With the 2021 NBA season quickly approaching, let’s recognize the top players at the small forward position. On the list only the top 10 small forwards will make the cut. Who will they be and why?
10. Andrew Wiggins
Though Wiggins was traded to the Warriors during the 2020 season, he still managed to keep up his solid play averaging 19ppg, 3.6apg, and 4.6rpg. The former number 1 overall draft pick will look to improve his efficiency next season. Wiggins has all the tools, but can he put them together to move this list?
9. Gordon Hayward
It’s no secret that Gordon Hayward has recently been plagued with injuries. It has clearly taken a toll on his game but 2020 was a nice bounce back season for Hayward. Even though he wasn’t a top three option on a stacked Celtics team this season, Hayward managed to average just over 17ppg, 6pg, and 4apg. Though Hayward may have lost some of his quickness, the heart he plays with is unmatched.
8. Tobias Harris
Harris has been one of the most consistent players at the small forward position for the last five years. Harris averaged a shade under 20ppg and 7rpg during the past regular season and tried to get the 76ers passed the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately for Harris, Embiid and the rest of the Philly roster were instead swept by a team who would eventually lose in the Eastern Conference Finals. Expect Harris to put up very similar numbers next season.
7. Demar Derozan
Derozan, who is arguably one of the best mid-range shooters of all time, couldn’t quite lead the Spurs to the playoffs again. As good of a player as Derozan is, his three point shot really hinders his game. Making just 9 threes last season on 35 attempts isn’t ideal for a team coached by Gregg Popavich. Nevertheless, Derozan is still one of the best when it comes to his position with averages of just over 22ppg, 5rpg, and 5apg.
6. Brandon Ingram
Ingram, who just recently turned 23, has improved every year through his young career. Ingram is still an emerging talent and already a star player on his team. It’s hard to get a full in depth review on Ingram because he has only played one season as the team’s main player. Another question is, would running the Pelicans offense through Zion help or hurt Ingram’s value?
5. Khris Middleton
During the past season, Middleton almost became the 9th member of the 50 40 90 club. First off, if you do not know what it takes to be in the 50 40 90 club let me explain. To earn this historic accomplishment, you need to shoot 50% or more from the field, 40% or more from three, and 90% or more from the free throw line. Some of the members of this elite club include Dirk Nowitzki, Larry Bird, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. To be on a list with those four guys is always a great thing. When the NBA decided it was going to stop the season, Middleton was shooting 49.9 percent from the field, 41.8 percent behind the 3-point line, and 90.8 percent from the free-throw line. As we can see, Middleton was very close to joining the impressive club. Either way, it was still a historic season for Middleton but some inconsistencies during the regular season and playoffs hurt his stock.
4. Jimmy Butler
Some would argue that Jimmy Butler is a pass first player, but it was evident he could score whenever he wanted in the playoffs. Somehow, Butler was able to win a game in the NBA finals without Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic. For that game and most of the series, Butler put the team on his back. Butler averaged 22ppg, 6.5rpg, and 6apg in the playoffs leading Miami to the finals for the first time since 2014.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi had an extremely impressive regular season as the Clippers best player averaging 27ppg, 7rpg, and 4.9apg. Leonard led the Clippers to the number two seed in the NBA playoffs but would ultimately fall short of the Western Conference Finals and blow a 3-1 to the Denver Nuggets. However, even though Leonard is the Clippers best player, Leonard isn’t solely to blame for the loss. After winning the NBA finals in 2019, the Claw will look to bounce back in the 2021 season.
2. Kevin Durant
Though the two time NBA champion hasn’t played since the 2018-19 season, he is still one of the best at his position. During that season, Durant averaged around 26ppg, 6rpg, and 5.9apg. Durant now joins forces with Kyrie Irving and Deandre Jordan to try and bring home a title to Brooklyn. With the recent great play of Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris Lavert, look for the Brooklyn Nets to be title contenders this upcoming season.
1. LeBron James
As many of us know, Lebron James just won his fourth NBA championship. This leaves many to believe he is at least a top two player of all time. We could sit here and talk about who the GOAT is, but that conversation should be left for another argument. Instead of going through any of James’s averages, I am just going to simply say that Lebron is at the very top of the NBA pyramid right now, especially at the small forward position.
Honorable Mentions:
- T.J Warren
- Will Barton
- Aaron Gordon
