NBA Player Tiers: Ranking all 30 starting small forwards in 2023-24
By Cal Durrett
![NBA Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) NBA Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/87a1cec7b10c8007a18da8e3927ec86d20f46a7310945363437c0ea12f5c4352.jpg)
NBA Tier 3: All-Star level and above-average small forwards
15) Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons
14) RJ Barrett, New York Knicks
13) Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
12) OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
11) Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
10) Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
9) Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
8) Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors
7) Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
6) Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Tier 3 consists of nine players and takes us up to the top 14 small forwards in the NBA. By definition, that makes each player above-average at their position, and that definitely tracks. Miller, Wiggins, and Middleton have all made at least one all-star team. On the other hand, the likes of Porter Jr., Bridges, Wagner, Barrett, and Anunoby all have a chance to be All-Stars at some point in their careers.
Moreover, each has a chance to move up into Tier 2, particularly Bridges and Wagner. Bridges played even better last season after being traded to Brooklyn, while Wagner had a breakout season for the Magic and could build off his FIBA Basketball World Cup play and take another big leap next season. With 6 through 30 covered, who will make the top 5?