In basketball, a player who lines up in the small forward position is likely the team’s leading scorer. The player is also versatile enough to be able to play in another position. Although body characteristics may differ, a small forward typically stands at a height between 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) and 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in). With this, they can impact the offense as much as desired. The NBA boasts of a long list of good basketball players, among which are the guys considered to be the greatest small forwards of all time. Let’s see what they accomplished that earned them this status, come with us…
The greatest small forwards of all time
1. Dominique Wilkins
Teams: Atlanta Hawks (1982-1994), Los Angeles Clippers (1994), Boston Celtics (1994-1995), San Antonio Spurs (1996-1997) and Orlando Magic (1998-1999).
Dominique Wilkins could go at a young ageHe faces everyone he meets, be it Larry Bird or the great Michael Jordan. The 6-foot-8 player, dubbed The Human Highlight Film for his explosive dunks that made him arguably one of the best dunkers in NBA history, won two NBA Slam Dunk games with a average of 24.8 points per game in 15 years. long career in the NBA.
Wilkins was born in Paris, France, while his father, who was in the United States Air Force, was posted there. He played college basketball at the University of Georgia before being selected 3rd overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1982 NBA draft. He made 9 NBA All-Star appearances and earned a selection of NBA First Team All-Star in 1986, the year he was NBA Champion.
2. John Havlicek
Team: Boston Celtics (1962-1978)
While many NBA enthusiasts would probably first remember the likes of Bill Russell, Sam Jones and Bob Cousy, the most prolific members of the Boston Celtic team that dominated the NBA in the 60s and 70s, John Havlicek was also a crucial member of the team. He has consistently helped maintain career records in games played and runs scored for a Celtic player.
The Martins Ferry, Ohio native attended and played college basketball for Ohio State University, where he won the NCAA title in 1960. Two years later, he was selected 7th in the first round of the draft. the NBA in 1962 by the Celtics. He went on to win 8 NBA championships with his team making 13 NBA All-Star appearances.
3.Rick Barry
Teams: San Francisco/Golden State Warriors (1965-67, 1972-78) and Houston Rockets (1978-80)
Rick Barry was a dominant and unique overall player who made his mark as one of the most skilled perimeter players in the NBA. Known for his unorthodox free throw shooting technique, Barry was ranked first in NBA history in free throw percentage at the time of his retirement. He is also the only player to lead in NCAA, ABA and NBA scoring for an individual season.
The New Jersey native Elizabeth played college basketball for the University of Miami before being selected by the San Francisco Warriors as the 2nd overall pick in the NBA Draft in 1965. He became an NBA champion in 1975 after being named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1966. He was the NBA’s best player 8 times, leading the scoring charts in 1967 and steals in 1975.
4. James Worthy
Team: Los Angeles Lakers (1982-1994)
James Worthy was an efficient and smooth player who had the speed to beat opponents on the ground and could also hit a kill shot or land a quick kick into the low post to play. His efficiency and ability to play when the stakes were high earned him the nickname Big Game James.
The three-time NBA champion, who made 7 NBA All-Star appearances, played college basketball at the University of North Carolina. He led his school to the NCAA championship in 1982 before entering the NBA as the No. 1 pick in that year’s draft. He then played his entire career with the Lakers before retiring due to a knee injury in November 1994.
5. Scottie Pippen
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1987-1998, 2003-2004), Houston Rockets (1998-1999) and Portland Trail Blazers (1999-2003)
Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls undoubtedly couldn’t have won as much as they did in the 90s without the outstanding contribution and selflessness of Scottie Pippen. The multi-dimensional player has been described as a smothering defender with great scoring and playing ability, attributes that have helped him achieve huge success and earn himself a place in the list of the best small forwards of all. time.
Scottie Pippen joined the Bulls via the 1987 NBA Draft where he was selected by the Seattle Supersonics who later traded him to the Chicago Bulls. The 5th overall pick had previously spent four years at the University of Central Arkansas. He went on to win 6 NBA championships, make 7 NBA All-Star appearances, and earn 3 NBA All-Star First Team selections, as well as 8 All-Defensive NBA First-Team knockdowns.
6. Elgin Baylor
Teams: Minneapolis Lakers/Los Angeles (1958-1972)
Despite being an A-List talent, Elgin Baylor had an underrated career, as he starred around the same time as Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain. Because of this, he was unable to win an MVP title or a championship that his talent certainly deserved. Either way, he’s still not considered one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history, but also one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Baylor was the first overall pick in the 1958 NBA Draft. After his freshman season, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year before making eleven NBA All-Star appearances. He also earned 10 All-NBA First Team selections.
7. Kevin Durant
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016), Golden State Warriors (2016–present)
Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kevin Durant is an accomplished basketball player with limitless range and scoring ability. His efficiency helped him become a four-time NBA champion and one of seven members of the distinguished 50-40-90 club.
Durant played college basketball at the University of Texas, where he became the first freshman to be named Naismith College Player of the Year. He was then selected 2nd overall by the Seattle Supersonics in the 2007 NBA Draft before being named NBA Rookie of the Year. So far, Kevin has won 2 NBA Championships, made 10 NBA All-Star appearances, and earned 6 NBA First Team Selections.
8. Julius Erving
Teams: Virginia Squires (1971-1973), New York Nets (1973-1976) and Philadelphia 76ers (1976-1987)
Julius Erving or Dr. J, as he was alternately called due to his ability to play over the rim and throw the ball hard, is the father of the modern NBA. He earned this unofficial title because of his role in bringing dunking to the mainstream. He performed stunts never before seen on a basketball court, including the slam dunk, a staple skill in today’s game.
While Erving was something of a showman, the 6ft 7in tall short forward was hugely successful. The New York native won 2 ABA championships and 1 NBA title after the two associations merged. He was named the ABA’s MVA three times and the NBA once. He went on to make eleven NBA All-Star appearances during his illustrious career.
9. Larry Bird
Team: Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
Larry Bird is another player who has proven to be arguably one of the greatest small forwards, yet one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. The Indiana Indian was one of those players who could do it all. passing, shooting, rebounding and leading the fast break. He had the ability to read and anticipate what his teammates and opponents were going to do before they did, giving him an edge over others and making him virtually unstoppable.
Bird, part of the 50-40-90 club, played college at Indiana State University before heading to the NBA via the 1978 NBA Draft as the sixth overall pick. His talents helped the Celtics win 3 NBA championships as he was also named MVP three times. He went on to make 12 NBA All-Star appearances, including winning 9 first-team NBA caps, before retiring to become a coach.
10. LeBron James
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-2010, 2014-2018), Miami Heat (2010-2014), Los Angeles Lakers (2018 to date)
As many people who have a good knowledge of the game of basketball would agree, Lebron James has no weaknesses and is the ultimate combination of size, speed and strength. He plays with the strength of a power forward and point-handling abilities while being able to score close to 30 points per game. Because of all he has achieved so far, James is not just considered one of the greatest small forwards in history, but possibly the greatest player to ever rebound a game. ball.
The 6-foot-8-inch (2.03 m (280 lb) (127 kg) heavyweight Akron, an Ohio native, played high school basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He was named Ohio Basketball three times and Mr. Basketball USA twice, before leaving college to go straight to the NBA as the No. 1 draft pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year four times , NBA Most Valuable Player, and earned 12 All-NBA First Team selections, and also managed 15 NBA All-Star appearances among other accomplishments.