Looking back in history, the top small forwards in the NBA all had a certain attribute to their game that made them stand out.
Though he had a unique release, Larry Bird is considered one of the all-time great shooters. Julius Erving, “Dr. J,” had incredible leaping ability and length to finish at the rim and could score from anywhere on the court. Dominique Wilkins was nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film” because of his extraordinary dunking prowess. Scottie Pippen was a lock-down defender at 6’8” and could guard every position but center.
Today, players continue to revolutionize the position. Here’s a look at the top five small forwards heading into 2013-14 campaign.
1. LeBron James, Miami Heat
As if one ring was not enough, James just won his second in back-to-back fashion and is already widely considered the best small forward ever. Needless to say, the self proclaimed title “King James” now has purposeful meaning.
After his performance in the 2011 NBA Finals which raised many questions about his heart and his clutch gene, James outshined Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder two years ago to capture his first ring. Then last season, his dominance in games 6 and 7 in the Finals against San Antonio was on full display en route to his second straight title. Gone are the days of critics attacking his habits of shrinking in the big moment. Think of James’ game similar to that of Magic Johnson in the way he can pass at 6’8″. The major difference, though, is that James is supremely more athletic than Magic, much stronger and faster, has a better jump shot (evidenced in Game 7), is a better defender and he rebounds like a power forward. His ability to take the ball the length of the court and finish at the rim makes him an unstoppable force that the league has never seen before.
The next challenge for James will be reaching the Finals for the fourth straight time, something the duos of Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen and Kobe Bryant–Shaquille O’Neal never did. Can he complete a three-peat like Jordan and Kobe and establish a dynasty down in South Beach? That is the task at hand for James. Turning just 29 in December, King James has another five or six years to reign the NBA and defend his throne.
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant remains second in line behind James as the best player in the game. The NBA has never seen a scorer like him since the days of “The Ice Man,” George Gervin. With his quickness, length, shooting ability and handle, there are not too many players in the league that can defend him.
KD is one of the few superstars in the league who does not garner the off-the-court attention and is class personified. At 24, he just became the youngest player to join the 50-40-90 club. The three-time scoring champ is already destined for the Hall of Fame and within the next four to five years, he may take over the throne from James as the best player in the game.
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Anthony is coming off of a season where he led the league in scoring for the first time in his career and the Knicks finished with the second seed in the Eastern Conference. His offensive repertoire is unmatched as he can post, penetrate and hit the 3. He also has one of the best pull-up jumpers in the game. After getting out the first round for only the second time in his career last year, can he lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals? His impending free agency will be the topic of discussion throughout the season, with reports surfacing this summer he would be aiming to team with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles next year.
4. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
There’s a lot to like about George’s game. He’s an emerging superstar that plays defense, something you do not see in a lot of 23-year-olds. George had a spectacular playoff run in which his play ensured that he will receive a max contract extension. In each round of the playoffs, he averaged 18.7, 19.5, and 19.4 points per game, respectively He put the league on notice in the Eastern Conference Finals against LeBron, when he blew by him from the top of the key and posterized Chris Anderson for the dunk plus a foul. LeBron acknowledged that George is a great player and that he’s going to be one of the top players in the league very soon. It will be interesting to see how he plays with Danny Granger returning from injury. Granger may be traded if he hinders the development of George and also Lance Stephenson. Expect Indiana to lock George up this season to a max contract extension since he is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
5. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard is another one of these rising young stars whose game was highlighted in the postseason. He showed tremendous poise for a 22-year-old in the Finals playing with veterans Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Throughout much of the series, he was given the task of guarding LeBron. At 6’7″ and 225 pounds, Leonard has the prototypical size most teams want in their swingman. With an aging roster, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will have no choice this season but to implement Leonard into the offense more. He has an all-around game and he’s a very strong rebounder for a small forward, averaging 11.1 a game in the Finals.
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