It’s absolutely amazing to see how closely a list of the top small forwards in the NBA resembles a list of the top MVP candidates. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard among the most complete players in the game regardless of position and they will all be up for many different accolades. In many other years, Paul George and Jimmy Butler could be among the headline acts but they’re overshadowed by two (or possibly three) generational talents.
Here is a look at the top five small forwards in the NBA right now.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron is so dominant that he doesn’t have to play to his peak potential during the regular season to be considered the best at his position. At 32-years-old, LeBron has taken another step back this season in terms of the effort put forward during the regular season as he attempts remain healthy and prepared for another long championship run. The fact that he has still averaged 26.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game is testament to his dominance and we are all aware that the best is still yet to come once the playoffs roll around. The Cavs have slumped recently before their big win over Sacramento, but we’ll see if that’s just a temporary thing or if this continues. They are currently looking at the trade market to see if there are any players that can round out their roster and possibly give this team a bit of a shot in the arm.
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
The case can be made for Durant as regular season MVP once again this season as he has averaged 25.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.7 blocks and steals combined in his first season with Golden State. Durant has absolutely dominated with the best scoring numbers for the best team in the NBA and his revelation that he has made a strong effort to take his game to another level this season has shown up in his numbers. Durant owns the highest field goal percentage of his career at 53.4 while registering the highest rebound and blocks totals of his career. Durant is primed to challenge for the top spot on this list and if he can dominate in the postseason while leading the Warriors to a championship then that might come true.
3. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard has emerged as another MVP candidate this season with the offensive production to compliment his dominant defensive ability. Leonard has averaged 23.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game while taking over as San Antonio’s franchise leader. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is clearly one of the most complete players in the NBA and he will need to take the Spurs on his back this season in order to have a chance against Golden State in the Western Conference.
4. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Butler transitions from the best shooting guard in the game to the fourth-best small forward thanks to a position change in Chicago this season. The 27-year-old has averaged 25.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game this season with more 40-point games than any player other than Russell Westbrook. Butler hasn’t missed a beat at the small forward position and his overall ability has him at No. 4 on this list. The challenge is that his Chicago Bulls have not been very good this season, which hurts his standing in the league.
5. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Carmelo Anthony’s resurgence and Gordon Hayward’s breakthrough earned them honorable mention on this list but for now it’s George that deserves the top spot on this list. George is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and he has shown it with his numbers while averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists this season. George leads the Pacers in points, field goals and three-point shots and his clutch ability has been on full display as he has shot 56.3-percent from the floor when the score is within five points in the final five minutes of games. George’s dominance in clutch situations helped put him over the top as one of the best small forwards in the NBA right now.
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