NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best shooting guards available

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 12: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on January 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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As we prepare to enter free agency this year, we will look at the shooting guard position, and which players teams should be most excited about there.

Shooting guards have become the premier wing players in the NBA. They need to do three things well. The must shoot the 3, be athletic defenders who can lock down play makers, and have good off-ball movement. Mikal Bridges was drafted 10th overall for his ability to do just this. This year in free agency, there are players who can do it just as well, and so expect them to get paid.

Other position free agent rankings: Centers, Power Forwards, Small Forwards

Stats courtesy of basketball-reference, offensive and defensive rating from NBA.com

ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 11: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Taurean Prince #12 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. Zach LaVine

After being traded to the Bulls as a part of the Jimmy Butler trade, Zach LaVine looked good returning from injury. However he was a different player, and he had to be because he was not shooting the ball well.

Last year, LaVine shot 34 percent from 3-point range, down from the 38 percent he shot the two years prior. So, he started attacking the rim more. He took a career high 31.8 percent of his shots from within three feet while decreasing the number of three pointers that he took. Teams looking for the good shooting stroke that LaVine showcased in Minnesota shouldn’t expect to be disappointed if they bring him in. Last year, just 47.6 percent of LaVine’s made three pointers came from assists so he was creating his own chances, having to shoot off of the dribble. For reference, 61.8 percent of Steph Curry’s threes were assisted.

So, pairing LaVine with a playmaker could make him the great shooter that he used to be. If not that, then there are two options. He either needs to be brought back to reality on what he can do, or he needs to really work on his pull up jump shot. It doesn’t matter how many shots he can create for himself if he doesn’t convert them often.

Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired. Despite his freakish athleticism, he needs to be able to defend better. If he doesn’t improve defensively or become a more efficient scorer, he could be overpaid.

Expect LaVine to become a more efficient scorer when he doesn’t have to create his own shot as often. He is ready to take the next step.

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