NBA Draft 2012: Best Shooting Guards Available

Jerry West. Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. Ray Allen. What do these names all have in common? They are shooting guards—a position in the lineup that teams will look to on quite a few occasions during the 2012 NBA draft.

The slew of talent available is game-changing. From elite shooters to lockdown defenders to the well-rounded stars in the making, there is something to be said about those who play the 2. That something is that they lead a team to wins like no other position in basketball.

Here's a look at the top shooting guards available in the 2012 draft.

Shooting Guard Draft Results

Player, Team, Pick

1. Bradley Beal, Wizards, No. 3

2. Dion Waiters, Cavaliers, No. 4

3. Terrence Ross, Raptors, No. 8

4. Austin Rivers, Hornets, No. 10

5. Jeremy Lamb, Rockets, No. 12

6. Evan Fournier, Nuggets, No. 20

7. John Jenkins, Hawks, No. 23

8. Jared Cunningham, Cavaliers, No. 24

9. Tomas Satoransky, Wizards, No. 32

10. Orlando Johnson, Kings, No. 36 

11. Will Barton, Blazers, No. 40 

12. Doron Lamb, Bucks, No. 42 

13. Kim English, Pistons, No. 44

14. Kevin Murphy, Jazz, No. 47

15. Darius Johnson-Odom, Mavericks, No. 55 

16. Marcus Denmon, Spurs, No. 59 

William Buford, Ohio State

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 215 lbs

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG

Pros

Lethal mid-range jump-shooter with three-point range. Despite lack of strength, is strong coming off opponent screens. Excellent motor. Very unselfish for score-first player. Physical defender. Always in attack mode. Respected leader.

Cons

Doesn't get to the line enough. Shies away from contact in the paint. Must bulk up. Poor rebounder for size and position.

Charlie Westbrook, South Dakota

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 196 lbs

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 18.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG

Pros

As athletic a 2-man as you'll ever see. Explodes off leap. Finishes powerfully around the basket. Penetrates off the dribble with ease. Excels at using the glass. Active defender. Can turn any play into a transition basket.

Cons

Undersized for position. Must bulk up. Turning 23 in August. Inconsistent jump shot.

Ramone Moore, Temple

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 188 lbs

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 17.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG

Pros

Massive wingspan (6'9") for his position. Commands respect from beyond the three-point line. Crashes the boards well. Solid ball-handler. Good court vision. Active in passing lanes. Scores well around the basket.

Cons

Must bulk up to defend NBA 2s. Slightly undersized. Not skilled enough to play point, may not be big enough to play 2. Can get into foul trouble too quickly. Poor field-goal percentage. Settles for outside looks.