Here comes the weekend, and with it comes the latest edition of Ranking the League's Brightest Stars. And now, for your viewing pleasure, the top 25 SGs. I was very tempted to throw in SFs with the SGs, but I felt it would be a little silly to be comparing the likes of Brandon Roy, clearly a 6'6 guard, with someone like Kevin Durant, a 6'10 forward. I did my best to differentiate between guard and forward, and if I couldn't tell, I sometimes resorted to checking the team's roster on their website. Feel free to disagree with some of my choices.

Remember, my inputs I use for ranking include a player's age, statistical output, contract status, and my general "feel" of the guy. Again, though it's not my favorite statistical analysis tool, I use the Efficiency Per Game to give a quick snapshot of what each player brings to the table statistically. It's not the best, but it's serviceable (kind of like our point guard situation).

For those unfamiliar with the system, here it is in a nutshell:

EFF = ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers))

Again, the order of ranking uses these aforementioned factors to determine which players offer the best shot at getting to a title in a reasonable time period. Also taken into consideration is a player's jersey number, now included in his snapshot profile. This is perhaps the most crucial element of the analysis, as it is a TiH-approved method for judging teams' and their respective players' skills.

So without further ado, here they are:

1. K*be Bryant, L*kers

Number: 24
Age: 29
EPG: 26.8
Contract: three years, $69.1 M ($23.0 M per)
His salary is outlandish, but hey, he's the MVP. Kobe is the league’s best one-on-one player, contains the most straight up skills, and has an insanely competitive spirit. This year, he's even added some leadership to his game. It'll be interesting to see how he and his team fare against whatever offering the East puts forth. Anyone else besides Tom dreading a Lakers-Celtics matchup?

2. Brandon Roy, Blazers

Number: 7

Age: 23
EPG: 19.4
Contract: three years, $12.2 M ($4.1 M per)

For the entire time I typed this post, I had Wade at the number two and Roy at number three, until right at the end. I figured Roy at two is homerish, but after much thought and consideration, I think Roy is the clear number two choice. Roy's got character, class, leadership skills, a nicer contract than Wade, and a fairly comparable game. Roy didn't have much to work with two seasons ago year, and this year had a youthful team that, according to history, should have stunk. Nevertheless, unlike Wade's team, who underperformed, Roy's team outperformed. Brandon helped guide them to 41-41record in a tough Western Conference, as opposed to Wade's team failing so miserably that Pat Riley ran away. Call me a homer, but I'd take Roy over Wade.

3. Dwyane Wade, Heat

Number: 3
Age: 26
EPG: 21.8
Contract: three years, $47.3 M ($15.8 M per)
Wade is extremely difficult to guard and almost single handedly beat the Mavericks in the ’06 Finals. Unfortunately, it appeared he went into coast mode that summer, and he seemed to spend more time at Disneyland, photo shoots, and filming ads than actually working on his game. He has been bothered by a series of nagging injuries as of late, which makes one wonder if his future is as bright as it once was, especially after he couldn't get his team out of last place in the league.

4. Manu Ginobili, Spurs

Number: 20
Age: 30
EPG: 19.9
Contract: two years, $20.6 M ($10.3 M per)
Despite the Spurs exit from the playoffs, they look like a team to reckon with. If you don't think so, go voice your opinion at EngineerScotty's Spurs Poll (he's got about 99 poll options to choose from). Manu's game is fairly solid all-around, and he ain't bad in the clutch to say the least. If he can stay healthy, and stop the flop, perhaps I'll be rooting for him and the Spurs next year. Perhaps.

5. Kevin Martin, Kings

Number: 23
Age: 25
EPG: 19.8
Contract: five years, $55.5 M ($11.1 M per)
It looks like the Kings got a pretty good deal when they locked Martin up. He’s a terrific shooter and he should be able to anchor the Kings offensively for the remainder of his contract.

6. Richard Hamilton, Pistons

Number: 32
Age: 30
EPG: 16.4
Contract: two years, $22.0 M ($11.0 M per)

Rip just keeps chugging along. The guy has always been a terrific midrange shooter, but over the last three years he’s improved his accuracy from long range (44% in 2007-08), which has made his offensive game even more dangerous. Healso moves well without the ball, which becomes quickly apparent in this TNT Insider video. He’s a tireless defender and has a great work ethic, so his game shouldn’t decline as fast as most post-30 players. Moreover, he’s affordable.

7. Andre Iguodala, Sixers

Number: 9
Age: 24
EPG: 20.1
Contract: restricted free agent
Iguodala has flourished since Iverson departed, and has the numbers to prove he's a valid number-one option. As far as his contract goes, it’s going to be interesting to see how much the Sixers end up paying him. I have a feeling it will be more than what Martin makes, which is why he’s below him on this list.

8. Tracy McGrady, Rockets

Number: 1
Age: 28
EPG: 18.8
Contract: two years, $44.3 M ($22.2 M per)
I think it’s clear that you can’t build around T-Mac (and his huge salary) and expect to win in the playoffs. Still, he's one of the most dangerous shooting guards in the game, even though he has a creaky back. Maybe their huge win streak was evidence that they have the potential to dominate the league; on the other hand, maybe them getting smoked in the first round is evidence they can't. Yah, Yao was injured, but nevertheless, I just don't see T-Mac and Yao ever getting it done. Tracy lacks the passion and ruthlessness to be a top-five SG in this league.

9. Jason Richardson, Bobcats

Number: 23

Age: 27
EPG: 19.0
Contract: three years, $39.9 M ($13.3 M per)
His contract is little on the pricey side, but J-Rich returned to form this season to anchor the Bobcats offensively.

10. Joe Johnson, Hawks

Number: 2
Age: 26
EPG: 19.6
Contract: two years, $29.2 M ($14.6 M per)
Johnson is a young kid with upside who helped the Hawks make some noise against the Celtics. Still, his 14.6 mil contract isn't too appealing to most.

11. Stephen Jackson, Warriors

Number: 1
Age: 30
EPG: 17.0
Contract: two years, $14.8 M ($7.4 M)
Jackson’s reputation has him seriously underrated. His contract is a bargain for what he brings to the table. The Warriors would struggle to be a .500 team without him. He would be higher, but he's past the 30-year mark, and things are only downhill from here.

12. Mike Miller, Grizzlies

Number: 33
Age: 28
EPG: 18.1
Contract: two years, $18.8 M ($9.4 M per)
Miller’s contract is fairly affordable considering his production. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the league and has a pretty solid all-around game. If he were a little more athletic and a little younger, maybe the Blazers would have been interested in the Outlaw trade proposal. But, he's not, so I'll side with the Big Easy and AnntheFan is saying that Outlaw should never be traded.

13. Michael Redd, Bucks

Number: 22
Age: 28
EPG: 18.4
Contract: three years, $51.1 M ($17.0 M per)
After seven straight seasons of improving his game, Redd took a step back last season. Improving his shot selection and learning to make his teammates better around him are Redd's next steps.

14. Ray Allen, Celtics

Number: 20
Age: 32
EPG: 15.9
Contract: two years, $36.2 M ($18.1 M per)
Allen is an NBA great whose star is fading fast. He's 32, got a huge contract, and hasn't done squat for the Celtics thus far into the playoffs.

15. Vince Carter, Nets

Number: 15

Age: 31
EPG: 21.6
Contract: three years, $48.8 M ($16.3 M per)Carter is getting on in years and since he relies on his athleticism, age may hurt him more than most. His contract is long and expensive for a guy his age, and he really hasn't had a history of winning anything besides the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000. I guess his career has some meaning, if only for his epic slam back in the Olympics over some 7'2" French dude.

16. Ronnie Brewer, Jazz

Number: 9
Age: 23
EPG: 13.3
Contract: three years, $8.3 M ($2.8 M per)
If he can ever fix that busted jump shot, watch out. Brewer has all the other tools to be an excellent player, and he's got an extremely reasonable contract.

17. Randy Foye, Timberwolves

Number: 4
Age: 24
EPG: 11.8
Contract: three years, $11.2 M ($3.7 M per)
Foye bounced back from a knee injury to have a pretty solid season for the new look Timberwolves. He has a solid all-around game and nice upside. Unfortunately for Kevin McHale, Foye and Roy. You my friend, were Pritch-Slapped.

18. Ben Gordon, Bulls

Number: 7
Age: 25
EPG: 14.8
Contract: restricted free agent
Gordon’s contract situation makes him tough to rank. He’s a phenomenal scorer, but is only average in other parts of the game. He turned down an extension that would have paid him $10 million a season, so if he signs a deal like that, he’ll be pricey for what he brings to the table.

19. Jamal Crawford, Knicks

Number: 11
Age: 28
EPG: 16.1
Contract: one year, $8.6 M
Crawford needs to improve his shot selection, but there’s no doubt that the guy can score. He’s actually a nice fit as an off guard in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo attack, so the 2008-09 season will go a long way to determine the direction his career is headed.

20. Mickael Pietrus, Warriors

Number: 2
Age: 26
EPG: 8.7
Contract: free agent
Pietrus is an athletic, versatile wing who fell out of Don Nelson’s favor and was limited by a strained hamstring. His stock is low enough that he’ll likely be a good bargain for whichever team manages to sign him.

21. Anthony Parker, Raptors

Number: 18
Age: 32
EPG: 13.5
Contract: one year, $4.6 M
The only problem with Parker’s all around game is his age. He’s a terrific shooter and is happy to do all the little things.

22. John Salmons, Kings

Number: 15
Age: 28
EPG: 12.9
Contract: three years, $16.4 M ($5.5 M per)
Salmons is a versatile guy who can play three positions. He’s in his prime and his contract is very affordable.

23. Rashad McCants, Timberwolves

Number: 1
Age: 23
EPG: 11.3
Contract: two years, $6.2 M ($3.1 M per)
Injuries limited his sophomore season, but McCants came back and averaged almost 15 points a game for the Timberwolves. He doesn’t do much else, but the guy can certainly shoot it. And for such a mediocre player, he sure does have a cool website.

24. DeShawn Stevenson, Wizards

Number: 2
Age: 27
EPG: 10.7
Contract: three years, $11.6 M ($3.9 M per)
Known more for silly feuds with LeBron than his own game, Stevenson is a nice defender and a decent three-point shooter. This season wasn't his best campaign, but at 27 he's still got a window to improve. Man was this guy fun to play with on NBA Live 2003.

25. Raja Bell, Suns

Number: 19
Age: 31
EPG: 12.0
Contract: two years, $10.3 M ($5.2 M per)
Bell is getting on in years, but he can still defend and shoot the three. I could have put in a couple other guys. This guy was on the bubble, but since some of my friends affectionately call me Raja Bell (based on one of them calling me "Raja" after seeing me wear my orange Tatum Bell Denver Broncos jersey), numéro 19 gets the nod.

Feel free to shout if you disagree.

Once again, thanks to John Paulsen, wherever you are.

And to conclude, MY vote for our SG of the future: