7 Best Small Forwards Led by King James & Bird

Professional teams tend to build around small forwards, as they usually possess all-around offensive and defensive skills. Coupled with their size, it gives squads the best NBA odds possible of winning a title.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant are often credited with changing the game with their unique skill sets.

Let’s take a look at the best small forwards of all time.

7 Best Small Forwards of All Time

1. LeBron James

With a superior physique, LeBron James excels in finishing at the rim through heavy contact and defending at a high level, while his exceptional playmaking skills elevate the performance of his teammates. 

King James’ 3-point shooting and status as the leading scorer in NBA history alone further solidify his case of being arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. But his most impressive feat might be helping lead the Cavaliers to a championship in 2016 after trailing 3-1 to the all-time best 73-9 Warriors, becoming the first team to erase such a series deficit in the Finals.

Watching these highlights is absolutely incredible. LeBron James has been elite in the clutch. pic.twitter.com/MixRT8RVoz

— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) January 28, 2024

Accomplishments: four championships, four Finals MVPs, four MVPs, 19 All-NBA Team selections, 20 All-Stars, six All-Defensive Team selections.

2. Larry Bird

A 3-point sniper, Larry Bird’s craftiness and ball fakes opened up his ability to score in the paint and distribute the ball to teammates.

Accomplishments: three championships, two Finals MVPs, three MVPs, 10 All-NBA Team selections, 12 All-Stars, three All-Defensive Team selections.

3. Kevin Durant

Gifted with elite ball-handling and driving skills, coupled with the ability to get a shot off from anywhere regardless of defensive coverage, Kevin Durant is arguably the best pure scorer of all time.

Accomplishments: two championships, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, 10 All-NBA Team selections, 14 All-Stars.

4. Julius Erving

Blessed with tremendous athleticism, Julius Erving would get out in transition and throw down some of the most powerful and majestic dunks imaginable.

Accomplishments: one championship, one MVP, seven All-NBA Team selections, 11 All-Stars.

5. Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor was known as one of the first athletic wings in basketball history, posting high scoring and rebounding numbers.

Accomplishments: 10 All-NBA Team selections, 11 All-Stars.

6. Scottie Pippen

A dangerous slasher and transition scorer, Scottie Pippen was also a great 3-point shooter, perimeter defender, rebounder, and playmaker.

Accomplishments: six championships, seven All-NBA Team selections, seven All-Stars, 10 All-Defensive Team selections.

7. John Havlicek

John Havlicek was known for his shooting, lockdown defence, ball-handling, reckless abandon, and ability to run the fast break.

Accomplishments: eight championships, one Finals MVP, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 13 All-Stars, eight All-Defensive Team selections.

Who Are the Best Small Forwards in the NBA Right Now?

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is an elite three-level scorer. He’s at least a championship away from truly entering the conversation as one of the best Celtics players of all time.

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is an accomplished two-way specialist with two Finals MVPs to show for the paramount contributions he made to the Spurs and Raptors during their championship runs.

Jimmy Butler

A tenacious player on both sides of the floor, Jimmy Butler helped reinforce “Heat Culture,” bringing the franchise to the Finals twice.

What Is the Role of the Small Forward?

An elite small forward tends to run the teams’ offence due to their size and guard-like playmaking or shot-creating skills.

They are also tasked with defending on the perimeter, and ideally shutting down the opponent’s best player by providing suffocating on-ball defence.