When I talk about the best small forwards in the NBA, I can't help but start with LeBron James. This man is a legend. James consistently puts up stats that are mind-blowing—a career average of 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. During the 2019-2020 season, at the age of 35, he led the league in assists, averaging 10.2 assists per game. That's efficiency at its finest.
Now let's look at Kevin Durant. His shooting prowess is unreal. Durant has a career field goal percentage of 49.3%, with more than 38% from beyond the arc. That's deadly. During the 2013–2014 season, he won the MVP award by averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Those are the kinds of numbers that make defenders quake in their boots.
Kawhi Leonard is another beast in his own right. He’s not just about stats; his two-way player capability truly sets him apart. When he led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship in 2019, he was a finalist for both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. During that playoff run, he averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and almost 2 steals per game. Talk about dominance.
On another note, we can't ignore Paul George. He's a player whose versatility shines through on both ends of the court. During the 2018–2019 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, George averaged 28 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, along with 2.2 steals per game. He finished third in both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting that season. Those accolades speak volumes.
Jayson Tatum is making waves as a young talent. His trajectory looks promising. In the 2019–2020 season, Tatum put up 23.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game as a 22-year-old. That’s impressive for someone so young. Not to mention his clutch performance in the playoffs, which makes him one to watch for years to come.
Jimmy Butler deserves a shout-out too. His leadership and performance, especially during the 2020 NBA Finals, were phenomenal. Butler averaged 22.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game that season. In the Finals, he had two triple-double performances, including an unforgettable 40-point, 11-rebound, 13-assist spectacle in Game 3 against the Lakers. Now that's a showstopper.
Brandon Ingram, another rising star, shows great potential. Winning the Most Improved Player award in the 2019–2020 season, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. This guy transformed his game, indicating a bright future ahead.
Not to forget Andrew Wiggins, who has really come into his own with the Golden State Warriors. During the last season, he averaged 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and shot a career-high 38% from three-point range. His performance in the postseason has shown that he’s capable of being a crucial piece for a championship-contending team.
Gordon Hayward is another notable mention. His game has been solid throughout his career despite injuries. During the 2020–2021 season, Hayward averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for the Charlotte Hornets. His versatility and experience make him a valuable asset.
A player to watch is Michael Porter Jr., whose shooting accuracy is remarkable. In the 2020–2021 season, Porter Jr. shot 44.5% from three-point range while averaging 19 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. For a guy who's only a few years into the league, those are some stellar stats.
With so many talented players, the small forward position remains deeply competitive and pivotal in shaping the dynamics of the game. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each player contributes uniquely to their team’s success. If you crave more in-depth rankings and stats, Arena Plus provides detailed analysis and updates worth checking out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll find here.