Ranking the Best Small Forwards in the NBA

LeBron James is not only the best small forward in the game right now, he is widely regarded as the greatest small forward in the history of the NBA. A small forward has many responsibilities such as scoring, facilitating, and perimeter defense, along with occasionally grabbing rebounds. No player has fulfilled and exceeded this role with more consistency and precision than King James.

He is the epitome of versatility, and he may very well be the most complete basketball player in the history of the sport. Even at age 35, LeBron hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, and will look to win his fourth championship if and when the season resumes.

Kawhi Leonard is one of the greatest two-way players to ever grace a basketball court. He started out solely as a defensive wizard, but through hard work and discipline fostered under Coach Gregg Popovich’s guidance, Leonard blossomed into one of league’s premier two-way threats. His elite defense was first recognized when he won the 2014 Finals MVP for his coverage of LeBron James, followed by two consecutive DPOY awards in 2015 and 2016.

Leonard is primarily known for his defensive tenacity and skill, but has recently garnered consideration for one of the most deadly mid-range shots in the entire league. After leading Toronto to its first NBA championship ever, Kawhi has been acknowledged as not only one of the best small forwards, but one of the best overall players in the game right now. He’ll be the main reason the Clippers give LeBron and Giannis a run for their money in the Playoffs going forward.

Jimmy Butler can not only play basketball at a high level on both ends of the floor, but he also approaches the game with a win-at-all-cost mentality that has helped lead the young players in Miami to expedite their development. The 2015 Most Improved Player was averaging 20 PPG on 45% FG% this season and leading the Miami Heat to home-court advantage in the Eastern Playoffs before the season came to a halt.

He was Top-10 in MVP consideration due to his contributions helping the Heat exceed preseason expectations. Butler has been under the radar as an elite player in the league due to his scoring production not being as high as other stars. However, Jimmy Butler continues to show on a nightly basis that he can guard any team’s best player and lead a team to victory when it matters most.

Jayson Tatum is one of the premier young stars in the league and is already playing like a Top-25 player in only his third NBA season. The 21-year-old Duke product was averaging 24 PPG and 7.1 RPG on 45% FG%, 40% 3P%, and 81% FT% before the season suspension.

Tatum led the Celtics to third in the Eastern Conference, which earned him his first All-Star selection. Since his rookie year, he has made a drastic improvement in scoring (14 PPG to 24 PPG). Tatum is a solid two-way wing player who can someday move up to the number one spot on this list if he develops consistent playmaking abilities and returns Boston to its championship ways.

Khris Middleton may be the most underrated number-two option on an NBA team due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absurd dominance. The two-time All-Star Middleton was averaging 21 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 4.1 APG this year as one of the league’s most efficient players. He was on track for a historic 50-40-90 season (50% FG%, 42% 3P%, 91% FT%) before it came to a halt.

Middleton has a smooth shooting stroke with the ability to play off the ball or create for himself. His 6’7 frame also allows him to be an effective defender. Khris Middleton fits flawlessly into Milwaukee’s system and his game compliments the Greek Freak so well that his contributions are a big part of why the Bucks have been the best team in the league this year (53-12).

LeBron James is not only the best small forward in the game right now, he is widely regarded as the greatest small forward in the history of the NBA. A small forward has many responsibilities such as scoring, facilitating, and perimeter defense, along with occasionally grabbing rebounds. No player has fulfilled and exceeded this role with more consistency and precision than King James.

He is the epitome of versatility, and he may very well be the most complete basketball player in the history of the sport. Even at age 35, LeBron hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, and will look to win his fourth championship if and when the season resumes.

Kawhi Leonard is one of the greatest two-way players to ever grace a basketball court. He started out solely as a defensive wizard, but through hard work and discipline fostered under Coach Gregg Popovich’s guidance, Leonard blossomed into one of league’s premier two-way threats. His elite defense was first recognized when he won the 2014 Finals MVP for his coverage of LeBron James, followed by two consecutive DPOY awards in 2015 and 2016.

Leonard is primarily known for his defensive tenacity and skill, but has recently garnered consideration for one of the most deadly mid-range shots in the entire league. After leading Toronto to its first NBA championship ever, Kawhi has been acknowledged as not only one of the best small forwards, but one of the best overall players in the game right now. He’ll be the main reason the Clippers give LeBron and Giannis a run for their money in the Playoffs going forward.

Jimmy Butler can not only play basketball at a high level on both ends of the floor, but he also approaches the game with a win-at-all-cost mentality that has helped lead the young players in Miami to expedite their development. The 2015 Most Improved Player was averaging 20 PPG on 45% FG% this season and leading the Miami Heat to home-court advantage in the Eastern Playoffs before the season came to a halt.

He was Top-10 in MVP consideration due to his contributions helping the Heat exceed preseason expectations. Butler has been under the radar as an elite player in the league due to his scoring production not being as high as other stars. However, Jimmy Butler continues to show on a nightly basis that he can guard any team’s best player and lead a team to victory when it matters most.

Jayson Tatum is one of the premier young stars in the league and is already playing like a Top-25 player in only his third NBA season. The 21-year-old Duke product was averaging 24 PPG and 7.1 RPG on 45% FG%, 40% 3P%, and 81% FT% before the season suspension.

Tatum led the Celtics to third in the Eastern Conference, which earned him his first All-Star selection. Since his rookie year, he has made a drastic improvement in scoring (14 PPG to 24 PPG). Tatum is a solid two-way wing player who can someday move up to the number one spot on this list if he develops consistent playmaking abilities and returns Boston to its championship ways.

Khris Middleton may be the most underrated number-two option on an NBA team due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absurd dominance. The two-time All-Star Middleton was averaging 21 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 4.1 APG this year as one of the league’s most efficient players. He was on track for a historic 50-40-90 season (50% FG%, 42% 3P%, 91% FT%) before it came to a halt.

Middleton has a smooth shooting stroke with the ability to play off the ball or create for himself. His 6’7 frame also allows him to be an effective defender. Khris Middleton fits flawlessly into Milwaukee’s system and his game compliments the Greek Freak so well that his contributions are a big part of why the Bucks have been the best team in the league this year (53-12).