The evolution of the small forward has been fascinating to watch, with threes historically playing without the ball while point guards and shooting guards handled the playmaking. However, as the game has changed, so have small forwards, with them increasingly playing bigger roles.
The emergence of the point forward has resulted in bigger, taller, and stronger shot creators, with some of the games best players now playing at the three. With that being said, let's take a look and see who ranks among the greatest small forwards ever.
Honorable Mention
21) Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler may not have the resume or the stats of some of the players on this list but he's been equally as impactful. During his career, Butler has averaged 18.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. However, in the playoffs, he is a different player.
In a four-year span, he led the Heat to the NBA Finals twice and came within 5 minutes of doing it a third time while averaging a terrific 25.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Although he has yet to win a championship, Butler is a clear floor-raiser who can put teams on his back only the way stars can.