Small Forwards have to be the most versatile players on a squad. From scoring and assisting to rebounding and blocking, a good small forward has to do it all.
Here’s our ranking of the top small forwards from this NBA season, from 5-1.
5. Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans
2019-2020 Stats: 23.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 4.2 APG
Brandon Ingram is one of the young leaders on a talented New Orleans team. After being traded to the Pelicans from the Lakers, he has proven to be an explosive and dangerous player to guard. He is currently coming off the best season of his career, winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player, improving all his major stats. It will be fun to watch him and young talents like Zion Williamson succeed this season.
Image Credits: Bleacher Report
4. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
2019-2020 Stats: 23.4 PPG, 7 RPG, 3 APG
Jayson Tatum has continued to improve all his stats every year since he has been drafted. He already had the offensive arsenal, which he made more deadly over the course of years, but has really worked on his defence too.
Tatum is coming off a first-time All-Star team selection season. The young 22-year old led the Celtics to an Eastern Conference Finals, where they got outperformed by the Heat eventually. It’ll be fun and thrilling to watch what this young talent has to offer this year.
3. Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat
2019-2020 Stats: 19.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 6 APG
Jimmy Butler is a phenomenal talent with an extraordinary work ethic. His raw athleticism and talent make not only himself shine, but also makes his teammates better on the court. He has many positive intangibles along with him, that is looked for in a leader. He not only led the Heat to the NBA Finals last year but has nurtured and been a mentor to the younger players like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. He is a unique player and luckily is exactly what the Heat organisation needs.
Image Credits: EssesntiallySports
2. Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers
2019-2020 Stats: 27.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG
Kawhi Leonard is one of the most excellent two-way players not only currently, but in NBA history. He is leading a title-contending Los Angeles Clippers team. Despite the Clippers’ struggles last year, there is absolutely no denying Leonard’s greatness and flair. This year Kawhi will have something to prove to everyone after last season’s debacle.
1. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
2019-2020 Stats: 25.3 PPG, 10.2 APG, 7.8 RPG
LeBron James is arguably one of the greatest players to ever set his foot on the NBA floor. There is no one who will argue why he is on the number one spot on this list. James has been consistent for the last 17 years. In only his second season with the Lakers, he led the organisation to their 17th world title. Apart from being the best player on the court at all times, the 4-time NBA MVP is a great leader. Due to his overall skill set, leadership and willingness to sacrifice for his teammates, he makes sure that his team is definitely at the top of the title contenders this year.
Other than these phenomenal players, players like Khris Middleton, DeMar DeRozan and Gordon Hayward do deserve a mention on this list.
