Outside of the top five, the small forward position is very thin in terms of star power. There are some very talented players who land just outside of these five, but they lack what it takes to be a true star. The players on this list distance themselves from the rest of the herd. They are true difference makers not just in individual games, but to their entire franchise. The top five small forwards are truly some of the greatest players in today’s NBA.
Best Small Forwards Currently in the NBA
Honorable Mention: Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris is one of the most consistent players out there. He is very well rounded offensively and is also stout on the defensive side of the ball. Harris has seemingly found his niche with the Philadelphia 76ers as he looks extremely comfortable with the team. He consistently puts up a solid scoring output averaging just over 17 points per game while also pulling down around eight rebounds on the season.
The main trait separating Harris from the other players on this list is his lack of star power. While he excels in many areas he rarely takes over a game and struggles to will his team towards wins. Sometime in the future, this may change, but for now, he lands just outside the top five small forwards in the NBA.
5. Luka Doncic
The start of the season for Luka Doncic couldn’t have started much better as he is already putting up MVP caliber numbers. He is nearly averaging a triple-double on the year with 29.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. Doncic is a once in a generation player that we as spectators are lucky to witness. There is virtually no weakness in his game and he shows this every single week. His unique blend of athleticism and craftiness makes him a handful for defenders.
While his defensive play isn’t quite up to par with his offense it certainly isn’t a liability. Doncic will almost certainly be climbing the ranks of this list in the coming seasons. At this point however it is too small of a sample size to place him above some of the other established stars on this list.
4. Paul George
Paul George is a two-way player at its finest. Offensively he is a scoring machine as he possesses a surplus of ways to dominate his opponents. There are very few forwards in the NBA with a better shot from behind the arc. He also demonstrates his ability to score along the interior with his elite athleticism and aggressive style of play.
The part of George’s game he takes the most pride in however is his defense. He can lock down some of the most talented players in the game. He consistently maintains great positioning on his opponent and alters shots with his 6’11” wingspan. The only negative with George is his overall health. Throughout his career, he has struggled to avoid injuries. He is a very effective player on the court, but the only problem is staying on it.
3. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is quite possibly the most unguardable player in the NBA. Durant has a very unique frame for an NBA small forward. Pair this with undeniably exceptional scoring ability and you have a real-life cheat code. He can shoot the ball as well as just about anyone and has the size to dominate in the post. He’ll shoot right over smaller defenders, and run right by the bigger ones.
His impact on the defensive end is often understated. He is consistently able to contain some of the better players in the NBA. The only thing keeping him at number three on this list is his recent Achilles tear. We are unsure how he will bounce back from this injury, so at this point, he remains at three.
2. LeBron James
Placing LeBron James at number two on the list is incredibly difficult to do. He is arguably the greatest player to ever play in the history of basketball. His impact is still felt across the entire NBA and his team is currently thriving under his leadership. Like others on this list, it is hard to find a weakness in his game. Nobody is better than James at driving to the basket and finishing inside. Pair this with his reliable jump shot and you have an incredible player. His defense remains up there with the best of the best at age 35.
He may still be deserving of the top spot but at this point, Kawhi Leonard just barely edges him out. Let it be known however that LeBron James is far from washed up and still has some of his best basketball left to come.
1. Kawhi Leonard
Rounding out our top five small forwards is 2019 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Leonard’s never too high or too low mentality gives him exactly what he needs to thrive in this league. He is possibly the most fundamentally sound defender in the entirety of the NBA. He has successfully guarded some of the most talented players in the league and will continue to do so for many years to come.
On the offensive end, he is about as good as it gets. He is a crafty shooter who relies on his shot-creating ability to get the job done. Leonard consistently gets the job done against bigger opponents inside the paint, using his size to his advantage. Given the talent he possesses, Leonard has the potential to dominate the NBA for the next several years.
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