Top 10 shooting guards heading into the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Devin Booker

Devin Booker (#1) of the Phoenix Suns shoots.

Leading the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals while putting together incredible performances has to count for something. There is no better time to laud Devin Booker for his achievements, even though the Phoenix Suns failed to clinch the title.

🚨 THE SUNS TAKE A 2-0 NBA FINALS LEAD 🚨Devin Booker tonight:🔥 31 PTS🔥 7 3PM🔥 6 AST🔥 5 REBSUNS IN _______. pic.twitter.com/xvwvDpSJ8h

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 9, 2021

While MVP conversations might not feature Booker for now, he certainly put on a show, and could have a shot at the NBA title soon. Chris Paul's introduction was a morale booster in the Suns' camp, and that showed in the way Booker approached the game.

Booker averaged 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in the 2020-21 NBA season. It was the best season of his career so far, as he averaged higher numbers than in his previous two seasons.

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#2 Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell (#45) of the Utah Jazz shoots over Terance Mann (#14) of the LA Clippers.

Undoubtedly, Donovan Mitchell is one of the best shooting guards in the NBA right now. His explosiveness and accuracy from behind the arc are worthy of admiration.

1 YEAR AGO TODAYDonovan Mitchell🔥51 PTS (15/27 FG, 4 3PT)7 AST, 4 REB, W Jamal Murray🔥50 PTS (18/31 FG, 9 3PT)11 REB, 7 AST, 0 TOpic.twitter.com/TJgNrKGy9S

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 23, 2021

Unfortunately, injury problems and tactical mistakes cost Mitchell and the Utah Jazz their shot at the 2021 NBA Western Conference Finals. Although another first-place finish might be a stretch, a healthy Mitchell could lead the Jazz to another postseason appearance.

Mitchell ended the 2020-21 NBA season averaging 26.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. The 24-year-old has made steady improvement over the years, which should continue in the 2021-22 season as well, and result in a third All-Star appearance for the player.

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#1 James Harden

James Harden (#13) reacts with Kevin Durant (#7) of the Brooklyn Nets.

James Harden has the most to prove heading into the 2021-22 NBA season, and is likely to produce one of his best campaigns. Although Kyrie Irving gave up his point guard duties to Harden, the latter will be considered based on his natural position.

The Brooklyn Nets put together a superteam, but failed to subdue the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Injuries played a key role in their defeat, as Harden and Irving missed a few games in the series.

With Harden returning to full speed, opponent teams could have a difficult time defending his step-back 3s or drives to the basket. Although Harden will likely make fewer trips to the free-throw line because of the new NBA rule regarding initiating contact, his overall game will likely remain solid.

Harden has led the league in scoring for three consecutive years since the 2017-18 NBA season. Despite a rollercoaster 2020-21 campaign, he managed to average 24.6 points, 10.8 assists and 7.9 rebounds.