Ranking the Top 5 Shooting Guards In the NBA

There are so many good shooting guards, but few are elite. In my previous article, I listed the top 5 centers in the NBA and many commented on how far the center position has fallen. This won't apply to the two guard position, as there are many enticing options to choose from. 

Everyone always points out that having a big man is much more important than another perimeter player, but I disagree. I think for a team to win, they must have a combination of both. The Lakers and the Celtics organizations have a billion championships to prove this. 

The guys that I am listing are the cream of the crop at the two guard position. Without further ado, here is the list. 

5. Manu Ginobili

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SAN ANTONIO - MAY 09: Guard Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

Manu, if healthy, is one of the best two guards in NBA. I actually think Manu would be ranked higher if he wasn't always banged up every season. Even though he has had his best years coming off the pine, it doesn't take away from his long list of accomplishments. 

His skill set is right up there with the elite two guards. Manu is a deadly three point shooter and a very underrated passer. He also is great in the passing lanes and in transition. His defense has fallen off a bit but Manu is still a decent on-the ball defender and a great off-the ball defender. 

If healthy, Manu is a dangerous weapon for the Spurs and he showed that last season during that stretch where he went bonkers. He was averaging around 24 points a game and looked like 'Mr Everything' for the Spurs. 

I still think if Manu wasn't with the Spurs, his stats would be up there with the Wades and Kobe's. He's had to sacrifice a bit of his stats to play for a championship team but I know Manu wouldn't trade his three rings for anything. 

4. Joe Johnson

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ATLANTA - MAY 2: Guard Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 2, 2010 in Atlan

Wow. That's exactly what I said when the Atlanta Hawks offered Johnson a max contract. Of all the free agents this offseason, I didn't think Joe Johnson, especially after his performance in last year's postseason, would receive a $126 million contract. 

Johnson is a fantastic player nonetheless. He's like a 6'7'' point guard on the floor. The guy can shoot the three ball with great accuracy, take it to the basket, pass, defend, and run the offense. Johnson is the unquestioned leader on this Hawks team and if Atlanta has a long playoff run, it will be because of his play. 

Johnson does everything for the Hawks, and even though he's going to be on a lot of overpaid lists, at least he's staying with the Hawks (that's a good thing, I think?) 

3. Brandon Roy

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 24: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives against the Phoenix Suns during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers defea

Brandon Roy is one of the most complete shooting guards in the NBA. Roy doesn't get a lot of credit for what he has done in Portland. This team used to be horrible before Roy and Aldridge, who both came out of the same draft, turned this franchise around. 

This team is now playoff bound almost every season and as long as Roy stays healthy. Roy isn't a great perimeter shooter, especially behind the arc, but his mid range game has dramatically improved since his rookie season. He gets to the foul line a lot and has proven to be a solid play-maker when the ball is in his hands. 

The best part of Roy's game that I think goes unnoticed at times, is his clutch play. Roy is clutch when it matters the most and he's definitely one of the few players that I would want with the ball in their hands during the last few seconds of a game. 

2. Dwyane Wade

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BOSTON - APRIL 27: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat watches his three point shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at the TD Garden on April 27, 2010 in Boston,

There really isn't much to explain here. Before reading this list, everyone knew Wade would be listed in the top two. 

Besides being turnover prone (most likely because of the little support around him), Wade is a complete basketball player. His stats will obviously decline with the formation of the big three but is still a top three player in the NBA. 

I do wonder how Wade will coexist with LeBron James now on the team. Both players dominate the ball and haven't had a lot of experience playing off the ball. It looks like LeBron will play the Magic role while Wade is the designated scorer on the team. 

Wade should still have a good statistical season next year despite the extra help but he understands that winning championships is the only way to be recognized as the best. 

1. Kobe Bryant

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat shoots free-throws in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 19, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Heat defeated the Lakers 89-87. NOT

I believe Kobe Bryant is the best player in the game right now. His skill set is far above any player in the NBA right now. The guy has five championship rings, and his Lakers have won the last two. 

Many have said that Kobe is slowing down due to age but I don't completely agree with that. It is partly age, but I also felt that the countless injuries he suffered last season also played a major role in his supposed decline. 

Bryant is no doubt a first ballot Hall of Famer and will go down as one of the best players to ever play this game. He is in contention to win his second regular season MVP, especially with Lebron's departure, sixth championship ring, and third-straight Finals MVP.