Shooting guard is the deepest position in the 2023 free agent class. Aside from James Harden, there are no All-Star-level talents, but there are a ton of quality starters – and even more capable role players.
That’s good news for teams that don’t want a ton of cap space. Many of these players will be available with salary cap exceptions at their disposal.
Here are the 11 best shooting guards from this class. (Note: All position designations are subtracted Basketball reference.)
FREE AGENCIES: Total | Point guard
NBA free agency 2023: Ranking the 11 best shooting guards
1. James Harden | Status: Player setting
Harden has a $35.6 million player option that he could use to return to the Sixers next season. More likely, he will opt out and seek a bigger payday.
Harden isn’t the MVP candidate he was three years ago, but he’s transformed his game into a lethal playmaker. He led the league last season with 10.7 assists per game, and he also managed to put up 21.0 points per game.
Harden’s disappearing act in the playoffs is certainly a concern, as is the fact that he turns 34 this season. But he’s still a great regular season player who can serve as the engine of a top offense.
2. Austin Reaves | Status: Restricted free agent
Reaves showed he was a legitimate third option in the playoffs, averaging 16.9 points per game in the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals. He has some jitters with his dribble, and he shot 39.8 percent from deep last season. He is also elite at drawing mistakes.
Reaves isn’t a one-way player either. He’s a much better one-on-one defender than he’s given credit for, and he plays well within the Lakers’ defensive scheme.
Reaves will be in high demand. Expect him to get a big offer sheet from another team that the Lakers will have to match.
3. Jordan Clarkson | Status: Player setting
After nine years in the league, we know who Clarkson is at this point — a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate because of his microwave scoring.
Clarkson was ineligible for the award last season because he entered the starting lineup averaging 20.8 points per game. fight in the career. He is a great shot creator who can struggle defensively.
Clarkson will likely be able to get more than his $14.3 million player option if he decides to test the free agent market. Expect him to be available.
4. Josh Hart | Status: Player setting
Hart looked a bit lost in Portland to start the year, but he regained his confidence after being traded to the Knicks in February.
Hart is a true jack-of-all-trades player. He is a solid defender. He can shoot a bit from deep, although he can be far too hesitant to let it fly. He is good in transition and he makes quick decisions to hit teammates on passes.
Hart will likely opt out of his contract, but the Knicks will fight hard to keep him. He is a favorite of coach Tom Thibodeau.
5. Caris LeVert | Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
LeVert is a score-first player. He’s good at getting to the rim and shot 39.2 percent from 3-point range last season.
Efficiency has always been an issue for him — his 54.6 percent true shooting last season ranked in the bottom 30 percent of the league, per Dunks and Threes. His decision making can also wax and wane. But he is a useful player who can create shots.
6. Alec Burks | Status: Team selection
Burks is a solid two-way player. He’s not going to do much inside the 3-point line, but he can drill open looks. He can also handle the ball a little bit. He is a smart defender and a great veteran.
The Pistons will likely exercise Burks’ $10.5 million option. But if he ends up hitting free throws, every team could use a role player like him.
7. Donte DiVincenzo | Status: Player setting
DiVincenzo rebuilt his value with the Warriors after suffering a nasty ankle injury two seasons ago that caused his game to fall off.
He’s a smart defender and a good 3-point shooter who hit 39.7 percent of his attempts last season. At 26, his next contract will take him through his prime.
Look for him to decline his $4.7 million player option and make significantly more than that on the open market.
8. Coby White | Status: Restricted free agent
White, the No. 7 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, had a rough start to his career. He took some big steps forward last season, improving his defense, passing and playmaking.
White has always been a decent shooter since entering the league, hitting 36.7 percent of his 3-point attempts during his career. At 23, he still has room to improve. He could be a good backup or spot starter for a team that needs more offense.
9. Seth Curry | Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Curry is one of the best shooters in the league. His minutes dropped significantly in Brooklyn last season, but he still hit 40.5 percent of his 3-pointers. He also has good playmaking chops — he was one of the best pick-and-roll players when he was paired with Joel Embiid a few seasons ago.
Curry is something of a defensive liability because of his size. But every team needs shooting, and he still has a few good years left in the tank.
10. Lonnie Walker IV | Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Walker broke out in the playoffs for the Lakers, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter of their Game 5 win over the Warriors. He knows how to find his own shot and can score from all three levels on the floor.
He is also still only 24 years old. He needs to improve defensively as he can lose focus at times.
11. Josh Richardson | Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Richardson has bounced around a lot over the past few seasons. Once thought of as possibly the third-best player on a championship team, he’s not that guy anymore.
But he plays decent defense and has hit 36.5 percent of his 3-pointers for his career. He can be a useful rotation player.