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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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Dec 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Kawhi Leonard

Total SF rating: 31.3

Leonard has cemented his spot within the top players at his position, and has a strong argument for being one of the best players in the league overall. After being a role player to some extent next to the Hall of Fame trio in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, it is clear now that it is Leonard’s turn to take over the role of being the franchise player, along with LaMarcus Aldridge.

Not only is Leonard a versatile offensive player, it’s his defense that puts him in elite status. His 2.03 steals per game is first among small forwards and tied for sixth league-wide. It is common to hear that he is greatest defender the NBA has seen in some time and the scary part about it is he is still improving.

Leonard is averaging a career-high in points per game (20.9) to go along with seven rebounds and 2.7 assists. His efficiency has been tremendous, as he is shooting 51.9 percent from the field and a blistering 50 percent from three.

As expected, the San Antonio Spurs are the second-best team in the NBA with a 30-6 record. All of the talk this season has revolved around the Golden State Warriors and deservedly so, but the Spurs are not a team that should go unnoticed, and Leonard is the biggest reason why.

Next: No. 3