LeBron James and Kevin Durant are no longer considered small forwards and will likely go down in history as two of the greatest power forwards of all time. It is getting more and more difficult to distinguish between positions in the NBA, but here is our list of the best small forwards.
The Top 5 Best Small Forwards For The 2024-25 NBA Season
5. DeMar DeRozan- Consistently One of the Best Small Forwards in the League
DeMar DeRozan is not as sexy as some of the other names on this list. He hasn’t won nearly as many playoff games and has been hidden away on mediocre teams for the last few years of his career. That being said, his talent is undeniable. He has played over 73 games in each of his three seasons with the Bulls. Only one other player on this list can claim that level of consistency.
DeRozan will be joining the Kings this season. The Kings will surely be more competitive than the Bulls have been last season, and we are excited to see what DeRozan can do.
ESPN Sources with @TimBontemps: The Sacramento Kings are agreed on a sign-and-trade that will land DeMar DeRozan on a three-year deal, send Harrison Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Duarte, two second-round picks and cash to the Chicago Bulls. pic.twitter.com/eopPkSPBvc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2024
4. Jimmy Butler- Playoff Proven
Jimmy Butler‘s 2023-24 season was a mixed bag for both him and the Miami Heat. Despite a disappointing playoff exit, Butler’s performance was still impressive. Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game last season. His improved three-point shooting and ability to get to the free-throw line was impressive considering his age.
Unfortunately, Butler’s season was marred by injuries, including a missed Play-In Tournament game and then a playoff absence. As Butler approaches 35, staying healthy and consistent will be crucial for his ability to stay on all of the best small forwards lists.
3. Paul George- Chasing Championships in Philly
Paul George left his running mate Kawhi Leonard this offseason in hopes of a better opportunity to win his first NBA championship. Although we have Leonard as higher on this list, George is almost just as good as Leonard. What puts him lower on our list is the fact that over their four years together in Los Angeles, George played almost as few games as Leonard. Not many think of George as having the same injury issues as Leonard, but you can’t deny the numbers.
George will join the 76ers this season in hopes of grabbing an NBA championship with Joel Embiid. If they can both stay healthy, it is certainly possible.
2. Kawhi Leonard- The Best NBA Small Forward (When Healthy)
When healthy, Leonard is one of the best small forwards of all-time. Last season, he played the most games he has since his 2019 championship run with the Toronto Raptors. Although he fell short in the playoffs (getting hurt once again), he proved he still can dominate.
Last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds on 52.5% shooting from the field and 41.7% from the three-point line. Although his defense has certainly taken a step back from his Defensive Player of the Year winning days, he can still guard at an elite level.
1. Jaylen Brown- The New Best Small Forward
Jaylen Brown leads the list of the best NBA small forwards. After winning both Eastern Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP, he proved himself (and his big contract) to the world. Brown might not be as flashy as his forward running mate, Jayson Tatum, but he is a two-way force that can no longer be denied. He has improved each season of his NBA career. He is far from one of the best small forwards of all-time, but he is young and with more championships and Finals MVPs, he can cement himself in history.
On Open Run, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown explains why this title means so much: "The heartbreak, the adversity, the losses, letting the city down, letting ourselves down – it makes this feel that much better." pic.twitter.com/ZgkzIv344e
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 18, 2024
Brown averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season in 70 games. He also shot almost 50% from the field. Although those numbers are impressive, in the playoffs Brown went up another level. He increased his scoring average to 23.9 points per game and increased his rebounding numbers and shooting percentage as well.
