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Position Rankings: Top 10 Shooting Guards in the NBA

By Collin Huguley

May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to play a ball as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gives chase during the first quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) looks to play a ball as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) gives chase during the first quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum (3) looks toward the Memphis Grizzlies bench in the first half during game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum (3) looks toward the Memphis Grizzlies bench in the first half during game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

7. CJ McCollum

Age: 24

2015-2016 Season Averages: 20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals

Shooting Percentages: .448/.417/.827

What a breakout season this man had for the Portland Trail Blazers.

After averaging only 6.8 points per game in his sophomore NBA season, CJ McCollum erupted to average 20.8 points in his third year. Portland saw another mid-major college star to pair with Damian Lillard and many thought they had missed after two disappointing seasons from McCollum. But the Lehigh University product proved the doubters wrong this time around.

McCollum shot an incredible 42 percent from 3-point range this past season, while also emerging as a terrific complimentary play-maker to Lillard. McCollum’s skills as a ball-handler allowed Lillard to spend time off of the ball and be used as a pure scorer. His skill set is similar to Lillard’s in that regard, as both have a combo-guard set of skills.

McCollum’s huge year netted him a 4-year $113 million extension from Portland to solidify their young, deep core. When LaMarcus Aldridge left in free agency, the Blazers needed another All-Star caliber player to compliment Lillard and McCollum’s fit is even better than they had before. Now the team has two young, dynamic guards that will allow them to contend in the West for years to come.

While the Warriors are the big favorite to win the West, don’t be surprised if Portland is their top challenger for several seasons. As the combination of Lillard and McCollum gives them major firepower.

McCollum is young, dynamic, and in a great situation. Expect him to stay on this list for a long time.

Next: No. 6: The Chi-Town Kid

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