Like the point guards, there have been many impressive shooting guards over the past five drafts. Here are the top shooting guards from each of the past five drafts, spanning from the 2019 NBA Draft to the 2023 NBA Draft.
Top Shooting Guards From Each of the Past 5 Drafts
2019: Jordan Poole
The Golden State Warriors drafted Jordan Poole with the 28th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Poole had an awful rookie year but later developed into a lethal scorer from all three levels. He has shown the ability to extend his range far beyond the arc and to shoot threes off the dribble. Poole developed a better handle when driving, using it to shake defenders. He also developed his passing as well. All the improvements allowed Poole to be an important part of the Warriors team that won the 2022 NBA Championship. Specifically, Poole played a crucial role in beating Denver in the first round, as Stephen Curry was returning from injury. Despite Tyler Herro winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022, Poole’s contributions to winning a championship with the Warriors ultimately move him ahead.
2020: Anthony Edwards
The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Anthony Edwards with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. As expected of someone selected first, Edwards has ascended to stardom and has easily exceeded any of his shooting guard peers. Edwards has proven an excellent scorer on all three levels, especially from three. He loves taking pull-up threes and he can make them. Additionally, Edwards has turned into a capable defender since he was drafted. Edwards has been able to lead the Timberwolves back into the playoffs multiple times. One of those runs included an exciting trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2024, beating out Phoenix and Denver along the way. Without a doubt, Edwards has been the best shooting guard from his draft class.
2021: Jalen Suggs
The Orlando Magic Drafted Jalen Suggs with the 5th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Suggs had a difficult rookie season, losing much of it to injury, but he has turned his career around. Coming into the 2024-2025 NBA Season, Suggs has refined himself into an elite 3-and-D swingman. He loves to hound opposing guards and smaller wings, providing tough defense. He is great at forcing turnovers and playing off-ball defense. His defense has been so impressive that Suggs was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2024.
Additionally, Suggs has leveled up his offensive game, becoming a consistent three-point shooter. Not only that, but Suggs can operate well off-ball on offense. While Jalen Green has a great argument as the top shooting guard, the All-defensive contribution to the Magic from Suggs gives him the nod over Green.
2022: Jalen Williams
The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Jalen Williams with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. It is kind of cheating to put Williams here given his sheer versatility as a player, but he can and has played shooting guard for the Thunder. There isn’t an area of basketball that Williams is deficient at. He can score on all three levels, be a playmaker for others, and defend at a high level. Williams was rightfully named to the All-Rookie First Team and has since become one of the top options with the Thunder. There is absolutely no doubt that Williams has been the best shooting guard in his class.
2023: Brandin Podziemski
The Golden State Warriors drafted Brandin Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. In his sole season in the NBA, Podziemski impressed with his scoring and defensive hustle. He has shown that he can score on all three levels and orchestrate the offense. He loves stepping in and taking charges, as well as cleaning up the boards. His play earned him time in the starting line-up for the Warriors and a spot in the All-Rookie First Team. It is a small sample size in terms of time since the 2023 Draft, but Podziemski looks the best so far.
