Talking about the shooting guards lighting up the NBA in 2024, let's start with Devin Booker. Man, this guy is on fire! He dropped a whopping 27.9 points per game last season, that's a career-high for him. Doesn't get more clutch than Book, who’s hitting threes at a 38% clip. Reminds you of the glory days of Ray Allen, right? His efficiency for someone taking 10+ shots a game is just bonkers. I've heard experts from ESPN say that with Booker's offensive prowess, the Suns can finally make a deep playoff run. You know the game's changed when guards are scoring like this.
Next up, let's talk about Donovan Mitchell. You know, Spida’s averaging 28.3 points per game this season. That's insane! I mean, he's a freak of nature. With his explosive first step and killer crossover, how couldn’t he be? Mitchell's performance against the Lakers last year, dropping 45 points in Game 7, still boggles my mind. Seeing the Cavs make those waves, it’s almost like a throwback to the LeBron era, but this time with a different sort of dynamism. Arena Plus put him in their top 5 shooting guards last season, and it makes sense. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is right up there, edging close to 24.
Of course, you can’t have this conversation without mentioning James Harden. Say what you will about his off-court drama, but the guy can ball. Averaging 24.8 points and leading the league in assists with 10.1 per game, he’s a one-man show. Remember those MVP seasons in Houston? It's not just nostalgia; his numbers speak for themselves. I remember reading a Bleacher Report article last week that broke down his usage rate—it's still ridiculous, sitting at 30%. The Sixers are getting their money's worth with him, no question. And with an annual salary hitting upwards of $44 million, he’s one of the highest-paid guards in the league.
Then there's Jalen Green. Now, a lot of folks might think it's too early to call, but this kid’s got next. Averaging 22.5 points in his sophomore season? Boy’s got potential. I caught a segment on NBA TV where analysts were comparing his playing style to Kobe’s early years. It’s not just the points; it’s the composure and skill level for someone who's just 22 years old. You can see why the Rockets took him high in the draft. His speed and agility on the court are off the charts, making him one of the most exciting young talents to watch. According to the most recent Rookie Scale Contracts data, his earnings are quite remarkable, with a base salary of about $8.7 million this year.
We can't ignore Anthony Edwards. Ever since his rookie season, this guy has been incredible. “Ant-Man” is averaging 25.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46%. Talk about efficiency. It's not every day you see a young gun be so effective off the dribble and in isolation. According to a Sports Illustrated feature, Edwards might just be the next face of the Timberwolves. He's got that swagger, confidence, and talent to match. His field goal percentage puts him ahead of many seasoned vets, and this guy is just 22. There's so much room for growth. With his current performance, those endorsement deals are just going to keep coming.
Lastly, CJ McCollum. The guy's been a reliable scoring option for the Pelicans. Averaging 21.4 points per game, his skill set is arguably one of the most underrated in the league. I remember reading on NBA.com that CJ's got one of the highest basketball IQs amongst current players. His off-the-ball movement and ability to create his shots make him crucial to New Orleans' playoff hopes. His $30.8 million annual salary speaks volumes about the value he brings to his team. With those kinds of numbers, Pelicans fans have every reason to be optimistic.
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A few honorable mentions—guys like Klay Thompson and Bradley Beal—still have it. Klay, despite coming off those injuries, is contributing big time for the Warriors with 20.1 points per game. His shooting percentages are a bit lower than his prime, but the man’s 33 and still hitting crucial shots. Beal, any given night, can go off for 30-plus points. Although injuries have plagued him, his scoring ability remains top-tier. Just goes to show, even in their early 30s, these vets are making significant impacts on the court.
So there you have it, 2024’s top shooting guards are setting the bar high. You’ve got young guns and seasoned vets playing out of their minds. It's a great time to be a fan, don't you think?