NBA small forwards of all time

A strong team and an NBA championship is always determined by small forward, so every team is looking for a strong player at that position to bring them glory.

The small forward position in today’s NBA is probably the most important because players have the size and ability to absolutely control the game in many places.

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No wonder every NBA champion over the past few years has had a superstar small forward, with LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and others owning the league. Superstar forwards are often the difference maker between a very good team and an NBA champion

• Kawhi Leonard

He can block players on the perimeter and score in a variety of ways. He’s a young player for the Spurs and still managed to win Finals MVP, but his growth as a player has been impressive. If he maintains his level of play, he could win a third NBA championship with the Clippers this season, in which case he could climb further.

• Paul Arizin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Arizin introduced the jump shot to the league, he cited it as a pioneer in the sport. In fact, he was proficient with the jumper, led the league in scoring twice, and made the All-Star team every year in the league. Arizin had a great two-way game and is one of the game’s legends who helped get the NBA to where it is today.

• Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce has a proven track record of staying loyal to his team, being a leading scorer and crunch time. The “truth” paid off when he led the Boston Celtics of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to Finals MVP. Pierce finally overcame the odds and will be a top 10 SF of all time.

• Elgin Baylor
  

Baylor is one of the best players ever without an NBA championship, but that doesn’t take away from his greatness. Baylor is a scoring machine in any era, and his scoring output is truly unique. Because of his sheer scoring prowess and dominance on the boards, Baylor is a top-four forward ever.

• Julius Erving
  

Dr. J is one of the greatest dunkers of all time and one of the most popular sports figures of all time. Irving was the initial highlight reel, and he also happened to have a dominant career that included 16 All-Star teams. Every old man raved about Dr. J, so Owen is the sixth best SF ever to play the game.

• Scottie Pippen

Pippen is probably the best partner of all time, as he’s the Robin of Michael Jordan’s Batman and won 6 NBA championships together. Pippen was the playmaker and defensive specialist for the Chicago Bulls dynasty with one of the best engines we’ve seen. Pip doesn’t get enough credit for his great career, but he’ll be honored here as he ranks 7th among all small forwards.

• John Havlicek

Superstar John Havlicek is an outstanding leader, one of the most dominant players we’ve ever seen on an NBA court in terms of NBA win numbers. His scoring ability is really good and he has one of the best Boston Celtics jerseys ever made. Eight NBA championships and a Finals MVP put him comfortably in fifth place.

• Larry Bird

Bird is easily a top 2 pick because no one can match his competitiveness at that position. Bird is a super-contender, a very critical performer, a mixed-skill player with no real weaknesses. One of NBA all-time icons, Bird barely missed the No. 1 spot thanks to a man from Akron, Ohio.

• Kevin Durant
  

Durant may have two NBA championships thanks to an incredible superteam in Golden State, but no player at this position has the scoring ability of KD. He can pull up from 30 feet, attack the rim with his killer possession, and has developed into a lock-up defender. At nearly 7 feet tall, KD is arguably the most unstoppable small forward in NBA history. Easily one of the best 25 players of all time, KD is the third greatest SF ever.

• LeBron James
  

LeBron, the best small forward ever, managed to pass Bird due to his longevity and his crucial third NBA championship ring in a 73-9 win over the Golden State Warriors. James has always been a threat to the NBA Finals, he has the team on his back and has been one of the best playmakers we’ve ever seen. His size and high basketball IQ. Making him one of the most honored players in NBA history.