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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 8, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) moves the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) at the Kohl Center. Milwaukee defeated Dallas 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) moves the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) at the Kohl Center. Milwaukee defeated Dallas 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Giannis Antetokounmpo

2015-16 Stats:  16.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 SPG, .506/.257/.724 shooting, 18.8 PER

Khris Middleton‘s likely absence for the entire 2016-17 season could have one of two effects on Giannis Antetokounmpo: He’ll either be forced to elevate his game to make up for lost production on the wing, or his role as the team’s point forward will become a lot more challenging without adequate floor-spacing.

More than likely, that lack of perimeter shooting will clog driving lanes for the Greek Freak, since Tony Snell isn’t the answer and Mirza Teletovic can only do so much off the bench. That being said, without the Milwaukee Bucks‘ leading scorer on the floor, you can expect Antetokounmpo to put up some gaudy numbers nonetheless.

Don’t forget, as much as he’s technically a small forward, Giannis playing that point forward spot should empower him like never before. Jason Kidd inserted him into the role during the home stretch of the 2015-16 season, and Antetokounmpo responded by putting up five triple-doubles following the All-Star Break.

The Greek Freak averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals per game in that span, and if he can step up his scoring numbers — particularly when it comes to his long distance shooting — he’ll quickly emerge as one of the most terrifying two-way players in the NBA, regardless of position.