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NBA: Ranking The League’s Top 10 Small Forwards For 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 5, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) talk mid court during the first half of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Phoenix Suns 104-99. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Gordon Hayward

2015-16 Stats:  19.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, .433/.349/.824 shooting, 18.3 PER

Giannis obviously has much higher upside and will probably put up bigger individual numbers, but as far as the 2016-17 season is concerned, Gordon Hayward would’ve gotten the nod over the Greek Freak at No. 7…if not for a broken finger expected to sideline him for six weeks.

Hayward is not quite a superstar, but he’s won over quite a few people with his solid two-way play. He’s a much better player than most people expected from the former Butler standout, and entering his seventh season in the league, he’s as poised for an All-Star season as he’s ever been.

Related Story: Complete 2016-17 NBA Season Previews For All 30 Teams

The Utah Jazz have a terrific balance of young talent, players on the verge of breakout seasons and experienced veterans — all of whom play lockdown defense. If they can just stay healthy, Hayward will be playing a central role on a team that could challenge for a top-4 seed in the Western Conference.

Derrick Favors might be Utah’s most well-rounded player, but there’s no question Hayward is the closest thing this team has to a go-to scorer. With more talent and shooting around him, Hayward’s job should be a little easier on both ends of the floor…once he gets healthy, that is.