2013-2014 CSL Top 5 (SG)

Next up on the list is the SG position. It is probably one of (if not THE) weakest position in the CSL right now, had it not been for all these smaller combo guards (or straight-up PGs) going full time at the off-guard position.

Is this simply how the game is changing in the CSL universe? Either way, here are the top five.

*The standard is solely based on performance during the 2013-2014 season, and not who the best players are or who I'd want to have most. I tried to consider all factors, including team, record, efficiency, and etc.

1. James Harden (HOU): 31.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 61.7% TS, 28.6 PER

Harden has established himself as a top 5 player (at worst) this season, as he was 3rd in PER and led his team to the CSL Finals, beating heavy favorites like OKC and LAC. He scored the third most points per minute in the entire league and did it on good efficiency as well. He had a hell of a playoff run, averaging 30.4 points a game as the team depended very heavily on him all throughout (the next best scorer was Andre Iguodala at 16.2). There's no doubt he's made a name for himself this past year.

2. Dwyane Wade (PHI): 27.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 56.6% TS, 25.2 PER

The 31-year-old may be getting up there in age, but that doesn't mean he's no longer a top player in the league. After being traded to PHI, Wade played at a usage more in line with his career averages, and had a great year, leading the team to an upper seed before missing the rest of the season. While Harden got more shine with his great Playoffs run, Wade also averaged 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks a game and was simply one of the best wing defenders in the entire league. It'll be interesting to see how he does with another full year next to Andrew Bynum, and hopefully a new, better GM.

3. Kyrie Irving (CLE): 27.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 54.4% TS, 24.9 PER

Make no mistake, Irving was an SG this season. He played pretty much the entire season there, and had a good year averaging a career high in points. He also, however, led the entire league in usage and was very average in scoring efficiency. That being said, his team simply wasn't a great force offensively, and will need to address that issue rather than rely solely on Irving in the upcoming seasons. Will he stay at the 2 or will he move back to the 1?

4. Kobe Bryant (CHA): 19.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 55.5% TS, 16.4 PER

It's clear Kobe has fallen quite a bit, but with his strong play in the Playoffs, as well as leading his team to the Conference Finals, he deserves some recognition. He had a bit of a rough time adjusting once he made the move to Charlotte, but made the most of his opportunity in the postseason. His future now lays uncertain with the team's acquisition of the younger Tyreke Evans.

5. Paul George (IND): 20.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 50.2% TS, 17.8 PER

I hate to leave Eric Gordon off the list considering how well he did off the bench, but as the best player on the 2nd-seeded Pacers, I felt George was more deserving. He was atrocious in terms of efficiency and averaged nearly 4 turnovers a game, but he did show an impressive all-around game, especially on the defensive end of the floor. It's clear he's not a #1 guy though, and the team will need to make some kind of personnel change to really get the most out of him.

Great work OP, I always love to read your articles.
Absolutely the best SG. Lets see if Willy is able to Build a Team around harden thats able to get Miami down.

Harden is not contested as he is the best SG hands down. The rest can be debated, but all around a really good list.

like the list - great job

Looking at some stats Iggy should be here also but he played the entire season at SF so its fair to add Irving who played the entire season at SG

I have no qualms with Eric Gordon being left off of the list. He was the 6th man on a lottery team racking up stats against other bench players. He did his job perfectly for us but I wouldn't put him in the too-5 league wide.

andrei (POR) wrote:like the list - great job

Looking at some stats Iggy should be here also but he played the entire season at SF so its fair to add Irving who played the entire season at SG

Yep, I'm going off what position they played, so Iggy's definitely an SF.

Great well written article and I agree with everything you said about Harden with the exception of Top 5 Player.

He clearly established himself as 3rd best at worst between the season then the Playoffs/ Finals run, that was Dirk Nowitzki 2011 Mavs type stuff.

Appreciate the recognition though.

Also believe Klay Thompson could make a case as #5 SG, 17.9 ppg 3.9 3pg on 45% from downtown is insane.

Look for Terrence Ross to crack this list really soon!

WillyJakkz (HOU) wrote:Great well written article and I agree with everything you said about Harden with the exception of Top 5 Player.

He clearly established himself as 3rd best at worst between the season then the Playoffs/ Finals run, that was Dirk Nowitzki 2011 Mavs type stuff.

Appreciate the recognition though.

Also believe Klay Thompson could make a case as #5 SG, 17.9 ppg 3.9 3pg on 45% from downtown is insane.

Look for Terrence Ross to crack this list really soon!

Possibly. Harden was great obviously, but Dirk actually won the championship in 2011 and that still didn't propel his rankings into that category IMO.

At best though he's clearly Top 3. CP3 is probably the only guy that I would take over him.

Yeah sans the championship, I was referring to how he put that team on his back taking on the competition we faced.

Ross Top 5 in 3yrs

Another great article. And this time, I have no issues with your rankings   

But how could you leave off JR?!

Put simply, if Kobe wants to remain a Bobcat, he will have that opportunity. He will have a nice fluffy contract on the table and it will be his to walk away from. I'm less concerned with fielding a HOF lock on my team, even with Reke on board, because I have roster flexibility due to Reke's unique skillset.

Irving may go to PG eventually but right now he doesn't have the ability to play PG IMO. Too many turnovers and I don't really like that in my PG.

SG is top heavy, cause after these top guys and a few others, there's not much depth in the SG pool. Kind of surprising really given how many of the greatest players were SGs.

Myles (SAS) wrote:SG is top heavy, cause after these top guys and a few others, there's not much depth in the SG pool. Kind of surprising really given how many of the greatest players were SGs.

Yeah pretty much.