Top Small Forwards in NBA 2017: A Guide to the Best Players on the Court
The 2017 NBA season saw some of the best small forwards in the league. From LeBron James to Kevin Durant, check out our top picks.
When it comes to the small forward position in the NBA, there are plenty of talented players who can make a case for being among the best. These athletes possess the skill, athleticism, and versatility necessary to impact the game in a myriad of ways, from scoring and rebounding to defending and facilitating. As we look ahead to the 2017 season, there are several small forwards who stand out above the rest. In this article, we'll take a closer look at these players and what makes them so special.
First on our list is LeBron James, who has long been considered one of the best small forwards - and arguably the best player - in the league. With four MVP awards, three NBA championships, and numerous other accolades under his belt, LeBron is a force to be reckoned with on the court. His combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allow him to dominate on both ends of the floor, whether he's scoring at will or playing lockdown defense.
Another small forward who is making waves in the NBA is Kevin Durant. The former MVP and seven-time All-Star stunned the league when he left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join forces with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Durant's scoring prowess is undeniable; he's averaged over 25 points per game for eight consecutive seasons. But he's also a highly skilled defender and playmaker, able to facilitate offense and shut down opponents with his length and athleticism.
While LeBron and Durant are certainly the cream of the crop, there are several other small forwards who deserve recognition for their skills and contributions to their teams. One such player is Kawhi Leonard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Star. Leonard is known for his lockdown defense and tenacious rebounding, but he's also a deadly scorer who can take over games when necessary.
Another up-and-coming small forward to watch is Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak. The 6'11 Milwaukee Bucks star is a unique talent, possessing the size and athleticism of a center with the ballhandling and playmaking abilities of a guard. He's been compared to players like LeBron and Durant for his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the best players in the league.
One small forward who often flies under the radar but is nonetheless a crucial part of his team's success is Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz. Hayward is a skilled scorer and playmaker who has improved his game every year since entering the league in 2010. He led the Jazz to their first playoff appearance in five years last season, and many believe he has the potential to take the team even further in the coming years.
Of course, there are plenty of other small forwards in the league who deserve recognition for their skills and contributions to their teams. From perennial All-Stars like Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to rising stars like Andrew Wiggins and Brandon Ingram, the small forward position is full of talented players who can impact the game in a variety of ways.
As we look ahead to the 2017 NBA season, it's clear that the small forward position will continue to be one of the most exciting and competitive in the league. Whether you're a fan of LeBron James and his dominant style of play, or you prefer the all-around skills of players like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, there's no denying that these athletes are some of the best in the world at what they do. So sit back, relax, and get ready for another thrilling season of NBA basketball!
Introduction
The small forward position is one of the most important positions in basketball. Small forwards are versatile players who can play both inside and outside. They are usually the team's best scorer and have the ability to create their own shot, rebound, and defend. In this article, we will take a look at the best small forwards in the NBA for the year 2017.LeBron James
LeBron James is widely considered as the best small forward in the NBA today. He has won three NBA championships and four MVP awards. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. He is a complete player who can do it all on the court.Strengths
LeBron James' biggest strength is his ability to play all five positions on the court. He can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level. He is also a great leader who can rally his teammates and take over games when needed.Weaknesses
One of LeBron James' weaknesses is his free-throw shooting. He shot only 67.4% from the free-throw line in the 2016-17 season. He also tends to coast during the regular season, which can sometimes hurt his team's chances of securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is another player who is often mentioned as one of the best small forwards in the NBA. He has won two Defensive Player of the Year awards and one NBA championship. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 25.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.Strengths
Kawhi Leonard's biggest strength is his defense. He is a lockdown defender who can guard multiple positions. He is also an excellent scorer who can create his own shot and shoot from beyond the arc.Weaknesses
One of Kawhi Leonard's weaknesses is his health. He missed 30 games in the 2016-17 season due to injury. He also tends to be a quiet leader, which can sometimes lead to communication issues with his teammates.Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is a former MVP and NBA champion who joined the Golden State Warriors in the 2016-17 season. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in his first season with the Warriors.Strengths
Kevin Durant's biggest strength is his scoring ability. He is a seven-foot-tall small forward who can shoot from anywhere on the court. He is also a great rebounder and passer who can create for his teammates.Weaknesses
One of Kevin Durant's weaknesses is his defense. He has never been known as a lockdown defender, and he sometimes struggles to guard smaller, quicker players. He also tends to be emotional on the court, which can sometimes lead to technical fouls and ejections.Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a rising star in the NBA who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.Strengths
Giannis Antetokounmpo's biggest strength is his versatility. He is a seven-foot-tall small forward who can handle the ball and play point guard. He is also an excellent defender who can guard multiple positions.Weaknesses
One of Giannis Antetokounmpo's weaknesses is his shooting. He shot only 27.2% from beyond the arc in the 2016-17 season. He also tends to turn the ball over too much, averaging 3.2 turnovers per game.Paul George
Paul George is a veteran small forward who has played for the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.Strengths
Paul George's biggest strength is his scoring ability. He can shoot from beyond the arc and create his own shot. He is also an excellent defender who can guard multiple positions.Weaknesses
One of Paul George's weaknesses is his inconsistency. He sometimes disappears in big games and can be too passive on offense. He also tends to be a ball-stopper, which can hurt his team's ball movement.Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is a veteran small forward who has played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.Strengths
Carmelo Anthony's biggest strength is his scoring ability. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and create his own shot. He is also a good rebounder who can grab boards and start fast breaks.Weaknesses
One of Carmelo Anthony's weaknesses is his defense. He has never been known as a great defender and sometimes struggles to guard quicker players. He also tends to be a ball-stopper, which can hurt his team's ball movement.Conclusion
In conclusion, the small forward position in the NBA is filled with talented players who can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level. The five players mentioned in this article are some of the best small forwards in the NBA for the year 2017. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they all bring something special to their respective teams.Introduction to the Small Forward Position in Basketball
In basketball, the small forward position is often referred to as the three position and is known for being one of the most versatile positions on the court. Small forwards are typically responsible for being a scoring threat, but also must be able to defend multiple positions. They are often the player that will bring the ball up the court and initiate the offense. The small forward position has seen some incredible players over the years, including LeBron James, Larry Bird, and Julius Erving. In recent years, there have been several standout small forwards who are making waves in the league. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top small forwards of 2017 and what makes them so special.LeBron James: A Small Forward Legend in the Making
LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time, and for good reason. He has dominated the small forward position for over a decade, and shows no signs of slowing down. James is a rare combination of size, speed, and skill that has never been seen before in the NBA.At 6'8 and 250 pounds, James is an imposing figure on the court. He can score from anywhere on the court, whether it's driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers. He is also an excellent passer and rebounder, averaging 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game for his career.But what sets James apart from other small forwards is his ability to elevate his game in big moments. He has led his teams to seven NBA Finals appearances, winning four championships. In the 2016 NBA Finals, James put on one of the greatest performances in NBA history, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit to win the championship. He averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game in the series and was unanimously named Finals MVP.Kevin Durant: The Versatile Small Forward with Unmatched Scoring Abilities
Kevin Durant is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. At 6'11, he has the size and length to shoot over defenders, but also possesses the quickness and ball-handling skills of a guard. Durant is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, as he can score from anywhere on the court and is nearly impossible to defend one-on-one.Durant is a four-time scoring champion and has averaged over 27 points per game for his career. He is also an excellent rebounder and passer, averaging 7.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for his career. Durant's versatility makes him one of the most valuable players in the league, as he can play multiple positions and excel in any role.In 2017, Durant joined the Golden State Warriors and immediately made an impact. He helped lead the Warriors to their second championship in three years, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the NBA Finals. Durant was unanimously named Finals MVP, solidifying his status as one of the best small forwards in the game today.Kawhi Leonard: The Defensive Specialist Making Waves in the League
Kawhi Leonard is known for his defense, but he is much more than just a stopper. At 6'7, Leonard has the size and strength to defend multiple positions, but he is also an excellent scorer and rebounder. Leonard's all-around game has earned him two Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Finals MVP award.Leonard's offensive game has steadily improved over the years, and he is now one of the most efficient scorers in the league. He averaged a career-high 25.5 points per game in the 2016-17 season and shot 48.5% from the field. Leonard is also an excellent three-point shooter, hitting 38% of his attempts for his career.Leonard's impact on the defensive end of the court cannot be overstated. He is a lockdown defender who can guard multiple positions, and he is always in the right place at the right time. Leonard's combination of offense and defense makes him one of the best small forwards in the game today.Paul George: The Small Forward Making a Comeback After a Devastating Injury
Paul George suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2014 that many thought would end his career. But George worked tirelessly to rehab and recover from the injury, and he has come back stronger than ever. In 2017, George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and has been a key piece to their success.George is an excellent scorer and defender, averaging 21.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for his career. He is also a three-time All-Defensive Team selection and was named the NBA Most Improved Player in 2013. George's versatility on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset to any team.In 2017, George helped lead the Thunder to the playoffs, where they fell to the Utah Jazz in the first round. Despite the early exit, George showed that he is still one of the best small forwards in the league and will continue to be a force for years to come.Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Rising Star with an Impressive Skillset
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as The Greek Freak, is one of the most exciting young players in the league. At 6'11, Antetokounmpo has the size and athleticism to play multiple positions, but he primarily plays small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo's all-around game has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest players in NBA history.Antetokounmpo is a rare talent who can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level. He averaged 26.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in the 2017-18 season and was named to the All-NBA Second Team. Antetokounmpo's length and athleticism make him nearly impossible to stop when he drives to the basket, and his improved jump shot has made him an even more dangerous scorer.Antetokounmpo's impact on the defensive end of the court is also impressive. He is a two-time All-Defensive Team selection and has the ability to guard multiple positions. Antetokounmpo's skillset and potential make him one of the best small forwards in the game today, and he is only getting better.Jimmy Butler: The Small Forward Excelling on Both Ends of the Court
Jimmy Butler is one of the most well-rounded small forwards in the league. He is an excellent scorer, passer, and defender who can play multiple positions. Butler's toughness and work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, and he is known for his ability to take over games when needed.Butler has averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game for his career, but his impact on the defensive end of the court is what sets him apart. Butler is a four-time All-Defensive Team selection and has the ability to guard multiple positions. His defensive intensity and leadership have helped turn around struggling teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves.In 2017, Butler was traded to the Timberwolves and helped lead them to their first playoff appearance in 14 years. Despite a first-round exit, Butler showed that he is one of the best small forwards in the league and will continue to be a force for years to come.Gordon Hayward: The Underrated Small Forward Making an Impact on His New Team
Gordon Hayward is often overlooked when discussing the best small forwards in the league, but he is a talented player who can score and defend at a high level. In 2017, Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics and was expected to be a key piece to their championship aspirations. However, he suffered a devastating injury in the first game of the season that kept him out for the entire year.Despite the injury, Hayward has shown that he is one of the best small forwards in the league when healthy. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 2016-17 season and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Hayward's versatility on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset to any team, and he will be a key piece to the Celtics' success moving forward.Carmelo Anthony: The Veteran Small Forward Still Making an Impact in the League
Carmelo Anthony has been in the league for over 15 years, but he is still one of the best small forwards in the game today. Anthony is a prolific scorer who can score from anywhere on the court, and his veteran leadership has helped guide young teams to success.Anthony has averaged 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for his career, and he has been named an All-Star ten times. While his defense has been criticized in the past, Anthony has shown that he can still be a solid defender when motivated.In 2017, Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and helped lead them to the playoffs. Despite a first-round exit, Anthony showed that he is still one of the best small forwards in the league and will continue to make an impact for years to come.Andrew Wiggins: The Young Small Forward with Immense Potential and Room to Grow
Andrew Wiggins is one of the most talented young players in the league. At only 23 years old, Wiggins has already shown that he has the potential to be one of the best small forwards in the game. Wiggins is an excellent scorer who can score from anywhere on the court, but he is also a solid rebounder and passer.Wiggins has averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game for his career, but his potential is even greater than those numbers suggest. He has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career, including a 40-point performance against the Denver Nuggets in 2018.Wiggins still has room to grow, particularly on the defensive end of the court. However, his talent and potential make him one of the most exciting small forwards in the league, and he will be a key piece to the Minnesota Timberwolves' success moving forward.Conclusion
The small forward position in basketball is one of the most versatile positions on the court, and the players who play it are often some of the best in the game. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Gordon Hayward, Carmelo Anthony, and Andrew Wiggins are just a few of the incredible small forwards who are making waves in the league today. These players all bring unique skills and abilities to the game, and they will continue to be forces for years to come.The Best Small Forwards in NBA 2017
Point of View
Small forwards are considered to be one of the most versatile positions in the NBA. They have the ability to score, rebound, pass and defend at a high level. In 2017, there were many talented small forwards in the league, but only a few stood out as the best.From my point of view, LeBron James was the best small forward in the NBA in 2017. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals for the third straight year and averaged 26.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game during the regular season. James is a complete player who can dominate a game on both ends of the court. His size, strength, and athleticism make him almost unstoppable, and he is one of the greatest players of all time.Pros of Best Small Forwards in NBA 2017
1. Scoring Ability: The best small forwards in the NBA can score from anywhere on the court. They have a variety of offensive skills, including shooting, driving to the basket, and posting up.2. Rebounding: Small forwards are also known for their rebounding ability. They are often the ones who grab the defensive rebounds and start the fast break.3. Passing: Many of the best small forwards in the NBA are also excellent passers. They can create scoring opportunities for their teammates and make the game easier for everyone.4. Defense: Small forwards are often tasked with guarding some of the best players in the league. They must be quick, agile, and strong to stay in front of their opponents.Cons of Best Small Forwards in NBA 2017
1. Injury Prone: Some of the best small forwards in the NBA are prone to injury due to their aggressive playing style. This can lead to missed games and decreased production.2. Inconsistent Shooting: While small forwards are known for their scoring ability, some of them struggle with consistency. They may have hot streaks followed by cold streaks, which can hurt their team's chances of winning.3. Lack of Size: Small forwards are often smaller than power forwards and centers, which can make it difficult for them to defend against bigger players in the post.Table Comparison of Best Small Forwards in NBA 2017
| Player | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game ||--------|----------------|------------------|------------------|| LeBron James | 26.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 || Kevin Durant | 25.1 | 8.3 | 4.8 || Kawhi Leonard | 25.5 | 5.8 | 3.5 || Paul George | 23.7 | 6.6 | 3.3 || Jimmy Butler | 23.9 | 6.2 | 5.5 |As we can see from the table above, all of these small forwards had impressive stats during the 2017 season. However, LeBron James stood out as the clear leader in points, rebounds, and assists per game.
The Top 10 Small Forwards of the NBA in 2017
As the 2017-2018 NBA season rolls around, it's time to take a look at the best small forwards who dominated the league last year. These players are known for their versatility, speed, and athleticism on the court. They can score, rebound, pass, and defend, making them valuable assets to any team. So, without further ado, let's dive into the top 10 small forwards of the NBA in 2017.
First on the list is LeBron James, the King himself. James has been dominating the league for over a decade now, and he doesn't show signs of slowing down anytime soon. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first championship in 2016 and helped them reach the finals again in 2017. With his incredible athleticism, court vision, and leadership skills, James is undoubtedly one of the best small forwards of all time.
Next up is Kevin Durant, who had an outstanding 2017 season. After leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors, Durant showed that he could excel even more in a new environment. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, leading the Warriors to their second championship in three years. With his deadly shooting and defensive skills, Durant proved that he's one of the most versatile players in the league.
Paul George comes in at number three on this list. Despite playing for the Indiana Pacers, a team that missed the playoffs last year, George still managed to put up impressive numbers. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, proving that he's a force to be reckoned with. George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the offseason, and fans are excited to see how he'll perform alongside Russell Westbrook.
At number four is Kawhi Leonard, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Leonard is known for his lockdown defense and efficient scoring, as he averaged 25.5 points per game in the 2016-2017 season. He led the San Antonio Spurs to the playoffs once again, but unfortunately, he was injured during the postseason and couldn't help his team advance. Nevertheless, Leonard remains one of the best small forwards in the league.
Jimmy Butler comes in at number five on the list. Despite being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the offseason, Butler had a fantastic 2017 season with the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, proving that he's one of the most well-rounded players in the league. Butler is also known for his tenacious defense and leadership skills.
Gordon Hayward takes the sixth spot on this list. He played for the Utah Jazz last year, where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Hayward helped the Jazz reach the playoffs, where they were eventually eliminated by the Warriors. In the offseason, he signed with the Boston Celtics, where he'll team up with Kyrie Irving and Al Horford to form a formidable trio.
Carmelo Anthony comes in at number seven on this list. Despite the New York Knicks' struggles last year, Anthony still managed to put up impressive numbers. He averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, proving that he's still one of the best scorers in the league. Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the offseason, where he'll team up with Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
At number eight is Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak. Antetokounmpo had a breakout season with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He's known for his freakish athleticism and versatility on both ends of the court. Antetokounmpo is only 22 years old, so fans are excited to see how he'll develop in the coming years.
Next up is Andrew Wiggins, who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves last year. Wiggins averaged 23.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, proving that he's one of the most promising young players in the league. He's known for his scoring ability and athleticism, and he's only 22 years old as well.
Rounding out the list is Otto Porter Jr., who played for the Washington Wizards last year. Porter Jr. had a breakout season, where he averaged 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He's known for his efficient scoring and three-point shooting, as he shot 43.4% from beyond the arc. With his size and shooting ability, Porter Jr. is a valuable asset to any team.
There you have it, folks, the top 10 small forwards of the NBA in 2017. These players are known for their versatility, speed, and athleticism on the court. They can score, rebound, pass, and defend, making them valuable assets to any team. We can't wait to see how they perform in the upcoming season.
People Also Ask About Best Small Forwards in NBA 2017
Who are the top small forwards in the NBA?
The top small forwards in the NBA in 2017 were:
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Kawhi Leonard
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Paul George
Who is the best small forward in the NBA right now?
The best small forward in the NBA right now is LeBron James. He has won four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals.
What makes a great small forward in the NBA?
A great small forward in the NBA should have a combination of skills such as:
- Athleticism and quickness to defend against opponents
- Shooting accuracy from long range and mid-range
- Ability to create and finish scoring opportunities
- Leadership and decision-making on and off the court
Who is the most underrated small forward in the NBA?
The most underrated small forward in the NBA in 2017 was Gordon Hayward. He played for the Utah Jazz at the time and averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game that season.