Honestly, when you think of scoring guards in the NBA, the first names that come to mind are often Steph Curry, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. These guys aren’t just scoring machines; they’re masters of their craft. For example, Steph Curry revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. It’s crazy to think he’s averaging over 42% from beyond the arc throughout his career. That’s unheard of! And let’s not forget his insane 2015-2016 season when he hit a record 402 three-pointers. That’s more than most players hit in their entire careers!
James Harden, man, his step-back three has become a signature move. He’s not just scoring; he’s doing it in style. He led the league in scoring three times in a row from 2017 to 2020, averaging over 30 points per game. The way he manipulates defenses and draws fouls – some might call it controversial, but it’s a skill. Harden’s ability to get to the free-throw line is almost as remarkable as his scoring prowess; he usually averages over 10 free-throw attempts per game. That’s nearly a third of his points coming from the line!
Then you’ve got Damian Lillard, who produces magic in clutch moments. Remember his series-clinching dagger over Paul George in 2019? That shot was from 37 feet out! Dame Time is no joke. He averaged 28.8 points per game in the 2019-2020 season, demonstrating his role as the centerpiece for the Portland Trail Blazers. He has consistently put up numbers that make you sit back and go, “Wow.”
Moving on to other notable scoring guards, Devin Booker is definitely someone who deserves a shout-out. This guy dropped 70 points in a game in 2017. At only 20 years old! Booker’s scoring average has steadily increased each season, hitting 26.8 points per game in the 2019-2020 season. Such performances don’t just happen; they require an incredible amount of skill and dedication.
On the younger side of the spectrum, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks has been lighting it up since he entered the league. In just his second season, he averaged 29.6 points per game. Trae’s range and court vision put him on a fast track to becoming one of the league’s best scoring guards.
The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Bradley Beal, who has quietly been one of the most prolific scorers in recent years. For two consecutive seasons, he averaged over 30 points per game. Despite playing for a struggling Washington Wizards team, Beal’s ability to put up points efficiently has been nothing short of impressive. He shows grit and determination, proving that context doesn’t always dampen talent. And in case you’re wondering, yes, all this data checks out; it’s well-documented within NBA statistics.
Up North in Canada, Fred VanVleet has emerged as a significant scoring threat for the Toronto Raptors. He’s not just a defensive specialist; this guy can put the ball in the hoop. During the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 19.6 points per game, a career-high. Fred’s ability to score in critical moments has been a key component of the Raptors’ successes.
Despite Klay Thompson being injured in recent seasons, you can’t forget his contribution to the Golden State Warriors as one of the league’s best scoring guards. His career three-point shooting percentage stands at around 41.9%, and who could forget his 60-point game in 2016, where he only dribbled the ball 11 times? That’s efficiency at its finest. His imminent return is highly anticipated, and Warriors fans are eager to see him back in action.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is another exciting young talent. Within just two seasons, he’s shown he can be a lead guard in the NBA. Averaging 19.1 points in his sophomore season, Morant has displayed not just scoring ability but also an explosive style of play that’s a joy to watch. The Grizzlies are building around him, and it’s clear why – his potential seems limitless.
In the Eastern Conference, Zach LaVine has been a revelation for the Chicago Bulls. His improvement each year is noticeable, and in the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 27.4 points per game. LaVine’s athleticism and scoring capability have made him a top player to watch, and his performance has been integral to the Bulls’ attempts to return to their former glory.
Lastly, let’s talk about CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers. Often overshadowed by Damian Lillard, CJ has been a consistent scoring guard in his own right. Averaging around 20 points per game over multiple seasons, McCollum’s mid-range game and three-point shooting make him a vital part of Portland’s scoring scheme.
If you’re a fan of scoring guards and want to dig deeper into these players’ performances, stats, and more, check out arena plus for detailed insights and analyses.