In basketball and the NBA, wingsmen are fundamental players for a better team dynamic on the court. Basically, these players are able to combine several skills into one, like a traditional point guard and shooting guard.
Since shooting guards are such important players in basketball, we’ve put together a special ranking of the greatest players. So get ready to meet the 30 best shooting guards in NBA history!
Among their functions during a game are the distribution of passes and medium- and long-range shots, as well as the creation of plays and a sense of leadership. They also need to dedicate themselves to defending their teams and preventing the opposition from scoring.
So it’s time to find out who the 30 best shooting guards in NBA history are. See their names, the teams they played for, the titles they won and why they are considered the greatest.
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Meet the 30 best wingmen in NBA history
The best shooting guards in NBA history: complete list
- Michael Jordan
- Kobe Bryant
- Magic Johnson
- Larry Bird
- LeBron James
- Jerry West
- Dwyane Wade
- Clyde Drexler
- Allen Iverson
- Scottie Pippen
- James Harden
- George Gervin
- Reggie Miller
- Ray Allen
- Paul Pierce
- John Havlicek
- Tracy McGrady
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Pete Maravich
- Manu Ginóbili
- Russell Westbrook
- Klay Thompson
- Vince Carter
- Joe Dumars
- Chris Mullin
- Gail Goodrich
- Dražen Petrović
- Tony Parker
- Grant Hill
- Chauncey Billups
The best shooting guards in NBA history: learn more about the players
1. Michael Jordan
- Titles: 6-time NBA champion
- Teams: Chicago Bulls
- Why is he the best? Dominance in all positions of the game, considered the best basketball player of all time.
2. Kobe Bryant
- Titles: 5-time NBA champion
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
- Why is he the best? Ability to score points and inspiring leadership.
3. Magic Johnson
- Titles: 5-time NBA champion
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
- Why is he the best? One of the greatest passers and leaders of all time, revolutionizing the position.
4. Larry Bird
- Titles: 3x NBA champion
- Teams: Boston Celtics
- Why is he the best? One of the best shooters in basketball history.
5. LeBron James
- Titles: 4x NBA champion
- Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers
- Why is he the best? He combined size, skill and vision, making him one of the most complete players of all time.
6. Jerry West
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
- Why is he the best? Nicknamed “The Logo”, he was a great defender.
7. Dwyane Wade
- Titles: 3x NBA champion
- Teams: Miami Heat
- Why is he the best? Great scoring ability, defense and leadership.
8. Clyde Drexler
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers
- Why is he the best? Skilled on both sides of the court.
9. Allen Iverson
- Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets
- Why is he the best? Incredible dribbling ability.
10. Scottie Pippen
- Titles: 6-time NBA champion
- Teams: Chicago Bulls
- Why is he the best? Great in defense and scoring, he was Jordan’s partner in the best years of the Chicago Bulls.
11. James Harden
- Teams: Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets
- Why is he the best? Excellent leader and top scorer.
12. George Gervin
- Teams: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls
- Why is he the best? Known as “The Iceman”, he was a versatile scorer.
13. Reggie Miller
- Teams: Indiana Pacers
- Why is he the best? Considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
14. Ray Allen
- Titles: 2x NBA champion
- Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat
- Why is he the best? Excellent long-distance shooter.
15. Paul Pierce
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Boston Celtics
- Why is he the best? A great sense of leadership and the ability to deal with pressure.
16. John Havlicek
- Titles: 8-time NBA champion
- Teams: Boston Celtics
- Why is he the best? Incredible versatility and defensive skills.
17. Tracy McGrady
- Teams: Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets
- Why is he the best? High capacity to score points in various ways.
18. Dirk Nowitzki
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Dallas Mavericks
- Why is he the best? He revolutionized the shooting guard position with his shooting ability.
19. Pete Maravich
- Teams: Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, Boston Celtics
- Why is he the best? Known for his ball handling skills and attacking creativity.
20. Manu Ginóbili
- Titles: 4x NBA champion
- Teams: San Antonio Spurs
- Why is he the best? Game intelligence, versatile skills.
21. Russell Westbrook
- Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards
- Why is he the best? Incredible athleticism and ability to fill the stats in all categories.
22. Klay Thompson
- Titles: 3x NBA champion
- Teams: Golden State Warriors
- Why is he the best? One of the best pitchers of all time.
23. Vince Carter
- Teams: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, among others
- Why is it the best? One of the best dunkers in NBA history.
24. Joe Dumars
- Titles: 2x NBA champion
- Teams: Detroit Pistons
- Why is he the best? Elite defender and exemplary team player, essential in the team’s victories.
25. Chris Mullin
- Teams: Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers
- Why is he the best? Excellent shooter and team player, one of the best wingers of the 1990s.
26. Gail Goodrich
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
- Why is he the best? Great scorer and excellent vision.
27. Dražen Petrović
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets
- Why is he the best? He was considered one of the greatest European players of all time.
28. Tony Parker
- Titles: 4x NBA champion
- Teams: San Antonio Spurs
- Why is he the best? Leadership skills essential to Spurs’ achievements.
29. Grant Hill
- Teams: Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns
- Why is he the best? He was once considered one of the most talented players in the league.
30. Chauncey Billups
- Titles: 1-time NBA champion
- Teams: Detroit Pistons
- Why is he the best? He played a key role in the Pistons’ title in 2004.
The best shooting guards in NBA history
- Michael Jordan
- Kobe Bryant
- Magic Johnson
- Larry Bird
- LeBron James
- Jerry West
- Dwyane Wade
- Clyde Drexler
- Allen Iverson
- Scottie Pippen
- James Harden
- George Gervin
- Reggie Miller
- Ray Allen
- Paul Pierce
- John Havlicek
- Tracy McGrady
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Pete Maravich
- Manu Ginóbili
- Russell Westbrook
- Klay Thompson
- Vince Carter
- Joe Dumars
- Chris Mullin
- Gail Goodrich
- Dražen Petrović
- Tony Parker
- Grant Hill
- Chauncey Billups
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