It is time to rank the top five shooting guards in the NBA heading into the 2014-2015 season. The main storylines concerning the shooting guard position has to do with the return of Kobe Bryant and how well Dwyane Wade's knees can hold up for another grueling NBA season. Notable mentions also include Klay Thompson, Bradley Beal, and Joe Johnson.

5. Kobe Bryant:

2013-2014 Stats: 6 games, 29.5 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG, .425/.188/.857 shooting, 10.74 PER

Even though Bryant's return from a torn achilles was short lived, he still deserves the benefit of the doubt of being on of the top shooting guards in the league. Yes not many players would be able to return from the injuries Bryant has sustained the last two years, but the "Black Mamba" can never be counted out.

His mentality is the closest to Michael Jordan's NBA fans have seen since "His Airness" retired. With practically a full year off from playing basketball expect Bryant to average at least 20 points per game again and at least make the Lakers somewhat relevant this season.

4. Monta Ellis:

2013-2014 Stats: 82 games, 36.9 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG, .451/.330/788 shooting, 16.83 PER

Ellis has always been a tenacious scorer and one of the most difficult covers in the NBA, he simply just reminded us of that this past season. Ellis' move to Dallas is exactly what his career needed, and by no longer being the only legitimate offensive option, he was able to flourish under coach Rick Carlise.

He is blazingly quick off the dribble and every year his jump shot is more refined. His defense is not anything spectacular, but he is one of the best at forcing turnovers. If Ellis is able to continue improving his jump shot he will be near impossible for defenders to stop.

3. DeMar DeRozan:

2013-2014 Stats: 79 games, 38.2 MPG, 22.7 PPG, 4.0 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG, .429/.308/.824 shooting, 18.42 PER

A lot of people may be surprised by DeRozan here at the three spot, but it has more to do with the fact that he plays for Toronto than not being qualified. He is one of the most athletic players at the position and that is always a good foundation to have as a shooting guard. He lives off of his athletic ability every night by attacking the rim and running the floor in transition.

His defense is above average which is better than practically the rest of the guys on this list and he's still only 25 years old. He is helped to lift up the Toronto Raptors organization and fanbase and deserves more credit than he receives.

2. Dwyane Wade:

2013-2014 Stats: 54 games, 32.9 MPG,  19.0 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .545/.281/.733 shooting, 22.06 PER

Despite Wade's knee issues he ranked second in player's rating efficiency and had a good regular season considering his injury troubles. Wade is certainly not as explosive as he was a few years ago, but he is still very efficient and, when healthy, arguably the best shooting guard in the league.

Wade has made headlines by saying he's dropped a considering amount of weight this offseason in order to take off some pressure in his knees. The Miami Heat certainly hope that's the case as they will need Wade to play close to a full season if they're to be contenders out East.

1. James Harden:

2013-2014 Stats: 73 games, 38.0 MPG, 25.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.6 SPG, .456/.366/.866 shooting, 23.51 PER

Harden is the driving force behind a high scoring offense, and while it is not astounding athleticism that allows Harden to do his thing, his hesitation dribble and ability to initiate contact rivals Wade in his prime. Harden is by no means an elite defender, as he showcased several times this season, but there really isn't a shooting guard that's a lockdown defender nowadays.

With Wade declining, Harden is the best 2-guard in the NBA at getting to the basket. And he is the best at his position, whether other teams’ fanbases realize it or not.