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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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Jan 3, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dunks against Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dunks against Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Carmelo Anthony

Total SF rating: 31.2

Anthony has always been regarded as one of the league’s most dynamic scorers. He is one of the unique players that can terrorize a defense by scoring from all three levels of the floor consistently. Anthony has soft touch with his jump shot, but when it comes to penetrating or posting up, he is one of the strongest and most physical players you’ll find at the small forward position.

In terms of numbers, Anthony is having a down year. His 21.6 point per game average is the lowest of his career since his second season in the NBA (2004-05). However, he has vastly improved in other areas that always kept him in the conversation of not being a complete player.

Anthony is averaging a career-high 7.6 rebounds per game to go along with 3.7 assists (his highest since 2006-07). His improvement in other areas has proven to be successful. After last season’s debacle, the Knicks now find themselves competing for a playoff position with a 17-19 record and are just 3.5 games out of eighth place.

This isn’t to downplay like Anthony still can’t score the rock. He has posted two 37-point performances this season where he took the form of young Carmelo Anthony, but now that he is surrounded with a better cast of players, he can look to get them more involved unlike recent years.

Next: No. 4