25-1: Greatest shooting guards in NBA history

• ‍25-1: Greatest power forwards in NBA history
• 20-to-1: The greatest point guards in NBA history
• 25-1: Greatest small forwards in NBA history

Look, there's no point scrolling to the bottom of the list to find out who the greatest shooting guard is of all-time. It's Michael Jordan and that is absolutely and thoroughly indisputable.

But there are nine more spots in the Top 10 that aren't. This list has no recency bias, zero influence from the Twitter generation or ESPN's Top 10. It's built on career impact, numbers and the ability to put the ball in the bucket.

NBA's Top 25 Shooting Guards of All-Time

25. Alvin Robertson – 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 208 lb (94 kg)

GP: 779 │ MIN: 35.4 │ PTS: 14.0 │ FG: 5.3–11.3 (46.8%) │ FT: 3.1–4.0 (78.7%) │ REB: 5.2 │ AST: 5.0 │ STL: 2.7 │ TS%: 54.5 │ eFG%: 46.8 │ EFF: ~17.0

• 4× NBA All-Star (1986–1988, 1991)
• All-NBA Second Team (1986)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1986)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1991)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1986, 1988–1990)
• NBA Most Improved Player (1986)
• 3× NBA steals leader (1986, 1987, 1991)

Alvin Robertson is underrated. Robertson holds the all-time record for the most steals in a single season, and was a starter on the 1987 NBA All-Star Game because of his defense. Pretty much unheard of nowadays. A career box score of 14 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game puts Robertson on this list without any argument. He also a quadruple double!

24. Donovan Mitchell – 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg)

GP: 518 │ MIN: 35.5 │ PTS: 24.8 │ FG: 8.6–19.1 (45.0%) │ 3PT: 3.1–8.2 (37.1%) │ FT: 4.5–5.4 (83.5%) │ REB: 4.3 │ AST: 4.4 │ TS%: 57.3 │ eFG%: 53.2 │ EFF: ~21.4

• 6× NBA All-Star (2020–2025)
• All-NBA First Team (2025)
• All-NBA Second Team (2023)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2018)

"Spida" Mitchell is the primary option for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He led them to the league’s best record in 2024-25 but the toll it took resulted in an early exit from the playoffs. He was named on the All-NBA First Team in 2025, putting an exclamation mark on his best season. Mitchell is a three-level scorer in the middle of his prime. There is more to come and when he’s done, will be higher up this list.

23. Devin Booker – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 206 lb (93 kg)

GP: 673 │ MIN: 34.7 │ PTS: 24.2 │ FG: 8.5–18.7 (45.4%) │ 3PT: 2.0–5.6 (35.5%) │ FT: 5.3–6.1 (86.8%) │ REB: 4.0 │ AST: 5.2 │ TS%: 57.7 │ eFG%: 50.8 │ EFF: ~20.7

• 4× NBA All-Star (2020–2022, 2024)
• All-NBA First Team (2022)
• All-NBA Third Team (2024)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016)
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2018)

Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker can flat out score the ball. His career high 70 points against the Boston Celtics in March 2017 put him in rare company with Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, Kobe Bryant and Elgin Baylor as the only players in history to score 70 or more in a single game. Booker has had 40 or more 37 times in his career. 

22. Gail Goodrich – 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg)

GP: 869 │ MIN: 33.6 │ PTS: 18.0 │ FG: 7.3–16.1 (45.6%) │ FT: 3.5–4.2 (84.3%) │ REB: 3.2 │ AST: 3.5 │ TS%: 52.2 │ eFG%: 45.6 │ EFF: N/A

• NBA champion (1972)
• 5× NBA All-Star (1969, 1972–1975)
• All-NBA First Team (1974)
• Hall of Fame (1996)

Gail “Stumpy” Goodrich was in the backcourt of the Los Angeles Lakers with “The Logo” Jerry West. Goodrich was part of the team that set the record for the most wins in a row at 33, averaging 25.9 points per game, 3.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists. That season he scored more than 30 points 28 times. Goodrich led the Lakers in scoring from 1971 to 1975 on a team that featured West and Wilt Chamberlain. Not too shabby.

21. Sidney Moncrief – 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg)

GP: 767 │ MIN: 35.6 │ PTS: 15.6 │ FG: 5.8–12.3 (47.0%) │ FT: 3.7–4.8 (80.1%) │ REB: 4.7 │ AST: 3.6 │ STL: 1.5 │ TS%: 56.2 │ eFG%: 47.8 │ EFF: ~15.7

• 5× NBA All-Star (1982–1986)
• All-NBA First Team (1983)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (1982, 1984–1986)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1983, 1984)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983–1986)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982)
• Hall of Fame (2019)

The Milwaukee Bucks in the 80s were tough and no point guard was more granite than Sidney Moncrief. He led the Bucks to the best record in the decade, only bettered by the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Moncrief was a beast on the defensive side of the ball, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and an All-NBA First Team in 1983.

20. Earl Monroe 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg)

GP: 926 │ MIN: 35.0 │ PTS: 18.8 │ FG: 7.7–16.9 (45.6%) │ FT: 3.4–4.1 (80.5%) │ REB: 3.0 │ AST: 3.9 │ TS%: 52.3 │ eFG%: 45.6 │ EFF: N/A

• NBA champion (1973)
• 4× NBA All-Star (1969, 1971, 1975, 1977)
• All-NBA First Team (1969)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1968)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1968)
• Hall of Fame (1990)

The Pearl, one of the greatest nicknames in NBA history. He formed the “Rolls Royce” of backcourts with Walt “Clyde” Frazier at the New York Knicks led them to a championship in 1973. Monroe averaged 18.8 points, 3.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds in his career and averaged a career-high 25.8 in the 1968-69 season.

19. Hal Greer – 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 175 lb (79 kg)

GP: 1,122 │ MIN: 34.8 │ PTS: 19.2 │ FG: 7.8–18.2 (42.7%) │ FT: 3.6–4.2 (81.0%) │ REB: 4.2 │ AST: 4.0 │ TS%: 49.4 │ eFG%: 42.7 │ EFF: N/A

• NBA champion (1967)
• 10× NBA All-Star (1961–1970)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1968)
• 7× All-NBA Second Team (1963–1969)
• Hall of Fame (1982)

Hal Greer played for the Philadelphia 76ers for 15 years and played alongside Wilt Chamberlain, winning the 1967 NBA championship in a decade dominated by the Boston Celtics. Greer scored more than 21,500 points and was a 10-time NBA All-Star and poured in 27.7 points per game in the 76ers run to the championship.

18. Joe Dumars – 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 195 lb (88 kg)

GP: 1,018 │ MIN: 35.5 │ PTS: 16.1 │ FG: 6.2–13.6 (46.0%) │ 3PT: 0.6–1.7 (38.2%) │ FT: 3.3–3.9 (84.3%) │ REB: 2.2 │ AST: 4.5 │ TS%: 54.2 │ eFG%: 48.0 │ EFF: ~14.4

• 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990)
• NBA Finals MVP (1989)
• 6× NBA All-Star (1990–1993, 1995, 1997)
• All-NBA Second Team (1993)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1991)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1986)
• Hall of Fame (2006)

When Michael Jordan says you’re one of the toughest guards he’s ever played again, you’re a baller. And that’s what he said about Joe Dumars. Dumars was the glue in the Detroit Pistons back-to-back championship teams in 1989 and 1990. Unassuming but a killer with an almost automatic mid-range pull-up.

17. Jamal Crawford – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg)

GP: 1,327 │ MIN: 29.4 │ PTS: 14.6 │ FG: 5.2–12.3 (41.0%) │ 3PT: 1.9–5.3 (34.8%) │ FT: 2.3–2.8 (86.2%) │ REB: 2.2 │ AST: 3.4 │ TS%: 52.0 │ eFG%: 48.6 │ EFF: ~12.8

• 3× NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2010, 2014, 2016)

Crawford played for nine teams in his 20-year NBA career. He is just one of three players to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and was an instant offensive spark off the bench. Crawford was a legit three-level scorer and professional scorer. He scored 50 or more four times with a career-high 52 for the Knicks against Miami in 2007. He shot 20-from-30 from the field, including 8-from-10 from three. 

16. David Thompson – 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg)

GP: 509 │ MIN: 32.0 │ PTS: 22.1 │ FG: 9.0–17.5 (50.4%) │ FT: 3.9–4.8 (81.4%) │ REB: 3.9 │ AST: 3.2 │ TS%: 56.1 │ eFG%: 50.6 │ EFF: ~18.6

• 4× NBA All-Star (1977–1979, 1983)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1979)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1977, 1978)
• ABA All-Star (1976)
• ABA All-Star Game MVP (1976)
• All-ABA Second Team (1976)
• ABA Rookie of the Year (1976)
• ABA All-Rookie First Team (1976)
• ABA All-Time Team
• Hall of Fame (1996)

One of the OG leapers. Thompson’s nickname was “Skywalker” because he could. His career high is 73, second only to Wilt Chamberlain (100, 73, 73) until Kobe Bryant dropped 81 in 2006, for more than 50 years. Thompson was simply spectacular and a precursor to what was to come with Jordan.

15. Klay Thompson – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 220 lb (100 kg)

GP: 793 │ MIN: 33.7 │ PTS: 19.5 │ FG: 7.1–15.8 (45.5%) │ 3PT: 3.1–7.6 (41.4%) │ FT: 2.2–2.6 (84.8%) │ REB: 3.5 │ AST: 2.3 │ TS%: 57.3 │ eFG%: 55.2 │ EFF: ~15.8

• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
• 5× NBA All-Star (2015–2019)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2016)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019)
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2016)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012)

There’s in the zone and then there’s Klay Thompson. The second half of the Splash Brothers is the definition of getting on a heater. On December 5, 2016, he splashed a career-high 60 points  in just 29 minutes. Thompson went 21-from-33 including 8-from-14 threes. 11 years ago, he set the record for the most points in a quarter with 37 against the Kings on 13-from-13 from the field … busting all nine threes he took. Thompson puts “shooting” into the “shooting guard” position.

14. Dražen Petrović – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 195 lb (88 kg)

GP: 290 │ MIN: 30.5 │ PTS: 15.4 │ FG: 5.8–11.8 (50.6%) │ 3PT: 1.6–3.8 (43.7%) │ FT: 2.2–2.5 (84.1%) │ REB: 2.3 │ AST: 2.4 │ TS%: 60.2 │ eFG%: 57.2 │ EFF: ~12.9

• All-NBA Third Team (1993)
• 2× EuroLeague champion (1985, 1986)
• FIBA European Selection (1987)
• 4× Euroscar (1986, 1989, 1992, 1993)
• 2× Mr. Europa Award (1986, 1993)
• Hall of Fame (2202)

The “Mozart of Hoops” was taken way too soon. The Croatian died in a car crash at 28 in 1993. He was coming off two All-NBA seasons for the New Jersey Nets. In 1992-93, Petrović averaged 22.3 points per game on 51.8% FG, 44.9% 3PT, 87.0% FT. Almost 45% from three in the early 90s was all-world. Petrović was stone cold, could create his own shot and was an early glimpse into the dominance international players would impose on the league in years to come. He led Croatia to a silver medal against the Dream Team in 1992.

13. Vince Carter – 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg)

GP: 1,541 │ MIN: 30.8 │ PTS: 16.7 │ FG: 6.1–14.0 (43.5%) │ 3PT: 1.7–4.6 (37.1%) │ FT: 2.9–3.7 (80.1%) │ REB: 4.3 │ AST: 3.1 │ BLK: 0.6 │ TS%: 53.3 │ eFG%: 49.0 │ EFF: ~15.7

• 8× NBA All-Star (2000–2007)
• All-NBA Second Team (2001)
• All-NBA Third Team (2000)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1999)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2000)
• Hall of Fame (2024)

Half-man, Half Amazing. There has never been a greater in-game dunker than Vince Carter. Vinsanity started out as a high-flying finisher and evolved his game into a high percentage three-point shooter and veteran presence. Carter poured in 51 points for the Raptors against the 76ers in the 2001 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, and delivered multiple +25 points per game seasons. 

12. Manu Ginóbili – 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg)

GP: 1,057 │ MIN: 25.4 │ PTS: 13.3 │ FG: 4.5–10.1 (44.7%) │ 3PT: 1.4–3.8 (36.9%) │ FT: 3.0–3.6 (82.7%) │ REB: 3.5 │ AST: 3.8 │ STL: 1.3 │ TS%: 58.2 │ eFG%: 51.0 │ EFF: ~14.0

• 4× NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
• 2× NBA All-Star (2005, 2011)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2008, 2011)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2008)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2003)
• Hall of Fame (2022)

Argentinian Ginóbili is close to being the most underrated superstar in the history of the NBA. He accepted a reduced role on the dynastic San Antonio Spurs. He was an unorthodox leftie that made the Eurostep mainstream, could be the focal point of the offensive or facilitator. Ginóbili was never afraid of the big moment, preferring to finish games than starting them. He led Argentina to the 2004 Olympic Games gold medal, beating the US in the semis. 

11. Ray Allen – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 205 lb (93 kg)

GP: 1,300 │ MIN: 35.6 │ PTS: 18.9 │ FG: 6.6–14.9 (45.2%) │ 3PT: 2.3–5.7 (40.0%) │ FT: 3.4–3.8 (89.4%) │ REB: 4.1 │ AST: 3.4 │ TS%: 58.0 │ eFG%: 52.0 │ EFF: ~17.1

• 2× NBA champion (2008, 2013)
• 10× NBA All-Star (2000–2002, 2004–2009, 2011)
• All-NBA Second Team (2005)
• All-NBA Third Team (2001)
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2001)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
• Hall of Fame (2018)

Jesus Shuttlesworth was clutch. Allen hit arguably the biggest shot in NBA Finals history for Miami in Game 6 in 2013. With 5.2 seconds left, Allen splashed a three from the corner to force overtime against the Spurs. The Heat went on to win the title. 

10. Mitch Richmond – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 220 lb (100 kg)

GP: 976 │ MIN: 35.4 │ PTS: 21.0 │ FG: 7.5–16.6 (45.2%) │ 3PT: 1.3–3.6 (38.8%) │ FT: 4.7–5.7 (84.8%) │ REB: 3.9 │ AST: 3.5 │ STL: 1.2 │ TS%: 55.7 │ eFG%: 49.1 │ EFF: ~17.5

• NBA champion (2002)
• 6× NBA All-Star (1993–1998)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1995)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1994, 1995, 1997)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1996, 1998)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1989)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1989)
• Hall of Fame (2014)

Get the rock to The Rock. Mitch Richmond is another underrated shooting guard who was the “M” in the famous Run TMC at the Golden State Warriors in the late 80s and early 90s. Richmond averaged 22.7 points in his second season and was an early three-level scorer. He was surprisingly traded to the Sacramento Kings in 1991 and carved out an All-Star career on a poor ball club. He averaged more than 21 points for 10 straight years. Richmond won his only title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002 but played limited minutes because of Phil Jackson’s triangle.

9. George Gervin – 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 180 lb (82 kg)

GP: 791 │ MIN: 36.8 │ PTS: 25.1 │ FG: 10.3–20.1 (51.1%) │ FT: 4.9–5.8 (84.4%) │ REB: 4.6 │ AST: 2.8 │ STL: 1.2 │ BLK: 0.8 │ TS%: 56.5 │ eFG%: 50.6 │ EFF: ~21.2

• 9× NBA All-Star (1977–1985)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1980)
• 5× All-NBA First Team (1978–1982)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1983)
• 4× NBA scoring champion (1978–1980, 1982)
• 3× ABA All-Star (1974–1976)
• 2× All-ABA Second Team (1975, 1976)
• ABA All-Rookie First Team (1973)
• Hall of Fame (1996)

The Iceman won three straight NBA scoring titles and four of five. He was a master of the finger roll and with a career average of more than 25 points per game puts him in the upper echelon of not just shooting guards but all scorers. He was a career 51% scorer with a career high 63 before the three-point line. Isiah Thomas said: “George Gervin was the prototype for scoring guards — before anyone talked about efficiency or spacing.”

8. Reggie Miller – 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 195 lb (88 kg)

GP: 1,389 │ MIN: 34.9 │ PTS: 18.2 │ FG: 6.1–13.2 (47.1%) │ 3PT: 1.8–4.7 (39.5%) │ FT: 4.3–4.9 (88.8%) │ REB: 3.0 │ AST: 3.0 │ TS%: 61.4 │ eFG%: 54.0 │ EFF: ~16.5

• 5× NBA All-Star (1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (1995, 1996, 1998)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team (2021)
• Hall of Fame (2012)

There are career defining moments and then Reggie’s eight points in nine seconds in Madison Square Garden to lead the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks in the 1995 playoffs. He compounded the moment with “The Choke”, which turned the Garden even more hostile towards the polarising star. Miller retired as the all-time leader in three-point field goals with 2,560. He was a fearless scorer and never took a backwards step. His ability to move off the ball and catch and shoot was evolutionary for shooting guards. The man never stopped.

7. James Harden – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 220 lb (100 kg)

GP: 1,072 │ MIN: 34.4 │ PTS: 24.1 │ FG: 7.2–16.3 (44.1%) │ 3PT: 2.8–7.6 (36.3%) │ FT: 6.9–8.1 (86.1%) │ REB: 5.6 │ AST: 7.2 │ STL: 1.5 │ TS%: 61.0 │ eFG%: 52.4 │ EFF: ~22.8

• NBA Most Valuable Player (2018)
• 11× NBA All-Star (2013–2022, 2025)
• 6× All-NBA First Team (2014, 2015, 2017–2020)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2013, 2025)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2012)
• 3× NBA scoring champion (2018–2020)
• 2× NBA assists leader (2017, 2023)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2010)

The Beard - either you love him or you don’t. His 2018-19 season was off the charts historic. He averaged 36.1 points per game to win the first of three scoring titles. Harden is a six-time All-NBA guard, league MVP in 2018 and one of the greatest isolation players ever to lace them up. His step-back three, mastery of the gather step and ability to draw fouls will put him in the Hall of Fame when his career is done … on his first ballot.

6. Allen Iverson – 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 165 lb (75 kg)

GP: 914 │ MIN: 41.1 │ PTS: 26.7 │ FG: 9.7–23.1 (42.5%) │ 3PT: 1.2–3.7 (31.3%) │ FT: 6.8–8.9 (78.0%) │ REB: 3.7 │ AST: 6.2 │ STL: 2.2 │ TS%: 51.2 │ eFG%: 44.5 │ EFF: ~20.5

• NBA Most Valuable Player (2001)
• 11× NBA All-Star (2000–2010)
• 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2001, 2005)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (1999, 2001, 2005)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2002, 2003)
• All-NBA Third Team (2006)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1997)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1997)
• 4× NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)
• 3× NBA steals leader (2001–2003)
• Hall of Fame (2016)

The Answer. Under-sized but overpowered. Allen Iverson was the real deal at just 6’0” was an at times unplayable three level scorer with a lightning first step and killer crossover. Iverson won the MVP in 2001, averaging 31 points per game but fell short of the NBA championship, falling 4-1 to the Lakers. The series wasn’t without an iconic moment as Iverson stepped over Ty Lue in front of the Lakers bench after icing Game 1. Kobe Bryant said: “Allen Iverson is pound for pound the best player ever.”

5. Jerry West – 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg)

GP: 932 │ MIN: 39.2 │ PTS: 27.0 │ FG: 10.2–20.6 (47.4%) │ FT: 6.6–7.8 (81.4%) │ REB: 5.8 │ AST: 6.7 │ TS%: 55.0 │ eFG%: 47.4 │ EFF: ~22.9

• NBA champion (1972)
• NBA Finals MVP (1969)
• 14× NBA All-Star (1961–1974)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1972)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1962–1967, 1970–1973)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1968, 1969)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1970–1973)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1969)
• NBA scoring champion (1970)
• NBA assists leader (1972)
• Hall of Fame (1980)

There is a reason why Jerry West is “The Logo”. The Lakers' legend's averages were simply outstanding. In 932 games he poured in 27 points per (47%), 5.8 boards and 6.7 assists. His nickname was “Mr Clutch”, averaged almost 38 points per game in the 1969 NBA Finals and won the MVP in a losing team. The only player in history. West won the scoring title in 1970 and the assist title in 1972.

4. Dwyane Wade – 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg)

GP: 1,054 │ MIN: 34.8 │ PTS: 22.0 │ FG: 8.1–16.7 (48.0%) │ 3PT: 0.5–1.8 (29.3%) │ FT: 5.4–7.1 (76.5%) │ REB: 4.7 │ AST: 5.4 │ STL: 1.5 │ BLK: 0.8 │ TS%: 55.5 │ eFG%: 49.6 │ EFF: ~21.3

• 3× NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013)
• NBA Finals MVP (2006)
• 13× NBA All-Star (2005–2016, 2019)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (2010)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (2009, 2010)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2006, 2011)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2012, 2013)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2009, 2010)
• NBA scoring champion (2009)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• Hall of Fame (2023)

D-Wade was a beast. He was a slasher, a finisher, a professional scorer, leader and champion. Wade was a true power guard who won before Lebron James and Chris Bosh, was the NBA scoring champion in 2009, Finals MVP in 2006 and later one of the most selfless players in history, deferring to James as part of the Heat’s Big 3. In the 2006 Finals, Wade averaged 34.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG and 3.8 APG. Wade was a true two-way shooting guard. Pat Riley said it best: “Dwyane Wade is the greatest player in Miami Heat history.”

3. Pete Maravich – 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 197 lb (89 kg)

GP: 658 │ MIN: 37.7 │ PTS: 24.2 │ FG: 9.1–20.0 (44.1%) │ FT: 6.1–7.2 (82.0%) │ REB: 4.2 │ AST: 5.4 │ TS%: 54.4 │ eFG%: 44.1 │ EFF: N/A

• 5× NBA All-Star (1973, 1974, 1977–1979)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1976, 1977)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1973, 1978)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1971)
• NBA scoring champion (1977)
• Hall of Fame (1987)

Pistol Pete. Before him no one and very few like him after him. He introduced a creative style of basketball that inspired almost every player on this list that came after him. At 6'5", he pushed the boundaries of what guards could do offensively, from behind-the-back passes to long-distance shooting (a precursor to the modern three-point era). His career, though hampered by injuries, left an indelible mark on all other superstars of that era. Pistol averaged 24.2 points per game during 10 seasons as well as 4.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He was a five-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA Team selection and the 1977 scoring champion. He was a first ballot Hall of Famer, playing on poor teams. In the 1976-77, Maravich had 68 points, his career high, without a three-point line while playing for the New Orleans Jazz. 68 — without the three-point line as a guard. He went 36-from-43 from the field and 19-of-22 from the free throw line. And that's why he has the only video in this list. College careers don't specifically make a difference in this but Pistol Pete's needs to be referenced. He holds college basketball's all-time scoring average at 44.2 points per — without the three-point line — at LSU. LSU coach Dale Brown went back and charted Pistol Pete's shots in college. He calculated that he would have averaged 13 three-pointers A GAME! It would have pushed his average to 57. Red Auerbach said: "In my opinion, he is one of the great, great guards ever to play the game. To make basketball not only a part of his life but a part of his hand." Pistol Pete falls into the category of what might have been had he not blew his knee out in 1978. He retired in 1980 after playing 26 games with the Boston Celtics. I'm sure there will be readers of this list that will lose their minds that Pistol Pete is as high as he is but those who know, know. "Pistol Pete" could do what his contemporaries couldn't and now his predecessors have worked into their own games. Pistol was all-world.

2. Kobe Bryant – 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 212 lb (96 kg)

GP: 1,346 │ MIN: 36.1 │ PTS: 25.0 │ FG: 8.7–19.5 (44.7%) │ 3PT: 1.4–4.1 (32.9%) │ FT: 5.9–7.1 (83.7%) │ REB: 5.2 │ AST: 4.7 │ STL: 1.4 │ BLK: 0.5 │ TS%: 55.3 │ eFG%: 48.6 │ EFF: ~24.1

• 5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
• 18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
• 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009,[b] 2011)
• 11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2001)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
• 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2012)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
• Hall of Fame (2020)

The "Black Mamba". With a relentless drive for excellence and a dedication to mastering his craft, Kobe embodied the "Mamba Mentality," a philosophy of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to achieving greatness. During his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant won five NBA championships, earned two Finals MVP awards, and became one of the league’s all-time leading scorers, leaving an indelible mark on the game and its fans. Bryant’s offensive prowess was unparalleled in his generation; he had a refined skill set that included footwork, post moves, and a nearly unguardable fadeaway jump shot, all developed through tireless practice. Known for his fearlessness in clutch situations, Kobe delivered iconic moments including his ridiculous 81-point game, the second highest in NBA history, and his iconic 60-point farewell performance. Phil Jackson said: “He was a genius at understanding how to win.”

1. Michael Jordan – 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 216 lb (98 kg)[a]

GP: 1,072 │ MIN: 38.3 │ PTS: 30.1 │ FG: 11.4–22.9 (49.7%) │ 3PT: 0.5–1.7 (32.7%) │ FT: 6.8–8.2 (83.5%) │ REB: 6.2 │ AST: 5.3 │ STL: 2.3 │ BLK: 0.8 │ TS%: 56.9 │ eFG%: 50.9 │ EFF: ~30.8

• 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
• 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
• All-NBA Second Team (1985)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
• 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
• 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
• 3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
• 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
• Hall of Fame (2009)

Larry Bird: “That was God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

Magic Johnson: “Michael Jordan is the best basketball player I’ve ever seen.”

Kobe Bryant: “He’s the closest thing to perfection.”

Isiah Thomas: “Michael Jordan was the most relentless competitor I ever faced.”

Reggie Miller: “When the game was on the line, you knew who was taking the shot.”

Scottie Pippen: “Michael made you raise your level — whether you wanted to or not.”

There’s really not much more to add. Michael is not only the greatest shooting guard of all-time he’s arguably the greatest player of all-time.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback.