They remain the glamour guys of the NBA. They can shoot from anywhere on the floor, take it to the rack, and generally spend a good portion of the game standing on the foul line if anyone touches their glossy veneers.We're talking about the shooting guards, of course, and they tend to be the most elite of the respected players in the league.
It's tough to refute when you're considering scoring champion Kobe Bryant, 2006 Finals MVP Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady et al. Throw in Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili and a handful of others, and really, it's not that difficult to be happy with any one of these guys as your primary scorer. And while they are all eminently capable of dominating a game on their own, there is some separation here, if only because of all-around ability.
None of the above really has the size and skill set of Bryant. He is gifted so far beyond the norm that he really can dominate any of these other players on the list more often than not because of his size, strength and defensive proclivity. So clearly he is No. 1 and Wade — when healthy — is as close as it gets.
Allen is the nonpareil shooter, McGrady was dominant most of last season (though he is still an injury waiting to happen), and Carter is always one shot away from exploding into his scoring netherworld. But the most unique of the group has to be Ginobili — the left-handed Argentinean, who has won more championships in the NBA and internationally than the rest of the group combined.
So take your pick if you like — everyone is entitled to their personal opinion. Then again, sometimes, there is no accounting for taste as we examine how the shooting guards look entering the 2007-08 season — potential super-rook Kevin Durant excepted.
Allen is the nonpareil shooter, McGrady was dominant most of last season (though he is still an injury waiting to happen), and Carter is always one shot away from exploding into his scoring netherworld. But the most unique of the group has to be Ginobili — the left-handed Argentinean, who has won more championships in the NBA and internationally than the rest of the group combined.
So take your pick if you like — everyone is entitled to their personal opinion. Then again, sometimes, there is no accounting for taste as we examine how the shooting guards look entering the 2007-08 season — potential super-rook Kevin Durant excepted.
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Vitals: 29, 6-6, 220, 31.6 pts., 5.7 reb., 5.4 ass., 1.4 stl., .463 FG, .868 FTThere is no better pure basketball player in the NBA than Bryant. He has all the tools on both ends of the floor, and his ability to make other players better and focus on being a team player was never more apparent than this past summer as the U.S. national team ran roughshod over the competition in the FIBA Americas Tournament.
But he's also extremely impatient and has been intolerant of what is happening in the Lakers organization since Shaquille O'Neal was traded. His own trade demands have quieted for now and it will be interesting to see how the defending scoring champion will do with his young group. Remember, they were very good before injuries struck too hard last season. His emotional maturity is every bit as important as his teammates'.
Vitals: 29, 6-6, 220, 31.6 pts., 5.7 reb., 5.4 ass., 1.4 stl., .463 FG, .868 FTThere is no better pure basketball player in the NBA than Bryant. He has all the tools on both ends of the floor, and his ability to make other players better and focus on being a team player was never more apparent than this past summer as the U.S. national team ran roughshod over the competition in the FIBA Americas Tournament.
But he's also extremely impatient and has been intolerant of what is happening in the Lakers organization since Shaquille O'Neal was traded. His own trade demands have quieted for now and it will be interesting to see how the defending scoring champion will do with his young group. Remember, they were very good before injuries struck too hard last season. His emotional maturity is every bit as important as his teammates'.
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Vitals: 25, 6-4, 212, 25, 27.4 pts., 4.7 reb., 7.5 ass., 2.1 stl., .491 FG, .807 FTThe 2006 NBA Finals MVP really had a rough go of it physically last season with a dislocated shoulder and cartilage problems in his knee. Both necessitated surgery during the off-season. He won't be ready for a couple of weeks yet, and perhaps a little longer. But the promise is he'll have time to get into game shape before the regular season starts. And when he's right physically, he's among the top five players in the league.
Wade could use a dependable point guard to ease some of his ballhandling responsibilities, and as his body breaks down, he'll need to expand his shooting range or all the acrobatics will ultimately shorten his career. However, the guy is relentless and extraordinary at getting his mid-range shot and/or to the rim — seemingly at will. The conundrum is what makes him great is also his greatest downfall — the recklessness has already taken a toll at such a young age.
Vitals: 25, 6-4, 212, 25, 27.4 pts., 4.7 reb., 7.5 ass., 2.1 stl., .491 FG, .807 FTThe 2006 NBA Finals MVP really had a rough go of it physically last season with a dislocated shoulder and cartilage problems in his knee. Both necessitated surgery during the off-season. He won't be ready for a couple of weeks yet, and perhaps a little longer. But the promise is he'll have time to get into game shape before the regular season starts. And when he's right physically, he's among the top five players in the league.
Wade could use a dependable point guard to ease some of his ballhandling responsibilities, and as his body breaks down, he'll need to expand his shooting range or all the acrobatics will ultimately shorten his career. However, the guy is relentless and extraordinary at getting his mid-range shot and/or to the rim — seemingly at will. The conundrum is what makes him great is also his greatest downfall — the recklessness has already taken a toll at such a young age.
3. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
Vitals: 28, 6-8, 223, 24.6 pts., 5.3 reb., 6.5 ass., 1.3 stl., .431 FG, .707 FTDon't let another first-round knockout mislead you. T-Mac proved last season he still has plenty of game left, and can carry his team for weeks, which he did last season when All-Star center Yao Ming was sidelined. His back and knee issues aren't going away, but he showed more mental toughness to play through them last year than ever before and that was a symbol of his maturity. Not only did he have his highest shooting percentage in four years, but he also had a career-high in assists.
In the first round loss to Utah, McGrady averaged 7.3 assists — also a career best. So there is a growth both in his physical game and mental approach that a lot of people doubted before last season. If he stays healthy, don't underestimate what he will do for this team with the more wide-open approach new coach Rick Adelman will take.
In the first round loss to Utah, McGrady averaged 7.3 assists — also a career best. So there is a growth both in his physical game and mental approach that a lot of people doubted before last season. If he stays healthy, don't underestimate what he will do for this team with the more wide-open approach new coach Rick Adelman will take.
4. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
Vitals: 33, 6-5, 205, 26.4 pts., 4.5 reb., 4.1 ass., 1.5 stl., .438 FG, .903 FTAllen remains most likely the best pure perimeter shooter in the game, and his ability to score going to the basket is underrated. But coming to the Celtics with Kevin Garnett to join Paul Pierce and Co. will be different. In Seattle, too often his teammates cleared out for him to win games and that isn't his strength. He's one of the top half-dozen catch-and-shoot players in history and it will be up to coach Doc Rivers to help in that manner. Chances are it will come easily here because Garnett is such an exceptional passer out of both the high and low post. Also, because of the inability of defenses to bottle up both he and Pierce on the perimeter, the open looks will be abundant. While his scoring average may drop, his 3-point percentage and field-goal percentage are likely to go up considerably.
Vitals: 33, 6-5, 205, 26.4 pts., 4.5 reb., 4.1 ass., 1.5 stl., .438 FG, .903 FTAllen remains most likely the best pure perimeter shooter in the game, and his ability to score going to the basket is underrated. But coming to the Celtics with Kevin Garnett to join Paul Pierce and Co. will be different. In Seattle, too often his teammates cleared out for him to win games and that isn't his strength. He's one of the top half-dozen catch-and-shoot players in history and it will be up to coach Doc Rivers to help in that manner. Chances are it will come easily here because Garnett is such an exceptional passer out of both the high and low post. Also, because of the inability of defenses to bottle up both he and Pierce on the perimeter, the open looks will be abundant. While his scoring average may drop, his 3-point percentage and field-goal percentage are likely to go up considerably.
5. Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets
Vitals: 30, 6-6, 220, 25.2 pts., 6.0 reb., 4.8 ass., 1.0 stl., .454 FG, .802 FTPeople that don't watch Carter much just don't appreciate him. Yes, he went through a period of time before he left Toronto when he admittedly didn't give 100-percent effort, but that hasn't been the case with the Nets — perhaps because Jason Kidd won't let him. But that's beside the point. His skill level remains at the top of the game when it comes to getting to the rim and from the perimeter. Granted, he was horrid in too many games in their conference semifinal loss to Cleveland, but during the regular season he had a career high in rebounds and equaled his career high in assists. That reflects effort and growth. And for fans of the game in general, his dunks are still as exciting as anybody's who has ever played.
Vitals: 30, 6-6, 220, 25.2 pts., 6.0 reb., 4.8 ass., 1.0 stl., .454 FG, .802 FTPeople that don't watch Carter much just don't appreciate him. Yes, he went through a period of time before he left Toronto when he admittedly didn't give 100-percent effort, but that hasn't been the case with the Nets — perhaps because Jason Kidd won't let him. But that's beside the point. His skill level remains at the top of the game when it comes to getting to the rim and from the perimeter. Granted, he was horrid in too many games in their conference semifinal loss to Cleveland, but during the regular season he had a career high in rebounds and equaled his career high in assists. That reflects effort and growth. And for fans of the game in general, his dunks are still as exciting as anybody's who has ever played.
6. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Vitals: 32, 6-6, 205, 16.5 pts., 4.4 reb., 3.5 ass., 1.5 stl., .464 FG, .860 FTIt's always difficult to gauge Ginobili, and the past two seasons it has been even more difficult because he has been so erratic. Nonetheless, he is extraordinarily tough at both ends of the floor, and he's generally at his best in big games. He is just as inclined to make a big play as an in-your-face defender with great hands as on the offensive end, and he's great at getting to the basket. People also tend to underestimate his deadly 3-point range at crunch time as well. More than anything else, the guy is a winner — some opponents hate him because of his physical and flopping style. But there isn't anyone in the world who wouldn't want Ginobili as a teammate, and that is best reflected by his championships in the NBA, the Olympic gold and World Championships as well.
Vitals: 32, 6-6, 205, 16.5 pts., 4.4 reb., 3.5 ass., 1.5 stl., .464 FG, .860 FTIt's always difficult to gauge Ginobili, and the past two seasons it has been even more difficult because he has been so erratic. Nonetheless, he is extraordinarily tough at both ends of the floor, and he's generally at his best in big games. He is just as inclined to make a big play as an in-your-face defender with great hands as on the offensive end, and he's great at getting to the basket. People also tend to underestimate his deadly 3-point range at crunch time as well. More than anything else, the guy is a winner — some opponents hate him because of his physical and flopping style. But there isn't anyone in the world who wouldn't want Ginobili as a teammate, and that is best reflected by his championships in the NBA, the Olympic gold and World Championships as well.
7. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks
Vitals: 28, 6-6, 215, 26.7 pts., 3.7 reb., 2.3 ass., 1.2 stl., .465 FG, .829 FGThe appreciation of Redd's scoring ability continues to spread throughout the league despite the anonymity of playing on a mediocre team in a small market. He is equally capable of scoring inside and out, and rapidly becoming one of the top two or three 3-point shooters in the game. He can catch and shoot, or fire away off the dribble, while carrying the Bucks for extended periods of time. But for him to become a true superstar in the NBA, Redd needs to expand his game defensively, rebound the ball better because of his size at guard and also make his teammates better. He has never averaged as many as 3.0 assists a game in his career and for a high-level guard in this league, that is a damning statistic — even if he were playing with four guys from a rec league.
8. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons
Vitals: 29, 6-7, 195, 19.8 pts., 3.8 reb., 3.8 ass., 0.8 stl., .468 FG, .861 FTThe skinny on Hamilton has always been, well, he's too skinny. In a lot of ways he is on the road toward being a latter-day Reggie Miller without the exceptional shooting range and game-winning resume ... but he's getting there on both counts, and runs the floor with the same non-stop energy. For one thing, Hamilton does have an NBA title and he is a much more consistent mid-range shooter, defender and passer. But as the Pistons have faltered the past couple of seasons during the playoffs, Hamilton has vanished from time to time, and it's been hard to tell whether it's been a product of the offense, or his inability to make plays on his own. Regardless, he remains one of the best mid-range shooters in the game and a handful for any defender to keep up with from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Vitals: 29, 6-7, 195, 19.8 pts., 3.8 reb., 3.8 ass., 0.8 stl., .468 FG, .861 FTThe skinny on Hamilton has always been, well, he's too skinny. In a lot of ways he is on the road toward being a latter-day Reggie Miller without the exceptional shooting range and game-winning resume ... but he's getting there on both counts, and runs the floor with the same non-stop energy. For one thing, Hamilton does have an NBA title and he is a much more consistent mid-range shooter, defender and passer. But as the Pistons have faltered the past couple of seasons during the playoffs, Hamilton has vanished from time to time, and it's been hard to tell whether it's been a product of the offense, or his inability to make plays on his own. Regardless, he remains one of the best mid-range shooters in the game and a handful for any defender to keep up with from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
9. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Vitals: 26, 6-7, 235, 25.0 pts., 4.2 reb., 4.4 ass., 1.0 stl., .471 FG., .748 FTOn paper, Johnson has comparable size and ability to Bryant, Wade and even LeBron James. He is proficient in all aspects of the game and has played point guard, shooting guard and small forward at an extremely high level. He can shoot from anywhere very well, shut people down defensively and handles the ball as well as any point guard. Had he stayed in Phoenix, it would have been much easier to gauge his level of ability because they are so young and erratic in Atlanta. Then again, if he had James' leadership ability he would lift them. So despite all these skills, he has yet to prove to be an elite leader, and that quiet demeanor has always been the question mark. On one hand, he is an endearing, humble man. But for a maximum player with all of that talent, he needs to do more to lift his team from annual bottom-feeder status. The good news is he's only 26 and might still do it.
Vitals: 26, 6-7, 235, 25.0 pts., 4.2 reb., 4.4 ass., 1.0 stl., .471 FG., .748 FTOn paper, Johnson has comparable size and ability to Bryant, Wade and even LeBron James. He is proficient in all aspects of the game and has played point guard, shooting guard and small forward at an extremely high level. He can shoot from anywhere very well, shut people down defensively and handles the ball as well as any point guard. Had he stayed in Phoenix, it would have been much easier to gauge his level of ability because they are so young and erratic in Atlanta. Then again, if he had James' leadership ability he would lift them. So despite all these skills, he has yet to prove to be an elite leader, and that quiet demeanor has always been the question mark. On one hand, he is an endearing, humble man. But for a maximum player with all of that talent, he needs to do more to lift his team from annual bottom-feeder status. The good news is he's only 26 and might still do it.
10. Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls
Vitals: 24, 6-3, 200, 21.4 pts., 3.1 reb., 3.6 ass., 0.8 stl., .455 FG, .864 FTGordon is an unequivocal handful when he gets it going — shooting from all over the court. He is exceedingly strong going to the basket and has a good feel for other players, although the Bulls have essentially groomed him as a designated scorer. Considering how well he moved the ball at Connecticut, it would be logical to expect he'd have more assists. He also hasn't developed defensively as well as one might expect, and both of those areas are surprising considering how coach Scott Skiles was a prototype all-around guard as a player. And while Gordon is equally adept at taking over games from the bench or starting when he's hot, does he become a liability on the floor in other respects?
Vitals: 24, 6-3, 200, 21.4 pts., 3.1 reb., 3.6 ass., 0.8 stl., .455 FG, .864 FTGordon is an unequivocal handful when he gets it going — shooting from all over the court. He is exceedingly strong going to the basket and has a good feel for other players, although the Bulls have essentially groomed him as a designated scorer. Considering how well he moved the ball at Connecticut, it would be logical to expect he'd have more assists. He also hasn't developed defensively as well as one might expect, and both of those areas are surprising considering how coach Scott Skiles was a prototype all-around guard as a player. And while Gordon is equally adept at taking over games from the bench or starting when he's hot, does he become a liability on the floor in other respects?
by Mike Kahn
FoxSports
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