An entire team's identity is often determined by the skillset of the shooting guard in NBA 2K22. A shooting guard that plays on the inside changes the roles of the point guard and small forward, whereas one that goes for the three-pointer will command a different placement for the other four teammates.
Aside from just scoring, shooting guards are also expected to defend the highest-scorers in the league from the outside and inside. Only a few shooting guards are talented enough to build around in NBA 2K22, but these are the best of the bunch that deserve such consideration.
10 Terry Rozier III - 82 OVR
Despite being in the NBA since 2015, Terry Rozier III is having his best games in the last few years. In the last two years, he has three times surpassed his most points scored in a game.
The trade to Charlotte was considered by many to be a disappointing end in Boston, but the Celtics are sorely missing his services ever since. It turns out he just needed more minutes and more opportunities with the ball to unleash his true talent. The Hornets are thankful for the oversight, giving Rozier a cast of players that highlight his talents.
9 Collin Sexton - 82 OVR
Teams are always on alert for great players who keep improving. Collin Sexton is one of those scary names out there coming into the season. For each of the last three years, his field goal percentage and points per game have substantially increased.
Dubbed the "Young Bull" he's just now hitting his stride, giving Cleveland fans a player to be excited about with the departure of several big names in the last few years. The Cavaliers are rebuilding and they've got a great building block to build around.
8 C.J. McCollum - 85 OVR
C.J. McCollum has been the model of consistency during his time with the NBA, dependable for the Trailblazers for the duration of his career. His legacy goes well beyond the city of Portland as he's widely respected by teammates and opponents alike.
He's so beloved that he was elected by the league as president of the NBA Player's Association, replacing the great Chris Paul. His intellect on and off the court are valuable assets, and his level-headed demeanor helps his team pull out close games.
7 Klay Thompson - 87 OVR
Fans always remember that the best three-point shooter of all time is Steph Curry, but too many forget that the second-best player is probably his teammate, Klay Thompson. Thompson even has a host of records that surpass his legendary teammate from beyond the arc.
When Thompson is hot, he can win championships almost on his own. He also deserves recognition for being the best defender at his position, ranking in at an A+ at perimeter defense. His low 87 OVR is less about him and more about the recent struggles of the Warriors.
6 Zach LaVine - 87 OVR
Zach LaVine isn't just one of the best dunkers in the NBA right now, he's considered one of the best dunkers of all time. Players trying to make the best dunking build might think to play with a center or power forward, but LaVine shows that shooting guards shouldn't be overlooked.
But the Bulls star is more than just a two-time Slam Dunk champion. He receives an A at from shooting from every range on the court. His speed and vertical leaping ability make him a problem for even the league's best defenders.
5 Donovan Mitchell - 88 OVR
The scariest part about Donovan Mitchell is that he keeps getting better, year after year. In his first season, he was an All-Rookie first-teamer. The next year, he won the Slam Dunk contest. Now, for the past two years, he's been an All-Star.
He led the Utah Jazz to a first seed in the stacked Western Conference last year. If the team stays healthy this year, the Jazz have every reason to start dreaming about if the first championship title will make its way to Utah.
4 Paul George - 88 OVR
During the playoffs last year, Paul George silenced any doubters that wondered if he was capable of carrying the Clippers on his own. He had several big games in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who often takes the spotlight.
Really, this shouldn't have been a surprise. George is not just an incredible scorer, he's disruptive at the defensive end and stymies three-pointer shooters with his impressive wingspan and heightened reaction abilities.
3 Bradley Beal - 89 OVR
Every year, teams seem to overlook the Wizards and, every year, they pull off several upsets. When are opponents going to realize that Bradley Beal puts up so many points that they need to be on their best game to stop him? Washington fans are happy that Bradley Beal is still, somehow, a league secret.
Of course, the folks assigning ratings and hardcore basketball fans have done their homework and know that Beal is one of the best at what he does. Any team that needs a jolt in the arm would do well to find somebody that plays with the intensity of Beal.
2 Devin Booker - 90 OVR
Once considered a "promising" young talent, it's safe to safe that Devin Booker has achieved that promise by this point. His shooting is no gimmick; his scoring powered a Suns team all the way into the championship series.
Now a gold medal winner, he's finally getting the recognition he deserves after frequently taking over games for the past few years in the league. He can score from anywhere thanks to his quick release and a healthy dose of athleticism.
1 James Harden - 94 OVR
As a perennial MVP candidate, James Harden is probably ranked a little bit low at 94, though he is correctly recognized as the best shooting guard in the game. He can put up a ton of points in a hurry and has an almost unheard-of knack for the four-point play.
Adding to his strengths, he receives an A+ in playmaking from the game as well, making him the perfect prototype for a point guard as well as his current position. There's virtually nothing he can't do, and defenders still have yet to figure out how to stop Harden from getting his shot off.