Small Forwards of the NBA

The Small Forward position is home to some of the biggest names in basketball. These guys put up points in bunches, and when in the zone are not stoppable.

1. Lebron James- Lebron James is possibly the most athletic person to ever play basketball. James is averaging 29.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, which is one of the most dominant stat lines we've ever seen. James can take it inside and posterize any shot blocker in the NBA, but can handle the ball as well as a point guard. King James is an absolute highlight real waiting to happen, with high flying dunks, alley oops, and blocks every single night he is the most exciting player in the league. However Lebron is doing a great job of improving his jump shot and has an exceptional game with his back to the basket, and this has shown in the fact that he is shooting over 50% from the field. Lebron has shown that he is one of the hardest working players in the league and is looking to smash records through his career. Now Lebron just has to prove he can win a championship.

2.Carmelo Anthony- Anthony is not near the athlete that Lebron is but he has proved to be just as good of a scorer. Melo shows basketball savvy by knowing how he can score and taking advantage of what the defense gives him. While Lebron can blow by you at anytime, Anthony is more likely to hit the jumper if you give him an open look. He is averaging 29.7 points, 6.5 boards, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. Ever since winning a gold medal Anthony has recommitted to improving his game in every way. He has improved his shot, but more importantly he has improved his defense. Melo has a knack for hitting big shots when called upon, doing so more and with a better percentage than that of King James. If Melo continues to develop his work ethic, he will continue to develop a very impressive resume.

3. Kevin Durant- The long and lanky Kevin Durant is taking the NBA scene by storm. He is averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game for a Thunder team that is in playoff contention. Durant who stands at 6'9" and has a wingspan of 7'4" can shoot over anybody in the league. He has one of the silkiest, prettiest jump shots you could ever imagine and he can release it from anywhere on the court. If Durant could possibly add some weight he could develop a fierce game down low. Durant who has improved his Defense this year could still use some serious improvement specifically on defending the pick and roll. With the rate that KD is improving at, the length he has, and his pure jump shot he could become one of the greatest scorers of his era.

4. Gerald Wallace- Wallace is one of the main reasons that the Bobcats are finally starting to resemble a basketball team. Wallace who is a physical 6'7" player is averaging a double double at 19.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Wallace is the leading rebounder and second leading scorer for the Bobcats who are surprisingly in contention to make the playoffs, even if it is in the lowly Eastern Conference. Any time you can have your Small Forward averaging a double double it is usually a great sign for your teams rebounding stats, and that is exactly what Wallace does, as he isn't afraid to get in the paint and bang with the bigs. Gerald Wallace at 27 has the peak of his career ahead of him, and it looks like he would be a great asset to any team that he is on.

5.Danny Granger- Granger is the one think that keeps the Indiana Pacers engine churning. Averaging 22.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game Granger is a building block that the Pacers would be wise to build around. The more chances that the Pacers have given Granger to take the reigns(Stephen Jackson going to GS), the more that he has impressed everyone in the league. If the Pacers can surround Granger with a little more talent they would be a prime contender to make the playoffs and lose to one of the Big 4 in the first round. Granger would be a much better player if he could get to the basket and create shots for his teammates, because he is only averaging 2.8 assists per game. Look for Granger to continually improve, but never to the level of the first 3 guys on this list.