National Basketball Association

NBA Player Rankings: Top 10 small forwards for 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Small forward is one of the most talent-filled positions in the NBA, but who makes the top 10 and who cracks the elite top five heading into the 2016-17 season?

Mar 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NBA Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats San Antonio 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Similarly to point guard, small forward is one of the deepest and most talented positions in the NBA. LeBron James has set the standard in league history through countless stellar years and winning his third championship with a herculean effort when down 3-1 to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the Finals this year (sorry, you’ve probably heard that approximately a million times already).

His career and extraordinary two-way play and athleticism speaks for itself, but there’s still plenty to discuss when ranking the top small forwards.

Other stars have risen to prominence in recent years as the faces of their respective franchises, with many of the upcoming players on this list earning their high ranking for transitioning from defensive specialist to two-way force over the course of their careers.

The “who’d you pick” debate between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can go both ways between many NBA fans, and that’s just the start of it when debating all the talent there is to consider at small forward.

So, let’s delve straight into it at 10th place and work our way up to see who cracks the highest rankings heading into next season and whatever that may hold for them.

Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) gestures prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

10th place – Chandler Parsons

Knee injuries have bothered Chandler Parsons for years and they were an issue once again last season. He came back from them at the start, and was ruled out by them at the end in March.

Once he found his stride as the season progressed, though, Parsons was producing a lot for the Dallas Mavericks’ offense and maintaining impressive efficiency.

Over 35 games from the start of January to his injury in late March, Parsons averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Even better than that was his accuracy, shooting a terrific 51.3 percent from the floor overall and 45.1 percent from three with 2.3 makes a night.

If Parsons can stay relatively healthy and stick around for enough of the season (that’s always a big “if”), Parsons could find greater success with the Memphis Grizzlies, his new destination after signing a four-year, $94 million deal this summer.

The Grizzlies ranked 29th in the NBA in three-point percentage last season (33.1) and 28th in makes per game (6.1). That simply isn’t a recipe for much offensive success in the league today, so it’s no surprise that they put such emphasis on signing Parsons.

Along with bringing back Mike Conley, Parsons’ catch-and-shoot threat, efficiency when creating penetration (career-high 71.3 percent within two feet) and range will go a long way to improving the Grizzlies’ offense. Not to mention the fact that his adept passing and ability to run the pick-and-roll from the three takes some playmaking pressure off Conley’s shoulders as well.

Due to a strong stretch through last season, his obvious skill, and the importance of his particular strengths to the Grizzlies, it’s relatively easy to start off this list with Parsons as he heads towards an encouraging year in Memphis.

Now, it’s time for him to prove he’s worth the money.

Nov 11, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) prepares to pass as he is defended by New York Knicks guard Landston Galloway (2) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

9th place – Nicolas Batum

Now that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is coming back for 2016-17 after playing just seven games last season, Nicolas Batum won’t be starting at small forward. He’ll likely start at shooting guard instead, taking some minutes at the three to help add more shooting in various lineups without MKG and to lead the second unit at times.

Batum put together such a well-rounded performance last season that he has to make the cut here. His 34.8 percent three-point shot could have been a touch higher, but he recorded career-highs in both points (14.9) and assists (5.8) per game.

The latter is especially impressive for a wing player, coming as a result of Batum’s comfort as a ball handler and the way he reads the floor to find good looks for teammates.

Batum’s shooting stroke, rebounding (6.1 per game), smart drives, post play and passing all helped the Charlotte Hornets score 4.6 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

Adding Batum’s sound defense into the equation, and he really is one of the more complete wings in the NBA. That varied skill set and importance to the Hornets earned him a five-year, $120 million deal with them this summer.

He was worth it in the new market, and deserves to make this list thanks to his do-it-all (and do it all well) style.

Feb 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates with guard Rodney Hood (5) and forward Derrick Favors (15) after making the game winning shot in overtime to defeat the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

8th place – Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward certainly falls into the group of some of the most overlooked players in the NBA. It’s felt like he’s been on the cusp of being on All-Star for the last two seasons, making averaging 19 points, five rebounds and four assists look easy.

Yet, he’s fallen victim to being in one of the most talented and deep positions in the league (as is obvious when ranking the players coming up).

Being on a Utah Jazz team that’s only made the playoffs once in the last six years (in 2011-12), though, only to be swept that time by the San Antonio Spurs, it’s no wonder that Hayward has struggled to truly stand out.

Perhaps with the Jazz adding George Hill, Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw this summer to address their perimeter shooting, wing depth, and frontcourt versatility and playmaking/spacing, a potential rise to the top four seeds in the Western Conference could help things change for Hayward.

His three-point shooting has fluctuated through his career, bouncing between 40 some years and the low 30s the next. Even still, Hayward has proven himself as a scorer. A combination of perimeter shooting and drives to the basket have done just that, while his improved playmaking has helped him become one of the more balanced wings in the league.

For Jazz fans, they’ll be hoping some All-Star attention comes Hayward’s way as the leading scorer for a team on the rise.

Aug 17, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) on the bench against Argentina during the men’s basketball quarterfinals in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

7th place – Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is easy to critique for many. Plenty of Knicks fans have got fed up with their lack of playoff success with him at the helm. He doesn’t do much to help defensively. And the argument that he holds onto the ball too much have all led to Melo falling further from popularity as of late.

Then, Olympic Melo — the best Melo — showed up this summer in Rio de Janeiro, making enough threes to save the U.S. from some troubling win margins. He gained a bit more praise after doing so and became Team’s USA’s leading scorer in Olympic history, which may have helped his reputation a little heading into next season.

But he helped his reputation in the regular season, too, even if it got overlooked at times. Adopting more of a leadership role to mentor the young and exciting Kristaps Porzingis, averaging a career-high 4.2 assists per game, Melo had a good season. It was a different season, one that saw him score just 21.8 points per game (his lowest mark since 2005) and shoot only 33.9 percent from three, but it was good nonetheless. It was appropriate to the direction of the team, too.

With the criticisms of Melo’s playoff shortcomings, high volume shooting and lack of defense comes an inadvertent dismissal of his stellar scoring ability.

Ask most NBA players who the toughest opponent to guard is, and you’ll likely hear Melo in response. When you combine three-point threat, quick-trigger mid-range shooting (a career-high 45.3 percent from at least 16 feet out last season) and strength in the post, you get Melo.

His shooting stroke matches the chilled name but his game doesn’t, and he combines those attributes to be a dangerous scorer across the floor. He can bully you or shoot over you.

He isn’t what he once was and there are obvious flaws causing him to rank 7th. But Melo’s ability speaks for itself and improved passing instincts is what he needs at this stage of his career. He still deserves to be recognized among the NBA’s top small forwards based on talent alone.

Feb 25, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

6th place – Giannis Antetokounmpo

When ranking point guards, some NBA fans may consider including Point Giannis. He started running the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense last season and garnered far more responsibility as a playmaker, gaining far more admiration from fans in the process. It was another dynamic of Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s expanding game that’s helping him grow into one of the most promising, versatile young players in the league.

And he’s only just getting started at a mere 21 years old.

For these rankings, Giannis has to be included. He guards and plays multiple positions well, even being listed as a point guard on Basketball Reference for 2015-16, but according to the same site, he spent 77 percent of his minutes at small forward. He belongs here.

At 6’11”, Giannis moves unlike any other player of his size. Armed with rare quickness for someone near 7’0″, impressive high-end speed, extortionately long strides (and euro steps) and a 7’3″ wingspan, he’s a freakish physical specimen.

Thanks to having his stellar level of agility, his body is perfect for the NBA, especially in an age where versatility is key.

In the same way that there’s a lot to his physical prowess, there’s a lot to Giannis’ game, too. Even though he lacks a three-point shot (25.7 percent and 28 makes last season) and is little better from mid-range (50.9 percent of his shots came within two feet of the basket).

However, Giannis took a step forward in every single area in 2015-16. He had career-highs in points (16.9), rebounds (7.7), assists (4.3), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.4) per game, including field goal percentage (50.6), PER (18.8) and true shooting percentage (56.6).

To add on to his tear away fastbreaks, lengthy defense and jaw-dropping dunks, Giannis shifted more to his point role as the season went on. By averaging 7.5 assists over the last 26 games of the season, he put together a spell of play that separates him as a passer from almost everyone on this list.

Seeing as more development should be in store, whether he’s honing his poise as a passer or (hopefully, for the Bucks) adding some kind of increased range to his game, Giannis deserves a high spot heading into 2016-17.

His potential goes just as far as his euro step.

Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

5th place – Jimmy Butler

Yes, Jimmy Butler played shooting guard last season and that’s where he’s spent 62 percent of his career minutes so far (37 percent at small forward). It’s the position he’s been named an All-Star as for the last two seasons. However, with the Chicago Bulls acquiring future Hall of Fame shooting guard Dwyane Wade this summer, Butler will be shifting to small forward.

Which, as these rankings are for 2016-17 rather than last season, is why Butler is making an appearance.

And he deserves a high appearance at that.

In each of the last three seasons, Butler has made the All-Defensive Second Team. He’s made a name for himself as one of the top wing defenders in the game, racking up steals (1.6 per game in 2015-16) and guarding several positions with intensity to lead the Bulls’ defense. That’s always been the trademark of his game, but he’s become more than that recently.

The summer of 2014 was a turning point for Butler. After averaging 13.1 points per game in 2013-14, his offensive production skyrocketed in 2014-15, scoring 20 points a night and making a career-high 37.8 percent of his threes. His range increased, his ball handling and driving ability improved, and he was more aggressive as someone who could take charge of the offense.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, his three-point percentage fell to 31.2 last season with only one make per game, becoming a feature in the NBA’s worst shooting lineup for 2016-17. Alongside Rajon Rondo, Wade, possibly Taj Gibson and Robin Lopez, Chicago’s lack of perimeter threat is going to be ugly and extremely troublesome.

If one man can make things a little easier to watch for Bulls fans, it will be Jimmy Butler.

He averaged a career-high 20.9 points per game last season and shot 45.4 percent, benefiting from strong finishing inside (67.3 percent within two feet), frequent trips to the charity stripe (7.1 free throw attempts per game) and some streaky mid-range shooting.

Butler made serious improvements as a playmaker as well, averaging a career-high of 4.8 assists (a major leap from 3.3 the previous season) and showed his ability to run the show more often, allow teammates to move off the ball, and drive and kick. An average of 7.9 assists per game in the final seven contests of last season showed Butler at his best.

If he can find more consistency from range, a two-way, playmaking Butler will continue to assert himself in the NBA’s top handful of wing players.

Sadly for his sanity, though, he’ll be stuck on the worst shooting team in the game.

Jan 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4th place – Paul George

Following his gruesome leg break in the summer of 2014, last season was Paul George’s full year back since returning. Playing in 81 games, it was brilliant to see the young star shine again, displaying a level of prowess at both ends of the floor that immediately made his Indiana Pacers a far more competitive team.

Spending 39 percent of his minutes at power forward in a more up-tempo offense (a move that he was reluctant to), George had the best year of his career. He had a new highs in points (23.1) and matched previous career-highs in assists (4.1) and steals (1.9). Not bad for a comeback year after such a terrible injury.

Then the playoffs came.

In an ugly first round series against the Toronto Raptors that dragged out to seven games, plagued by the Pacers’ desperate offensive reliance on George and the painful shooting slump of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, it was George who stepped up.

He couldn’t have done much more. Maybe if he had more help and a more supportive bench, he wouldn’t have needed to carry the team so heavily.

But that he did. While he couldn’t do enough to surpass the superior Raptors and had a couple of cold nights in games 2 and 3 (34.3 percent shooting combined), George’s stat line of 27.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, two steals and 0.7 blocks per game with 45.5 percent shooting and a 41 percent three-point shot for the series was a sign of just how imposing he can be.

He’s a dangerous shooter, explosive athlete, hounding defender (All-Defensive Second Team for last season), capable shot creator (who will benefit from not having to do quite as much next year), and improved passer.

He also had a sound ranking in the 71st percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, running such plays at a fair frequency, too (125 field goals made when operating as the ball handler, per NBA.com).

With more help onboard in the form of Jeff Teague, Thaddeus Young, super backup big Al Jefferson, and the growing star Myles Turner, George will be just as good, if not better, in 2016-17.

Apr 19, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is presented the Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

3rd place – Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard’s resume is exceptional for anyone, let alone a 25-year-old who’s taken a five-year journey since entering the league in 2011 from defensive specialist to superstar.

It should be a unanimous opinion for Leonard to be regarded at that status now. While he may not have the shot creation of Kevin Durant and his handle and passing ability could both use some refinement as he continues to hone his game, Leonard has done so much to improve. He’s a legitimate two-way force without question, adding continually impressive scoring ability to compliment his two straight Defensive Player of the Year awards.

There’s more than just “The Claw” now. He isn’t just the league’s best perimeter defender, a mass of persistence, long limbs and ginormous hands that smother opponents all over the floor.

He’s coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 21.2 points per game (up from 16.5 in 2014-15) to go along with 50.6 percent shooting and another career-high in three-point percentage of 44.3. After shooting 34.9 percent from deep the previous season, Leonard was one of the league’s deadlier catch-and-shoot threats with respectable quantity, too (1.8 makes per game, up from one the season before).