Top 5 NBA Shooting Guards with the Best Post-Up Games

The shooting guard position in the NBA is known for its versatility, and no skill is more vital to a player's success than their post-up game. Post-ups refer to the one-on-one situations where a player establishes position inside the key area and uses their physical strength, maneuverability, and shooting ability to score points. This article highlights five shooting guards who are renowned for their exceptional post-up skills, backed by their historical accomplishments and current performance.

Introduction to Great Post-Up Guards in NBA History

As of my last knowledge update in August 2023, here are five NBA shooting guards known for their exceptional post-up games:

Kobe Bryant

Widely regarded as one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, Kobe Bryant had a versatile post game. Utilizing footwork, fadeaways, and pure strength, he could score over defenders with ease. Bryant's post-up game was a testament to his physical and mental prowess, making him a tough matchup for even the best defenders.

Michael Jordan

Another all-time great, Michael Jordan was known for his ability to score in the post. His combination of footwork, quickness, and mid-range shooting made him a constant threat from any position on the court. Jordan’s post-up game was a critical part of his arsenal, allowing him to take advantage of mismatches and create offensive opportunities.

James Harden

While primarily known for his perimeter shooting and playmaking, James Harden has developed a strong post-up game over the years. Using his size and skills, he creates mismatches against smaller defenders, exploiting their weaknesses to score effectively. Harden's post-up plays are a blend of his exceptional footwork, shooting touch, and overall basketball IQ.

Devin Booker

In recent years, Devin Booker has shown a strong ability to operate in the post. Utilizing his footwork and shooting touch, Booker can score effectively over defenders. His post-up game is a key reason why he has become a top-scoring guard in the league, capable of finding attacking opportunities even in tightly packed defenses.

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has a strong post-up game, especially when matched up against smaller guards. He uses his strength and skill to create scoring opportunities. Butler's post-up plays are often decisive, as he can outsail smaller defenders and finish close to the rim with a variety of moves.

Additional Notable Players

While these five players stand out, several other shooting guards have made significant contributions to the post-up game over the years. Here are some more notable players:

Oscar Robertson

Although listed as a point guard, it's often said that O'Really was more of a combo guard. His ability to score in the post and transition to other positions made him a versatile threat on the court. Robertson used his size, physicality, and scoring touch to dominate on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James

LeBron James, a combo guard, has a potent post-up game that complements his overall skill set. While often more known for his rebounding, passing, and all-around play, James can score in a variety of ways, including post-ups.

Micheal Jordan

Michael Jordan, as mentioned earlier, was a trailblazer in the post-up game. His all-around game made him a challenging defender to face in any position, and his post-up moves were some of the most feared in the league.

Other notable shooting guards with strong post-up games include Jerry West, George Gervin, Clyde Drexler, Mitch Richmond, Pete Maravich, Jeff Malone, Sidney Moncrief, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, and DeMar DeRozan.

Modern Context and Future Prospects

The current NBA is all about spacing and four-out lineups, which means players who can score effectively in the post are valued more than ever. In the present era, players like Kawhi Leonard, Dwayne Wade, and Paul George stand out for their post-up abilities. Even older players like Joe Johnson and DeMar DeRozan continue to demonstrate their versatility with effective post-up plays.

All-Time Greats

When considering all-time players, the list can include Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady, Mitch Richmond, Clyde Drexler, and Jerry West. These players exemplify the raw talent and tenacity needed to dominate in the post-up game, showcasing their enduring impact on the sport.

While metrics and team contexts vary, the post-up game remains an essential skill for any top-shooting guard. These players have demonstrated time and again the value of using this skill to score points and create mismatches. Whether it's through precise footwork, powerful moves, or a combination of both, the best post-up players continue to dazzle fans and provide key contributions to their teams.