
Ranking the Greatest Small Forwards in NBA History
The small forward position has long been considered one of the most versatile and impactful roles in the game of basketball. These players possess a unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism that allows them to excel on both ends of the court. From scoring and playmaking to defense and rebounding, the greatest small forwards have left an indelible mark on the NBA.
In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the rich history of the small forward position, identifying and ranking the 10 greatest players to ever don the position. Through a meticulous evaluation of their individual accomplishments, statistical dominance, and overall impact on the game, we will uncover the true legends who have defined the small forward position.
Methodology for Ranking
Compiling this list was no easy task, as the NBA has been blessed with an abundance of exceptional small forwards throughout its history. To ensure a fair and objective assessment, we have established a comprehensive set of criteria to guide our rankings:
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Career Achievements: We will consider the player's overall body of work, including championships, All-Star selections, individual awards, and other accolades that recognize their sustained excellence.
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Statistical Dominance: A player's ability to consistently produce at an elite level in key statistical categories, such as points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, will be a crucial factor in our rankings.
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Impact on the Game: The degree to which a player has influenced the game, revolutionized the position, or set new standards of excellence will be weighed heavily in our evaluation.
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Postseason Performance: The ability to elevate one's game on the biggest stage, leading their teams to deep playoff runs and championship victories, will be a significant consideration.
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Longevity and Consistency: Sustained excellence over the course of a player's career, with minimal dropoffs in production or impact, will be highly valued.
With these criteria in mind, let us embark on our journey to uncover the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
Top 10 Small Forwards
#1: LeBron James
When discussing the greatest small forwards of all time, the conversation must begin with the incomparable LeBron James. A generational talent who has dominated the NBA for nearly two decades, James has cemented his legacy as one of the most complete and impactful players in the history of the game.
Drafted straight out of high school by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, James immediately burst onto the scene, showcasing a rare combination of size, strength, speed, and skill that had never been seen before. His ability to impact the game in every facet, from scoring and playmaking to defense and rebounding, has made him a perennial MVP candidate and a driving force behind numerous championship runs.
James' resume is nothing short of staggering. A 4-time NBA champion, 4-time MVP, 18-time All-Star, and 6-time All-NBA First Team selection, he has cemented his place among the all-time greats. His career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game are a testament to his unparalleled versatility and dominance.
Perhaps most impressive is James' ability to elevate his game on the biggest stage. He has led his teams to 10 NBA Finals appearances, winning championships with three different franchises (Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers). His clutch performances, game-winning shots, and iconic moments have solidified his status as one of the most clutch and impactful players in postseason history.
LeBron James' combination of individual accolades, statistical dominance, and championship pedigree make him the undisputed greatest small forward in NBA history. His impact on the game, both on and off the court, will continue to be felt for generations to come.
#2: Kevin Durant
Widely regarded as one of the most gifted scorers the NBA has ever seen, Kevin Durant has established himself as a true legend of the small forward position. With his unparalleled combination of size, length, and shooting ability, Durant has carved out a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades.
Drafted 2nd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) in 2007, Durant immediately made his presence felt, winning the Rookie of the Year award and establishing himself as one of the league's premier offensive talents. Over the course of his career, he has consistently been among the league leaders in scoring, averaging a remarkable 27.2 points per game.
What sets Durant apart is his ability to score in a multitude of ways. Whether it's draining effortless jump shots, driving to the rim, or creating off the dribble, he has proven to be virtually unstoppable. His 7-foot frame and 7-5 wingspan give him a unique advantage over defenders, allowing him to shoot over the top with ease.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Durant has also developed into a well-rounded player, contributing significantly in other areas such as rebounding, passing, and defense. He has been selected to 10 All-Star teams, 2 All-NBA First Teams, and has won 2 NBA championships (with the Golden State Warriors).
While Durant's career has been marked by some controversy, particularly his decision to join the Warriors in 2016, his on-court accomplishments and impact on the game are undeniable. He has consistently been one of the league's most dominant and efficient scorers, and his ability to elevate his team's performance has been a key factor in his success.
In the pantheon of great small forwards, Kevin Durant stands tall as one of the most skilled and impactful players of his generation. His combination of size, scoring ability, and all-around game make him a worthy runner-up to LeBron James in the ranking of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
#3: Kawhi Leonard
Emerging from the shadows of the San Antonio Spurs' dynasty, Kawhi Leonard has established himself as one of the most dominant two-way players in the modern NBA. With his relentless defensive intensity, versatile scoring ability, and championship pedigree, Leonard has cemented his place among the all-time greats at the small forward position.
Drafted 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2011 (and subsequently traded to the Spurs), Leonard quickly made a name for himself as a lockdown defender, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016. His combination of size, length, and lateral quickness allowed him to shut down the opposing team's best perimeter players, often single-handedly disrupting the opposing team's offensive flow.
However, Leonard's game is far from one-dimensional. Over the course of his career, he has developed into an elite scorer, capable of creating his own shot and knocking down clutch shots in the biggest moments. His career scoring average of 19.2 points per game is a testament to his offensive versatility, and he has proven to be a reliable and efficient scorer from all areas of the court.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Leonard's career is his ability to perform at the highest level on the biggest stage. He has led his teams to two NBA championships (with the Spurs and Raptors), winning NBA Finals MVP honors on both occasions. His dominant performances in the playoffs, where he has consistently elevated his game, have cemented his reputation as one of the most clutch players in the league.
Kawhi Leonard's combination of elite two-way play, championship pedigree, and consistent excellence make him a clear-cut choice for the third spot in the ranking of the greatest small forwards in NBA history. His impact on the game, both offensively and defensively, has been unparalleled, and he has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant players of his era.
#4: Larry Bird
When discussing the greatest small forwards in NBA history, the legendary Larry Bird cannot be overlooked. A true pioneer of the position, Bird's unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him one of the most versatile and dominant players of his era.
Drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird immediately made an impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award and leading the Celtics to a championship in his second season. Over the course of his 13-year career, he would go on to win 3 NBA titles, 3 MVP awards, and 12 All-Star selections, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
What made Bird so special was his ability to impact the game in every facet. As a small forward, he possessed the size and strength to overpower smaller defenders, while also having the skill and vision to create for his teammates. His career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game are a testament to his well-rounded game and ability to stuff the stat sheet.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Bird's game was his unparalleled basketball IQ and court vision. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate plays, make pinpoint passes, and make the right decision in any given situation. This, combined with his deadly shooting touch and clutch performance in big moments, made him a nightmare for opposing teams to game plan against.
Bird's legacy extends far beyond his individual accomplishments, as he was a key figure in the Celtics' resurgence in the 1980s. His fierce rivalry with Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers helped to revitalize the NBA and bring the league to new heights of popularity.
While the modern game has evolved in many ways, Larry Bird's impact on the small forward position and the game of basketball as a whole remains unparalleled. His combination of skill, intelligence, and competitive fire make him a worthy choice for the fourth spot in the ranking of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
#5: Scottie Pippen
As the sidekick to the legendary Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen's contributions to the Chicago Bulls' dynasty often go underappreciated. However, a closer examination of his career reveals a small forward who was not only an elite two-way player but also a crucial component of one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
Drafted 5th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1987 (and subsequently traded to the Bulls), Pippen quickly established himself as one of the league's premier defensive players. His combination of size, length, and lateral quickness allowed him to shut down the opposing team's best perimeter players, often single-handedly disrupting their offensive flow.
But Pippen's impact went far beyond his defensive prowess. He was also a skilled offensive player, capable of scoring, passing, and rebounding at a high level. His career averages of 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game are a testament to his well-rounded game and ability to contribute in multiple ways.
Perhaps Pippen's greatest strength was his ability to complement Jordan's dominance. While Jordan was the undisputed alpha dog and the primary scoring threat, Pippen excelled in his role as the secondary playmaker, facilitator, and defensive stopper. This synergy between the two players was a key factor in the Bulls' unprecedented success, as they won 6 NBA championships together.
Pippen's individual accolades are also impressive, as he was selected to 7 All-Star teams, 10 All-Defensive First Teams, and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. His impact on the game, both on and off the court, has been immeasurable, and his legacy as one of the greatest small forwards of all time is secure.
While he may not have the individual statistical dominance or championship pedigree of some of the players above him on this list, Scottie Pippen's importance to the Bulls' dynasty and his overall impact on the game make him a clear-cut choice for the fifth spot in the ranking of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
#6: Julius Erving
Affectionately known as "Dr. J," Julius Erving was a true pioneer of the small forward position, revolutionizing the way the game was played with his unparalleled athleticism and style of play.
Drafted in the 1972 ABA Draft by the Virginia Squires, Erving quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, captivating audiences with his acrobatic dunks and smooth scoring ability. His transition to the NBA in 1976, when the ABA merged with the NBA, only served to further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of his era.
Erving's impact on the game was not just limited to his individual brilliance. He was a key figure in the ABA's rise to prominence, helping to bridge the gap between the two leagues and paving the way for the NBA's global expansion. His showmanship and flair for the dramatic helped to popularize the game and attract a new generation of fans.
On the court, Erving's combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a prolific scorer, averaging 24.2 points per game over the course of his career, and his ability to create his own shot and finish above the rim was unparalleled. He was also a skilled passer and rebounder, contributing in multiple facets of the game.
While Erving's NBA career was relatively short (he played just 11 seasons in the league), his impact on the game is undeniable. He was a 4-time ABA champion, a 1-time NBA champion, and a 16-time ABA/NBA All-Star, and his influence on the game can still be felt today.
In the pantheon of great small forwards, Julius Erving stands tall as a true pioneer and one of the most influential players in the history of the game. His combination of style, athleticism, and skill make him a worthy choice for the sixth spot in the ranking of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
#7: Elgin Baylor
Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential players in NBA history, Elgin Baylor's impact on the small forward position cannot be overstated. With his unique blend of size, skill, and athleticism, Baylor revolutionized the way the game was played, paving the way for the modern era of basketball.
Drafted 1st overall by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958, Baylor immediately made his presence felt, earning Rookie of the Year honors and establishing himself as one of the league's premier scorers. Over the course of his 14-year career, he would go on to average an impressive 27.4 points per game, cementing his status as one of the most dominant offensive players of his era.
What made Baylor so special was his ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways. He was a master of the mid-range jumper, but he also possessed the athleticism and agility to drive to the basket and finish with authority. His signature moves, such as the double-clutch layup and the fadeaway jumper, became staples of the modern game and influenced generations of players to come.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Baylor was also a skilled passer and rebounder, contributing in multiple facets of the game. His career averages of 13.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game are a testament to his well-rounded skill set and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.
While Baylor's individual accolades are impressive (11-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA First Team), his true legacy lies in his influence on the game. He was a pioneer of the small forward position, paving the way for the emergence of players who could dominate the game with their versatility and athleticism.
Elgin Baylor's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, and his place among the greatest small forwards in NBA history is secure. His combination of skill, innovation, and dominance make him a worthy choice for the seventh spot on this list.
#8: Dominique Wilkins
Nicknamed the "Human Highlight Reel," Dominique Wilkins was a true force of nature on the basketball court, captivating audiences with his explosive athleticism and scoring prowess. As one of the most dominant small forwards of his era, Wilkins left an indelible mark on the game, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the position.
Drafted 3rd overall by the Utah Jazz in 1982 (and subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks), Wilkins immediately made his presence felt, earning 9 All-Star selections and 7 All-NBA Team honors over the course of his 15-year career. His career scoring average of 24.8 points per game is a testament to his relentless attacking mentality and ability to score in a variety of ways.
What made Wilkins so special was his sheer athleticism and raw power. He was a human highlight reel, capable of throwing down thunderous dunks and making acrobatic plays that left fans and opponents alike in awe. His ability to elevate above the rim and finish with authority made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his fearless style of play earned him the respect of his peers.
While Wilkins' individual accomplishments are impressive, his true legacy lies in his impact on the game and the way he captivated audiences. He was a true showman, and his performances in the Slam Dunk Contest (winning the event twice) cemented his status as one of the most entertaining players in NBA history.
Despite never winning an NBA championship, Wilkins' impact on the game is undeniable