The Best Current NBA Small Forwards
Who are the best small forwards currently in the NBA? Certainly, this list includes some of the greatest small forwards playing right now, and potentially some of the top NBA players of all time. Having an awesome small forward gives any NBA team a huge advantage. It's a deep position, one often filled by a true leader. The highly skilled NBA players on this list can make or break a team's performance on the court. They are lightning fast players who manage to effectively defend the perimeter. These small forwards are expert ball handlers who are able to cut to the paint and shoot from the wing. So, who is the best small forward in the NBA right now?
Outstanding small forwards who are currently playing in the NBA are certainly among the overall top current NBA players, too. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George come to mind immediately. NBA All Stars Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Khris Middleton, and Brandon Ingram all have a case too.
Vote for the current small forwards that you think are the most important, key players for their respective teams. You can also re-rank this list of SFs in any order you want. Check out these lists of the best current shooting guards and greatest point guards in NBA history, along with the most clutch NBA players today.
- Brooklyn Nets
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
In the annals of NBA history, few players have harnessed the scoring prowess that Kevin Durant exhibits on a nightly basis. This lanky phenom shatters the mold of the traditional small forward with his unique blend of size, finesse, and agility, rendering defenders virtually helpless in their attempts to curtail his offensive onslaught. Durant's silky-smooth jumper and slippery moves off the dribble have garnered him comparisons to some of the game's all-time greats, earning him a spot among the pantheon of elite players.
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, USA
LeBron James, often hailed as the face of modern basketball, has spent nearly two decades captivating audiences with his unrivaled athleticism and seemingly limitless skill set. This extraordinary talent revolutionized the small forward position by combining explosive physicality, uncanny playmaking, and a relentless drive to win. James' signature chasing-down blocked shots and thunderous dunks are etched into NBA history and, as he continues to defy Father Time, who knows what other jaw-dropping moments await?
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
The emergence of Kawhi Leonard as one of the league's preeminent forces has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially known for his defensive capabilities, Leonard's rapid ascent into superstardom can be attributed to his tireless work ethic and constant refinement of his offensive arsenal. This stoic assassin now possesses a lethal mid-range game, a tenacious ability to get to the basket, and a penchant for hitting big-time shots when it matters most.
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: Palmdale, California
Paul George's journey to the upper echelon of NBA star power has been marked by perseverance and unwavering determination. A versatile force on both ends of the floor, George has the unique ability to impact the game in numerous ways, be it through scoring, playmaking, or stifling defense. His smooth ball-handling, clutch gene, and unrelenting intensity have captivated fans and earned him a place among the best small forwards of his generation.
- Dallas Mavericks
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: Ljubljana, Slovenia
The meteoric rise of Luka Doncic in the NBA landscape has been nothing short of breathtaking. At a tender age, this Slovenian sensation has already carved out a reputation for his uncanny basketball IQ, extraordinary vision, and an innate flair for the dramatic. Doncic's seemingly preternatural ability to manipulate defenses and conjure magic on the court has left many pondering just how high his ceiling might be.
- Boston Celtics
- Position: Small forward
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Since entering the league, Jayson Tatum has evolved into one of the premier young talents in the NBA. With a silky-smooth offensive repertoire and a burgeoning defensive presence, Tatum's fearless play has garnered admiration from peers and fans alike. This budding superstar's innate scoring touch and clutch performances showcase a bright future for this rising star.