Some of basketball’s most unforgettable legends have dominated the NBA from the shooting guard position. From game-changing scorers to championship leaders and historic clutch performances, the greatest shooting guards displayed unmatched skills, athleticism, and charisma throughout their careers. Here’s a list of the top 10 NBA shooting guards ever, ranked by their achievements and impact on the game.
10. James Harden
James Harden has career averages of 24.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 7.0 APG. He won the 2018 MVP award and is a three-time scoring champion. He is a ten-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection. He led the Houston Rockets to multiple deep playoff runs and is known for his step-back three-pointer and foul-drawing ability.
9. George Gervin
George Gervin posted career averages of 25.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 2.6 APG over 14 seasons. A four-time scoring champion, he was known for his smooth offensive game and signature finger roll. Gervin made nine All-Star appearances and was a seven-time All-NBA selection. Though he never won an NBA championship, he was the face of the San Antonio Spurs in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
8. Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller averaged 18.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG over 18 seasons with the Indiana Pacers. A five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, he ranks among the top three-point shooters in history. Miller led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals and became known for his clutch performances, particularly against the Knicks. He retired as the all-time leader in three-pointers made and remains one of the best pure shooters in NBA history.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Point Guards in History
7. Ray Allen
Ray Allen has career averages of 18.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 3.4 APG over 18 seasons. He won two NBA championships (2008, 2013) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters ever. A ten-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, Allen held the all-time record for three-pointers made until 2021. His clutch three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals was one of the most iconic shots in history. Allen won a scoring title in 2001 and was a key contributor to both the Celtics’ and Heat’s championship runs.
6. Clyde Drexler
Clyde Drexler averaged 20.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 5.6 APG over 15 seasons. He won an NBA championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995. A ten-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Drexler was a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers, leading them to two Finals appearances (1990, 1992). Known for his all-around game and athleticism, he ranks in the top 35 in career points, rebounds, and assists.
5. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson recorded career averages of 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 6.2 APG over 14 seasons. A four-time scoring champion, he won the 2001 MVP award and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals that season. Despite never winning a championship, Iverson was an 11-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection. His quickness and ball-handling made him one of the most electrifying guards ever. He ranks seventh all-time in career points per game and led the league in steals three times.
Allen Iverson turns 50 today.
— MVP
— 3× steals leader
— 4x scoring champ
— 11× All-Star
— Hall of Fame
— NBA 75th Anniversary Team
— No. 3 retired: 76ers
— Film: Like Mike
— On-court career earnings: $154M
— VP of Reebok Basketball
— Earns $800K annually from earlier Reebok… pic.twitter.com/AxVMI92hcm— Boardroom (@boardroom) June 7, 2025
4. Jerry West
Jerry West averaged 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 6.7 APG over 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won one NBA championship in 1972 and was named Finals MVP in 1969 despite losing the series, the only player to achieve this. A ten-time All-NBA First Team member and 14-time All-Star, West led the league in scoring in 1970 and assists in 1972. Known for his clutch shooting, he inspired the NBA logo. His career playoff average of 29.1 PPG ranks among the best ever.
3. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade averaged 22.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 5.4 APG over 16 seasons. He won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat, earning a Finals MVP in 2006. A 13-time All-Star and eight-time All-NBA selection, Wade was a key component in Miami’s 2012 and 2013 titles alongside LeBron James. He led the league in scoring in 2009, averaging 30.2 PPG. Wade was also a strong defender, making three All-Defensive Teams.
2. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant had career averages of 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG over 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships, earning two Finals MVPs and one regular-season MVP (2008). He won two scoring titles and made 18 All-Star teams. Bryant was a 15-time All-NBA selection, a 12-time All-Defensive Team member, and ranks fourth all-time in scoring. He scored 81 points in a game in 2006, the second-highest mark in NBA history.
Who is the greatest shooting guard in NBA history?
Michael Jordan averaged 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 5.3 APG over 15 seasons. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, earning six Finals MVPs. A five-time MVP and ten-time scoring champion, Jordan also made 14 All-Star appearances and was a ten-time All-NBA First Team selection. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988 and led the league in steals three times. Jordan was a key figure in the Bulls’ two three-peats (1991–1993, 1996–1998).
