Our NBA player fantasy rankings continue as we look at the shooting guard position. After making some tough cuts, we are down to our top ten players at the position.

There is a very familiar name topping out list in Kobe Bryant, who figures to benefit greatly from having Steve Nash and Dwight Howard easing the offensive workload. Bryant already looks to be in mid-season form, now it will a matter of team cohesiveness moving forward.

Of the players making the top ten, all but one is a regular starter for their teams. As the reigning sixth-man of the year recipient James Harden makes an appearance here. You just can’t argue with the production Harden gives even in a reserve role. Likely playing for a new contract as well; be it in OKC or elsewhere, Harden should have a terrific year.

The remaining players rounding out the top ten are solid fantasy contributors who should all contribute solid fantasy value across the board. The talent of these players is undeniable; they score, rebound and get you assists. Be sure to use a high pick on one of these players as the drop-off to guys outside the top ten is noticeable.

Here are the Edraft rankings for shooting guards 1-10:

1- Kobe Bryant – LA Lakers
I don’t think there is any doubt that Kobe Bryant is the star of shooting guard class. Last season saw Kobe bounce back and post 27.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 4.6 apg averages while playing 38.5 minutes per game. I think that with Steve Nash running the point and distributing the basketball it will lessen the load on Kobe having to ball handle in the backcourt. Dwight Howard will attract a collapsing defense which should allow for more open jumpers from the wings. I think that with Nash and Howard on-board, Bryant will take fewer shots, end up shooting a higher field goal percentage and still score his 28 ppg. Assist totals might take a bit of a hit due to Nash’s presence; however, it is nothing too concerning.

2- Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat
This is not the same player we all saw three to five seasons ago. Dwayne Wade is now coming off a knee surgery and doesn’t play with the same reckless abandon that brought him such success. Wade doesn’t get to the free-throw line as much as he used to as he no longer attacks the basket like he used to. In addition to less free-throw attempts, the three-point shot is fading quickly from the repertoire. If Wade can stay healthy throughout the season, look for his minutes to be around 30-32 a night and with that expect similar like averages to last season of 20 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 4 apg.

3- Monta Ellis – Milwaukee Bucks
Coming into his first full season in Milwaukee, Monta will be paired with Brandon Jennings to make a dynamic backcourt duo. No longer in the free-flowing West Coast offense that supported poor shot taking, Ellis will not be taking as many shots per game. Which is not entirely a bad thing seeing as the shooting percentages need to come up. Ellis remains a prolific scorer who can go off for 30 points in any given game. In addition to the points, Ellis contributes assists and rebounds. In Scott Skiles offense, Monta won’t get as many assists so don’t expect the same production there. Still a very solid 20 ppg, 4.5 apg and 3 rpg contributor who will come off the draft board early.

4- James Harden – Oklahoma City Thunder
Harden is one of the most effective fantasy players out there. Given his relatively limited minutes as the sixth man on the Thunder, Harden still produces with almost 17 ppg, 2.7 apg and 4.1 rpg. Entering his contract year, and thus far not receiving the offer he wants from the Thunder; Harden could be playing for a max deal elsewhere. Imagine the numbers he could get as a number two option player getting 36 minutes a night. Not likely that he will get moved at trade deadline as the Thunder will want to keep him for a Championship run.

5- Lou Williams – Atlanta Hawks
A breakout season awaits Williams in Atlanta, where he figures to be the starting shooting guard taking over for the departed Joe Johnson. In Philadelphia, Williams was not starting and only getting 26 minutes a night. Despite that he still managed 14.9 ppg, 3.5 apg and 2.5 rpg. Now in Atlanta, Williams will be getting at least 32 minutes a night and should be able to increase his averages to 19 ppg, 5 apg and 4 rpg. Watch for Louis Williams to make his All-Star debut this season. I doubt many fantasy GM’s will be looking at Williams early, this guy could slip in your draft and would be a steal.

6- Joe Johnson – Brooklyn Nets
Finally the beneficiary of having a true backcourt mate in Deron Williams, Joe Johnson will benefit from the 10 + assists Williams posts nightly. A very solid shooter, Johnson averaged 39% from behind the arc and 45% from the field. I’d expect Johnson to average just over 20 ppg with 3 apg and 3 rpg.

7- Eric Gordon – New Orleans Hornets
The knee injury that almost wiped out the 2011-12 season for Gordon is once again causing him some difficulties. He has yet to suit up in the preseason action and it doesn’t seem certain that he will play before the season opener. An explosive player before the injury and in the limited number of games he played last season; now post surgery it remains to be seen how effective he will be. When healthy, Gordon is a tremendous fantasy player who averages 20 ppg and 3.5 apg and 3 rpg. A risk-reward pick, as he could be the catalyst of the young Hornets team.

8- Marcus Thornton – Sacramento Kings
This fourth year player has solidified himself as the starting shooting guard for the Sacramento Kings. Marcus Thornton is a very productive player who gives great fantasy value due to his scoring, high shooting percentages and steals contributions. Thornton is looking to build off last season’s averages of 18.7 ppg, 1.9 apg and 3.7 rpg. Given a full season and should he stay healthy those averages should increase.

9- Kevin Martin – Houston Rockets
Kevin Martin figures to be the starter for the Rockets; it is highly unlikely that the season will end that way. Entering the final year of a $12 million contract, Martin is going to be moved by the trade deadline. I don’t think that this will detract from Martin’s fantasy value as he is the most established player and scorer on the Rockets. I’d watch for the trade, as Martin is likely going to go to a contender and his post trade deadline role will be different. If the first few months of the season are worth it to you, go ahead and draft him.

10- Paul George – Indiana Pacers
Paul George will be the focal point of the offense while Danny Granger heals from injury. This kid can be a better scorer than Granger given the opportunity; his field goal percentages are better, he just needs to attempts. I ranked George top ten one spot ahead of Manu Ginobili due to the fantasy potential he brings. Last season George posted averages of 12.1 ppg, 2.4 apg and 5.6 rpg. This season look for a solid jump in the scoring average as I’m expecting a 16 + ppg average. The rebounding stats here are excellent for a shooting guard as are the steals and the three point accuracy.