Best Small Forwards In the NBA
The National Basketball association is filled with talent at each position. In todays age, many people believe that it's a "point guard" league. I wholeheartedly disagree. The small forward position has been dominating the NBA since the 1980s. Bird, Worthy, Wilkins, Pippen..... to the modern day era. I believe having an elite SF makes any team a championship contender at any time due to size, athleticism and ability to make other players around them better. Versatility on defense (guarding 1-5) and being able to let the offense run through them as well. This is my list of top 5 SFs in the NBA today.
5) Jimmy Butler (MIA): Jimmy B can be considered a 2/3 swingman. His ability to guard multiple positions and run the offense in the fourth quarter make him a valuable asset to any team. Jimmy has increased his three point % over the past few years and is an underrated passer. One of his best qualities is his ability to score and make plays in the fourth quarter in crunch time. His leadership and size come into question, as he has had disputes with multiple organizations over the years.
4) Paul George (LAC): Paul George is one of the best two-way wings we have seen in a decade. His ability to guard the perimeter as well as big men on the block make him unique. His smooth stroke from the perimeter and ability to run the pick and roll make him a lethal weapon on the offensive end as well. Like Jimmy Butler, his playmaking ability in the fourth quarter is astounding. Paul George has been among the elite SFs since bursting out on the scene in 2011. Question marks still remain about his health and consistency. There are times throughout the year where PG struggles for a certain stretch of games.
3) Kevin Durant (BKN): KD is one of the best scorers this game has ever seen. Ever. His 6'11 frame, along with his ball handling skills make him impossible to guard. In Golden State, he became a top defender and elite shot blocker. His efficiency is off the charts and he too is an underrated passer. If this list was created two years ago, he might very well be number one. His recent achilles tendon tear with GSW, added to his injury history in Golden State make him the league's greatest question mark. With that being said, at the top of his game, he is right up there as the best SF in the game.
2) Lebron James (LAL): LBJ has been the best player in the league for over a decade. His playmaking ability is second to none. His "freight train" body is still unparalleled in the league today (maybe Zion?). The improvements he has made on his jumper throughout his career has not gone unnoticed. As great as LBJ is, no one can defeat father time. There has been a steady decline in LBJs defensive efficiency and effort. In his prime, LBJ was considered a top three defender in the association. By the numbers, he wasn't a top 100 defensive player the past three years. His free throw shooting hasn't shown much improvement and he missed more than 20 games last year. LBJ is still a superstar capable of bringing any team to an NBA finals, but I can't help but feel that his days as a top 5 player are numbered.
1) Kawhi Leonard (LAC): Kawhi Leonard is the best defender I have ever seen. Ever. Scottie Pippen comes to mind, but this guy is on a level I don't think we've seen. His hands are huge in size, giving him an advantage on both ends. He has a ridiculous wingspan and a 6'9 frame. His post game and jump shot have both become elite and I don't know if anyone other than KD has a better midrange game. Is Kawhi the best scorer in the league? No. There are a few better scorers out there (harden, KD, etc.). But to be ONE of the best scorers in the league and by far the defensive player gives him my number one ranking on this list. Couple those things with his unselfishness and "non-diva" personality and you get the perfect player. I have never seen a superstar impact the game, without sometimes touching the ball like he does. Rest assured that if Kawhi Leonard is on your team and healthy, you will be a title contender for years to come.