5 best free-agent shooting guards

Perhaps it's due to the well-stocked depth at point guard, but the shooting guard position is largely devoid of equal talents.

Consider the results of All-NBA team voting for this past season. Five out of a possible six positions were occupied by point guards, and the lone exception, James Harden, has the ball in his hands at all times, essentially playing the point.

But the position remains one of great importance. A player with the ability to stretch the floor and defend is now solid gold at the two. The following players don't exactly fit that profile, but they do each hold value to a franchise.

1. Lance Stephenson (unrestricted)

Pardon the pun, but Lance Stephenson may have blown his chance at a big contract offer this offseason with his antics in the playoffs. A partial list of his transgressions: playing dead, repeatedly flopping, and blowing in LeBron James' ear.

The antics should double as a cautionary warning to potential suitors. Stephenson is a rather emotional player who toes the line between aggression and stupidity.

When he's in line, Stephenson is a multi-talented guard capable of filling many roles. He's a fantastic rebounder, a creative passer, and a threat to score one-on-one. He's physical, he's intimidating, and he can impose his will on the game.

And another thing to note: he's young. At the age of 23, Stephenson has a lot of maturing and development on the way (hopefully).

2. Rodney Stuckey (unrestricted)

Stuckey is a perplexing player. He is unquestionably talented, especially as a scorer, but he's never really been able to put it all together in seven seasons as a Piston. He was eventually delegated to a bench role last season, starting only five games.

The problem with Stuckey is his shooting - he simply can't. He's great when he gets to the rim, but when he settles for shooting a jumpshot, it usually clanks. He boasts a career three-point percentage of 28.6.

But he can be an effective as a combo guard if he sticks to his game. With his handles and size, he can get to the basket, and is able to be serviceable at either guard positions. It's a salvage project, but the talent is there.

3.  Nick Young (unrestricted)

In signing Young, you get two for the price of one. There's Nick Young the basketball player, and then there's Swaggy P. 

Swaggy P is his lovable persona that looms large at all times. It makes for an excellent Instagram follow, and one of the league's most intriguing characters.

As a player, Young is a gunner, through and through. He's a great shot-maker, and surprisingly accurate. He is never shy to shoot, but he's actually somewhat efficient, and he can certainly create his own shot.

But he also takes highly questionable shots, and his off-court antics could potentially serve as a distraction to the team. You can't have one without the other.

4. Ray Allen (unrestricted)

Next year will be Allen's 19th in the league. He's strictly a rental player at this point, and he will only go to a championship contender. He has taken tremendous care of his body throughout his illustrious career, but age is a concern.

Allen's skill set is a known quantity - he's a spot-up shooter. He can also handle the ball a fair bit, and throw down the occasional dunk, but for the most part, he's on the floor to shoot. And he's damned good at it.

Although he only shot 37.5 percent from deep last season, Allen is the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made, and he remains one of the most clutch snipers in the game. There are few things more dangerous than an open corner triple from Allen.

5. Vince Carter (unrestricted)

Once among the league's best athletes, the modern-day version of Vinsanity is a far cry from his former self. He's no longer "half-man, half-amazing". That split is closer to 90/10.

And yet, Carter remains a very productive player, even at the age of 37. Having lost his quickness and athleticism, Carter has redefined his game around using his guile to succeed. He's a good three-point shooter, a responsible ball-handler, and a surprisingly reliable perimeter defender.

Like Allen, Carter is in the twilight of his career, and will only be looking to join a contender. Fortunately, he will have many suitors to pick from. He would fill gaps for just about every playoff team.

Note: Dwyane Wade was disregarded from the list because he has not opted out at the time of writing. For a full list of free-agent shooting guards, check out our primer.