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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 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Kevin Durant

Total SF rating: 36.5

The race for the top small forward has been a debate ever since the emergence of Durant. Notice how close Durant and the No. 1 player on this list are in terms of total SF rating and you’ll get a good feel for how close in greatness the two are.

Durant is one of the best physical specimens NBA fans have seen. The majority of people will say that Durant is a legit seven-footer once he is seen in person, but his 7’4″ wingspan makes him pretty much impossible to guard.

With an elite jump shot from virtually anywhere on the floor, Durant continues to break down defenders and use his jump shot as bait to blow past his match up for a dunk over the opposing big man.

Speaking in terms of this season, Durant has been spectacular once again. After appearing in only 27 games last season because of a foot injury, it was questionable whether how he would respond. Foot injuries to players of Durant’s size don’t usually end well and in fact, they have forced many to end their careers.

Durant isn’t like everyone else. He is averaging 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 24-11 record–good enough for third place in the West.

The team’s success still rides on the shoulders of Durant and Russell Westbrook. The two are easily the best duo in the NBA and look to use that to their advantage moving on with the season. Health is the main issue with these two, though. Last time they were both healthy during the playoffs, they advanced to the NBA Finals–only to be defeated by the Miami Heat.

If they can both stay injury-free come playoff time, teams like San Antonio and Golden State can no longer be automatic bids for the Western Conference Finals.

Next: No. 1