NBA draft breakdown: The top 10 shooting guards

All this week at CBT, we’ll be spotlighting the top players at each position for the 2012 NBA draft. Monday featured the top point guards. Today? The shooting guards.

1. Bradley Beal, Fr., Florida: Beal’s always been a star, but he showcased more than his shooting skills with the Gators. An overabundance of scorers often forced Florida coach Billy Donovan to play Beal on the wing or even at power forward at times and he responded by leading them in rebounding (6.5 rpg) and was second in scoring (14.8 ppg). The only surprise was his perimeter shooting. Beal’s often compared to Ray Allen for his poise and pure shooting stroke, but Allen never shot worse than 40 percent beyond the arc in college. Beal made just 34 percent of his 186 attempts, a number that must improve. Still, if there’s a can’t miss guard in the draft, it’s Beal. He plays smart, plays hard and is a true talent.

2. Jeremy Lamb, So. Connecticut: Lamb looks like an NBA star. Long, lean with surprising quickness and a solid shot, he could step in as a team’s second or third option right away – if he feels like it. Passivity has always been Lamb’s biggest issue. That he rarely forces shots is both his biggest strength and weakness. Could he be a star? Absolutely. But he’d have to want to be a star. On a team that likes using pick and rolls, he’ll average 15 or more as a rookie.

3. Austin Rivers, Fr., Duke: Unlike Lamb, there’s no question Rivers wants to be a star. His lightning-quick crossover is perfect for the NBA, he boasts the range and the knack for hitting game-winners. But is Rivers’ too aggressive and too willing to go one-on-one with defenders? He’ll quickly adjust to the NBA’s speed and physical style and there’ll be night when he shines. Question is, what happens on the nights when he can’t connect? Can he contribute in other ways?

4. Dion Waiters, So., Syracuse: The 6-4 specimen reportedly has a promise that’ll he be a lottery pick, which means someone will add a player who can overpower most shooting guards. Waiters is strong, excels at getting into the lane and creating his own shot. His college production (12.6 ppg) doesn’t do his skills justice, mostly because he was willing to be part of the Orange’s system. The only problem? Waiters is a bit short and he doesn’t boast a strong perimeter game.

5. Terrence Ross, So., Washington: The 6-7 Ross also would thrive on the wing, but his frame is probably better suited to an NBA team’s backcourt. When Ross’ jumper is falling (45.7 percent and 51.8 percent on twos), he’s deadly. He’ll slash in the lane, pull up for a jumper or attack the rim. His confidence and game developed rapidly in just two years at Washington. What’s the limit once he hits the pros?

6. John Jenkins, Jr., Vanderbilt: Need a guy to stretch the defense? Jenkins is your man. He’s a little slow and not overly athletic, which might limit his role in the NBA, but his shot can’t be questioned. With a little more work on his ball-handling, Jenkins could have a long, productive career.

7. Orlando Johnson, Sr. Santa Barbara: Johnson was a prolific scorer the last three years and delivered when it mattered for the Gauchos, leading them to two NCAA tournament appearances. But he’s a volume scorer who has average size and athleticism.

8. Doron Lamb, So. Kentucky: Consider Lamb at this spot a bargain. He’s Jenkins, but with a better shooting stroke. If he lasts into the second round and Cleveland gets him, that’s instant offense off the bench. A smart contender – like Chicago or Miami – would be even smarter to nab him at the end of the first round.

9. Jared Cunningham, Jr. Oregon State: No guard prospect boasts more athleticism than Cunningham. He’s not overly skilled, but would be an immediate boosts as a defensive player and spark off the bench. His shot and ball-handling need work, but this might be the player with the most upside in this group.

10. Will Barton, So., Memphis: Barton’s game might be better suited for the wing given that his perimeter stroke is inconsistent. But he’s got the quickness to play the 2 and can get to the rim when he wants.

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