Ranking The 25 Greatest NBA Shooting Guards Of All Time

After ranking the 25 greatest point guards ever, we now move on to the off-guards who have dominated the scoring charts throughout NBA history. Shooting guards are the gym-addicts, high-volume scorers with ice in their veins, and talent to dominate all areas of the perimeter. 

From Michael Jordan’s GOAT impact to Kobe Bryant’s impeccable footwork and Reggie Miller’s three-point prowess, the position has always been defined by players who combine scoring with clutch ability. Across eras, shooting guards have also shifted from mid-range maestros to modern three-point assassins, while the role has generally also included a mix of shooting, defense, and ball-handling. 

With that in mind, we’ll dive into our rankings, naming the 25 greatest shooting guards of all time.

25. Mitch Richmond

Career Stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Accolades: 2001-02 NBA Champion, 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 1988-89 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Mitch Richmond burst onto the NBA scene with a 22.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 4.2 APG rookie campaign in 1988-89, earning Rookie of the Year honors and immediately establishing himself as a scoring threat. Over his 14-year career, with 976 games played, he maintained a smooth 21.0 PPG while adding 3.9 RPG and 3.5 APG, securing six All-Star selections and five All-NBA nods.

Richmond was the scoring linchpin in the Warriors’ famed Run TMC era, combining mid-range sharpness with playmaking. His leadership carried to Sacramento and Washington, keeping him a focal point of each offense. 

He finally captured an NBA ring in 2002 with the Lakers, adding the 2002 Finals to his legacy. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014, Richmond’s blend of scoring consistency and professionalism cements him as a premier wing guard.

24. Gail Goodrich

Career Stats: 18.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Accolades: 1971-72 NBA Champion, 5x All-Star, 1973-74 All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Gail Goodrich was the offensive engine of the legendary 1971-72 Lakers, averaging a career-high 25.9 PPG (with support from 4.5 APG and 3.6 RPG) over 82 games, playing an integral role in the NBA-record 33-game win streak and eventual championship. Across his 14 NBA seasons, he averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.7 APG, and 3.2 RPG in 1,031 games, was a five-time All-Star (’72-’76), and earned All-NBA honors in 1974.

Goodrich’s intelligent movement and mid-range mastery helped resurrect LA’s offense alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. He was foundational during the Lakers’ return to championship prominence and became a steady scoring force when the team needed it most. His 25.6 PPG average in the ’72 Finals showcased his big-game mettle. 

A 1996 Hall of Famer, Goodrich’s blend of scoring polish and clutch performance ensures his place among the elite guards of his era and a spot on the all-time list.

23. David Thompson

Career Stats: 22.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career Accolades: 4x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

David “Skywalker” Thompson soared into pro basketball as the No. 1 pick in both the NBA and ABA drafts in 1975, launching a legendary career that saw him average 22.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 3.2 APG across eight seasons in Denver and Seattle. His rookie campaign in the ABA earned him Rookie of the Year honors, and he quickly became a four-time NBA All-Star, dazzling crowds with his high-flying athleticism.

On April 9, 1978, Thompson exploded for 73 points, the third-highest single-game total in league history, chasing a scoring title he ultimately lost by 0.1 PPG. A two-time All-NBA First Team honoree, he paced the Denver Nuggets through their ABA-NBA merger transition and etched his name in the Hall of Fame in 1996. 

22. Alvin Robertson

Career Stats: 14.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Career Accolades: 4x All-Star, 1985-86 All-NBA Team Selection, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1985-86 Defensive Player of the Year, 1985-86 Most Improved Player of the Year, 3x Steals Champion

Alvin Robertson was a lockdown two-way guard, averaging 14.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.0 APG, and an NBA-record 2.7 SPG over his nine-season career. His 1985-86 season was historic: he led the league with 3.7 steals per game, won both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player honors, and earned his lone All-NBA selection. 

In that same season, he recorded a quadruple-double (20 pts, 11 rebs, 10 asts, 10 stls), the only guard in NBA history to do so. Robertson also holds the single-season steals records for both total (301) and per-game average. 

Selected to four All-Star teams and six All-Defensive nods, he was relentlessly disruptive and wired for defense. We can’t deny Alvin’s spot among the 25 greatest shooting guards because of that. 

21. Sidney Moncrief

Career Stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Accolades: 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, Hall of Fame

Sidney Moncrief anchored the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1980s as a five-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year (1983-84), anchoring a team that ranked third in winning percentage for the decade. He averaged over 20 PPG across four straight seasons, peaking at 22.5 PPG in 1982-83 while also contributing 5.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 1.5 SPG, and earning All-NBA First Team honors that same year. 

Standing at 6’4″, Moncrief played with linebacker toughness, revered by peers like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird for his relentless two-way intensity. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team four times, and across his 11-season career, maintained strong averages of 15.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.2 SPG.

There is no doubt that Moncrief is one of the game’s greatest defenders, and if he had won an NBA title, he probably would have ranked even higher. 

20. Manu Ginobili

Career Stats: 13.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Accolades: 4x NBA Champion, 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2007-08 Sixth Man of the Year, Hall of Fame

Manu Ginobili was the ultimate sixth man, averaging a steady 13.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, and 3.5 RPG over his 16-year NBA career, with electrifying plays that helped deliver four championships to the Spurs. Known for popularizing the Euro-step in the NBA, his crafty drives, fearless three-point shooting, and clutch shotmaking became staples of the Spurs’ dynasty.

A two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Teamer, Ginobili’s postseason performance, particularly in 2005 and 2007, elevated his impact far beyond numbers. His career PRA (points+rebounds+assists) average was a modest 20.6, but his leadership, flair, and team-first mentality were a major reason why the Spurs won four NBA titles during the Argentinian’s stint in Texas. 

19. Joe Dumars

Career Stats: 16.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Career Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 1988-89 Finals MVP, 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Joe Dumars was the quiet assassin of the Bad Boys Pistons, averaging 16.1 PPG, 4.5 APG, and 0.9 SPG in a 14-year career entirely with Detroit, scoring 16,401 points across 1,018 games. A six-time All-Star and four-time All-Defense First Team honoree, Dumars was the premier perimeter stifler of his era, even Michael Jordan himself called him “the best defender I ever faced”. 

He anchored Detroit’s backcourt through two championships (1989, 1990) and was named Finals MVP in 1989, showcasing big-game poise and elite shot-making. In the 1992-93 season, Dumars averaged a career-best 23.5 PPG over 40.2 minutes per game, demonstrating scoring growth deep into his career. 

Off the floor, his integrity earned him the inaugural NBA Sportsmanship Award (later renamed the Joe Dumars Trophy). Among all the bad boys, Dumars was probably the “nicest” but that doesn’t even do him justice as a top-20 shooting guard ever. 

18. Earl Monroe

Career Stats: 18.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Accolades: 1972-73 NBA Champion, 4x All-Star, 1968-69 All-NBA Team Selection, 1967-68 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Earl “The Pearl” Monroe truly dismantled defenses over a 13-year career, averaging 18.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 926 regular-season games across Baltimore and New York. He first came onto the scene in 1968 as NBA Rookie of the Year, went on to become a four-time All-Star, and anchored the Knicks’ 1973 championship run alongside Walt Frazier. 

Monroe’s playground-inspired dribbling flair and unorthodox finishing established him as one of basketball’s first true showmen, earning nicknames like “Black Jesus”. In the 1967-68 season alone, he averaged 24.3 PPG and led the Bullets in scoring, signaling his ascendancy rather quickly. 

Both the Knicks (#15) and Bullets (#10) have retired his jersey, a testament to his lasting influence. Anybody who was aware of Monroe will admit that very few players in history made the game look as beautiful as he did. 

17. Vince Carter

Career Stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Career Accolades: 8x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 1998-99 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Vince Carter played an NBA-record 1,541 games across 22 seasons and four decades, totaling 25,728 points (16.7 PPG), 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He burst onto the scene with the 1999 Rookie of the Year award and a spectacular stint with the Raptors, where he averaged 23.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 3.9 APG across 403 games. 

Carter’s “Dunk of Death” at the 2000 Olympics and electrifying 2000 Slam Dunk Contest runs cemented him as one of the greatest aerial athletes in basketball history. He earned eight All-Star nods, two All-NBA selections, and had his No. 15 jersey retired by both the Raptors and Nets, tying his legacy to Canada and Brooklyn. 

Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2024, Carter’s combination of highlight-reel dunking, longevity, and veteran production elevated him from spectacle to enduring role-player.

16. Bill Sharman

Career Stats: 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.0 APG

Career Accolades: 4x NBA Champion, 8x All-Star, 7x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Bill Sharman was a pioneer of precision shooting, averaging 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 3.0 APG over 11 seasons (711 games) with the Celtics and the Washington Capitols, showcasing consistent scoring and perimeter efficiency long before the three-point line existed. 

From 1953 to 1957, Sharman led the NBA five consecutive seasons in free throw percentage and maintained a career mark of .883, still among the best in league history. He became one of the first guards to shoot above .400 from the field, hitting a career-high .450 in the 1953-54 season. 

An eight-time All-Star, he was named All-NBA First Team four years and Second Team on three occasions, anchoring Boston to four championships in the 1950s alongside Bob Cousy.

15. Sam Jones

Career Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.5 APG

Career Accolades: 10x NBA Champion, 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Sam Jones was the main clutch performer for the Celtics, winning 10 NBA championships, the second-most all-time, as a key offensive option during Boston’s 1957-1969 dynasty. A five-time All-Star, he scored 15,411 career points over 871 games, averaging 17.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.5 APG. 

A smooth mid–range shooter with a transcendent clutch gene, legend has it Bill Russell said, “If I had to take the last shot, I’d want Sam to have it”. He led the Celtics in scoring for three seasons and once erupted for a franchise-record 51-point night (surpassed later by Larry Bird). 

In 1984, he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame, later earning spots on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Jones blended professionalism, timing, and postseason poise, making him one of the most decorated shooting guards ever.

14. Tracy McGrady

Career Stats: 19.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Career Accolades: 7x All-Star, 7x All-NBA Team Selection, 2000-01 Most Improved Player, 2x Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Tracy McGrady redefined scoring versatility with career averages of 19.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 4.4 APG across 938 games, becoming a seven-time All-NBA selection. In the iconic 2002-03 season, he exploded for 32.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, and 2.3 threes per game, leading the league in BPM (+10.5), while also leading the league in field-goals made (11.1).

McGrady carried Orlando offensively with a +3.2 per 100 possessions on court versus -9.8 off, showcasing his supremacy as an all-around force when healthy. Though playoff success was never a true part of T-Mac’s resume, his peak talent, involving step-back threes, mid-range mastery, and elite athleticism, captivated fans and earned him seven All-NBA Team honors. 

He ended his career with 18,381 points and a spot in the Hall of Fame, but there is no doubt T-Mac would have had a greater resume if back issues hadn’t cut his prime short. 

13. Pete Maravich

Career Stats: 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Career Accolades: 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 1976-77 Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

Pete Maravich enters shooting guard lore as a creative genius who averaged 24.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 5.4 APG across eight seasons, earning four All-NBA selections. Renowned for his wizardry with the ball and scoring flair, he led the league in scoring in the 1976-77 season with 31.1 PPG. 

Despite never winning a championship and sustaining a shorter career due to an unfortunate disaster, Maravich’s revolutionary handles and deep shooting range contested conventional limiters of position and style. Often dubbed the original Tracy McGrady, Maravich posted higher scoring and assist averages per game, though McGrady had greater longevity and postseason exposure. 

12. Hal Greer

Career Stats: 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG

Career Accolades: 1966-67 NBA Champion, 10x All-Star, 7x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Hal Greer was an All-Star who averaged 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 4.0 APG over a 15-season career (1,122 games) with Syracuse/Philadelphia, anchoring one of the most consistent guard presences of his era. He had eight straight years of scoring at least 20 PPG and was the franchise’s all-time leader in points (21,586), games, and field goals at retirement. 

A 1967 NBA champion, Greer maintained elite efficiency, shooting .452 over his career and shooting at least 80% from the stripe eight times. His smooth scoring and fast-break savvy made him one of the first guards to truly blend scoring and playmaking, the point guard/SG hybrid prototype.

His No. 15 jersey hangs in Philadelphia’s rafters, and he was selected to both the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982, Greer set a standard for consistency, efficiency, and championship character at shooting guard.

11. Klay Thompson

Career Stats: 19.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Accolades: 4x NBA Champion, 5x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2018-19 All-Defensive Team Selection

Klay Thompson is a five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion who is averaging 19.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.3 APG, with a career three-point percentage of 41.1%, placing him fifth all-time in made threes. He twice exceeded Ray Allen’s single-season three-point high, including making 301 threes in 2022-23.

Best known for his 60-point explosion in just 29 minutes in 2016 and as the other half of the “Splash Bros,” Thompson’s catch-and-shoot rhythm often shifts game momentum in a heartbeat. Despite a devastating ACL and Achilles injury in 2019-20, he returned to help Golden State win the 2021-22 title. 

In 2024, he signed with Dallas as a proven perimeter threat and veteran leader, and hopefully, he can be in contention for another ring. His off-season tributes, including Steph Curry publicly dubbing “Splash Bros 4 life” and the Warriors will be retiring his No. 11, reflect his lasting legacy.

10. Ray Allen

Career Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 10x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Ray Allen, enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2018, is a 10-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion who scored 24,505 points over 18 seasons, averaging 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG. His career three-point clip ranks third all-time in makes (2,973), shaping the modern perimeter game long before the inflation of threes became mainstream. 

He led the league in three-pointers made four times, and his clutch shooting, most notably the 2013 championship dagger, cemented him as one of basketball’s greatest marksmen. With a true shooting scoring percentage, he was a top-tier offensive talent, slightly more efficient than Klay, though Thompson outpaced him in total threes and playoff output. 

His mix of volume shooting, durability, and clutch mindset set the template for future generations of 3-and-D wings. Ray Allen remains one of the most influential sharpshooters in NBA history, shaping spacing and shot selection across eras.

9. Reggie Miller

Career Stats: 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Career Accolades: 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Reggie Miller was a prolific scorer and clutch performer, known for his exceptional three-point shooting and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. Over his 18-season career with the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points and games played. 

Miller’s career three-point percentage stands at 39.5%, and he made 2,560 three-pointers, ranking sixth in NBA history, although he held the record before the modern era kicked in. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and earned All-NBA honors three times, with his peak coming in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 

Miller’s most memorable moments include his iconic 8 points in 9 seconds against the New York Knicks in the 1995 playoffs and his game-winning three-pointer in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012, Miller’s legacy as one of the greatest shooting guards and shooters is firmly established.

8. Clyde Drexler

Career Stats: 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Accolades: 1994-95 NBA Champion, 10x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Clyde Drexler, known as “The Glide,” was a dynamic and versatile guard who excelled in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Over his 15-season NBA career, he averaged 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, showcasing his all-around abilities. 

Drexler was a 10-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1992. He led the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992 (losing to the Pistons and Bulls), but eventually won an NBA championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995. 

Drexler was known for his smooth and graceful playing style, particularly his fast breaks and acrobatic finishes. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, Drexler’s impact on the game remains significant.

7. George Gervin

Career Stats: 26.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career Accolades: 9x All-Star, 7x All-NBA Team Selection, 4x Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

George Gervin, aka “The Iceman,” was blessed with smooth scoring ability and composure under pressure. Over his 10-season NBA career (excluding four seasons in the ABA), he averaged 26.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, with a remarkable field goal percentage of 51.1%. 

Gervin was a four-time NBA scoring champion and a nine-time All-Star, known for his iconic finger roll and graceful playing style. He played the majority of his career with the San Antonio Spurs, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. 

Gervin’s scoring prowess and unique style earned him a place among the NBA’s elite. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996, Gervin’s legacy as one of the game’s greats endures, and many players have mimicked his iconic impact offensively. 

6. James Harden

Career Stats: 24.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Career Accolades: 2017-18 MVP, 11x All-Star, 8x All-NBA Team Selection, 2011-12 Sixth Man of the Year, 3x Scoring Champion, 2x Assist Champion

Despite being a player who hasn’t shone in the biggest postseason games, there is no doubt that James Harden has transformed the modern NBA with his scoring, playmaking, and offensive versatility. Over his illustrious career, he has averaged 24.1 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game across 1,151 regular-season games, earning 11 All-Star selections and an MVP award in 2018. 

Known for his step-back three-pointer and elite drawing of fouls, Harden has led the league in assists and scoring multiple times. As of the 2024-25 season, Harden is playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing to contribute significantly to his team’s success. 

His impact on the game is undeniable, influencing how offenses are structured in the modern era. We also can’t remember a time when a single player would get triple-teamed heading up the court like The Beard was during his prime years in Houston; that’s how good he was.

5. Allen Iverson

Career Stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Honors: 2000-01 MVP, 11x All-Star, 7x All-NBA Team Selection, 8x All-Defensive Team Selection, 4x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 1996-97 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Allen Iverson, standing at just 6 feet tall, redefined the point guard position with his scoring prowess and tenacity. Over his 14-season career, he averaged 26.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, earning 11 All-Star selections and an MVP award in 2001. 

Iverson was known for his fearless drives to the basket, scoring ability, and cultural impact, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination. Despite leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001, a championship eluded him, often falling short against dominant teams. However, we won’t hold that against him.

“The Answer’s” influence extended beyond the court, impacting fashion, music, and the perception of athletes in popular culture. Iverson’s legacy continues as one of the most electrifying and influential players in NBA history, and pound for pound, has to be considered the most talented to have ever held a basketball. 

4. Jerry West

Career Stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG, 2.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Career Accolades: 1971-72 NBA Champion, 1968-69 Finals MVP, 14x All-Star, 12x All-NBA Team Selection, 5x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1969-70 Scoring Champion, 1971-72 Assist Champion, Hall of Fame

Jerry West, known as “Mr. Clutch,” was a prolific scorer and playmaker for the Los Angeles Lakers. Over his 14-season career, he averaged 27.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game, earning 14 All-Star selections and leading the Lakers to an NBA championship in 1972. 

West’s ability to perform under pressure was legendary, with his performances in the NBA Finals solidifying his reputation. After retiring as a player, he continued to influence the game as an executive, contributing to the success of teams like the Lakers, Grizzlies, Warriors, and Clippers. 

His silhouette became the basis for the NBA’s iconic logo, cementing his place in basketball history. West’s legacy as both a player and an executive showcases his profound impact on the sport, and we honor him with a 4th spot in the all-time rankings. 

3. Dwyane Wade

Career Stats: 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career Accolades: 3x NBA Champion, 2005-06 Finals MVP, 13x All-Star, 8x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2008-09 Scoring Champion

Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star, is celebrated for his explosive athleticism and clutch performances that he showcased time and time again. Over his 16-season career, he averaged 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, amassing 23,165 points and 5,701 assists. 

Wade led the Miami Heat to their first NBA title in 2006, earning Finals MVP honors after posting 34.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in the series. He later formed a formidable trio with LeBron James and Chris Bosh, securing two more championships in 2012 and 2013. 

Also known for his tenacious defense, Wade ranks as the all-time leader in blocked shots among players 6’4″ or shorter. In 2024, the Miami Heat honored his legacy by unveiling an 8-foot statue at the Kaseya Center.

2. Kobe Bryant

Career Stats: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Career Accolades: 5x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 2007-08 MVP, 18x All-Star, 15x All-NBA Team Selection, 12x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Scoring Champion, Hall of Fame

The late and great Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star for the Los Angeles Lakers, was renowned for his scoring prowess and work ethic. Over his 20-season career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, totaling 33,643 points (ranks 4th all-time). 

Among all the greatest and most talented scorers ever, Bryant’s name always ranks at the very top. Bryant’s other accolades include two Finals MVPs and the 2008 NBA MVP award. He is the only player in NBA history to score 81 points in a single game, the second-highest point total in a game. 

Beyond his on-court achievements, Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” inspired countless athletes worldwide, and he would easily be the best shooting guard to have graced the hardwood if not for the greatest player of all time, who dominated the court before him.

1. Michael Jordan 

Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Career Accolades: 6x NBA Champion, 6x Finals MVP, 5x MVP, 14x All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection, 1987-1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 10x Scoring Champion, 3x Steals Champion, 1984-85 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s. Over his illustrious career, he averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 49.7%. 

Jordan’s accolades include five MVP awards, 14 All-Star selections, and a record 10 scoring titles. His competitive spirit and clutch performances, particularly in the Finals, have become legendary, and we haven’t seen a single player dominate the biggest stage in sports like him. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, Jordan’s impact on the game and global culture remains unparalleled. By far the GOAT, and the best shooting guard to have played the game.