As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, excitement is brewing over which players will dominate their positions. Among the most debated and closely watched roles is that of the NBA shooting guards, where a blend of scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and play making ability is essential. This year, a number of standouts are looking to make their mark, and we’ve taken a deep dive into five of the NBA shooting guards expected to shine during the upcoming season.
One of the most notable names heading into the season is Derrick White of the Boston Celtics. Known for his consistency and two-way game, White is a player whose impact on the court goes beyond the stat sheet. White’s selection to Team USA speaks volumes about his reliability as a complementary player who can fill various roles as needed. Last season, White averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, adding to his impressive defensive credentials with 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. His eighth-place finish in the Kia Defensive Player of the Year voting, combined with earning his second consecutive All-Defensive Second Team honor, highlights his defensive prowess. This offseason, White secured a four-year, $125 million contract extension with the Celtics, further solidifying his importance to the team’s future success as one of the elite NBA shooting guards.
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is another player who continues to defy expectations. Despite facing numerous off-court challenges throughout his career, Irving has demonstrated time and time again that his skill set remains elite. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was on full display last season when he helped lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals alongside Luka Doncic. During the regular season, Irving posted 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game, with equally strong performances in the playoffs, where he averaged 22.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Irving’s dynamic scoring ability and court vision make him one of the most feared NBA shooting guards in the league.
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers continues to build on his reputation as one of the league’s premier NBA shooting guards, despite persistent rumors linking him to the New York Knicks. Mitchell, who signed a three-year extension with the Cavaliers, has been a key contributor for the team, consistently putting up impressive numbers. Over 123 games with the Cavaliers, Mitchell has averaged 27.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. While injuries limited his appearances last season, his impact remained undeniable, as he earned yet another All-Star selection by averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. Mitchell’s ability to score from anywhere on the court and his leadership qualities make him a crucial part of Cleveland’s plans moving forward.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns is preparing for what could be a redemption season for his team. Despite a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Booker’s individual performance was exceptional. In the first round, Booker averaged 27.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, proving himself once again as one of the top NBA shooting guards. Furthermore, Booker’s role in Team USA’s gold medal win in Paris 2024 solidified his reputation as a versatile scorer capable of thriving in various roles. With the addition of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to the Suns’ roster, there is a lot of intrigue surrounding how Booker will mesh with these two stars. His ability to adapt will be crucial to the Suns’ success this season, and many believe that Booker is poised for an MVP-caliber campaign.
At the top of the list is Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edwards’ rise to superstardom has been rapid, and his performance in the 2023-24 season only cemented his status as one of the league’s elite players. Leading the Timberwolves to the NBA Western Conference Finals, Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds during the regular season. In the playoffs, he took his game to another level, posting 27.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game. Entering his fourth NBA season, Edwards is seen by many as not only the best NBA shooting guard but also as a player capable of becoming one of the faces of the league in the years to come. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and leadership make him a force to be reckoned with, and it’s hard to see anyone surpassing him as the top NBA shooting guard heading into the 2024-25 season.
This season promises to be an exciting one, especially with the sheer talent concentrated at the shooting guard position. What makes these players stand out is their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to new roles, and consistently contribute to their teams’ successes, both offensively and defensively. With each of these players bringing something unique to the table, it will be fascinating to see how they elevate their games as the competition intensifies.
The top five NBA shooting guards heading into the 2024-25 NBA season present a mixture of experience, leadership, and emerging talent. Anthony Edwards’ rise to the top is particularly noteworthy, as his rapid development speaks to the future of the NBA. While veterans like Kyrie Irving and Donovan Mitchell continue to perform at a high level, the younger generation, led by players like Edwards and Devin Booker, will likely define the league for years to come. This list represents not only the present but also a glimpse into the future of the NBA shooting guard position.
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