Alright, so today I’m gonna break down my thoughts on who I think are the best small forwards ever. This isn’t some objective list, just my opinion based on what I’ve seen and researched over the years. Let’s dive right in!
First off, gotta start with LeBron James. I mean, come on. You can’t have this conversation without mentioning him. I’ve watched him since he was a rookie, and the dude is just a machine. His combination of size, athleticism, and court vision is unreal. Plus, his longevity is insane. He’s still dominating the league after all these years. Saw him live once, and it’s a whole different experience seeing his athleticism in person. So yeah, LeBron’s gotta be at the top.
Next up, Larry Bird. I never got to see him play live (I’m not THAT old!), but I’ve watched tons of old games and highlights. His shooting was just pure money. And his passing? Man, he could thread the needle like nobody’s business. Plus, he had that swagger, that trash-talking confidence that just made him so fun to watch. I remember reading his biography and being blown away by his work ethic. The guy was a gym rat through and through.
Then there’s Scottie Pippen. Often overshadowed by Jordan, but Pippen was crucial to those Bulls championships. He was an elite defender, could handle the ball, and was a solid scorer. He did all the little things that helped the team win. People forget how good he was because he played next to MJ, but he was definitely a top-tier small forward. I even tried to emulate his defensive style back in my pick-up ball days – didn’t quite work out, haha.
I’m also gonna throw Kevin Durant in the mix. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny his talent. He’s one of the most gifted scorers the game has ever seen. That smooth jumper, that crazy length – he’s just impossible to guard. I was at a game when he dropped 50, and it was just effortless. Can’t deny that kind of pure scoring ability. Watched a lot of his games, especially when he was in OKC, and I am really impressed by his skills.
Now, I know some people might argue about other guys, like Elgin Baylor or Julius Erving. Those guys were legends, no doubt. But for me, based on what I’ve seen and read, those four are my top picks. It’s all subjective, of course.
- LeBron James
- Larry Bird
- Scottie Pippen
- Kevin Durant
Anyway, that’s my two cents. What do you guys think? Who are your favorite small forwards of all time? Let me know in the comments!
