NBA Vine Top 10 Shooting Guards December 2007

The NBA season is starting to pick up steam and the NBA Vine has released our latest rankings for the top 10 shooting guards as of December. Kobe Bryant still tops our list as the cream of the class and second year emerging star Brandon Roy creeps into the top 10 as the youngest in the group. Dwayne Wade comes in at number 5 due to early season injuries. Let's evaluate the rest of the class.

Kobe Bryant SG Los Angeles Lakers
Rank # 1
Core Stats: 27 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5 APG, 45% FG, 33% 3PT, 85% FT

The Vine: Bryant is proving that less sometimes means more. He is shooting the rock only 20 times per game, which is this lowest shot output since the 2004-05 season. This number is down from the 27.2 attempts hoisted up in 2005-06. The reason - Bryant is becoming more confident in his teammates' ability to contribute. Further, Bryant has rededicated himself to the defensive side of the ball and is swiping two steals per game.

Allen Iverson SG Denver Nuggets
Rank # 2
Core Stats: 25.4 PPG, 3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 46% FG, 31% 3PT, 81% FT

The Vine: This month, Iverson is averaging 30 points and 8.5 assists per night. At 32, he's logged a lot of minutes due to playing on mediocre teams in the past. He seems content to let Carmelo Anthony take more shots, which is a sign of maturity. He is still good for over 2 steals per game (2.39) but his turnovers will always hover in the 3 to 3.5 range.

Tracy McGrady SG Houston Rockets
Rank # 3
Core Stats: 24.2 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.4 APG, 44% FG, 33% 3PT, 70% FT

The Vine: T-Mac is still looking to win his first playoff series. With the way the Rockets are struggling, it may not happen this year. However, those issues don't negate T-Mac's contribution to the team. He poses match up problems due to his size at the two guard and if he isn't settling for jump shots on the perimeter, becomes even more dangerous when driving the lane. A negative is the fact he shoots the lowest free throw percentage of this group (70%).

Michael Redd SG Milwaukee Bucks
Rank # 4
Core Stats: 23.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 45% FG, 36% 3PT, 89% FT

The Vine: Redd isn't going to win many popularity contests when stacked up against the rest of this group, but when it comes to pure jump shooting, Redd is only second to Ray Allen on this list. Redd is the lone high volume scoring threat on the Bucks roster and has started to create his shot more off the dribble.

Dwayne Wade SG Miami Heat
Rank # 5
Core Stats: 22.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.6 APG, 46% FG, 7% 3PT, 72% FT

The Vine: Wade should be recognized as the man in Miami. All hopes of securing another championship runs through the former Marquette star. Early season injuries keep him lower on this list, but his point output is still 5 points lower than the previous two seasons.

Vince Carter SG New Jersey Nets
Rank # 6
Core Stats: 21 PPG, 5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 48% FG, 37% 3PT, 80% FT

The Vine: Carter has been the second option in the Nets' offense this year, behind Richardson Jefferson. Some of that is due to nagging injuries. Carter has never been a gunner and has the ability to score at will from deep, mid-range, slashing and the free throw line. A complete player that routinely shoots a high clip and surprisingly hasn't missed much court time over the past few years.

Kevin Martin SG Sacramento Kings
Rank # 7
Core Stats: 24.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 45% FG, 40% 3PT, 85% FT

The Vine: Martin is currently sidelined with a groin injury until January, but while on the court this year he was a surefire All Star candidate. Martin is the man out in Sacramento and while Ron Artest may not want to hear that; it is the truth.

Ray Allen
Rank # 8
Core Stats: 19.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 41% FG, 35% 3PT, 91% FT

The Vine: Allen is coming off a monster year where he scorched teams for career best 26 points per game. Surprisingly, Allen is shooting a career low this year, but his late game clutch shooting has helped the Celtics to numerous wins.

Manu Ginobili SG San Antonio Spurs
Rank # 9
Core Stats: 20 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 45% FG, 41% 3PT, 84% FT

The Vine: What makes Ginobili's numbers so impressive is the fact that he is the only non-starter on this list and logs under 30 minutes per game. Even with injuries to Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, he remains the club's sixth man.

Brandon Roy
Rank # 10
Core Stats: 18.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 45% FG, 37% 3PT, 76% FT

The Vine: Roy is the youngster on the list and has kept the Blazers relevant in the standings where most experts expected the team to suffer without number one pick Greg Oden.