"Shooting guard" is a bit of a misleading title, as most people assume this position is responsible for the bulk of the scoring in basketball. In the modern NBA, that isn't exactly the case, as the guard position has melded into a hybrid of sorts. On some teams, the player who lines up at this spot could be responsible for guarding the opponent's best guard. Alternatively, they could function as their name suggests and be the player who provides points.
Whether they're a world-class athlete or wily vet, NBA 2K23 has plenty of shooting guards worth using. It's a position that has seen plenty of big names near the top of the rating list throughout the NBA 2K series' history, and in the latest version, these are the stars.
8 Tyrese Haliburton (84)
Tyrese Haliburton is the perfect example of the modern shooting guard that's entered into basketball as a mainstay. He may not be the best shot creator around, but for his career, Haliburton averages over 40% from behind the three-point line. He's a sniper that can provide some offensive firepower and can rack up points quickly since most of his production comes from a distance.
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It is a bit strange that the Indiana Pacers overall shooting guard is the eighth best at his position in the entirety of NBA 2K23. However, it's hard to deny how good he can become if he develops other aspects of his game in addition to his astronomical three-point percentage.
7 CJ McCollum (85)
For years, CJ McCollum filled the role of number two scoring option behind perennial NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. The two couldn't take the Portland Trailblazers to the championship promise land, so McCollum was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans.
With such a young roster around him, the wily-scoring veteran shooting guard has taken on a leadership role while still displaying the abilities on the court that earned him an 85 overall in NBA 2K23. The Pelicans have defensive role players that help cover McCollum's deficiencies in that area, which he's had for his entire career.
6 Anthony Edwards (86)
The Minnesota Timberwolves feel like a team that believes they're ascending and will compete in the Western Conference for years to come. This is evident based on the trade package they sent to the Utah Jazz in exchange for defensive anchor and NBA All-Star center Rudy Gobert.
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That move was made with the belief that Anthony Edwards will take another step in his development following his performance in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. His 86 overall in NBA 2K23 was more than earned, and is a testament to what Edwards is capable of and will be capable of in the years to come.
5 Zach LaVine (88)
Despite Michael Jordan being the icon of the NBA for the better part of the last three decades, the Chicago Bulls have struggled to put together a perennial contender on the court. They may not have drafted Zach LaVine, but his growth in their organization has allowed his athleticism to shine.
LaVine has become a natural leader, despite dealing with numerous injuries over his career. At 26 years old, the 88 overall shooting guard is entering his prime. His athletic traits make him a blast to use in NBA 2K23, regardless of what mode it is.
4 Paul George (88)
Paul George, often referred to as Playoff P, happens to be one of the best two-way players in the NBA and is easily the best two-way shooting guard. Social media would lead people to believe that he's undependable, but during the last two NBA postseasons George went nuclear. He averaged 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists a game in that span of time.
It becomes even more impressive when considering that superstar small forward Kawhi Leonard didn't play a single second for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. In all honesty, an 88 overall doesn't seem high enough, but this score will likely change in NBA 2K23 at some point.
3 Donovan Mitchell (88)
It's strange to think that Donovan Mitchell won't be suiting up for the Utah Jazz in 2022, but a recent trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers means the young superstar shooting guard will showcase his talents in the NBA's Eastern Conference. His 88 overall in NBA 2K23 is equal parts thanks to his three-level scoring ability and his lack of commitment to the defensive side of the ball.
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If Mitchell ever decided to focus on becoming a two-way player, the developers at 2K would have a hard time not giving him a 90 overall at the very least. Either way, his presence will be key to the success of the Cavaliers. Based on what they sent the Utah Jazz, it seems the organization feels Mitchell is the missing piece.
2 James Harden (89)
Based on the way the Philadelphia 76ers utilize James Harden, he serves more as a point guard than a shooting guard. But in NBA 2K23, his primary position is at the two and not the one. He's not the same shot creator he was in his prime, partially due to NBA rule changes and also simply because Harden is getting older.
For what he contributes to the 76ers alongside superstar center Joel Embiid, a score of 89 overall seems more than favorable. Harden has often talked about a championship ring being the only thing left he wants to chase. Anyone playing NBA 2K23 could make his dream a reality, provided they prevent him from getting injured.
1 Devin Booker (91)
Devin Booker is the definition of a pure scorer, and throughout his career has managed to do most of it from inside the three-point line. The Phoenix Suns are perennial NBA Championship contenders, and that's in large part thanks to Booker being able to take over games offensively.
Point guard Chris Paul is the unquestioned leader and helped turn the team into a winner. But when things are close and the Suns need points, Booker wants the ball in his hands. Booker was given a 91 overall in NBA 2K23 and currently stands as the highest overall shooting guard in the entire game.
NBA 2K23 is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and PC.
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