Small forwards are versatile players who are usually capable of doing nearly everything on the floor. When it comes to offense, they are lethal and can score from pretty much everywhere on the court. They are also incredible on the defensive end of the floor and some of them are capable of guarding any position.
In this list, we will count down the best small forwards to ever play in the NBA. Most of them are retired NBA legends, but there are also a few active players who made the cut.
#10 - James Worthy
Worthy was a member of the "Show Time" Lakers.
He won three championships in six Finals appearances and he was also an All-Star seven times during his career. Worthy was one of the best players to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and his jersey was retired by the franchise.
Career Averages: 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
#9 - Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce played in the NBA for nearly 20 years and he is one of the most versatile scorers of all-time. Pierce won one championship with the Boston Celtics and was a 10-time All-Star. He announced his retirement this year, leaving an amazing legacy behind himself.
Career Averages: 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
#8 - Dominique Wilkins
Wilkins was one of the best scorers of all-time, and stood out for his ability to get to the rim and finish with ease.
He was extremely athletic and very entertaining to watch. However, he never managed to reach the NBA finals nor win an MVP award.
Career Averages: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
#7 - Scottie Pippen
Pippen was a very physical and athletic small forward who made a great duo with Michael Jordan. He managed to win six championships with the Chicago Bulls in six Finals appearances, and was one of the best defenders to ever play in the league.
Even though his greatness was overshadowed by Jordan's amazing performances, he was a fantastic player and he did a great job with the Bulls when Jordan retired.
Career Averages: 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
#6 - Kevin Durant
As years pass, Kevin Durant is getting better and better. He has turned into a great all-around player and one of the best scorers in league history.
Although he hasn't won a championship yet, he made the NBA finals once. In addition, he's an eight-time All-Star.
Career Averages: 27.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 BPG
#5 - Elgin Baylor
Another great player who never won a championship ring, (although he was eventually given one by the Los Angeles Lakers) Elgin Baylor was a great scorer, incredible rebounder and a good passer. He was one of the unluckiest players in league history as he lost all eight NBA Finals he played in!
Career Averages: 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
#4 - John Havlicek
John Havlicek was the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics who won eight championships in twelve years. Although his numbers are not really amazing, winning eight championships is very impressive, and Havlicek deserves a lot of credit for that.
Career Averages: 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
#3 - Julius Erving
Julius Erving was one of the best dunkers in NBA history. He won three championship rings, two in the ABA and one in the NBA. In addition, he was also a four-time MVP, with three of those awards coming in the ABA. Dr. J ranks sixth on the NBA/ABA all-time scoring list with over 31,000 points.
Career Averages: 24.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
#2 - Larry Bird
Larry Bird was one of the best shooters and rebounders who's played at the small forward position. He won the MVP award three times, as well as three championship rings and two finals MVP awards. Unfortunately, injuries cut his career short and if that wasn't the case, he might have been number No.
1 on this list.
Career Averages: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG
#1 - LeBron James
Whether you look at his numbers or his achievements, one thing is for sure -- LeBron James is the best small forward in NBA history. James has won three championships so far in his career and is a four-time MVP. He is one of the most talented players to ever play in the league and his all-around game is simply breathtaking.
Career Averages: 27.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.8 BPG
