Top 10 small forwards of all time
The distinction between an incredibly strong team and an NBA Champion is always made by a small forward, so every team is looking for a strong player in that position to bring them glory.
The small forward position in today’s NBA is perhaps the most vital since the players have the size and ability to control the game absolutely in many places.
It is no surprise why each NBA champion in the past few years have all had a superstar small forward, with the likes of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant owning the league. A superstar forward is often the difference maker between a very good team and an NBA champion
Small forwards of all time
10. Kawhi Leonard
He can shut down players on the perimeter, and then score the ball in a variety of ways. He was a young player with the Spurs and still managed to win Finals MVP, but his growth as a player has been remarkable. He might capture a third NBA title with the Clippers this season if he keeps his level of play up, in which case he can climb the ranks even more.
9. Paul Arizin
Arizin makes this list as a pioneer for the sport when he introduced the jump-shot to the league. In fact, he mastered the jump shot and led the league in scoring twice, and made the All-Star team every year he played in the league. Arizin had a great two-way game and is one of the legends in the game who helped make the NBA what it is today.
8. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce has a proven track record of remaining loyal to his team, being the primary scorer, and coming through in the clutch. “The Truth” was rewarded for his efforts when he won Finals MVP with a Boston Celtics team that featured Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Pierce finally got over the hump and will go down as a top-10 SF ever.
7. Elgin Baylor
Baylor is one of the best players ever to not have an NBA title, but that doesn’t take away from his greatness. Baylor would be a scoring machine in any era, and his scoring output is truly one of a kind. Thanks to his pure scoring ability and dominance on the boards, Baylor is a top-four SF of all time.
6. Julius Erving
Dr. J is one of the greatest dunkers ever, and one of the most popular sports figures ever. Erving was the original highlight reel, who also happened to have a dominant career which included 16 All-Star teams. Every old head raves about Dr. J, so Erving is the sixth-best SF to ever play the game.
5. Scottie Pippen
Pippen might be the best sidekick ever, as he was the Robin to Michael Jordan’s Batman that won 6 NBA titles together. Pippen was the playmaker and defensive specialist for the Chicago Bulls Dynasty and had one of the best motors we have ever seen. Pip doesn’t get enough credit for his great career, but he will be honored here as he stands 7th among all small forwards.
4. John Havlicek
Superstar John Havlicek is an exceptional leader and one of the most dominant players on the NBA court we have ever seen in terms of the amount of winning in the NBA. His scoring ability was truly exceptional, and he is one of the best to ever wear the Boston Celtics uniform. A whopping 8 NBA titles and one Finals MVP places him comfortably at fifth.
3. Larry Bird
Bird is easily a top-2 SF ever because no one came close to his competitiveness at this position. Bird was an ultra competitor, a very clutch performer, and an overall skilled player who had no real weakness. As one of the icons in NBA history, Bird barely misses out on first place thanks to a man from Akron, Ohio.
2. Kevin Durant
Durant might have two NBA titles thanks to an unbelievable superteam with the Golden State Warriors, but no player at this position has the scoring ability of KD. He can pull up from 30 feet, attack the basket thanks to his killer handles, and has developed into a lock-down defensive player. At nearly 7-feet tall, KD is arguably the most unstoppable small forward in NBA history. Easily one of the best 25 players ever, KD is the third greatest SF ever.
1. LeBron James
LeBron is the best small forward ever, and he manages to pass Bird thanks to his longevity and his crucial third NBA championship ring he won when he beat the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. James is always a threat to make the NBA Finals, carrying teams on his back and consistently being one of the best playmakers we have ever seen. His size and extremely high basketball I.Q. makes him one of the most decorated players in NBA history.
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