There are a lot of great small forwards in the NBA, a lot of great defensive players and a lot of great offensive players. But here is our list for the top 5 small forwards in the NBA as of right now.
Honorable mentions:
Before starting the list, we can't go without mentioning some of the best small forwards in the league that unfortunately did not make the cut. The honorable mentions include Gordon Hayward, Carmelo Anthony, Nicolas Batum, Andrew Wiggins.
5. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is coming off the best season of his young NBA career averaging 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.7% from downtown.
These are career-high's across the board for Jimmy, minus blocks per game and the field goal percentages. Butler was a huge reason for the Chicago Bulls success this year, bringing them to the postseason after a lacklustre season last year, which ended in the team watching the playoffs from the couch.
4. Paul George
Paul George has separated himself from being just a star in the league, he is now one of the biggest superstars in the NBA. George ended his 2016-17 campaign with season averages of 23.7 PPG (46.1% FG), (39.4% 3PT), 6.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.6 SPG and 0.4 BPG. While he was unable to lead his team past the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 2017 NBA playoffs, he still put up extraordinary numbers and showed his true superstar status.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard has always been known as one of the best defenders in the league, winning back-to-back defensive player of the year awards. But this season, Kawhi seperate himself as one of the best offensive players in the league also, with efficient shooting numbers and a high scoring output. Leonard put up solid numbers all around the board this season with a career high 25.5 Points Per Game to go along with 5.8 assists, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.7 blocks with shooting numbers of 48.5% from the field and 38.1% from the three point arc.
2. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is arguably still the most dangerous scorer in the league, with his ability to handle the rock, shoot jump shots and attack the rim with his insane length, KD is almost unguardable. Durant's 25.1 points per game this season was his lowest since his rookie season but it was without doubt his most efficient scoring season, shooting a career high 53.7% from the floor.
KD also had a career-year in rebounds per game with 8.3 and blocks per game with 1.6. Playing with the Warriors this season has allowed Durant to play a more efficient brand of basketball, and we will likely be seeing him in the NBA finals in June.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is still the best basketball player in the world, his all around game, efficiency and IQ seems to be on another level when compared to other players. In his 14th season, at age 32, LeBron averaged career-high's in rebounds (8.6) and assists (8.7) to go along with a solid 26.4 PPG, 1.2 SPG and 0.6 BPG. This was one of LeBron's greatest seasons to date, he had the highest amount of triple doubles and double doubles for a season in his career while also becoming the first player in history with a statline of atleast 25-8-8 on atleast 54% FG. King James will be looking to make his 7th straight NBA finals this season, something that hasn't been done in over 50 years.
