In the new century, only three players can truly be called the best shooting guards in the league: Kobe, Wade, and Harden. At their peak, these three players each have their own strengths, and it's hard to say who is stronger or weaker. So let's talk about the performance of the three top shooting guards at the age of 35, when they are at the end of their careers.
Harden
With George's departure and Leonard's absence, 35-year-old Harden once again transformed into a ball-dominant role this season, not only shouldering the offensive responsibilities but also responsible for organizing and connecting. So far, Harden can average 22 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 38.9% and a three-point percentage of 34.5%. Although the efficiency is not high, Harden still helps the Clippers stabilize in the play-in area, currently ranking seventh in the West with a record of 17 wins and 13 losses.
Wade
In the 2017-18 season, Wade joined the Cavaliers to team up with James again to challenge for the championship. However, due to poor chemistry and locker room issues, he chose to return to the Heat in the middle of the season. In fact, at the age of 35, Wade could no longer fly and dodge like he did in his prime, and the decline in competitive form made him more of a sixth man for the team, averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 43.8% and a three-point percentage of 28.8%. However, after entering the playoffs, Wade maximized his experience advantage, with his stats rising to an average of 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Although he was unable to help the Heat break through the first round, his overall performance was still very bright.
Kobe
In the 2014-15 season, Kobe, who turned 35 years old, played only 35 games before being sidelined for the season again due to shoulder injuries. Although he didn't play many games, Kobe's performance was still commendable. After returning from a serious Achilles injury, he averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 37.3% and a three-point percentage of 29.3%. It is worth noting that Kobe still had multiple games with over 30 points and 40 points in this season.
Comparatively speaking, without considering the team's record, Harden and Kobe's personal stats are obviously more eye-catching. At this age, they can still have an average output of over 20 points, which is already very good. Of course, if we consider the actual situation of the team, Harden is undoubtedly the best among the three, as he can still lead the team to compete for the playoffs as the team leader, while the other two either miss the playoffs or take a back seat. What do you think about this?