Smitty's Top 10 Small Forwards of All-Time
The small forward position can be one of the most important positions on the floor because of the potential match up threats it can produce. Some forwards are scorers such as Dominique Wilkins, others rim rockers such as Dr. J but you also have the all around "Mr. Do-it-all" alla LeBron James. You get where I'm going by now, so sit back and take a look at my top 10 small forwards of all-time!
1. LeBron James
"The King" was the "chosen one" coming straight out of high school in 2003 and now he's the most popular athlete in the world. James has won multiple MVP awards, Olympic gold and 3 NBA championships. He is far from done and will always be in the conversation as one of the greatest players ever. James Nike brand is one of the richest in the world and it led to Nike signing him to a lifetime deal.
2. Larry Bird
Larry "Legend" was a 6'9 shooting guard that played the forward position as he would help lead the Celtics to 3 championships in the 1980's while winning 3 NBA MVP awards. The 12- time all-star would end his remarkable career as part of the 1992 Dream Team in Barcelona, Spain. Bird will also be remembered for his memorable moments in the ASG 3-point shootout contest, an event he won 3 seasons in a row.
3. Julius Erving
The "Doctor" was always on call and made calls to the lanes, slicing and dicing defenses as he drove to the rim. Erving was a product of the ABA, as he made a name for himself winning 3 titles, 4 MVP awards and 3 scoring titles. He made an easy transition to the Philadelphia 76ers where he would team with Moses Malone to win a NBA championship in 1983. He is the only player in history to win the ABA and NBA MVP award. Julius would be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
4. John Havilcek
John Havilcek won the most rings on this list, as he would win 8 championships with the Celtics over a 13-year span. He would win an NCAA title with Ohio State in 1960 as it would start quite a career for Havilcek, who have his #17 retired in Boston. He would be named to both the 35th anniversary and 50th anniversary teams.
5. Elgin Baylor
The former 1st overall pick of the Minneapolis Lakers was one of the best overall players of his era with his precise shooting, strong rebounding and dazzling passes. Baylor was an 11-time all-star during his playing days and is known as one of the most accomplished General mangers in his 22 years with the Clippers, winning Executive of the Year in 2006. He was inducted in 1977 to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
6. Scottie Pippen
Pippen one of the more accomplished forwards on the list as he played sidekick MJ while leading the Bulls to 6 NBA titles in the 1990's. Pippen's strength was his defense which often led to fast break points and often sparked the Bulls the team on both ends of the floor. After MJ retired he led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1994 losing to the New York Knicks, it solidified his spot as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players.
7. Rick Barry
Rick Barry was one of the most underrated players in the history of the league as he won titles in the ABA and NBA. The 1966 rookie of the year led the Warriors to an NBA title in 1975 and winning the Finals MVP award. He is best known for his underhanded free throw release but it would lead him to an all-time record of 90% (At the time of his retirement). He would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
8. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins was known for his high-flying, thunderous dunks which earned him the nickname the "Human Highlight Film" but what people overlook is that he was one of the top scorers of the late 80's, early 90's. He would lead the Atlanta Hawks to the 1986 Eastern Conference Finals, but nothing further. He most memorable moment was the 1986 slam dunk contest in which he lost to Michael Jordan in Chicago stadium.
9. James Worthy
"Big Game" James Worthy was another #1 overall pick who made the most of his time with one team as he would team with the Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to win 3 championships (won Finals MVP in '88). The 7-time all-star would play his entire career with Los Angeles and have his #42 retired by the organization.
10. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant may be one of the best shooting big men of all-time as he has put up major points, leading the NBA in scoring 4 times. The 2014 MVP still has a long way to go and build on his legacy, he will surely be top 3 when his career is done. The scary part is that he isn't even 30 yet (28), YIKES!
