot, but he's one of the Rockets' most important players due to his incredible athleticism. He uses those physical gifts to hound players defensively, create disruptions, rebound well, and get to the rim at will.
6. Desmond Bane, Magic
Bane is a terrific movement shooter and has one of the best pump fakes in the game. His spacing is critically important on a Magic team that is short on shooters. He's also a decent playmaker and defender, providing value in various areas aside from his volume scoring.
7. Kon Knueppel, Hornets
Knueppel came into the league ready to shoot the ball. He broke the rookie record for 3's in a season, hitting 42.5 percent of his looks. In addition to the knock-down shooting, Knueppel was a good passer and an adequate defender. He's a nice two-way player that should be an All-Star down the line.
MORE: Why Kon Knueppel was Sporting News' Rookie of the Year
8. Tyler Herro, Heat
Herro is a microwave scorer that can be the engine of a team's offense. He's capable of creating his own shot, setting up teammates off pick-and-rolls, or spacing the floor with his strong 3-point shooting. His one-on-one defense can be an issue, but his scoring punch is special.
9. Trey Murphy III, Pelicans
The only things stopping Murphy from being one of the bigger names in the NBA are health and playing for a small market team. His length, elite shooting, ballhandling, and athleticism make him a very tough cover. He also holds his own defensively, making him a player that fits in any setting.
10. Damian Lillard, Blazers
We don't really know how good Lillard will be this season after recovering from an Achilles tear at the age of 36. The shooting should still be there, as he showed in winning the 2026 3-point contest despite missing all of last season. When we did see him two years ago, he was an All-Star that was averaging 25 points and seven assists per game.
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11. Norman Powell, Bulls
12. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks
13. Josh Hart, Knicks
14. Cason Wallace, Thunder
15. Payton Pritchard, Celtics
- Powell has supreme confidence in every shot he takes. That's for good reason, as he has a propensity to hit even the toughest jumpers, runners, and layups.
- Alexander-Walker has gone from a defensive specialist to a bona fide 20 point-per-game scorer. He's a crafty finisher at the rim and a much-improved 3-point shooter.
- Hart's energy was critical to the Knicks' championship last season. He does a little bit of everything, running a one-man fast break, crashing the offensive glass with reckless abandon, and playing excellent defense.
- Wallace is a great perimeter defender with quick hands and excellent technique. He's a capable shooter and cutter who should get a bigger role after the Thunder traded away Lu Dort.
- Pritchard will also get a bigger role this season, projected to move into the starting lineup after the Jaylen Brown trade. He's a terrific scorer and ballhandler that can create his own looks. His size does make him a target, but he competes hard defensively.
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16. RJ Barrett, Raptors
17. Zach LaVine, Kings
18. Darryn Peterson, Jazz
19. VJ Edgecombe, Sixers
20. Andrew Nembhard, Pacers
- Barrett is a wrecking ball with his drives, getting to the rim despite defenses knowing exactly what he wants to do. He's a good rebounder and has improved his shot selection over the years.
- LaVine has been stuck on terrible teams for his whole career. He's overpaid and doesn't play great defense but can give you 20 easy points off great efficiency from 3 and at the rim.
- Peterson was the No. 2 pick in a loaded draft for good reason. He's a great shot-maker who can create his own look, make the right pass, and generate turnovers on defense.
- Edgecombe's athleticism, defensive motor, and scoring bag made him an instant contributor to the Sixers' offense last season. He'll have to take on a smaller role in Philadelphia but should excel as an impact defender and shooter/play finisher.
- Nembhard is a smart player who can shoot capably, set up teammates, and play quality defense. He finds a way to make winning plays in big moments.
21. Brandin Podziemski, Warriors
22. Kyshawn George, Wizards
23. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies
24. Jalen Green, Suns
25. Duncan Robinson, Pistons
- Podziemski gets a lot of criticism, but he does a little bit of everything and grades out well in impact stats that show how much of a positive he is on the floor with his shooting, playmaking, and defense.
- George had a nice sophomore season, turning into a good scorer and playmaker. He should be able to spread the floor in Washington's new starting lineup and contribute solid defense with his length.
- Coward has great size and athleticism, making him a strong two-way player for the Grizzlies.
- Green can certainly score the ball. He's had issues with his shot selection though, dragging down his efficiency. He's also not a great defender. He's never been able to harness his considerable talent, but he could put it all together in a healthy year.
- Robinson is entering his ninth season in the league as one of its premier movement shooters. Defensive limitations keep him lower on this list.
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26. Klay Thompson, Heat
27. Christian Braun, Nuggets
28. Egor Demin, Nets
29. Max Christie, Mavs
30. Keaton Wagler, Clippers
- Thompson can't score much inside the 3-point line any more, but he won't have to. He'll be a good gunner, spreading the floor for teammates.
- Braun is an energy guard who at one time looked like he could be a plus shooter and defender. His shooting fell off last season, limiting his impact.
- Demin had a bumpy rookie year where he shot the ball well but looked passive and unable to break into the paint. His confidence looked much higher in Summer League, and he could have a breakout as a sophomore.
- Christie is a solid role player with good shooting and defensive ability. He's not a great shot creator or elite at any particular skill, but he can complement other stars well.
- Wagler comes into his rookie season with some athletic concerns, but he should shoot the ball and already has an advanced feel for running pick-and-rolls.
