Sorting players into tier rankings is a helpful way for managers to prepare for the season. With the 2024-25 NBA season almost here, the shooting guards are next up in this fantasy basketball series.
Note that a player’s position can vary across fantasy sites, so other eligibility is listed in brackets. The good, average, and bad categories are based on a player’s latest season stats and Hashtag Basketball.
Read also: point guards
Fantasy Basketball Shooting Guard Tiers 2024-25
Tier 1
Donovan Mitchell (PG)
Good: STL, PTS, AST, 3s, FT% | Average: REB, BLK | Bad: TO, FG%
Donovan Mitchell had one of his best seasons in 2022-23 and followed it up with another excellent campaign. While he’s mostly known for his offensive capabilities, he’s coming off a career year on the defensive end. The guard averaged new bests in steals and blocks, as well as assists and rebounds. Mitchell ranked fourth in the NBA in steals, seventh in threes and ninth in points. However, the 28-year-old missed a lot of time due to injuries, limiting him to appearing in the second-fewest games of his career. Mitchell’s worst category was turnovers, but he’s very versatile and is the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kyrie Irving (PG)
Good: PTS, 3s, FT%, AST, STL, FG% | Average: REB, BLK | Bad: TO
In his first full season with the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving did a bit of everything and remained an early-round fantasy asset. Although playing alongside superstar Luka Doncic resulted in decreases in some of the 32-year-old’s numbers, notably assists. His points and threes also dropped from last season but were still among the highest of his career. The only column he really hurt was turnovers, but availability was an issue again, as he’s only played at least 60 matches once in the past five years. Nevertheless, Irving has a very well-rounded game, especially through his scoring, efficient shooting, playmaking and defensive disruption.
Anthony Edwards (SF)
Good: PTS, FT%, AST, STL, 3s | Average: REB, BLK | Bad: TO, FG%
Since entering the league in 2020-21, Anthony Edwards has continuously improved his fantasy ranking. The rising shooting guard is coming off an MVP-candidate season and his first All-NBA team nod. Averaging career highs in points, assists, field goal and free throw percentage, managers can expect another leap. The 23-year-old has led the Minnesota Timberwolves as the top offensive option for the past two years and placed in the NBA’s top 15 in points. Most impressive is his durability, as he’s never played below 72 games. Edwards is a tantalizing talent but can benefit from cutting down turnovers and increasing efficiency.
Devin Booker (PG)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, 3s, FG% | Average: REB, STL, BLK | Bad: TO
This season, Devin Booker will shift back to his natural shooting guard role as the Phoenix Suns brought in Tyus Jones to run the point. The four-time All-Star replaced Chris Paul last season at the one spot, resulting in him averaging a personal best in dimes. Aside from assists, Booker’s numbers were nearly identical to 2022-23. Managers can expect similar production this year, albeit with a likely dip in his playmaking. Playing on a stacked Suns team has done little to hurt his value, and he can still do it all on offence. While he isn’t as impactful on the other end, turnovers and health concerns are Booker’s worst qualities.
Tier 2
Derrick White (PG)
Good: BLK, AST, STL, 3s, FT% | Average: PTS, REB, FG%, TO
Seeing Derrick White provide such high value while playing in a stacked Boston Celtics lineup was a surprise. He set new personal bests in several categories, started every game and averaged over 30 minutes for the first time. The guard is an excellent two-way player and had no glaring negative aspects to his fantasy contributions last year. The defensive ace shone most in stocks and made his presence felt offensively without high turnovers or poor efficiency. The team made no significant changes over the offseason, so the 30-year-old should be able to replicate similar numbers, especially while Kristaps Porzingis is sidelined.
Tier 3
Tyler Herro (PG)
Good: 3s, PTS, AST, FT% | Average: REB | Bad: FG%, STL, BLK, TO
Ankle, foot and other injuries limited Tyler Herro to appear in his fewest games yet. He’s never been able to play over 70 contests in his five-year career, and his availability is a risk of drafting him. The 24-year-old was on track to have a big season as Jimmy Butler struggled, but missing two big stretches during the year prevented him from that. Herro’s value came from the offensive end, where he’s a top scoring option who can shoot the three-ball and dish out some assists while also providing some rebounds. Meanwhile, his defensive output was minimal, his shooting streaky and he was turnover-prone.
CJ McCollum (PG)
Good: 3s, PTS, AST | Average: REB, STL, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: FG%
The New Orleans Pelicans traded for Dejounte Murray over the offseason, shifting CJ McCollum to his natural shooting guard position. Consequently, his off-ball role will most affect his assists as Murray becomes the primary facilitator. The 33-year-old had a similar situation with the Portland Trail Blazers when he shared the backcourt with Damian Lillard. The Pelicans have a lot of firepower, but McCollum can still be valuable offensively, although his ranking will likely drop. Most of his impact comes from his offensive game, even ranking third in the NBA in threes, while he’s decent in most other categories.
Mikal Bridges (SF, PF)
Good: PTS, STL, 3s, FT% | Average: REB, AST, BLK | Bad: FG%, TO
Many were disappointed with Mikal Bridges as they expected a breakout. He posted promising numbers after being dealt to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2022-23 trade deadline, leading many to believe he would have a big year. Instead, he averaged under 20 points, had the lowest defensive stats of his career, and his shooting splits dropped significantly. A bright spot was setting new bests in assists and rebounds, but it was undermined by him finishing a lot lower than his ADP. After being traded to the New York Knicks, it’s hard to see Bridges improve his value in a stacked lineup, notably offensively. However, his stocks can increase.
Tier 4
Anfernee Simons (PG)
Good: 3s, FT%, PTS, AST | Bad: FG%, TO, REB, STL, BLK
Anfernee Simons didn’t get the chance to fully showcase his abilities as he missed the beginning and end of the season due to injuries. This limited him to playing the second-fewest games of his six-year career. Although managers only got a small taste of Simons, he set new personal records in the main categories, was ultra-efficient from the charity stripe and averaged the sixth-most threes in the league. However, he doesn’t offer defensive stats or effective shooting from the floor. Portland opted to move on from Lillard before the start of last season, leaving their future in the hands of the developing Simons.
Devin Vassell (SF)
Good: PTS, AST, STL, 3s | Average: FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK
The same foot injury that sidelined Devin Vassell for the final weeks of 2023-24 is also benching him for the start of the upcoming season. He is still recovering after undergoing foot surgery and will be re-evaluated on November 1. Vassell broke onto the scene for the San Antonio Spurs back in 2022-23. The following year, the guard/forward was named a Most Improved Player of the Year candidate. Last season, he was one of the top scoring options and playmakers and their leading three-point scorer while he racked up some steals on the other end. His draft stock dropped due to his injury, but that’s hopefully just a minor setback.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SF)
Good: 3s, PTS, STL, FT% | Average: AST, TO | Bad: FG%, REB, BLK
The Atlanta Hawks decided to move on from Murray, opening up a big opportunity for Bogdan Bogdanovic. Whether he starts or remains in a sixth-man role, the 32-year-old will have a heavier workload. The team relied on him much more when they dealt with injuries last year, and he delivered. Bogdanovic’s best fantasy assets are his points and three-point scoring. His reliability offensively can help ease the burden off Trae Young and boost his value. He also offers great marksmanship at the foul line, steals, and low turnovers. Aside from that, Bogdanovic’s numbers don’t stand out much, but he’s in for a good year.
Tier 5
Collin Sexton (PG)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: 3s, STL, FG% | Bad: REB, BLK, TO
After a down two years, Collin Sexton turned things around. While he hasn’t been able to surpass his production from 2020-21 since joining the Utah Jazz, he came close to replicating it in 2023-24. Sexton’s numbers across the board improved from the previous year as he saw more starts and was the team’s second offensive option. The former eighth-overall pick notably upped his scoring and playmaking but didn’t contribute much on the defensive end. Sexton also only missed four games and appeared in his second-most contests despite having trouble staying on the court. The guard should hold a starting job this year.
Austin Reaves (PG, SF)
Good: AST, FT% | Average: PTS, REB, STL, 3s, FG% | Bad: BLK, TO
Since entering the league three seasons ago, Austin Reaves has continuously improved. As he developed, his role with the Los Angeles Lakers expanded. Last year, he played over 30 minutes per game for the first time and started almost 60 matches. His stats may not jump off the page, but what’s impressive is that Reaves worked his way up after going undrafted. His best abilities were his conversion rate from the line and playmaking, and most of his other numbers were solid. The 26-year-old carved out a nice supporting role for himself even though his upside is somewhat limited while playing alongside two superstars.
Coby White (PG)
Good: PTS, AST, 3s, FT% | Average: REB | Bad: STL, BLK, FG%, TO
The injury bug ravaged the Chicago Bulls, allowing Coby White to enjoy a breakout season. He’s not expected to have the same opportunity this year due to the return of Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine and the addition of Josh Giddey, which ensures a crowded backcourt. After showcasing what he can do and nearly winning Most Improved Player, the team should continue to utilize him in the starting lineup, albeit in a different role. White provided the most value by scoring, while his minimal defensive contributions, field goal shooting and turnovers held him back. Expect his assists to also take a hit by shifting to shooting guard.
Cam Thomas
Good: FT%, PTS, 3s | Average: AST | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, BLK, TO
Cam Thomas was another surprising breakout player. He never averaged higher than 18 minutes in the first two years of his career but received over 30 in 2023-24. Most of his value came from scoring, as he led the team in points thanks to his ability to get buckets in bursts (though on rough shooting). As a result, he’s much more valuable in points leagues. Thomas is a one-dimensional player who doesn’t contribute much outside of points, threes and free throw percentage. The former first-round pick is expected to command the offence and increase his shot attempts, but it’s hard to see how the rest of his numbers improve.
Tier 6
Brandon Miller (SF)
Good: PTS, 3s, FT% | Average: REB, STL, BLK | Bad: AST, FG%, TO
Finishing third in the Rookie of the Year race, Brandon Miller saw a heavier workload while LaMelo Ball missed most of the year. He flashed potential in his two-way abilities in this role, notably in scoring but not as much in playmaking. The Alabama product started the year as a reserve but quickly moved into the starting lineup, a trend that should continue in his sophomore season.
Alex Caruso (SG, SF)
Good: STL, BLK | Average: AST, 3s, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: PTS, REB
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Alex Caruso early in the offseason. Following news of Isaiah Hartenstein‘s injury, the defensive specialist can join the starting five. The Thunder have a stacked first unit full of offensive firepower, but the 30-year-old’s value comes from his stocks. Caruso is coming off a career year and his healthiest season yet as he had an increased role.
Jalen Green (PG)
Good: PTS, 3s | Average: REB, AST, STL, FT% | Bad: FG%, BLK, TO
Playing all 82 games wasn’t enough to translate into a good fantasy ranking for Jalen Green. The former second-overall pick doesn’t post enough value in categories other than points or threes to be impactful. His consistency is also an issue, as he’ll endure hot and cold stretches. The Houston Rockets have a lot of young mouths to feed, which could eat into some of Green’s minutes.
Norman Powell (SF)
Good: 3s, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, FG% | Bad: AST, REB, STL, BLK
The Los Angeles Clippers are dealing with losing one star in free agency and uncertainty around the availability of another, meaning Norman Powell has to step up. As a veteran, the team will rely on him to help with the scoring load while mentoring the young core. Powell isn’t the most versatile and may come off the bench, but he’s due for an increase in offensive production.
Donte DiVincenzo (SF)
Good: 3s, STL | Average: PTS, AST, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, FG%
The Timberwolves received Donte DiVincenzo just weeks before the start of 2024-25. He’ll serve as one of their top players off the bench and three-point specialist, a stat in which he ranked in the top five. The former Knick is also suitable for points and steals. While he started most of his games last year, New York’s reconstruction would have pushed DiVincenzo to the bench anyway.
Tier 7
Brandin Podziemski
Good: TO | Average REB, AST, STL | Bad: PTS, BLK, 3s, FG%, FT%
Klay Thompson switched to the Dallas Mavericks, likely leaving Brandin Podziemski with the starting shooting guard job. The sophomore has a chance to take on a greater role offensively and replace some of Thompson’s three-point scoring. He struggled with efficiency, blocks and some aspects of his offensive game but stood out in rebounds and can improve in those categories.
Dyson Daniels (PG)
Good: STL, TO | Average: AST, BLK, FG% | Bad: PTS, 3s, REB, FT%
Dyson Daniels was shipped to Atlanta as part of the Murray deal. He’s competing with Bogdanovic for the starting shooting guard spot but will consume some of Murray’s usage regardless. He has the most skill on the defensive end and could leap offensively by getting minutes he didn’t see in New Orleans. Daniels is a sleeper pick with great potential to perform well in real life and fantasy.
Marcus Smart (PG)
Good: STL, 3s, AST | Average: PTS, FT% | Bad: TO, REB, BLK, FG%
The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Marcus Smart to add security to their injury-prone backcourt. However, the 30-year-old played only 20 games as he suffered his own health issues. In the short time he took the court, he displayed his two-way skills. Smart’s impact will decrease, especially offensively, with the team now healthy, but managers can still expect those defensive stats.
Jaden Ivey (PG)
Average: PTS, AST, BLK, 3s | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, FG%, TO
Most of Jaden Ivey’s numbers were down from his rookie season as his role fluctuated. The return of Cade Cunningham also caused the 22-year-old’s assists to drop as his playmaking duties decreased. The Detroit Pistons have plenty of depth, but a new coaching change could help Ivey. Improving his defensive output and efficiency would go a long way in raising his ranking.
Malik Monk (SF)
Good: AST, 3s, FT% | Average: PTS, BLK | Bad: REB, STL, FG%, TO
The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, Malik Monk was a spark plug off the bench for the Sacramento Kings. He put together one of his best campaigns yet and averaged career highs in points, assists and blocks. The arrival of DeMar DeRozan will likely decrease Monk’s scoring impact, but he remains one of the best bench players in the league.
Corey Kispert (SF)
Good: 3s, TO | Average: PTS, FG% | Bad: AST, REB, STL, BLK, FT%
Corey Kispert spent most of 2023-24 in a bench role, starting the fewest games in his three-year career. Even in a reserve role, he was able to record new bests in several categories and looked solid when he started. Kispert’s numbers only really stood out in threes, but he has potential offensively. The guard/forward is expected to continue coming off the bench this year.
Tier 8
Grayson Allen (PG, SF)
Good: 3s, FG%, FT% | Average: PTS, AST, STL, BLK, TO | Bad: REB
Playing alongside the big three in Phoenix didn’t prevent Grayson Allen from making his presence felt. The six-year guard boosted his production across the board and set new personal marks in all main categories except for free throw percentage. However, Jones is replacing Allen in the starting five, making it difficult to see him improving his production from last year.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF)
Good: STL | Average: PTS, REB, BLK, 3s, TO | Bad: FG%, FT%, AST
The addition of Paul George hurts Kelly Oubre Jr.’s offensive role. However, Joel Embiid’s and George’s availability concerns could also mean more opportunities for him at times. Aside from his shooting splits and assists, Oubre Jr. contributed to multiple categories. Managers should expect a drop in his production, though.
Buddy Hield (SF)
Good: 3s, TO | Average: PTS, AST, STL, BLK, FT% | Bad: REB, FG%
After a tumultuous year filled with ups and downs, Buddy Hield now finds himself on the Golden State Warriors. He split time between the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers last year. His time in Indiana was disappointing until he turned things around in Philadelphia for a little while. Hield will likely come off the bench but is a great source of threes.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SF)
Good: STL, FT%, TO | Average: BLK, 3s, FG% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope elected to take his talents to the Orlando Magic. Here, he’ll join backcourt mate Jalen Suggs in the starting lineup. The guard will play a similar role to his time with the Denver Nuggets while providing a veteran presence for Orlando’s young core. Caldwell-Pope will be a 3-and-D player and is a reliable option due to his history of availability.
Jordan Clarkson (SF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: 3s | Bad: FG%, TO, REB, STL, BLK
Despite being one of the top offensive options for the Jazz, Jordan Clarkson had an unfavourable fantasy ranking last season. Outside of his scoring, the 32-year-old doesn’t offer much else. He can dish out some assists and shoot well at the line, but he isn’t an effective defender and hurts efficiency and turnovers. It also doesn’t help that he’s likely to come off the bench again.
Tier 9
Caris LeVert (SF)
Good: AST, STL | Average: PTS, REB, BLK, 3s, FT%, TO | Bad: FG%
Coming off the bench limits Caris LeVert’s upside, but he’s great when he steps up due to injuries.
Keon Ellis (SF)
Good: TO | Average: STL, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, 3s
Keon Ellis had some impressive outings late last season due to injuries. He could earn a starting role and increase his production.
Gradey Dick (SF)
Good: TO | Average: 3s, FT% | Bad: AST, REB, BLK, PTS, STL, FG%
Entering his sophomore year, three-point specialist Gradey Dick will likely start as the Toronto Raptors undergo their rebuild.
Bilal Coulibaly (SF)
Good: BLK | Average: REB, STL, TO | Bad: PTS, AST, 3s, FG%, FT%
The Washington Wizards have plenty of depth options, which clouds Bilal Coulibaly’s role. His defence is his best attribute.
Andrew Nembhard (PG)
Good: AST | Average: STL, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, PTS, BLK, 3s
Aside from improving his shooting splits, little changed from Andrew Nembhard’s rookie to sophomore year. He offers increased value when Haliburton is out.
Ayo Dosunmu (PG, SF)
Good: FG% | Average: PTS, AST, STL, BLK, 3s, FT%, TO | Bad: REB
Ayo Dosunmu enjoyed a career year as he stepped up for the Bulls when shorthanded. He’ll trend down with the team healthy.
Kevin Huerter (SF)
Good: TO | Average: 3s BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB, STL, FG%
The Kings added more star power, which will limit Kevin Huerter’s upside. Even then, he’s usually only helpful for threes.
Julian Strawther (SF)
Good: TO | Average: FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB, STL, BLK, 3s, FG%
A Summer League standout, Julian Strawther is a candidate to receive increased playing time as the Nuggets lost some players.
Tier 10
Vince Williams Jr. (PG, SF, PF)
Average: AST, REB, STL, BLK, 3s, FT% | Bad: PTS, FG%, TO
Due to injuries, Vince Williams Jr. stepped up and was quickly picked off the waivers. He’ll be bumped down the rotation now.
Reed Sheppard
Rookie
The Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with their third overall pick. He impressed in Summer League but will compete for minutes.
Gary Trent Jr. (PG)
Good: 3s, STL, TO | Average: PTS, FT% | Bad: FG%, AST, REB, BLK
Gary Trent Jr. signed with the Milwaukee Bucks after struggling last season. His numbers will drop playing alongside two stars.
Christian Braun (SF)
Good: TO | Average: BLK, FG% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB, STL, BLK, FT%
The offseason changes for the Nuggets indicate that Christian Braun can slide into the starting lineup.
Luke Kennard
Good: 3s, FT% | Average: AST, TO | Bad: PTS, REB, STL, BLK, FG%
Being limited to 39 games hurt Luke Kennard’s fantasy relevance. The three-point specialist will have a reserve role with the Grizzlies healthy.
Josh Richardson (PG, SF)
Good: FT%, TO | Average: 3s | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK, FG%
Injuries were once again an issue for Josh Richardson. In his few appearances, he only made an impact in free throw percentage.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SF)
Good: TO | Average: STL, BLK, 3s, FT% | Bad: REB, PTS, AST, FG%
Appearing in all 82 games did little to elevate Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s value. Newcomer DiVincenzo also doesn’t help.
Cason Wallace (PG)
Good: TO | Average: STL, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB, 3s
Cason Wallace had a decent rookie campaign. However, the Thunder’s offseason moves take away some minutes from him.
Malik Beasley
Good: 3s, TO | Average: FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, REB, STL, BLK, FG%
Signing with the Pistons will limit three-point specialist Malik Beasley’s role and playing time due to the team’s crowded roster.
