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Friday, August 31, 2012

The Dynamic Two-Guards: Kobe Bryant and the Top 4 Shooting Guards in the NBA - Bleacher Report

Some of the better players of all time, including Michael Jordan, have been shooting guards. This position can be very important since it calls for someone who can score or maybe even in some cases, play lock-down defense. Or perhaps both.

The NBA  has many stars capable of being in the top rankings among shooting guards. The list ranges from former MVPs to players in new jerseys, ready to show off their skill set.

These next five players will be the top shooting guards in the NBA for the 2012-2013 NBA season. 

5. Monta Ellis

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Chris Chambers/Getty Images

Getting traded from Golden State last season was something that Monta Ellis saw coming for a long time. It did, however, put him in a better situation. 

Ellis is one of the best scorers in the NBA despite his small frame for a shooting guard. He also has improved his playmaking skills, which will help him make Brandon Jennings more comfortable in the Bucks' offense.

The one man fast-break can also be a pretty decent defender when he actually puts effort on that end of the floor. 

Playing with a similar player like Jennings could be tough for Ellis. But with the heart he plays with, he can get through it and help the Bucks become a solid team while making a name for himself in the Eastern Conference.

4. Andre Iguodala

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Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ande Iguodala has been under the radar for some time now. With a change of scenery, you better believe that the Denver Nuggets will be scary next season.

Denver was already surprising everyone without a legitimate star player to lead them and now they have Iggy. He can provide them with help on defense and his skill set, fits in with the up-tempo offense. Expect a rise in his production. 

Teaming up with the young Ty Lawson, Iguodala should have a great season and surpass a few teams in the West by leading the Nuggets.

3. James Harden

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

He might not have shown up in the NBA Finals, but James Harden will be ready to prove to people that he is one of the best two-guards in the league this season. 

Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant helps Harden because defenses do not worry about him as much. Coming off the bench helps as well, giving OKC a spark. 

Don't let his Finals play fool you. Harden will be ready come October and emerge as a top three shooting guard. 

2. Dwyane Wade

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

If Dwyane Wade was a little younger or did not let the injuries get to him, he could have probably been the best shooting guard in the league today. 

The league can be harsh on players, especially when they get injured often. It wastes a players prime and has them go downhill quicker,

While Wade may struggle, he is still one of the better players in the league. He is a good post-up player for a guard and can handle the ball well. His defense is also up there at times. 

His athleticism might not be where it once was, but Wade can still ball with the best of them and will remain the best shooting guard in the league behind only one player. 

1. Kobe Bryant

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Brett Deering/Getty Images

16 years in the NBA, 34 years old, the fingers of an 80-year-old man and 5 NBA titles. Kobe Bryant has one hell of a resume. You normally would not expect a player this old to be the best at his position, but Bryant is just that.

Adding Steve Nash to the team with Dwight Howard could decrease his stats, but his play will be even better than last season. With Nash feeding him the rock and Howard asking for double teams in the post, this will be a a great situation for The Black Mamba as he showcases why he is still the best shooting guard in the NBA. 

Be honest, did you really expect anyone else here? 

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