Ranking the NBA’s 40 best shooting guards, including Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker

The newsletter discusses the evolution of the shooting guard position in the NBA, noting that it has increasingly become a role-player spot rather than a star-driven one, with many players specializing in shooting, defense, or both. The Athletic ranks the top 40 shooting guards, dividing them into seven tiers based on their current impact and potential.

At the top, players like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell are highlighted as stars who blur the line between shooting and lead guards, with Edwards particularly noted for his MVP potential. The second and third tiers include players like Bradley Beal and Zach LaVine, who are given the benefit of the doubt due to past performances but may be declining, while Desmond Bane stands out as a solid fit.

Lower tiers feature role players such as Austin Reaves, who nearly made Tier 2, and defenders like Luguentz Dort and Dyson Daniels. Tier 4 includes versatile contributors like Norman Powell, Alex Caruso, and Josh Hart, who excel in specific areas like rebounding or defense. Tier 5 focuses on emerging talents like Anfernee Simons and Devin Vassell, who could develop into key players in the near future.