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NBA: Top Small Forwards So Far In 2015-16

By Colby Giacubeno

Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The most notable stars in the NBA belong to the small forward position, but who rounded out the top 5 so far for 2015-16?

Mar 12, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (R) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (R) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

In the past 10 seasons, the MVP award has been given to a small forward for five of them. Even though it is in large part because of LeBron James‘ dominance in winning four of those MVP awards in four of the five times (the other belonging to Kevin Durant), it isn’t only those two players who dominate the position.

We are now seeing other small forwards who will be in the MVP conversation for years to come.

Small forwards are the most special athletes in basketball and arguably the world because of their ability to do what they do at their size. The two specific players who are praised for their abilities are James and Durant. James at 6’8″ 250 lbs could probably be a productive tight end in the NFL, but instead he chooses to barrel through opposing defenses finishing with a thunderous dunk.

Durant is listed at is listed at 6’9″ but is more like 6’11” that has the gracefulness of a point guard–not to mention he can pull up from 30-plus feet like it’s nothing.

These two players aren’t the only special talents at their respective position. The following ratings are calculated by using this formula:

Total SF rating= Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals – Turnovers

Let’s take a look at the top five small forwards so far from the 2015-16 season.

Next: No. 5