The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

The NBA Midseason Rankings- Shooting Guards

By Kohl Rast

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 20: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 20, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 20: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 20, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 20: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 20: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10. Tyreke Evans (MEM)

stats: 19.6 ppg, 4.9 apg, 5.2 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.0 tov

Don’t call it a comeback. Shockingly, Tyreke Evans is actually having his best statistical season since his rookie year. Even though the Grizzlies have had a really rough season, Evans has been impressive and could be a player that people are willing to take a swing at in the trade market.

9. C.J. McCollum (POR)

stats: 21.5 ppg, 3.3 apg, 4.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.9 tov

The Portland backcourt is arguably the best scoring backcourt in the NBA, and it is really quite impressive. McCollum took the scene quick and has never looked back as he has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last 3 seasons. This year, the Blazers are still in the playoff race as always, despite being led almost completely by the Dame/CJ pairing.

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 15, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 15, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Lou Williams (LAC)

stats: 23.2 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 spg, 2.9 tov

Not much can be said about Lou Williams that hasn’t been already. He is a scoring machine that has become even more of a machine as of late. Despite playing on an LA Clippers team that scores the ball pretty well, he still has managed to become their go-to scorer in most situations. He really is one of the best scorers in the NBA.

7. Bradley Beal (WSH)

stats: 23.8 ppg, 3.7 apg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.2 tov

The Washington Wizards are so difficult to get a read on, and Bradley Beal is part of that problem. He is one of the best scorers on the team and is an incredibly gifted basketball player, but he has lapses where it is hard to tell that he is nearly an All-Star level talent. For that reason, he sits outside the top 5.

ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 16: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 16: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Jimmy Butler (MIN)

stats: 21.7 ppg, 5.0 apg, 5.4 rpg, 2.0 spg, 1.9 tov

Jimmy Butler is starting to find his place amongst the stars that make up the Minnesota Timberwolves. We all know he is a great two-way player, but because it took him a little while to adjust to a new team and playing with higher level talent, Butler sits just outside the top 5 for now.

5. Victor Oladipo (IND)

stats: 24.3 ppg, 4.0 apg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 spg, 2.8 tov

If Oladipo is not the leading candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, then it really is true that the voters are overlooking players in smaller markets. Oladipo has been nothing short of phenomenal this season, scoring nearly 25 points per game and still an excellent wing defender for the Pacers. This kid is really starting to become a stud.

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball guarded by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 30, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 106 -100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball guarded by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 30, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 106 -100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Klay Thompson (GSW)

stats: 20.9 ppg, 2.5 apg, 4.1 rpg, 0.7 spg, 1.8 tov

Let this sink in. Most people consider Klay Thompson to be the 4th best player on the Golden State Warriors team. And now he is ranked as the 4th best shooting guard in the NBA. That just goes to show you how good this team really is. That said, Klay is an incredible shooter (although streaky at times) and more importantly he is a very impressive perimeter defender. Possibly the best two-way player on this list. Even fourth feels a little low for him.

3. Devin Booker (PHX)

stats: 25.3 ppg, 4.6 apg, 4.5 rpg, 0.9 spg, 3.6 tov

This kid hasn’t even hit his prime yet and he is already one of the most entertaining players in the NBA. Devin Booker is a lights out shooter that has become lethal from just about anywhere on the court. Although his defense can be lackluster at times, there are very few better scorers in the league than Booker.

TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 8: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets chats with DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on January 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 8: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets chats with DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on January 8, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2. DeMar DeRozan (TOR)

stats: 25.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, 4.2 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 tov

The Toronto shooting guard continues to score at such an impressive clip that it is amazing no one can stop him. Add into that fact that he has always been a less-than-stellar three-point shooter, (although he is shooting it better this season than ever before), and you realize just how impressive his numbers really are. Plus he is just a very trustworthy crunch time scorer as well. His defense is above average too.

1. James Harden (HOU)

stats: 31.7 ppg, 9.0 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.8 spg, 4.3 tov

Another obvious finish here. James Harden may not be your favorite player, but he knows what he is doing at all times on the court. He can hit a dagger in your face and his passing has become nothing short of unbelievable over the past few seasons. His defense is still mostly atrocious, but the Rockets don’t need defense. Harden is the undoubted best shooting guard in the league.

Next: The NBA Midseason Rankings- Point Guards

James Harden takes home the top spot in the shooting guard rankings, which really probably surprised no one. However, who will take home the top spots in the small forward, power forward, and center positions? Stay tuned the rest of the week to find out.