Similar to the point guards and shooting guards over the years, the small forwards from the recent drafts have had a major impact in the league. Here are the top small forwards from each of the past five drafts, spanning from the 2019 NBA Draft to the 2023 NBA Draft.
Top Small Forwards From Each Of The Past 5 Drafts
2019: Keldon Johnson
The top small forward out of the 2019 draft class is Keldon Johnson, who was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick. Johnson has developed into a Swiss Army knife type for the Spurs. From averaging 22 points in a season to embracing a bench role, he can do anything the Spurs need and do it well. He plays a strong brand of basketball where he constantly seeks to attack the rim. Additionally, his aggressive rim attacks also give him opportunities to create shots for others. Furthermore, Keldon has shown that he can shoot from beyond the arc and defend. As a defender specifically, Johnson has developed into a versatile defensive piece who can guard multiple positions. Overall, Johnson has shown himself to be the best of the small forwards in his class.
2020: Jaden McDaniels
The Minnesota Timberwolves received the draft rights to Jaden McDaniels, the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, in a trade with the Thunder. With the Wolves, McDaniels has developed into one of the best defensive wings in the NBA. His defensive intensity and versatility have made him worthy of All-Defensive considerations, getting on the All-Defensive Second Team in 2023-24. McDaniels can switch defensively across multiple positions, defending a guard at one moment, and then defending a forward the next. He knows how to use his length to contest shots or force turnovers. Additionally, McDaniels has been a competent offensive player. He has been a decent shooter who can complement stars on the court. His athleticism has not only been a boon on defense, as McDaniels can make explosive offensive plays. Undoubtedly, McDaniels has been the most impressive small forward in his class.
2021: Scottie Barnes
The Toronto Raptors drafted Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In his short career with the Raptors, Barnes has already developed into an All-Star caliber player, becoming one in the 2023-24 season. As a player, the greatest strength that Barnes possesses is his versatility. He is a strong player on both sides of the floor. On offensive, Barnes has developed and refined himself as an on-ball creator. He can easily power through contact to the rim and finish at the basket. His athleticism allows Barnes to have incredible highlight dunks on those drives. Not only that, but Barnes thrives in transition. Additionally, Barnes has developed into a strong playmaker who can make great passes to the right person. While his shooting is still a work in progress, Barnes has shown improvement from range.
As a defender, Barnes knows how to utilize his size and length to be a pesky defender. He loves forcing turnovers using his aforementioned length and can serve as a weakside shot-blocker on occasion. Additionally, Barnes has the ability to guard across multiple positions and be switchable. Furthermore, Barnes plays defense with energy and effort, making huge plays on that side of the floor. Due to his All-Star level play and his overall improvement as a player, Barnes is the best small forward from the 2021 NBA Draft.
2022: Keegan Murray
The Sacramento Kings drafted Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Murray has developed into a starting-caliber small forward for the Kings, with strong showings as a shooter and defender. Murray has shown the ability to knock down threes in various ways, and he takes them on good volume. Specifically, he has averaged more than six attempts a game in his three seasons in the NBA. Similar to other forwards on this list, Murray is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He is quick enough to keep up with guards and long enough to contend with taller players. Murray has made a large impact in bringing the Kings back to playoff contention using his complementary skill set next to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Due to that, he has been the best small forward of his class so far.
2023: Brandon Miller
The Charlotte Hornets drafted Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. In his rookie season with the Hornets, Miller has shown why he was selected second and has shown star potential. He can score on all three levels and create his own shot. Not only that, but he can hit some really difficult shots off the dribble. His three-point shooting stands out, as he is an efficient shooter who took nearly seven a game in his rookie season. Additionally, Miller’s athleticism gives him an advantage when going to the basket, especially in transition. Miller has also shown upside as a passer and as a defender. While it has only been a season, Miller has shown why he got selected in the top three and why he is the top small forward from his draft.
