It’s finally time to start prepping for fantasy basketball drafts as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. To help guide managers, this five-part series sorts players into draft tiers based on their position, with this article featuring the shooting guards.<\/p>\n
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Note that a player\u2019s position can vary across fantasy sites,<\/a> so other eligibility is listed in brackets. The good, average and bad categories are based on a player\u2019s latest season stats and Hashtag Basketball<\/a>. Tiers don\u2019t necessarily correlate to rounds.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: <\/em><\/strong>point guards<\/em><\/a>, small forwards<\/a>, power forwards<\/a>, centers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, FT%, AST, STL | Average: REB, BLK | Bad: TO, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Anthony Edwards<\/a> posted his best fantasy ranking yet after having a career season offensively. He drastically improved his three-point shooting, averaging the second-most in the league. That was the driving force behind the three-time All-Star cracking the top 20 in category leagues for the first time. The guard\/forward is also a model of versatility and availability, having never played fewer than 72 games in his five-year career. The 24-year-old’s biggest weakness is turnovers.<\/p>\n Good: FT% PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: STL | Bad: TO, REB, BLK, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The Suns made a major trade over the offseason to send Kevin Durant<\/a> to the Rockets. That leaves Devin Booker<\/a> as the leading star and carrying the bulk of the offensive workload. He’s expected to continue playing at his natural position of shooting guard while remaining a lead facilitator. The 28-year-old doesn’t offer as much on the other end, and he can struggle with turnovers and field goal efficiency. Still, Booker is in for a big season.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, AST, STL, FT% | Average: REB | Bad: BLK, FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Despite posting All-Star numbers, Donovan Mitchell’s<\/a> fantasy ranking plummeted in 2024-25 to be one of his worst in years. Small dips in points, assists, steals and shooting splits were the culprits. The Cavaliers’ stacked starting lineup and some players improving their numbers also affected Mitchell’s production. Nevertheless, the six-time All-Star is an elite fantasy player with few flaws to his game. He doesn’t offer many blocks and can struggle with efficiency and turnovers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, 3PM | Average: REB, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n Desmond Bane<\/a> was shipped to the Magic over the summer, creating a new Big Three. He’ll provide some much-needed three-point shooting, but other than that, his production isn’t expected to change much. The former Grizzly is still playing alongside two co-stars and figures to be the second or third option. Bane is an excellent two-way producer, but the main concern is his injury history, having only played over 70 matches once in his five-year career.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: REB, STL | Bad: BLK, FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic<\/a> in February was expected to crush Austin Reaves’<\/a> value. Instead, he posted better numbers in several categories post-trade. Overall, the fifth-year guard has continuously improved each season and is coming off his highest fantasy ranking to date. The undrafted 27-year-old is still expected to play a significant role offensively. Reaves contributes to multiple areas, with his primary shortcomings being blocks and turnovers.<\/p>\n Good: STL, AST, FG% | Average: PTS, REB, BLK | Bad: FT%, 3PM, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Thanks to a trade from the Pelicans to the Hawks, Dyson Daniels<\/a> is coming off a massive breakout. The defensive stud led the league in steals and showed off his developing offensive game thanks to his starting role. He also set new career highs in nearly every category and ranked inside the top 40 in category formats. However, a poor free-throw percentage and a lack of an outside shot were the biggest holes in his game. The 22-year-old Aussie could see a slight dip in stats with the team healthy and having new additions.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: REB, AST, STL, BLK, TO | Bad: FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The Pelicans were shorthanded for most of the season due to injuries, thrusting Trey Murphy III<\/a> into a leading role. As a result, the former first-round pick posted new personal bests in multiple categories. He took the most notable leap in his scoring, averaging over 20 points for the first time. Unfortunately, his own health issues limited him to 53 games. Still, Murphy III is a strong two-way player who will play a key role on the retooled roster.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, AST, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: TO, REB, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n After missing most of 2023-24 with a foot injury, Zach LaVine<\/a> enjoyed a bounce-back season. Although he was sent to the Kings at the trade deadline, forcing him to share the court with two co-stars. As a result, he saw a slight dip in his stats across the board, and he’ll likely post similar numbers this year. That isn’t a major cause for concern, as the 30-year-old remains a reliable fantasy option for points, threes, efficient shooting, and some assists and steals.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, AST, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: TO, REB, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n Coby White<\/a> is in an excellent position to build off his solid 2024-25 campaign as he stands to benefit from LaVine’s absence. The 25-year-old’s primary source of value lies in the offensive categories, and he’ll need to step up more as a scorer and playmaker. However, the defensive end is where he lacks. White is currently dealing with a calf strain that will limit him during preseason. The former seventh overall pick should be good to go for the regular season.<\/p>\n Good: REB, AST, STL, FG% | Average: PTS, BLK, FT% | Bad: 3PM, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Knicks’ star-studded starting lineup couldn’t get in the way of Josh Hart<\/a> having a career year. He improved his fantasy ranking from 2023-24 by nearly 100 spots in category formats. The Swiss Army knife can do it all on both ends of the court, and three-pointers are usually the typical weak spot in his game. Hart’s 37.6 MPG was the second-highest in the league, which is likely to decrease with Mike Brown<\/a> taking over as head coach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, AST | Average: 3PM, STL, FG% | Bad: FT%, TO, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n While his category ranking doesn’t reflect it,\u00a0RJ Barrett’s<\/a>\u00a0first full season with the Raptors was solid. The Canadian became more involved as a playmaker and averaged career highs in points, assists and rebounds. However, his production may take a slight hit with the addition of Brandon Ingram<\/a>.\u00a0Barrett is much more valuable in points formats, as his low efficiency and high turnovers cap his category impact. He especially struggled at the charity stripe, converting under 70% of his shots there for the second time.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, TO | Average: PTS, AST, STL, FG%, FT% | Bad: REB, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n 2024-25 6MOTY winner Payton Pritchard<\/a> is coming off a huge breakout. He finished just inside the top 100 in category leagues, his first time cracking the top 200.\u00a0The 27-year-old was an excellent spark offensively off the bench, and he may move into the first unit thanks to his impressive play. The Celtics will rely on him more as a scorer with Jayson Tatum<\/a> out. Despite only starting three games, he ranked inside the top 15 in the NBA in threes. He also offered some assists and steals on good shooting splits.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: STL | Bad: FG%, REB, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons<\/a> over the offseason from the Trail Blazers. It’s unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench, but either way, he’ll see plenty of opportunities.\u00a0Most of the guard’s value is tied to the offensive categories. Simons is a great source of points and threes with solid playmaking abilities, though he struggles with efficiency. While he doesn’t provide much on the other end, he could make some improvements in Boston.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, STL | Average: FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, AST, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n With Tyler Herro<\/a> sidelined for the beginning of the season, Norman Powell<\/a> is expected to get some high usage. The former Clipper is coming off a standout season in which he posted excellent numbers in points, steals and threes on solid shooting splits while the team was shorthanded. The guard\/forward is not expected to post the same value given the Heat’s depth, but he remains a solid fantasy asset who can step up when called upon. However, he’s not the most versatile as he doesn’t do much else than score and grab some steals.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO | Bad: REB<\/em><\/p>\n Bradley Beal<\/a> is coming off a disappointing season as most of his numbers continued to decline, especially in points. Despite that, the guard was still a solid all-around contributor. He’s now a member of the Clippers, where he’ll continue to start and be surrounded by even more talent. While that could impact his numbers, managers should worry more about his availability issues. The 32-year-old eclipsed 60 games once in the past six years.<\/p>\n Good: PTS | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: TO, REB, FG%, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Jaden Ivey’s<\/a>\u00a0season ended prematurely in January after suffering a broken fibula. He was having a much-improved season thanks to his increased scoring and three-point output as Cade Cunningham<\/a>\u2019s right-hand man. However, poor percentages and high turnovers have limited his category league value. Still, he\u2019s made some progress in increasing his field goal efficiency. The fourth-year guard is fully healthy for the start of 2025-26 and will look to pick up where he left off.<\/p>\n Good: FT%| Average: PTS, REB | Bad: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Throughout his three-year career, Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> has primarily caught the attention of fantasy managers as a streamer. His inability to provide much outside of some points and rebounds has capped his value. The former sixth overall pick will have a chance to get more involved, especially offensively, with Haliburton out. Mathurin fluctuated between a bench and starting role, but should be a permanent member of the first unit for this season. Expect his field goal percentage to take a hit if his shot attempts increase.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, REB, STL, BLK | Bad: AST, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n After ranking outside the top 300 in his first two seasons, Christian Braun<\/a> jumped inside the top 100 in his third year. The loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a> over the 2024 offseason opened a starting spot for Braun, and he\u2019ll retain that promotion. The guard\/forward set new career highs in every category and is a great defender who can score with great efficiency. However, the Nuggets made a couple of changes over the offseason that could affect the 24-year-old’s impact.<\/span><\/p>\n Good: PTS | Average: REB, AST, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Shaedon Sharpe<\/a> has consistently improved his fantasy ranking since entering the league three years ago. He’s also emerged as a key component in Portland’s rebuild. The former seventh overall pick’s greatest asset has always been his scoring ability. He can also contribute a bit in other areas, but his numbers don’t jump off the page. Sharpe has an opportunity to take his offensive game to the next level this year. The 22-year-old was the team’s second-best scorer behind Simons in 2024-25.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: AST | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Managers were excited for a big season from Cam Thomas<\/a> following his breakout in 2024-25. However, a hamstring injury limited him to just 25 contests. In the few games he was available, the 23-year-old was on track to have a career year. Points and threes are his best assets, and his lack of stats elsewhere raises some concerns about his value in category formats. Most notably, Thomas’ outlook for 2025-26 appears bleak after he signed his qualifying offer. His role and minutes could diminish as the Nets prioritize their younger guys.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: STL, BLK, TO | Bad: REB, FG%, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n The Wizards acquired CJ McCollum<\/a> from the Pelicans over the offseason. His fit is a little odd given the team’s youth movement, but he’s expected to start, at least initially. At 34 years old and playing for a rebuilding team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his stats drop. He has consistently been a good source of points, assists, and threes, but not much else outside of that. McCollum will likely either be traded or rested a lot down the stretch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Jazz traded Collin Sexton<\/a> and Jordan Clarkson<\/a> over the offseason, leaving one of their starting spots to Keyonte George<\/a>. As a sophomore, he showed signs of becoming more impactful as a scorer and facilitator, but his defence and horrid field goal percentage limited his fantasy value. While the 21-year-old’s inconsistency is dreadful, he’s in a position to bump up his output.<\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: PTS, REB, AST, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n Managers were hoping for Brandin Podziemski<\/a> to break out last season following Klay Thompson<\/a>‘s exit. While he didn’t turn any heads, he made some minor increases in a few areas, namely points, threes, steals and free throw percentage. While the 22-year-old should remain a starter and offers a little bit of everything, his inconsistency is frustrating.<\/p>\n Good: AST | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: FT%, REB, BLK, 3PM, FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle<\/a> was mostly more impactful in real life than in fantasy. However, Castle was a must-roster guy when De’Aaron Fox<\/a> was shut down in the final stretch of the season. In that position, the 20-year-old posted excellent numbers, and he flashed upside as a scorer and playmaker. The addition of Dylan Harper<\/a> does pose a threat to Castle’s starting gig.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, BLK | Bad: FG%, REB, AST, STL<\/em><\/p>\n Klay Thompson’s<\/a> first season with the Mavericks was a disappointing one. His production sharply declined as he recorded his worst fantasy rankings in years. The 35-year-old provides little value outside of points, threes and free-throw percentage. Still, he could have better value with Kyrie Irving<\/a> out.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, STL | Average: PTS, AST, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n After a breakout year with the Knicks, Donte DiVincenzo’s<\/a>\u00a0minutes, production, and fantasy value declined with the Timberwolves. He mostly came off the bench, but he is good for points, threes and steals with increased playing time.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: 3PM, FG% | Bad: REB, STL, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Jazz traded Sexton to the Hornets, where he’s expected to move to a bench role. He’ll likely still get chances to start, given the team’s injury history. The 26-year-old is a solid source of offensive numbers, but provides little on the other end.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n Baylor product and third overall pick VJ Edgecombe<\/a> is a defensive ace with a good three-point shot. He’ll have elevated value while Jared McCain<\/a> is sidelined and is likely to start, but it’s unclear how the lineup will shape up once the sophomore is healthy.<\/p>\n Good: FT% | Average: PTS, 3PM, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, AST, STL<\/em><\/p>\n A UCL tear in his thumb will prevent McCain from making his season debut until early November. He also missed most of 2024-25 with an injury. For a short stretch, the 21-year-old showcased his polarizing scoring and three-point shooting abilities. Those are McCain’s biggest strengths, and he lacks outside of those areas.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, FT% | Average: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, TO | Bad: REB, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n Following a breakout stint as the Cavaliers’ sixth man, Ty Jerome<\/a> took his talents to the Grizzlies. He’ll have a similar role there, providing a bit of everything except for rebounds and blocks.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n The Hornets selected Kon Knueppel<\/a> with the fourth pick in the 2025 draft. He expects to slot in with the first unit. The 20-year-old is a three-point specialist, but has also been known to contribute some rebounds and assists.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n 2025 second overall pick Dylan Harper<\/a> likely won\u2019t immediately start due to the Spurs’ crowded backcourt. Still, he should get the opportunities throughout the season. The former Rutgers guard is a good scorer, playmaker and defender, although he struggles with inconsistent shooting.<\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: AST, BLK, 3PM, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, STL, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a> is joining the Hawks for 2025-26 following a sign-and-trade from the Timberwolves. The guard\/forward is yet to crack the top 200 in category formats, but could potentially take on a heavier workload. The 27-year-old has some two-way abilities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: 3PM, TO | Average: STL, BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Luguentz Dort<\/a> isn’t the most attractive fantasy player, as Oklahoma City’s stacked lineup often overshadows him. The Canadian is also extremely streaky, but he can give good two-way numbers when he’s hot.<\/p>\n Good: STL, BLK, TO | Average: 3PM, FG%, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST<\/em><\/p>\n Keon Ellis<\/a> is coming off his best season yet, but it will be difficult for him to replicate that given the Kings’ added depth. The 25-year-old has a 3-and-D skillset.<\/p>\n Good: FT% | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM, TO | Bad: FG%, REB, AST, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n Due to injuries, Gradey Dick<\/a> was able to get more involved offensively. However, that’ll be more difficult with the arrival of Ingram. The 21-year-old can provide points and threes, but not much else.<\/p>\n Good: STL, TO | Average: BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, 3PM, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Alex Caruso<\/a>‘s playing time and production dropped in his first season with the Thunder. Injuries and team depth were the main factors that impacted his value. The guard’s calling card is his stocks.<\/p>\n Good: TO, 3PM | Average: STL, FT% | Bad: REB, AST, PTS, BLK, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The absence of Lillard means Gary Trent Jr.<\/a> can get some extra playing time. He’ll be a key player in the bench rotation for his scoring, three-point shooting and steals.<\/p>\n Tre Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n Grayson Allen<\/a> (PG, SF)<\/p>\n Max Christie<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n A.J. Green<\/a> (PG)<\/p>\n Jeremiah Fears<\/a> (PG)<\/p>\n Anthony Black<\/a> (PG, SF)<\/p>\n Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Moses Moody<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Buddy Hield<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Isaiah Joe<\/a><\/p>\n Malik Beasley<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Terry Rozier<\/a> (PG)<\/p>\n Kris Dunn<\/a> (PG)<\/p>\n Duncan Robinson<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\nFantasy Basketball Shooting Guard Tiers 2025-26<\/h2>\n
Tier 1<\/h3>\n
Anthony Edwards (PG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Devin Booker (PG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 2<\/h3>\n
Donovan Mitchell (PG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 3<\/h3>\n
Desmond Bane (SF)<\/h4>\n
Austin Reaves (PG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Dyson Daniels (PG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Trey Murphy III<\/h4>\n
Tier 4<\/h3>\n
Zach LaVine (PG, SG)<\/h4>\n
Coby White (SG)<\/h4>\n
Josh Hart (SF, PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 5<\/h3>\n
RJ Barrett (SF, PF)<\/h4>\n
Payton Pritchard (PG)<\/h4>\n
Anfernee Simons (PG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 6<\/h3>\n
Norman Powell (SF)<\/h4>\n
Bradley Beal (SF)<\/h4>\n
Jaden Ivey (PG)<\/h4>\n
Bennedict Mathurin (SF)<\/h4>\n
Christian Braun (SF)<\/h4>\n
Shaedon Sharpe (SF)<\/h4>\n
Cam Thomas (PG, SF)<\/h4>\n
CJ McCollum (PG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 7<\/h3>\n
Keyonte George (PG)<\/h4>\n
Brandin Podziemski (PG)<\/h4>\n
Stephon Castle (PG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 8<\/h3>\n
Klay Thompson (SF)<\/h4>\n
Donte DiVincenzo (PG)<\/h4>\n
Collin Sexton (PG)<\/h4>\n
VJ Edgecombe<\/h4>\n
Jared McCain (PG)<\/h4>\n
Ty Jerome (PG)<\/h4>\n
Kon Knueppel (SF)<\/h4>\n
Dylan Harper (PG)<\/h4>\n
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 9<\/h3>\n
Luguentz Dort (SF)<\/h4>\n
Keon Ellis (PG)<\/h4>\n
Gradey Dick (SF)<\/h4>\n
Alex Caruso (PG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Gary Trent Jr. (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 10<\/h3>\n
Tier 11<\/h3>\n