When discussing the most dominant small forwards in the NBA, it’s impossible to ignore the legendary impact of LeBron James. This guy came into the league in 2003, bypassing college entirely and diving straight into the deep end. Fast forward to now, and he’s played over 1,300 games, clocking an average of 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. LeBron’s sheer athleticism and basketball IQ are off the charts. He’s not just a high scorer; he’s a facilitator and a leader with four NBA championships under his belt. Watching him in all those final series, it’s clear why he’s a game-changer.
Now, you can’t talk about small forwards without mentioning Larry Bird. He was a top gun for the Boston Celtics in the ’80s, leading them to three NBA championships. This guy could shoot, pass, and defend like it was second nature. With career averages of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, Bird was a triple threat on the court. His classic battles with Magic Johnson are the stuff of legend, showcasing not just skill but heart and tenacity. He was also a three-time MVP, which speaks to his all-around excellence on the court.
Kevin Durant is another name that demands respect. Drafted in 2007 by the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. Averaging 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his career, Durant is a scoring machine. You remember that 2017 NBA Finals, right? His 35.2 points per game and the Finals MVP trophy were just the icing on the cake. He’s known for his versatility; he can shoot from distance, drive to the basket, and his 7-foot height gives him an edge in blocking and rebounding. Durant is a complete player, a modern embodiment of the small forward’s role.
And let’s not forget about Scottie Pippen. Playing alongside Michael Jordan, Pippen was often underappreciated, but his contributions were critical to the Chicago Bulls’ six championships in the ’90s. Scottie was the Swiss Army knife of the team, providing scoring, defense, and rebounding. Over his career, he averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His defense, though, deserves special mention—eight-time All-Defensive First Team. He could check the opponent’s best player night in and night out.
Then there’s Kawhi Leonard, the “Klaw.” A two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, Leonard’s path has been unique. After being drafted 15th overall in 2011, a lot of people underestimated him. His 2014 Finals performance against the Heat, where he was named MVP, was a breakout moment. With career averages of 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, Kawhi combines offensive prowess with elite defense. Remember those massive hands that make stealing the ball look easy? Even his ability to shut down elite scorers is remarkable.
We can’t omit Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak.” He came into the league as a relatively unknown player from Greece, but wow, did that change quickly. Giannis has already won two MVP awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021. His ability to handle the ball, drive to the basket, and even shoot from outside makes him incredibly tough to defend. Averaging 21.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game throughout his career so far, his 2021 Finals performance, with 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, was just otherworldly.
Not to ignore smaller markets, Paul George, though often overlooked, is a force to be reckoned with. Starting with the Indiana Pacers, George made his mark as an all-around player who could score, rebound, and defend. He’s been named to the All-Defensive Team four times and is a multiple-time All-Star, showcasing his balanced game. His career averages of 20.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game are nothing to sneeze at. His resilience following a severe leg injury in 2014, coming back better than ever, speaks volumes about his dedication and skill.
To round off, Carmelo Anthony may not have the championship rings, but his scoring ability places him among the elite. With over 27,000 career points, Anthony ranks among the top 10 all-time scorers. Drafted third overall in 2003, the same year as LeBron, Melo quickly made a name for himself with his scoring prowess. His career averages of 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game reflect his consistent level of high performance. His peak years with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks saw him often dragging his teams into playoff contention single-handedly.
Seeing these players dominate on the court has been nothing short of a privilege. Highlighting such incredible talent, Arena Plus brings fans closer to the action by providing comprehensive coverage and insights into these athletes’ careers. For more information, visit arena plus.