NBA Top 5: Small Forwards

Small forward is one of deepest and most talented positions in the league right now. Arguably three of the top five players in the league are listed at the 3 position. If you wanted to include Paul George and Draymond Green as small forwards it would be even more loaded and would make my job that much more difficult. The top 4 small forwards were pretty easy for me to choose but the 5^th one took some time to decide on. Here are the top 5 small forwards in the NBA.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (16.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 50% FG, 74.9% FT) Giannis is one of the best young players in the league and has improved in each of his 3 seasons with the Bucks. While Milwaukee has taken a step back this year, Antetokounmpo has been labeled as one of the few “untradeable” players in the game. As of late, the Greek Freak has been playing point forward for the Bucks and has excelled in his new role. Over the past 10 games the 21 year old has posted averages of 19.6 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 7.1 APG while shooting 47% from the field. Giannis has unlimited potential to be a star in the league.

4. Carmelo Anthony (21.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 42.8% FG, 81.5% FT) While Melo might be on the decline, there is no denying that he is still one of the most dangerous scorers in the game. His scoring has decreased this year, but he has improved his overall game to become a better teammate and his assist numbers reflect this. His 4.2 APG are a career high and his supporting cast is not very talented. If I needed a player to hit a key shot at the end of a close game, Melo would be towards the top of my list.

3. Kawhi Leonard (20.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, .510/.478/.881) Leonard is another player that has continuously improved throughout his career. Two years ago he was the Finals MVP, last year he was the defensive player of the year, and this year he will most likely finish in the top 3 of the league MVP voting. Leonard is the most feared individual perimeter defender in the league and has a good shot at winning back to back defensive player of the year awards. Leonard has become the best player on the Spurs who have a ridiculous 53-9 record. His 47.8 three point percentage puts him at number one in the league from behind the arch and he has a good opportunity to lead the Spurs to another championship this season.

2. Kevin Durant (28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 BPG, .507/.391/.895) Durant is probably the most difficult player in the NBA to defend. He is 6’11”, shoots the 3, is deadly out of the triple threat, can run the fast break, is a vicious slasher, and can post up. The dude is a freak offensively and has become a very efficient distributer and rebounder. Durant would be top 5 on every GMs fantasy draft board. The 4 time scoring champ has bounced back well from last year’s injury riddled campaign and has put together another great season. The 7 time All-Star has a legitimate claim to win this season’s MVP award.

1. LeBron James (24.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 50.4% FG, 71.3% FT) LeBron is simply the best all-around player in the NBA, making this a no brainer for me. LBJ is a force on both sides of the ball and is one of the most versatile players in the history of the game. His knowledge of the game and his passing ability makes the players around him instantly better. Due to the play of Steph Curry, LeBron has gone somewhat under the radar this year. LeBron manages the game so well and is the reason why the Cavs will most likely make their second straight, and his sixth straight, Finals appearance this season.

Honorable Mention: Gordon Hayward, Chandler Parsons, Danilo Gallinari

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter @TheGraygo