Soaring Down South
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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 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) celebrates with forward Patrick Patterson (54) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. DeMar DeRozan

Age: 27

2015-2016 Season Averages: 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting Percentages: .446/.338/.850

This may seem low on the list to some of you.

While DeMar DeRozan is a terrific NBA player, this is the right place on the list for him.

At 6-7, DeRozan is a massive shooting guard by NBA standards. He often uses that height mismatch and his exceptional athleticism to attack opposing guards in the half-court. DeRozan is a terrific attacker of the basket and mid-range shooter. His variety of ways to core in the half-court make him a dangerous man with the ball in his hands. Also, DeRozan is terrific out of the post, which is rare for a guard. He uses his size very well in all aspects of his offensive game.

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While his 3-point percentage is not incredible, DeRozan has shown terrific improvement in his long-range shooting over the course of his career.  If DeRozan can continue to sharpen up that aspect of his game, he will find himself in the top-3 of this list.

Defensively, DeRozan has been inconsistent. While he certainly has the physical tools to be a great defender, he appears to have not put as much emphasis on it as he has his offensive game. DeRozan is a big, athletic guard who, with more discipline on he defensive end, could guard either wing sport very well. Perhaps his big payday will motivate him to buckle down on both ends of the floor consistently.

DeRozan is a very good NBA shooting guard and a surefire All-Star. His value to Toronto is incredibly high and he still has untapped potential. But, his defensive inconsistencies hold him at no. 5 on this list. But if he continues to polish his 3-point shooting and give more effort on D, he could shoot very high up this list.

Next: No. 4: The Forgotten Stud In Milwaukee

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