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2016 NBA Finals: Position-By-Position Breakdown Of Cavs-Warriors

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 112-94. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 112-94. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the fourth quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) during the fourth quarter in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward: Harrison Barnes & Andre Iguodala vs. LeBron James

The disparity at small forward is what makes the Cleveland Cavaliers relevant in this series. Harrison Barnes is an above-average player, and Andre Iguodala is an elite on-ball defender who lives for big games and clutch moments.

The reality of this situation is, neither of those players can match the greatness to Top 10 all-time legend LeBron James.

James is a four-time league MVP, two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and 10-time All-NBA First Team honoree. He has a scoring title, five All-Defensive First Team selections, and is making his seventh NBA Finals appearance.

You can count on one—maybe two—hands the number of players in NBA history who have built a resume that impressive.

On the opposite end, Iguodala is the reigning Finals MVP, has two All-Defensive Team selections, and made the All-Star Game in 2012. Barnes has played a supporting role for the Golden State Warriors, but is regarded as a quality player with a high ceiling.

Golden State is far from devoid of high-caliber talent at the position, but James gets the positional nod over any and everyone he encounters at small forward.

Advantage: Cleveland Cavaliers

Next: Power Forward