Ranking the Top 10 Small Forwards in NBA History Updated

The modern NBA belongs to wings. Every year for the past eight NBA seasons, a small forward has been crowned as the NBA Finals MVP. Guys like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard are the torchbearers for postseason success. With that being the case, we're going to look at the top 10 small forwards ever.

Looking back at history, where do these guys actually rank among the greatest players at their position? This is the question we will try to answer as we rank the top 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history.

Some things to consider before we begin. We will be using advanced metrics such as win shares per 48 (WS/48), box plus minus (BPM), and value over replacement player (VORP) as the primary bases for this ranking. But the other major component we will looking at is the player's intangible contributions to winning. Active players with less than 10 years of experience will be excluded, as to judge players a bigger sample size.

This means that Kawhi Leonard will not be included in best small forwards ever ranking.

Note: Per basketball reference, all players featured in this list played the majority of their minutes at the small forward position.

To kickoff, here are some honorable mentions that almost made the cut.

Best Small Forwards Ever Honorable Mentions

Paul Pierce

Career Averages: 19.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, 44.5% FG, 36.8% 3PT, 80.6% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.157 WS/48, 3.7 BPM, 65.5 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 1x Second Team, 3x Third Team; All-Star: 10; Championships: 1 (2008)

A highly-touted player out of the University of Kansas, Pierce was one of the gems in the 1998 NBA draft. A scorer who could light it up from anywhere on the court, the Truth was the man who regained Boston's luster from the dismal 90s.

In his rookie season, Boston was in the middle of a rebuild after missing the playoffs for three straight years. As such, Pierce was immediately thrust into a starter role. After a hot start, scoring 19 or more points in 10 of his first 11 games, Pierce finished the lockout shortened 1998-1999 season with averages of 16.5 points and 6.4 rebounds. He also finished third in the Rookie of the Year Race behind the high flying Vince Carter and the flamboyant passing whiz Jason Williams.

Continuing his development in his sophomore season, Pierce upped his averages to 19.5 points and 5.4 rebounds while also improving his defense marked by his 2.1 steals per game. In 2000-2001 season, Pierce finally broke out as one of the top players in the league after scoring 25.3 points, good for eighth best in the league. In March of that season, Pierce bagged his first Player of the Month honor with averages of 30.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.

Pierce finally experienced team success in the 2001-2002 season after towing the Celtics to their first playoff appearance in seven years. Behind his leadership, Boston was able to reach the Eastern Conference Finals against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets. In game three of that series, Pierce pulled off an unbelievable performance as he scored 19 of his 28 points in the fourth to rally the Celtics back from a 21 point deficit. The win gave Boston the 2-1 series advantage. However, they eventually lost to the Nets in six games.

However, despite Pierce's brilliant play, the Celtics faltered in the next five seasons as the team never made it past the second round and even hit a new low after a dismal 24 win 2006-2007 season. The team's disappointing performance prompted General Manager Danny Ainge to pull off two improbable trades as the Celtics landed All Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The newly formed “Big Three” was what Pierce needed as the Celtics turned around their fortunes with a 66 win 2007-2008 season.

Pierce was brilliant in the playoffs which included a 41 point performance in Game 7 of the second round against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the Finals, Pierce continued his brilliant play despite getting an injury scare in Game 1. His leadership pushed Boston to claim the title against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, with Pierce bagging the Finals MVP award behind averages of 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks.

In succeeding seasons, Pierce continued to play at an All Star level by averaging north of 18 point per game for the next five seasons. He also broke a long standing record by Larry Bird after his 27 point, 14 rebound, 14 assist game in 2013 against the Nuggets made him the oldest player to notch such numbers. After bouncing around the league in the twilight of his career, Pierce retired after the 2017 season.

Throughout his career, Pierce utilized his craftiness and footwork to score over faster and stronger defenders as evidenced by his 26,397 career points (16th all time). He also finished his career as a Celtics legend after scoring the second most points in a Boston uniform behind John Havlicek. Pierce's confidence and clutch play elevated his team's play, and his championship pedigree puts him among the all time greats of his position. He might not make our list as one of the top 10 small forwards in NBA history, but he's still one of the best small forwards ever.

Adrian Dantley

Career Averages: 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.2 blocks, 54.0% FG, 17.1% 3PT, 81.8% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.189 WS/48, 3.1 BPM, 43.7 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 2x Second Team; All-Star: 6; Championships: 0

A natural-born scorer who was “too short” and “too fat” to succeed, Dantley dazzled every NBA fan with his unique combination of strength and finesse. Despite his short frame, Dantley lived in the low post, boasting a shot profile similar to a big man. And at 6'5″, Dantley scored with surprising efficiency, shooting at a 54% clip from the field.

In his 15 years in the league, Dantley was mostly a journeyman. After a stellar rookie campaign with the Buffalo Braves where he averaged 20.3 points on 52% shooting, the Braves immediately traded him to the Indiana Pacers. This made him the first Rookie of the Year awardee to be traded following his rookie season.

Playing with the Pacers, Dantley upped his scoring average to 26.5 points in his third season. However, after being sent to the Lakers, Dantley's numbers dipped as he played alongside stars like Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Jamaal Wilkes.

As he settled in with the Jazz in his sixth season, Dantley rekindled his old magic. In the 1979-1980 season, Dantley broke out with a 28.0 scoring average while shooting at a jaw-dropping 57.6% clip–exceptional for a player his size. In each of the next four seasons, Dantley scored over 30 points per game while leading the NBA in scoring twice in 1981 and 1984.

In the 1984-1984 season, Dantley also set an NBA record by requiring the fewest field goal attempts (18.2 per game) in scoring over 30 points per game. A big reason for this was his uncanny ability to draw fouls. In his career, Dantley averaged 8.7 free throw attempts per game, tenth best in the all time NBA leader board. He also tied Wilt Chamberlain's single game record for free throws made with 28 against the Houston Rockets. This unique skill was a big part of why Dantley was such an efficient scorer.

However, a knock on Dantley's career is his overall lack of team success. In his 15 seasons, Dantley only reached the playoffs seven times. He also made it past the second round twice in his career, reaching the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals and the 1988 NBA Finals with the Isiah Thomas led Detroit Pistons in his twilight years. Many would argue that it was because Dantley's played in weak teams. However, many critics also labeled him as a selfish player who neither played defense nor sprinted down the court.

Despite all these negative criticisms and the lack of accolades, Dantley is no doubt one of the best small forwards to ever play the game. His scoring ability and efficiency are nearly unmatched in league history. For this reason, he is an honorable mention in our list of top 10 small forwards in NBA history

The Top 10 Small Forwards In NBA History

10. Dominique Wilkins

Career Averages: 24.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.6 blocks, 46.1% FG, 31.9% 3PT, 81.1% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.148 WS/48, 3.3 BPM, 50.6 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 1x First Team, 4x Second Team, 2x Third Team; All-Star: 9; Championships: 0

One of the most electrifying players in NBA history, Wilkins used his elite athleticism and finishing ability to become of the best scorers in NBA history. Known as the Human Highlight Reel for his show-stopping dunks, Wilkins was an unstoppable force in the 1980s as he simply overpowered defenders to score around the basket.

For his career, Wilkins averaged more than 25 points per game in ten consecutive seasons from 1984 to 1994. His scoring peaked in the 1985-1986 season where he won the scoring title with his 30.3 points per game.

On top of his individual brilliance, Wilkins also contributed greatly to his team's success. From the 1985-1986 season to the 1988-1989 season, Wilkins led the Atlanta Hawks to four straight 50 win seasons. In the 1987-1988 season, Wilkins brought the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. The series was the setting for one of the greatest shootouts in NBA history. In the fourth quarter of Game 7, Wilkins and Bird traded bucket after bucket, unrelentingly trying to edge out their counterparts. After the game, Wilkins finished with 47 points while Bird tallied 34 markers (20 points in the fourth). Wilkins failed to make it to the NBA Finals after the 118-116 loss, but for him, it was the greatest game he's ever played in.

“The basket was like a well. I couldn't miss. He couldn't miss. And it went down to the last shot of the game. That's the greatest game I've ever played in or seen played. It was two guys who just did not want to lose,” Wilkins remembered fondly.

After his scoring dominance in the 80s, Wilkins evolved into a more all around player in the early 90s. In the 1990-1991 season, Wilkins recorded his career highs in rebounds and assists with 9.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest, all while maintaining his 25.9 scoring average and 1.5 steals average. In the 1992-1993 season, Wilkins also set an NBA record for most consecutive free throws made without a miss with 23. However, despite his renewed individual brilliance and a surprising durability late into his career, Wilkins never reached the pinnacle of NBA glory.

In his 17 seasons in the league, Wilkins scored 26,668 points and is currently at number 13 on the NBA all time scoring list. 24.8 points per game is also 14th best in league history. The two time Slam Dunk champion may never be held in the same regard as the Larry Birds and the Julius Ervings, but his elite scoring ability and electrifying dunks will always be put him in the conversation as one of the best small forwards ever.

9. Paul Arizin

Career Averages: 22.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 42.1% FG, 81.0% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.183 WS/48

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 3x First Team, 1x Second Team; All-Star: 10; Championships: 1 (1956)

Drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors as its territorial pick in the 1950 NBA Draft, “Pitchin' Paul” is considered one of the early pioneers of the NBA. Playing in an era where two-handed set shots and slowed down offenses were the norm, Arizin was an anomaly. His offensive repertoire, which included the jumpshot and “line drive” shots that had very low archs. This unique skill set along with his physical gifts allowed Arizin to average more than 20 points per game in nine of his ten seasons. This was rare during the 50s as only a handful of players could achieve that feat with the slow tempo.

Interestingly, despite his talent, Arizin never played varsity basketball until his sophomore year in college. After being cut from his high school team during his senior year, Arizin could only play in intramural, church, and independent leagues. But this served as a blessing in disguise. As he went all over town to play in gyms and halls, he slowly developed the jumpshot because of the slippery dance floors that he played in. To prevent himself from slipping while shooting, Arizin simply decided to shoot the ball while in the air. Furthermore, because some halls had low ceilings, Arizin was forced to develop his “line drive” shots which became part of his deadly offensive arsenal in the NBA.

After being hailed as the 1950 College Player of the Year, Arizin kicked off his NBA career with a bang. Averaging 17.2 points and 9.8 rebounds as a rookie, Arizin turned Philadelphia's fortunes around. His play sparked a 14-game turnaround from the previous year and lifted the Warriors to the top seed in the Eastern Division.

In his second season, Arizin was already considered a bonafide star. He led the league in scoring with 25.4 points and grabbed a surprising 11.3 rebounds per game as a 6'4″ forward. On top of his improved play, Arizin's amazing stamina was also on full display as he recorded the highest single game minutes played in the league with 63 minutes in a triple overtime game against the Minneapolis Lakers. This record was not broken until 40 years later.

After serving in the Marine Corps for the Korean war from 1952 to 1954, Arizin made his triumphant return in the 1954-1955 season. In the 1955-1956 season, Philadelphia's lineup received a big boost as rookie Tom Gola joined the team filled with stars like Arizin, Neil Johnston, Joe Graboski, and Jack George. The powerhouse Warriors led by Arizin breezed through the league, winning the franchise's second title and Arizin's first in a 4-1 series win against the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1956 NBA Finals.

In the following seasons, Arizin continued to play brilliantly, even leading the league in scoring with 25.6 points in the 1956-1957 season. However, with the rise of the Bill Russell led Boston Celtics, the Warriors could not string together enough wins to bag another NBA crown.

Arizin's last hurrah was in the 1959-1960 season when Wilt Chamberlain signed with the Warriors. The partnership resulted into one of the NBA's most explosive offenses. However, the Celtics were simply too strong with their superior team play.

Arizin ended his career in 1962 after the Warriors moved to San Francisco. During his career, he achieved several milestones. He was the fastest player to reach the 10,000 point mark and is the third player to reach the 15,000 point mark after Bob Cousy and Dolph Schayes. And most importantly, he was the pioneer for the modern day jumpshot.

8. Rick Barry

Career Averages: 23.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.5 blocks, 44.9% FG, 90.0% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.156 WS/48, 3.0 BPM, 24.8 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 5x First Team, 1x Second Team; All-Star: 8; Championships: 1 (1975)

His name may not be memorialized as much compared to the likes Julius Erving and Moses Malone, but Rick Barry is one of the most prolific scorers in both ABA and NBA history. Barry had a slender build but used his remarkable quickness and instincts to effectively outmaneuver hapless defenders. He also maximized his opportunities at the free throw line, shooting at an 89.3% clip with his famous underhanded “grandma” shot.

Fresh out of Miami in 1965, Barry immediately put up gaudy numbers in his rookie season. Despite being a 6'7″ small forward, Barry averaged a double-double of 25.7 points and 10.6 rebounds–a career-high– along with 2.2 assists and an 86.2% clip from the foul line. Because of Barry's brilliance, the San Francisco Warriors improved significantly from the previous season, upping their regular season wins from 17 to 35.

In his sophomore season, Barry leveled up his game even more. He increased his shooting volume and efficiency, from 21.2 FGA to 28.7 FGA while improving his FG% from 43.9% to 45.1%. This resulted to Barry winning his first career scoring title with an average of 35.6 points which is the 8th best scoring mark in NBA history. As a result of his insane scoring ability, Barry led the Warriors to the 1967 NBA Finals. There they faced arguably one of the greatest single season teams in NBA history, the Wilt Chmaberlain led Philadelphia 76ers. Despite averaging 40.8 points, including a 55 point outburst in Game Three, Barry could not carry the Warriors to victory. However, even with their six game defeat, Barry's Warriors impressed basketball pundits as they were able to make each game competitive, unlike the great Boston Celtics team that fell to the 76ers in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Money matters would derail Barry's NBA career as he jumped ship to the ABA after the 1966-1967 season after he reportedly did not receive his incentives from Warriors owner Franklin Mieuli. In his first season in the ABA, Barry continued to score dominantly with an average of 34.0 points. And despite getting injured midway through the season and playing only 35 games, Barry still led his team to the 1969 ABA Finals. There, he bagged his first professional championship with the Oakland Oaks, defeating the Indiana Pacers, 4-1.

Injuries and off court issues mired the rest of Barry's four year ABA career as he never won another chip. He came closest in the 1972 ABA Finals with the New York Nets but ultimately fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games.

After his defeat, he finally returned to the NBA after a court ruling forced him to honor his contract with the Golden State Warriors. Back in the NBA, Barry's knee issues continued to prevent him from getting back to top form. Because of this, Barry adjusted his game and became more of a perimeter shooter and play maker. However, slowly adjusting to his new normal, Barry once again showcased his unique offensive skill set. In the 1974-1975 season, Barry topped the the 30 point mark again as he averaged 30.6 points along with a league leading 90.4 percent from the free throw line, 2.9 steals, and 6.2 assists. Barry's resurgence also translated to team success as the Warriors captured their third franchise title after sweeping the Washington Bullets bannered by Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld.

As he transitioned to the twilight years of his career, Barry continued to revolutionize the game as he shifted to become more of a play maker, giving birth to the point forward position. During his time, Barry was only one of three forwards to average more than 500 assists in a season. John Havlicek and Billy Cunningham were the other two.

Barry retired in 1980 after 10 NBA seasons and 4 ABA seasons. He finished his career with the best free throw shooting percentage in the NBA at 90%. He also set the highest single season free throw mark at the time with a 94.7% clip in the 1978-1979 season.

7. John Havlicek

Career Averages: 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.3 blocks, 43.9% FG, 81.5% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.136 WS/48

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 4x First Team, 7x Second Team; All-Defensive: 5x First Team, 3x Second Team; All-Star: 13; Championships: 8 (1963-1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976)

The third winningest player in NBA history behind teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones, Havlicek is one of the greatest Boston Celtic to ever play the game. He is one of only three players to go 8-0 in the NBA Finals and is the Celtics' all time leading scorer with 26,395 points. In his career, Havlicek revolutionized the swingman position as he utilized his diverse skill set and unique physical abilities playing the small forward and occasionally the shooting guard position.

Coming into the NBA as a 22 year old rookie, Havlicek mostly played off the bench in his first year as his more celebrated teammates like Russell and Bob Cousy led the Celtics to championships after championships. His first four seasons saw him immediately win four titles. During that year, Havlicek mostly provided tenacity and hustle as a spark plug off the bench.

As his teammates aged, Havlicek slowly emerged into a starring role. In his sophomore year, Havlicek worked his butt off to improve his shooting and ball handling, leading the team with 19.9 points despite coming off the bench. He was also selected to the All NBA Second Team.

In the following seasons, Havlicek continued to come off the bench even though he was one of the cornerstones of the franchise. He revolutionized the sixth man role as Boston's “super sub”. But his role never bothered him. “It never bothered me because I think that role is very important to the club. One thing I learned from Red Auerbach was that its not who starts the game, but who finishes it, and I generally was around at the finish.”

In those years, Havlicek routinely played the longest minutes along with Russell. However, despite that, he never seemed to get tired. Dubbed as the “Man in Motion”, Havlicek's endurance never seemed to run out as he constantly slithered around defenders to wear them out. It was once estimated that Havlicek ran three to five miles per game.

On top of his offensive game, Havlicek continued to be a menace on defense. He was a very intelligent defender with quick instincts. The best example was in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals versus Wilt Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers. With the Celtics up one with five seconds remaining, Havlicek had his back against inbounder Hal Greer. However, as Greer threw the ball in, Havlicek suddenly turned around to deflect the ball to teammate Sam Jones, allowing the Celtics to keep their lead and win the series. This play was the setting for broadcaster Johny Most's legendary call, “Havlicek steals it. Over to Sam Jones. Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over! Havlicek stole the ball!”

This play was also the start of Havlicek's numerous impressive plays in the clutch. In Game 7 of the 1968 Eastern Conference Finals against the Sixers, Havlicek scored 40 big points in a 100-96 victory. And in Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals versus the Phoenix Suns, Havlicek sank a miraculous, game-saving basket in the second overtime period. These promptedthe team to rely heavily on Havlicek in clutch situations, often calling it “Havlicek time”.

In his later years in the 70s, Havlicek was the undisputed leader of the Celtics. He finally became a starter in the 1969-1970 season and led the league in minutes played with 45.4 and 45.1 in the 1970-1971 and 1971-1972 seasons. He averaged a career-high 28.9 points and 27.5 points in those two seasons. In 1974, Havlicek won his seventh title against the Milwaukee Bucks and his first as the Celtic's main man, winning the prestigious NBA Finals MVP Award for his efforts. An emotional Havlicek later said in the Celtics locker room that “This is the greatest one”.

Havlicek called it a career in 1978, finishing as the league's all time leader in games played at the time and also ranking in the top leader board for minutes played and total points scored. He was also one of the most well-loved guys in the league. In the an interview with the New York Times, his former coach Red Auerbach said, “He epitomizes everything good. If I had a son like John, I'd be the happiest man in the world.”

6. Scottie Pippen

Career Averages: 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 47.3% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 70.4% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.146 WS/48, 4.1 BPM, 63.2 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 3x First Team, 2x Second Team, 2x Third Team; All-Defensive: 8x First Team, 2x Second Team; All-Star: 7; Championships: 6 (1991-1993, 1996-1998)

Forever remembered as Michael Jordan's sidekick, Pippen is a great player in his own right. A multidimensional, do it all forward, Pippen's greatest assets were his vision as a play maker and his elite ability to lock down anyone on defense. As noted in his biography in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's website, “Pippen ran the court like a point guard, attacked the boards like a power forward, and swished the nets like a shooting guard.”

At the start of his career, Pippen was primarily a defensive stopper who played a supporting role on offense. In the 1989-1990 season, Pippen garnered a whopping 211 steals for a 2.6 per game average. He also put up 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 48.9% shooting from the field to garner his first All Star appearance as a third year player.

With his elite work ethic, Pippen quickly developed into a more reliable offensive threat in Phil Jackson's triangle offense. It is often reported that Pippen spent a lot of hours after practice playing one on one with Jordan to refine his individual offensive and defensive skills.

The 1990-1991 season was a breakout year for Pippen where he emerged as a bonafide star and a reliable second option for the Bulls while continuing to contribute in all aspects of the game. Throughout the season, Pippen notched three triple doubles against the Clippers, Pacers, and Knicks. He led the team in assists and blocks with 6.2 assists and 1.1 blocks while finishing second in the team in scoring with 17.8 points, second in the team in rebounding with 7.3 rebounds, and second in steals with 2.4. For his efforts, Pippen was awarded a spot in the NBA All Defensive Second Team. His individual brilliance was also a key component in the Bulls' first championship in franchise history.

In the 1993-1994 season, Pippen was finally given an opportunity to emerge out of Jordan's shadows. As the Airness retired to pursue a baseball career, Pippen blossomed. In that season, Pippen became the Bulls' franchise player moving forward. He led the team in four major statistical records – in scoring with 22.0 per game, assists with 5.6 per game, and steals with 2.9 per game (second in the league). And despite Jordan's retirement, the Bulls still finished with a 55-28 record, only two wins less than the prior season, largely due to Pippen's excellent play. Pippen finished the season third in the NBA MVP voting and notched the first of his three straight All NBA First Team selections.

When Jordan returned in 1995, it created a potent superstar duo for the Bulls. In the Bulls' second three peat from 1996 to 1998, Pippen's star continued to shine bright. He continued to be a mainstay in the All NBA team while serving as an elite second option. He also remained as the team's primary defensive stopper as he continued his consecutive run of NBA All Defensive First Team selections which ran from 1992 to 1999.

In 1998, after the Bulls' infamous implosion, Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets and partnered up with agings superstars Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon. However, despite shouldering a bigger load on offense, Pippen's scoring went down to 14.5 points. The Rockets also failed to make much noise in the playoffs as on court chemistry issues prevented them from moving past the Lakers in the first round.

In the 1999-2000 season, as he approached the twilight of his career, Pippen was traded to the Portland Trailblazers. He continued to play excellent defense while producing quality offensive performances on occasion. However, playoff success was hard to come by for Pippen. The Blazer's best playoff performance during Pippen's tenure was in the 2000 playoffs. The Blazers, led by Pippen and young upstarts Rasheed Wallace and Steve Smith, reached the Western Conference Finals versus Phil Jackson and the Lakers. In Game 7, up by fifteen in the fourth quarter, Portland was supposed to finish off the game and series. However, their offense imploded as the Lakers mounted a comeback to win 89-84.

Looking back on Pippen's career, he wasn't the most gifted scorer, but he was as complete a package as any player could be. He was one of the best defenders in NBA history and complemented this with excellent play making. His low post game is largely underrated, and his shooting and rebounding were above average. All of this allowed Pippen to consistently contribute to winning proven by his sixteen post season appearances and six rings. For this reason, Pippen lands at number six in our list.

Best Small Forwards Ever (The Top 5)

In our list of top 10 small forwards in NBA history, we began with honorable mentions, then hit 10-6. We've now hit the homestretch, however. The best of the best. The greatest small forwards ever.

5. Elgin Baylor

Career Averages: 27.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 43.1% FG, 78.0% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.148 WS/48

Awards: MVP Awards: 0; All-NBA: 10x First Team; All-Star: 11; Championships: 0

Often under-appreciated by casual fans and not as celebrated as his teammates Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, Elgin Baylor should be credited as the man who saved the Lakers franchise. After being selected number one in the 1958 NBA draft, Baylor instantly became the superstar the Lakers needed after a 19-53 record in the prior season. According to Lakers owner Bob Short in 1971 interview, “If he had turned me down the, I would have been out of business. The club would have gone bankrupt.”

Even as a rookie, Baylor dazzled everyone with his play on the court. In one game, he put up 55 points which was the third highest points in NBA history at that time. Throughout the regular season, Baylor put up gaudy numbers to the tune of 24.9 points (second in the league), 15.0 rebounds (third in the league), and 4.1 assists (eighth in the league). But more importantly, he turned the Lakers franchise around from last place in the previous season to an NBA Finals berth. There, they faced the Boston Celtics which would eventually begin the greatest rivalry in NBA history.

Throughout his career, Baylor was known for his excellent scoring and strong rebounding. In his prime between the 1960-1961 season and the 1962-1963 season, Baylor averaged 34.8, 38.3, and 34.0 points respectively while also putting up 19.8, 18.6, and 14.3 rebounds. During the 1960-1961 season, Baylor set a new NBA record of 71 points in a game against the New York Knicks. He also grabbed a whopping 25 rebounds in that game.

In the 1961-1962 season, Baylor was called into active duty as a United States Army Reservist. This meant that Baylor could only play during the Lakers' weekend games. As a result, Baylor only played in 48 games that season. However, despite this, he still scored more than 1,800 points with a 38.3 scoring average. Later in that season, Baylor set the NBA Finals single game scoring record of 61 points in Game Five against the Boston Celtics which still stands up to this day.

In total, Baylor led the Lakers to eight NBA Finals appearances. He is currently third all time in the NBA's points per game leader board with 27.4 behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. He is also has the third most field goals made per game in league history with 10.3. Basketball pundits call Baylor the last of the great undersized forwards as Baylor actually stands at only 6'5″. He is also often noted to be the greatest player never to win a championship since he retired nine games into the 1971-1972 season when the Lakers won their first championship since the 1950s. In 2009, SLAM Magazine put Baylor at number 11 in their list of the NBA's Top 50 players all time.

4. Julius Erving

Career Averages: 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks, 50.7% FG, 26.1% 3PT, 77.7% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.178 WS/48, 5.2 BPM, 51.8 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 1 (1981); All-NBA: 5x First Team, 2x Second Team; All-Defensive: 0x; All-Star: 11; Championships: 1 (1983)

The pioneer of the “slam” dunk, Dr. J was a revolutionary player during his time. Erving is often credited as the man who brought dunking into mainstream basketball. He emphasized the advantages of leaping and playing above the rim to finish tough acrobatic shots. During his time, the word “posterized” came into existence to describe Erving's dunks over hapless defenders.

In the beginning of his professional basketball career, Erving spent his days in the ABA. Arguably the greatest ABA player of all time, Erving was the poster boy of the league as he collected three MVP awards, two ABA championships, and two ABA playoffs MVPs all in five seasons. He also averaged a whopping 28.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks in his time spent between the Virginia Squires and the New York Nets.

With the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, Erving was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers. He quickly became the main man for the Sixers alongside George McGinnis, Lloyd Free, and future Bulls Head Coach Doug Collins. In his first NBA season, the Sixers strutted a 50-win season and immediately reached the NBA Finals, losing to Bill Walton and the Portland Trailblazers. However, Erving would not taste relative success again until the 1979-1980 season with the addition of Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney, and Bobby Jones.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

NBA Playoffs Primer: Pacers' Game 2 dominance puts spotlight on Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury

Brett Siegel · 6 hours ago

The Big Door Prize creator spills on Morpho's video game jump

Andrew Korpan · 9 hours ago

The Big Door Prize stars Ally Maki, Gabrielle Dennis recall how pandemic shaped performances

Andrew Korpan · 15 hours ago

That season, as Larry Bird took the league by storm in his rookie year, a brewing rivalry was born. In the 1980 playoffs, Dr. J's Sixers defeated Bird's Celtics to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Erving-Bird rivalry would continue for years to come as the Sixers and Celtics met three more times in the Eastern Conference Finals: 1981, 1982, and 1985.

In 1981, Dr. J became the first and only ABA MVP to also win the NBA MVP. And in 1983, with the addition of reigning NBA MVP Moses Malone, Erving added an NBA championship to his trophy collection. In 1987, Erving finally called it a career, causing his every game to be sold out. Opposing teams paid tribute to Erving similar to how modern fans did it with Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

He finished his career with 30,026 points scattered between the ABA and the NBA which is eighth most all time. But more than the stats, Dr. J left fans with his iconic signature moves like the “Baseline Move” acrobatic layup from behind the backboard and the “Rock the Baby” slam dunk over the Lakers' Michael Cooper.

3. Kevin Durant

Career Averages: 27.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 49.3% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 88.3% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.217 WS/48, 6.7 BPM, 69.0 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 1 (2014); All-NBA: 6x First Team, 3x Second Team; All-Defensive: 0x; All-Star: 10; Championships: 2 (2017, 2018)

Durant's legacy will forever be under-appreciated after his move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016, but this cannot discount the fact that KD is one of the most unstoppable offensive players of all time. His physical profile and basketball skill set puts him in a tier of his own. He is a 7'0″ wing who has the shooting and ball handling of a guard but the length and size of a center.

His unique ability to put the ball in the basket has awarded him four scoring titles from 2010 to 2014. To put that into perspective, only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain have garnered the scoring title more than KD. Durant is also the youngest player ever to win it at 21 years and 197 days old. In his 12 year career, KD has averaged over 25 points per game eleven times and is one of only seven players to be part of the 50-40-90 club.

In the early part of his career, KD was known purely as a scorer. His key weaknesses were defense, playmaking, and his slim build. However, as his career progressed, Durant became a reliable two way player while improving his passing ability year after year. In the 2013-2014 season, Durant was actually the best isolation defender in the league. Players who Durant defended in isolation scored a measly 0.62 points per isolation possession. But his defensive chops were most noticeable in his time with the Warriors. As Golden State played small ball, Durant had the surprising task of protecting the rim which he did excellently. In the 2017-2018 season, KD averaged a career high 1.8 blocks per game which pushed him to be considered in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

Success has also been a fixture of Durant's career. During his prime years as the main man in OKC from 2011 to 2016, Durant led his team to a top three finish in the conference four out of those five seasons. He has also carried the Thunder to fifty wins five times. On top of the regular season success, KD is also a fixture in deep playoff runs. He made it to the playoffs in nine of his twelve seasons and has gotten past the second round in seven of those playoff appearances.

In 2012, a young OKC core led by Durant stormed past the Western Conference greats to book a meeting with the Miami Heat in the Finals. KD reached the Finals three more times later in his career with the Warriors, gifting him with two rings alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

With a few years left in his tank, Durant can still build on his impressive resume. Towing the Brooklyn Nets to an improbable run to the promised land would boost his stock in the conversation of the NBA's top 10 players all time. And the jury is still out whether Durant can jump to number two on this list.

2. Larry Bird

Career Averages: 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.8 blocks, 49.6% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 88.6% FT

Advanced Stats: 0.203 WS/48, 6.9 BPM, 77.2 VORP

Awards: MVP Awards: 3 (1984-1986); All-NBA: 9x First Team, 1x Second Team; All-Defensive: 3x Second Team; All-Star: 12; Championships: 3 (1981, 1984, 1986)

Dubbed as the greatest Boston Celtics player by MSN Sports, Bird was one of the best that ever played the game. His combination of shooting, rebounding, passing, and hustle made him well ahead of his time.

Coming into the NBA off an NCAA championship game appearance, the Celtics inked Bird to a whopping five year 3.25 million dollar deal. This was considered the biggest rookie contract in league history at that time.

In his early years, Bird already brought a level of success to the Celtics. Boston made the playoffs every year during Bird's tenure, and in only his second year in the 1980-1981 season, Bird helped the Celtics win the NBA title.

In the regular season, Bird was also a constant fixture in the MVP ballots. In 1982 and 1983, Bird finished second both times to Moses Malone in MVP voting. Bird finally captured three straight MVPs from 1984 to 1986. Improved play from the Celtics' “Big Three” of Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish also handed Boston two more championships in 1984 and 1986.

Statistically, Bird's numbers are gaudy but not otherworldly in those loaded Boston squads. But his consistency during his prime and the intangibles he brings to the table speaks volumes about his level of play.

Outside his excellence as a player, Bird was also a successful coach and executive with the Indiana Pacers. Bird even led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals against Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers in his third and final year as a coach. He holds the distinction for being the only person to ever capture Rookie of the Year, MVP, NBA Finals MVP, All Star Game MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Off the court, Bird's rivalry with Magic Johnson and the Lakers fueled the NBA's growth globally. The duo's popularity is often described as the catalyst that started the NBA's rise into the global brand it is today.

1. LeBron James

There is no room for debate here. King James is arguably the best or second best player in league history and is hands down the best small forward we have ever seen. His resume speaks for itself. In terms of hardware, LeBron has four MVP awards (third most all time), three championships, three Finals MVP awards (second most all time), and twelve All NBA First Team selections (most selections all time).

The King is equally dominant statistically. He is first all time in playoff points scored with 6,911, third all time in points with 34,087, fourth all time in field goals made with 12,424, fifth all time in free throws made with 7,379, eighth all time in assists with 9,298 (first among forwards), and eighth all time in minutes played with 48,328. And this is all under the premise that LeBron is still arguably at the tail end of his prime in year 17. His longevity and his peak performance are unparalleled anywhere in NBA history.

Advanced statistics are also in favor of LeBron. He is the all time leader in value over replacement player at 133.2, second all time in win shares per 48 with 0.235, and second all time in box plus minus with 8.9.

In terms of playoff success, LeBron has been as consistent as can be. He has led his team to the playoffs in thirteen of his sixteen completed seasons, never bouncing out of the first round in all those years. On top of that, he has made it to the NBA Finals in nine out of those thirteen seasons, even making eight straight NBA Finals trips from 2011 to 2018.

In his rookie season, LeBron lived up to the hype as “The Chosen One”, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an eighteen game turnaround from the previous year to finish the regular season with a 35-47 record. And in only his third season, LeBron finished second in the NBA MVP voting ballots by leading Cleveland to a 50-32 record which was good for the Eastern Conference fourth seed. In his first playoff appearance, the Akron, Ohio native already showcased his talent. He secured a triple double in his playoff debut and hit the game winning shots in games 3 and 5 to tow the Cavs to the second round.

In his fourth year in the 2006-2007 season, LeBron played like superman in leading the Cavs to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Detroit, LeBron notched 48 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists–scoring 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points including the game-winning layup. Steve Kerr described the performance as “Jordan-esque”. In 2012, ESPN considered it the fourth greatest playoff performance in NBA history.

In his prime from 2009 to 2018, many would argue that if not for voter's fatigue, LeBron should have won the MVP award every year. In his time in the Eastern Conference, he was its undisputed king.

Perhaps LeBron's greatest career moment that defined him as the undisputed alpha of this generation is his chase down block on Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. With the score tied at 89 with 1:51 left, Iguodala had an open lane in the fast break when LeBron came out of nowhere to block his layup. The Cavs ultimately pulled off a historic upset against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors to win their first ever championship in franchise history.

As LeBron nears the tail end of his illustrious career, we should only continue appreciating his once in a lifetime greatness. Nevertheless in the a list of the top 10 small forwards in NBA history, LeBron James not only goes down as the best small forward ever, but arguably the greatest player of all-time.