1. James Harden- Houston Rockets
Since being traded to the Rockets in 2012, James Harden leads all shooting guards in points scored, usage percentage, and made free throws. He’s established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the entire NBA, regardless of the position.
Harden is about as close to a lock as possible to average 25 points per game next season. From his incredibly high usage percentage, to his lack of a legit number two star around him; it’s almost a lock that Harden will lead all shooting guards in PER, usage percentage, points per game, made free throws, and minutes played. Now, just because Harden puts up the best statistics, does that make him the best shooting guard? The answer is “of course not”. He …show more content…
He also helped the Raptors reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the history of the franchise.
Forty-five percent of DeRozan’s made field goals came mid-range, another 45 percent came from inside the paint, while only 10 percent of his shots came from beyond the arc. His 10 percent of shots from beyond the arc was the lowest among qualified shooting guards. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. Very rarely does DeRozan attempt a low-percentage shot in terms of his percentages. In other-words, DeRozan very rarely derails his team at the expense of patting his own stats.
The reason he ranks below Wiggins is his defense. Compared to Wiggins, DeRozan is average at best on the defensive end of the court, which was no more evident than during the Eastern Conference Finals, a series in which he was routinely whipped by a combination of Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, and J.R. Smith.
6. Khris Middlton- Milwaukee …show more content…
C.J. McCollum- Portland Trailblazers
After winning the 2015-2016 most improved player award, C.J. McCollum finds himself in my top-ten for the first time in his career.
McCollum deservedly won the award; he finished the season with per game averages of 20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Saying McCollum had a breakout year would be an understatement. Not only did McCollum vastly improve on in an individual basis, but he also helped the Trailblazers immensely surpass their preseason expectations, reaching the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
McCollum’s biggest strengths include his ability to shoot from beyond the arc (41% from Three), convert at the free throw line (83%), and defend athletic, bigger wings. His vast improvement made him a borderline All-Star caliber player and given another year of experience, his progress should only improve.
McCollum’s per game averages might take a dip with the addition of Evan Turner, but his overall efficiency should see a slight improvement.
8. J.J. Redick- Los Angeles
Since being traded to the Rockets in 2012, James Harden leads all shooting guards in points scored, usage percentage, and made free throws. He’s established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the entire NBA, regardless of the position.
Harden is about as close to a lock as possible to average 25 points per game next season. From his incredibly high usage percentage, to his lack of a legit number two star around him; it’s almost a lock that Harden will lead all shooting guards in PER, usage percentage, points per game, made free throws, and minutes played. Now, just because Harden puts up the best statistics, does that make him the best shooting guard? The answer is “of course not”. He …show more content…
He also helped the Raptors reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the history of the franchise.
Forty-five percent of DeRozan’s made field goals came mid-range, another 45 percent came from inside the paint, while only 10 percent of his shots came from beyond the arc. His 10 percent of shots from beyond the arc was the lowest among qualified shooting guards. He knows his strengths and weaknesses. Very rarely does DeRozan attempt a low-percentage shot in terms of his percentages. In other-words, DeRozan very rarely derails his team at the expense of patting his own stats.
The reason he ranks below Wiggins is his defense. Compared to Wiggins, DeRozan is average at best on the defensive end of the court, which was no more evident than during the Eastern Conference Finals, a series in which he was routinely whipped by a combination of Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Richard Jefferson, and J.R. Smith.
6. Khris Middlton- Milwaukee …show more content…
C.J. McCollum- Portland Trailblazers
After winning the 2015-2016 most improved player award, C.J. McCollum finds himself in my top-ten for the first time in his career.
McCollum deservedly won the award; he finished the season with per game averages of 20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Saying McCollum had a breakout year would be an understatement. Not only did McCollum vastly improve on in an individual basis, but he also helped the Trailblazers immensely surpass their preseason expectations, reaching the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
McCollum’s biggest strengths include his ability to shoot from beyond the arc (41% from Three), convert at the free throw line (83%), and defend athletic, bigger wings. His vast improvement made him a borderline All-Star caliber player and given another year of experience, his progress should only improve.
McCollum’s per game averages might take a dip with the addition of Evan Turner, but his overall efficiency should see a slight improvement.
8. J.J. Redick- Los Angeles