The Top 5 Shooting Guards in the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is not particularly close, but it’s never too early to start speculating! You’ve surely got the chance to check out the top five point guards available in the class. And naturally, it is time for us to look at the shooting guards in this class.

Top Shooting Guards for the 2023 NBA Draft 

1. Keyonte George

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Baylor freshman does just about everything you hope for as a shooting guard. He’s been a great scoring option in the three games he’s played so far. He’s been averaging 16 points, 1.7 steals, 6.7 assists, 6.0 boards, and only two turnovers. It helps that the Bears have played some cupcakes to start the season, but George has still performed up to expectations.

He’s shooting 36 percent on his threes while attempting over eight per game! That’s efficiency and volume you like to see as someone who’s scouting him. He will have the opportunity to show what he can do against the serious competition when they play Virginia, Gonzaga, and their conference competition. He can score, he can defend, and he involves his teammates pretty well.

2. Terquavion Smith

The 6-foot-4, 165-pound sophomore could have gone pro and gotten drafted in the first round last year. However, he wanted to come back and make sure he got his name called in the first round. He’s certainly making a great case in his first couple of games averaging 22.5 points, two steals, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.

Smith has drastically increased all of his major stats including shooting over 55 percent from the floor and almost 44 percent from beyond the arc on eight attempts a game. His free throw shooting leaves a bit to be desired as he is only hitting two-thirds of those attempts, but that should pick up as the season continues. He’s a crafty ball handler and can absolutely create for himself when it comes down to it.

3. Amari Bailey

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound freshman out of UCLA hasn’t seen his shot from beyond the arc quite materialize but has done some other things quite nicely to start his collegiate career. He’s averaging 11.7 points, one steal, two assists, and 2.7 rebounds in his three games. He is a lefty who almost exclusively drives that way and rarely finishes with his right hand.

Having said that, he is still a good finisher at the rim and can get there with relative ease. He shoots it well in the midrange but has some work to do from deep. He’s on the young side and it shows at times when he tries to drive and gets stuck in some awkward spots. He will have to mature in that area but has plenty of time to do that.

4. Jordan Hawkins

This 6-foot-5, 185-pound sophomore out of UConn should have the chance to break out this season as a go-to option on offense. However, he suffered a concussion to start the season so he is likely to be limited if even available in the next few games. He made the Big East All-Freshman Team last season despite limited minutes and is looking to build on that.

Hawkins is a solid floor spacer and will have to prove he can create some shots for himself instead of just being a catch-and-shoot guy. He can throw down at the rim, is a solid athlete, and plays smart on both ends of the floor.

5. Rayan Rupert

The 6-foot-6, 205-pound shooting guard is currently playing for the New Zealand Breakers. He has a 7-foot-3 wingspan and is one of the younger prospects in this draft as he will have just turned 19 by draft time. He has to work on his shot, but the free throw shooting gives a glimmer of hope as that has been consistent for him.

Rupert doesn’t finish through contact well right now but can finish with either hand around the rim. He’s a crafty player who is more of a rhythm shooter right now. His mechanics are fairly good, but he takes too long to get his shot off and that could cause some trouble.

What is your list of the top shooting guards of the NBA draft?