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My top ten all-time series continue with shooting guards, considering factors such as longevity, influence, accomplishments, and overall impact so here are the honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
• Clyde Drexler: Known for his incredible athleticism and as one of the greatest Trailblazers ever, Clyde Drexler unfortunately missed winning championships in Portland but later achieved this feat in Houston. Despite his consistency, the game’s evolution has landed him in the honorable mentions.
• Earl Monroe: Referred to as “Black Jesus,” Earl Monroe was a beloved figure among basketball fans. Ahead of his time, he was part of the stylish and iconic duo with Walt Frazier during his time with the classic 70s Knick teams.
• Pete Maravich: Known as one of the greatest talents in the game, Pete Maravich’s playing style was ahead of his time. Despite his amazing skills, the evolution of the game and the scarcity of game footage have placed him in this section.
• Klay Thompson: One of the key figures in the recent Warriors dynasty, Klay Thompson although still active, is already being considered in the conversation of all-time greatest shooting guards. His remarkable shooting prowess and contribution to the Warriors’ success place him just outside the top ten.
• Tracy McGrady: Tracy McGrady’s career was full of “What ifs” due to being overshadowed by injuries. Undoubtedly talented, his career, although short of being legendary, left basketball fans with unforgettable moments and snapshots throughout his time in the NBA.
Top Ten All-time
10. Reggie Miller: Regarded as the greatest Pacer ever, Reggie Miller was one of the best shooting guards in the 1990s and was the greatest shooter until the emergence of Steph Curry. Known for his consistency and clutch performances, he left a lasting impact on the game just ask any Knicks fans.
9. Vince Carter: Our number 9 all-time shooting guard, Vince Carter is one of my favorites. His athleticism and exciting style of play left a huge impression, particularly during his time with the Raptors inspiring a generation of Canadian talent that currently are some of the bests in basketball. Despite not winning a title, Carter’s impact on the game cannot be overlooked.
8. Ray Allen: Known as Jesus Shuttlesworth, Ray Allen is recognized as one of the greatest and most beautiful shooters in the history of the game. His contributions to championship teams with the Celtics and the Heat, as well as his iconic plays in the finals, solidify his status as one of the best clutch shooters ever.
7. James Harden: Despite the controversy surrounding his style of play, and defensive shortcomings, is why he is called the Karl Malone of guards to many fans. James Harden’s offensive prowess places him in the top ten lists of shooting guards. From his beginnings as a sixth man for the young OKC teams to becoming one of the most dominant offensive players, Harden’s impact on the game cannot be denied.
6. George Gervin: George Gervin personified the term “walking bucket.” Known for his prolific scoring and the iconic finger roll, he remains a legendary figure in basketball history as the “Iceman.” Gervin’s game has been lost to time like most greats from the 1970s but is without question a top seventy-five player and prolific scorer even by today’s standards.
5. Jerry West: Jerry West is the original dawg and the reason the word clutch exists in basketball. The logo himself, West was the first clutch performer in the NBA and the standard for being a Lakers icon and shooting guards. West is one of the greatest players ever and front office executives ever who was behind the showtime Lakers, early 2000s Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies turnaround making him one of the important pillars of the game.
4. Allen Iverson: A case could be made for Allen Iverson being the greatest player the Philadelphia 76ers had but is absolutely on their mount Rushmore. Iverson is a generational talent and massive influence on my generation and those that follow, he arrives at the right time to provide a much-needed change in not just basketball but sports in general. Unfortunately, his relentless play and toughness was not rewarded with a championship, Allen Iverson today is one of the more beloved legends whose influence still is seen in today’s game.
3. Dwyane Wade: Dwyane Wade is certainly an important figure for basketball in the mid 2000s to early 2010s. A Miami icon, Wade helped the Heat win three championships during his time and is the best shot blocking guards ever and belongs in the top three.
2. Kobe Bryant: The top two of this all-time list should not surprise anyone because both men a level above the rest. So, my number two all-time shooting guard is Kobe Bryant, who is the closest thing we seen or may get to being like MJ. Bryant’s career went through multiple phases that shaped his eventual legacy.
Certainly, one of the greatest Lakers ever probably top three, winning five titles, one MVP which is a crime, but became the new standard for what a Laker is supposed to be. I will not lie I was not the biggest Kobe guy in the 2000s (I was and am a Shaq guy) but he was incredible even with some near career ending choices. Bryant turned a low point into a second career where he was respected by his peers and the next generation.
Tragically in 2020 Bryant passed away in a horrible accident that rocked the sports world and left us wondering what he could have done after his prolific career. Granted we saw a little of that with him mentoring many young basketball stars like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker with his academy and the famous Mamba Mentality is why he will be a part of Basketball’s culture forever.
1. Michael Jordan: The greatest shooting guard of all-time is very obvious Michael Jordan. Jordan’s influence on players, fashion, and the game of basketball is obvious here. His dominance throughout his career is why he is the greatest of all-time for many basketball fans.
But for this piece/list Jordan is number one because of how many players on this list were inspired, often compared to, or tried to emulate Jordan from Kobe Bryant to Allen Iverson and Vince Carter to every athletic guard in the modern era from mid 1980s to today is why Michael Jordan is number one.
