As a result of their stature and ability to exert complete control over the game in many situations, small forwards have become one of the most important positions in the NBA. It’s no surprise that some of the previous NBA champions have included stars like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant.
Modern NBA teams rely heavily on small forwards because of their ability to shoot, distribute the ball, and defend several positions. Every NBA club is on the lookout for a dominant small forward because that guy is the one who ultimately decides whether or not the team becomes champions.
The small forward position has produced some of the game’s greatest players. Larry Bird was the first really legendary small forward in the NBA, long before LeBron James’s arrival. These are the three best small forwards in the NBA right now, who are still yet to reach those highs, as per NBA.com.
3. Kawhi Leonard
The last time anybody saw Leonard play well was in 2021, so it’s natural that they have forgotten how excellent he really is. He was among the league’s elite until sustaining an ACL injury that season. Even at the age of 31, he has plenty of time remaining to have a few more great seasons.
2. Kevin Durant
Durant‘s apparent trade request became the biggest news item of the summer until he finally backed out of it. KD is the greatest pure scorer in the game right now, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue this season, provided he stays healthy.
1. LeBron James
James, being 37 years old, no longer has the same explosiveness around the basket that he once had. But he more than makes up for it with the gaming knowledge that will go down in history books.
He will have another amazing year and is still an All-NBA caliber player. About halfway through the year, he will most likely become the all-time leading scorer. James is no longer a true small forward. He spent more time at the center than ever before last season, and he excelled there.
