25-1: Greatest small forwards in NBA history

• Ranking the greatest small forwards in NBA history, from elite defenders to unstoppable scorers
• Career production, impact, championships, and peak seasons considered
• Two GOAT candidates headline a historically stacked top 10
• Peak-season box scores used to separate the greatest from the best

These are the greatest small forwards in NBA history from ultimate bucket-getters to unstoppable three-level scorers. There are multiple MVPs, multiple NBA champions and two players in the GOAT conversation at the top of the list. The top 10 includes peak seasons to separate the greatest from the best. We've taken into account career numbers, impact and historical greatness.

This is basketball.com.au's 25 Greatest Small Forwards of All-Time.

25. Metta World Peace - 2.01m (118kg)

GP: 991 │ MIN: 31.5 PTS: 13.6 FG: 5.0–12.0 (41.2%) 3PT: 1.4–4.0 (33.9%) FT: 2.3–3.3 (71.7%) REB: 4.4 │ AST: 2.6 │ TO: 2.1 STL: 1.7 │ BLK: 0.5 │ PF: 3.0 EFF: 15.2

• NBA champion (2010)
• NBA All-Star (2004)
• All-NBA Third Team (2004)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2004, 2006)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2003, 2009)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2000)

Metta World Peace makes this list because he is the best defender on it. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, alongside Kobe Bryant, in 2010. It’s easy to overlook the fact he played 46 minutes in Game 7 against the Celtics and hit the biggest bucket of the game, a three, to all but win it for the Lakers. His numbers hide the fact his impact on the defensive side of the ball was elite.

24. Peja Stojaković - 2.08m (104kg)

GP: 804 │ MIN: 34.2 PTS: 17.0 FG: 5.9–13.1 (45.0%) 3PT: 2.6–6.5 (40.1%) FT: 3.2–3.6 (89.5%) REB: 4.7 │ AST: 1.8 │ TO: 1.7 STL: 0.9 │ BLK: 0.1 │ PF: 2.3 EFF: 15.2

• NBA champion (2011)
• 3× NBA All-Star (2002–2004)
• All-NBA Second Team (2004)
• 2× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2002, 2003)

Finally got his championship in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks. Stojaković was one of those under the radar type players, a role player behind Chris Webber (Sacramento) and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) but his ability to knock down big buckets was as consistent as it was elite. He won the three-point contest back-to-back in 2002-03, validating his ability to knock shots down from deep. His career 17 points and near five rebounds per game in more than 800 games is outstanding.

23. Mark Aguirre - 1.98m (105kg)

GP: 923 │ MIN: 30.8 PTS: 20.0 FG: 7.7–15.9 (48.4%) 3PT: 0.4–1.4 (31.0%) FT: 4.2–5.6 (74.1%) REB: 5.0 │ AST: 3.1 │ TO: 2.9 STL: 0.9 │ BLK: 0.4 │ PF: 2.7 EFF: 21.0

• 2× NBA champion (1989, 1990)
• 3× NBA All-Star (1984, 1987, 1988)

Aguirre’s eight-year career at the Dallas Mavericks would put him on this list but his mid-season trade to the Detroit Pistons for another player on this list Adrian Dantley was the missing piece for the Pistons. Aguirre was an absolute bucket and gave the Pistons a different look from Dantley. Aguirre became a role player on a stacked Pistons front line instead of the primary option in Dallas and it worked. The Pistons went back-to-back in 1989 and 1990.

22. Glen Rice - 2.03m (103kg)

GP: 1,000 │ MIN: 34.0 PTS: 18.3 FG: 6.6–14.4 (45.6%) 3PT: 2.2–5.4 (40.0%) FT: 2.9–3.4 (85.6%) REB: 4.4 │ AST: 2.1 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.1 │ BLK: 0.2 │ PF: 2.5 EFF: 19.8

• NBA champion (2000)
• 3× NBA All-Star (1996–1998)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1997)
• All-NBA Second Team (1997)
• All-NBA Third Team (1998)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1990)
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1995)

The man with the smoothest jumper in NBA history could flat out shoot the rock. Rice shot 40% from deep, which is exceptional considering the three-ball was only in its infancy as an offensive weapon. There was no finer sight than seeing Rice rise up and bust nothing but the bottom, especially during the Lakers’ 2000 NBA championship run.

21. Jimmy Butler - 1.98m (104kg)

GP: 876 │ MIN: 33.2 PTS: 18.3 FG: 6.3–13.1 (48.3%) 3PT: 1.1–3.2 (33.1%) FT: 4.6–5.4 (84.6%) REB: 5.3 │ AST: 4.2 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.6 │ BLK: 0.4 │ PF: 2.0 EFF: 21.7

• 6× NBA All-Star (2015–2018, 2020, 2022)
• All-NBA Second Team (2023)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014–2016, 2018, 2021)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2015)
• NBA steals leader (2021)

Jimmy “Buckets” willed the Miami Heat into the Bubble NBA Finals and is almost a three-level scorer. His midrange is all-world and his ability to get to the rim and finish equally tough. Butler’s career has taken him from Chicago to Minnesota, Philadelphia, Miami and Golden State. The exits haven’t been pretty from each of those clubs but Butler’s winning mentality is undeniable and he is a hooper.

20. Chris Mullin

GP: 986 │ MIN: 35.1 PTS: 18.2 FG: 6.5–13.2 (49.9%) 3PT: 1.9–4.6 (38.4%) FT: 3.2–3.6 (86.5%) REB: 4.1 │ AST: 3.5 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.7 │ BLK: 0.4 │ PF: 2.7 EFF: 20.7

• 5× NBA All-Star (1989–1993)
• All-NBA First Team (1992)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1989, 1991)
• All-NBA Third Team (1990)

The “M” in Run TMC and member of the 1992 Dream Team, Chris Mullin could fill it up. The landed hander could shoot from anywhere. Mullin played almost 1,000 NBA games and averaged 18.2 points per game and more than 38% from three.  Being an All-NBA First Teamer in 1992 is no mean feat. That generation was stacked with Hall of Famers.

Related Rankings: 25-1: Greatest power forwards in NBA history │ 20-to-1: The greatest point guards in NBA history │ Ranked: Top 30 NBA Players of All-Time │ Ranked: The 19 smoothest jumpers in NBA history │ Why the 1987 All-Star Game is the greatest of all

19. Tracy McGrady - 2.03m (102kg)

GP: 938 │ MIN: 32.7 PTS: 19.6 FG: 7.4–16.5 (44.7%) 3PT: 1.5–4.3 (34.0%) FT: 3.3–4.3 (77.9%) REB: 5.6 │ AST: 4.4 │ TO: 2.6 STL: 1.2 │ BLK: 0.9 │ PF: 2.5 EFF: 21.3

• 7× NBA All-Star (2001–2007)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (2002, 2003)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2001, 2004, 2007)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2005, 2008)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (2003, 2004)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2001)

Anyone who can score 13 points in 15 seconds deserves to be on the list just for that but McGrady was a bucket, a high-flying bucket. Peak McGrady was a two-time All NBA First Team superstar, was a back-to-back NBA scoring champion and a highlight whenever he stepped out onto the floor.

18. Adrian Dantley - 1.96m (94kg)

GP: 955 │ MIN: 33.3 PTS: 24.3 FG: 8.6–15.8 (54.5%) 3PT: 0.0–0.1 (25.0%) FT: 7.1–8.5 (83.7%) REB: 5.7 │ AST: 3.0 │ TO: 3.0 STL: 1.2 │ BLK: 0.1 │ PF: 2.9 EFF: 24.6

• 6× NBA All-Star (1980–1982, 1984–1986)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1981, 1984)
• NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1977)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1977)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1981, 1984)

The OG AD. Dantley was an unconventional scorer but ultra effective and almost impossible to stop. Being a six-time All-Star in the 80s, the greatest decade in NBA history is not for the faint of heart. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks mid-season for Mark Aguirre in 1989 and without doubt could have been the corner piece of that back-to-back Pistons teams. Dantley was underrated and remains so.

17. Carmelo Anthony - 2.01 (108kg)

GP: 1,260 │ MIN: 34.1 PTS: 22.5 FG: 8.1–18.1 (44.7%) 3PT: 1.9–5.2 (35.5%) FT: 4.3–5.3 (81.4%) REB: 6.2 │ AST: 2.7 │ TO: 2.5 STL: 1.0 │ BLK: 0.5 │ PF: 2.8 EFF: 21.6

• 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
• NBA scoring champion (2013)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)

The OG Melo. Anthony didn’t ever see a shot he didn’t like and rightfully so, he was a knockdown shooter, a true three-level scorer. When he got it going, Melo was unguardable, had a pull-up and turnaround jumper that he could get off when and where he liked. 

16. Bernard King – 2.01m (93kg)

Career: GP: 874 │ MIN: 32.9 PTS: 19.5 FG: 8.1–15.7 (51.8%) 3PT: 0.1–0.3 (21.0%) FT: 3.5–4.7 (74.7%)
REB: 5.0 │ AST: 3.3 │ TO: 2.3 STL: 1.0 │ BLK: 0.2 │ PF: 2.6 EFF: 17.9

• 4× NBA All-Star (1982, 1984, 1985, 1991)
• 2× All-NBA First Team (1984, 1985)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• All-NBA Third Team (1991)
• NBA Comeback Player of the Year (1981)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1978)
• NBA scoring champion (1985)

Bernard King was a flat out baller. His explanation of how he would get to his spots on the floor and have two or three different scoring options at each spot is a masterclass on how to score the ball. If not for a knee injury King was set for an All-NBA First team career instead of just the two times he made the team in 1984 and 1985 – a class that included Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. That’s just how good King was.

15. Paul Pierce – 2.01m (107kg)

GP: 1,343 │ MIN: 34.0 PTS: 19.7 FG: 6.8–15.0 (44.5%) 3PT: 2.1–5.7 (36.8%) FT: 4.1–4.9 (80.6%) REB: 5.6 │ AST: 3.5 │ TO: 2.6 STL: 1.3 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.8 EFF: 20.9

• NBA champion (2008)
• NBA Finals MVP (2008)
• 10× NBA All-Star (2002–2006, 2008–2012)
• All-NBA Second Team (2009)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2002, 2003, 2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1999)
• NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2010)

The Truth. Pierce didn’t make the All-NBA First Team during his career but was a cold-blooded scorer especially in the clutch. Winning helps his case to be as high as he is on this list as well as being a near 20 ppg scorer in more than 1,340 ball games. He was a volume scorer for the championship Celtics in 2008, winning the Finals MVP.

14. Dominique Wilkins – 2.04m (104kg)

GP: 1,074 │ MIN: 34.2 PTS: 24.8 FG: 9.5–19.3 (49.2%) 3PT: 0.6–1.8 (31.9%) FT: 5.3–7.2 (73.7%) REB: 6.7 │ AST: 2.5 │ TO: 2.8 STL: 1.3 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.6 EFF: 24.3

• 9× NBA All Star (1986–1994)
• All-NBA First Team (1986)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (1987, 1988, 1991, 1993)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1989, 1994)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983)
• NBA scoring champion (1986)
• 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1985, 1990)

The Human Highlight Film.  There are few in-game dunkers better than Wilkins and few better Slam Dunk champions. His battles with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics while playing for the Atlanta Hawks are part of NBA lore. His tip-jam follow off a long mid-range attempt is to be seen to be believed. ‘Nique had a decent squad around him in the mid to late 80s but he just couldn’t ever get over the hump. He played in an era that had a bottleneck of superstar talent but whenever there was a highlight reel cut, Wilkins was the star attraction.

13. John Havlicek – 1.96m (92kg)

GP: 1,270 │ MIN: 36.6 PTS: 20.8 FG: 8.3–17.1 (48.8%) 3PT: n/a FT: 4.2–5.4 (78.8%) REB: 6.3 │ AST: 4.8 │ TO: n/a │ STL: n/a │ BLK: n/a │ PF: n/a EFF: n/a

• 8× NBA champion (1963–1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976)
• NBA Finals MVP (1974)
• 13× NBA All-Star (1966–1978)
• 4× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974)
• 7× All-NBA Second Team (1964, 1966, 1968–1970, 1975, 1976)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972–1976)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1969–1971)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963)

“Hondo” Havlicek was one of the league’s first true superstars. Havlicek was the glue in the Celtics extraordinary 1960s dynasty, winning eight titles and two more in the 70s. Back in the day, box scores didn’t record steals or blocks so his true impact is lost in time but his legacy is almost unparalleled. Four straight years as an All-NBA First Team member from 1971-74 and a five-time All-Defensive First Teamer sums up just how good Havlicek was.

12. Rick Barry – 2.01m (93kg)

GP: 1,005 │ MIN: 36.3 PTS: 23.2 FG: 8.6–18.4 (46.7%) 3PT: 0.2–0.6 (30.5%) FT: 5.7–6.7 (89.3%)  REB: 6.7 │ AST: 5.0 │ TO: n/a │ STL: n/a │ BLK: n/a │ PF: n/a EFF: n/a

• NBA champion (1975)
• NBA Finals MVP (1975)
• ABA champion (1969)
• 8× NBA All-Star (1966, 1967, 1973–1978)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1967)
• 5× All-NBA First Team (1966, 1967, 1974–1976)
• All-NBA Second Team (1973)
• 4× ABA All-Star (1969–1972)
• 4× All-ABA First Team (1969–1972)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1966)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966)
• NBA scoring champion (1967)
• NBA steals leader (1975)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• ABA All-Time Team

Hello all-time NBA resume, my name is Rick Barry. Barry averaged 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists during his 1,005-game career. Those are some serious numbers. He shot as close to automatic 89.3% from the free throw line … in the underhand style that is now a relic. It’s easy to classify Barry as just another player from the past that didn’t play against anyone but that’s not even close to being true. Rick Barry was tough – on both sides of the ball and his numbers stack up to anyone going around in any era.

11. Kawhi Leonard – 1.98m (102kg)

GP: 704 │ MIN: 31.8 PTS: 20.1 FG: 7.4–15.3 (48.5%) 3PT: 1.8–4.6 (38.9%) FT: 3.6–4.3 (85.8%) REB: 6.4 │ AST: 3.0 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.7 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.0 EFF: 23.8

• 2× NBA champion (2014, 2019)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (2014, 2019)
• 6× NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021, 2024)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (2020)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017, 2021)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2019, 2020, 2024)
• 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017)
• 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014, 2019–2021)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012)
• NBA steals leader (2015)

Kawhi Leonard — Career Year (2018–19)

• Season: 2018–19 │ GP: 60 │ MIN: 34.0 PTS: 26.6 FG: 9.3–18.8 (49.6%) 3PT: 1.9–5.0 (37.1%) FT: 6.1–7.1 (85.4%) REB: 7.3 │ AST: 3.3 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.8 │ BLK: 0.4 │ PF: 2.0 EFF: 27.8

Kawhi is lucky to make the top 11. I did have him at 10 but bumped for Grant Hill. He should be No.3 but the back half of his career can only be characterised as “Load Managed”. His ability and killer instinct is undeniable, he’s a three-time All-NBA First Team member, two time champion, two-time Finals MVP, two-time Defensive Player of the Year but has played in less than half the games available for almost five years. When he’s on the floor, he’s one of the best to ever do it but, sadly, we haven’t seen long stretches of dominance, only glimpses of what he could be or could have been.

Related Rankings: 25-1: Greatest power forwards in NBA history │ 20-to-1: The greatest point guards in NBA history │ Ranked: Top 30 NBA Players of All-Time │ Ranked: The 19 smoothest jumpers in NBA history │ Why the 1987 All-Star Game is the greatest of all

10. Grant Hill - 2.03m (102kg).

GP: 1,026 │ MIN: 33.9 PTS: 16.7 FG: 6.2–13.1 (47.6%) 3PT: 0.4–1.4 (31.4%) FT: 3.9–5.0 (79.6%) REB: 6.0 │ AST: 4.1 │ TO: 2.6 STL: 1.2 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.4 EFF: 20.4

• 7× NBA All-Star (1995–1998, 2000, 2001, 2005)
• All-NBA First Team (1997)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (1996, 1998–2000)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1995)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1995)

When your Hall of Fame career is also a “what if” you are a flat-out baller. Hill was one of the original point-forwards in the NBA. Seriously high IQ playing for Coach K at Duke (who could forget that ridiculous lob finish) translated to instant superstar in the NBA. Hill was only the third player in history to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists twice - the other two Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. But a severe ankle injury in Detroit robbed Hill of his athleticism. Hill had to have ankle surgery in 2003 in which doctors had to break his ankle to realign it. Just imagine Grant Hill without a bum ankle. He’d be easily higher up this list, much higher. 

9. Alex English - 2.03m (86kg).

GP: 1,193 │ MIN: 34.2 PTS: 21.5 FG: 8.6–17.1 (50.4%) 3PT: 0.1–0.4 (21.1%) FT: 4.1–4.9 (83.2%) REB: 5.5 │ AST: 4.2 │ TO: 2.9 STL: 1.1 │ BLK: 0.5 │ PF: 2.6 EFF: 23.8

• 8× NBA All-Star (1982–1989)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1982, 1983, 1986)
• NBA scoring champion (1983)

Alex English — Career Year (1985–86)

• Season: 1985–86 │ GP: 81 │ MIN: 37.3 PTS: 29.8 FG: 11.7–23.3 (50.4%) 3PT: 0.0–0.1 (20.0%) FT: 6.3–7.3 (86.2%) REB: 5.0 │ AST: 4.0 │ TO: 3.1 STL: 0.9 │ BLK: 0.4 │ PF: 2.9 EFF: 27.6

Alex English, eighth on this list, feels criminal. If there was room for the leading scorer of the 1980s he’d be further up the list. In 1985-86 English averaged 29.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists. He shot 50.4% from the field. The man could score the ball. He scored the most points in the 1980s. The Most. English had a superb mid-range game and an outstanding pull-up. At 6’8” he could shoot over smaller players and easily get to his spots. English is absolutely one of the most underrated players in NBA history. You don't need anymore evidence that English being left off the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team and 75th Anniversary Team. So dumb.

8. James Worthy

James Worthy — Career (NBA Regular Season)

GP: 926 │ MIN: 32.0 PTS: 17.6 FG: 7.4–14.2 (52.1%) 3PT: 0.1–0.6 (24.1%) FT: 2.7–3.6 (74.1%) REB: 5.1 │ AST: 3.0 │ TO: 2.1 STL: 1.1 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.4 EFF: 20.1

• 3× NBA champion (1985, 1987, 1988)
• NBA Finals MVP (1988)
• 7× NBA All-Star (1986–1992)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1991)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983)

James Worthy — Career Year (1989–90)

• Season: 1989–90 │ GP: 80 │ MIN: 37.0 PTS: 21.1 FG: 8.9–16.2 (54.8%) 3PT: 0.2–0.6 (30.6%) FT: 3.1–4.0 (78.2%)  REB: 6.0 │ AST: 3.6 │ TO: 2.0 STL: 1.2 │ BLK: 0.6 │ PF: 2.4 EFF: 23.3

“Big Game” James Worthy. Talk about a superstar that accepted his role to win championships. Worthy’s career numbers would be upper, upper echelon of the NBA if it wasn’t for the fact he was the third option on the Showtime Lakers behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson. The fact he averaged 17.6 points in 926 games on 52.1% from the field meant he made the most of his opportunities. His back to the basket post offense was a ballet and the triple double in Game 7 of the 1988 NBA Finals to win the championship has forever made him a Lakers legend.

7. Clyde Drexler

GP: 1,086 │ MIN: 34.6 PTS: 20.4 FG: 7.7–16.3 (47.2%) 3PT: 0.8–2.4 (31.8%) FT: 4.3–5.5 (78.8%)  REB: 6.1 │ AST: 5.6 │ TO: 2.7 STL: 2.0 │ BLK: 0.7 │ PF: 3.0 EFF: 22.7

• NBA champion (1995)
• 10× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1994, 1996, 1997)
• All-NBA First Team (1992)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1991)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1990, 1995)

Clyde Drexler — Career Year (1991–92)

• Season: 1991–92 │ GP: 76 │ MIN: 36.2 PTS: 25.0 FG: 9.1–19.4 (47.0%) 3PT: 1.5–4.4 (33.7%) FT: 5.3–6.6 (79.4%)  REB: 6.6 │ AST: 6.7 │ TO: 3.2 STL: 1.8 │ BLK: 0.9 │ PF: 3.0 EFF: 27.2

There were few nicer sights in NBA history than Clyde “The Glyde” Drexler on the fast break. Drexler was a superb athlete who carried the mystic of the Phi Slamma Jamma Houston Cougars into the NBA in the early-mid 80s. Drexler’s 1991-92 season is up there with one of the all-time greats averaging 25.0 points per game, 6.6 boards, 6.7 assists, 1.8 steals and almost a block a game. He joined former Cougars teammate Hakeem Olajuwon on the Houston Rockets in the mid-90s and finally won the championship he’d craved.

6. Elgin Baylor

Career: GP: 846 │ MIN: 40.6 PTS: 27.4 FG: 10.6–23.8 (44.6%) 3PT: n/a FT: 6.1–8.0 (78.0%)REB: 13.5 │ AST: 4.3 │ TO: n/a │ STL: n/a │ BLK: n/a │ PF: n/a EFF: n/a

• 11× NBA All-Star (1959–1965, 1967–1970)
• NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (1959)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1959–1965, 1967–1969)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1959)

Elgin Baylor — Career Year (1961–62)

• Season: 1961–62 │ GP: 48 │ MIN: 44.4 PTS: 38.3 FG: 14.2–33.1 (42.8%) 3PT: n/a FT: 9.9–13.1 (75.4%) REB: 18.6 │ AST: 4.6 │ TO: n/a STL: n/a │ BLK: n/a │ PF: 3.2 EFF: n/a

The original high-flying small forward. Elgin did things on the basketball court no one had ever seen before. His career was frustrated by the Boston Celtics but look no further than his 1961-62 season where he averaged 38.3 points per game and 18.6 boards. Now that is a box score.

Related Rankings: 25-1: Greatest power forwards in NBA history │ 20-to-1: The greatest point guards in NBA history │ Ranked: Top 30 NBA Players of All-Time │ Ranked: The 19 smoothest jumpers in NBA history

5. Scottie Pippen

GP: 1,178 │ MIN: 34.9 PTS: 16.1 FG: 6.1–13.1 (47.3%) 3PT: 1.1–3.2 (32.6%) FT: 2.7–3.9 (70.4%) REB: 6.4 │ AST: 5.2 │ TO: 2.6 STL: 2.0 │ BLK: 0.8 │ PF: 2.7 EFF: 20.9

• 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 7× NBA All-Star (1990, 1992–1997)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (1994–1996)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1997)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1993, 1998)
• 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1992–1999)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1991, 2000)
• NBA steals leader (1995)

Scottie Pippen — Career Year (1993–94)

• Season: 1993–94 │ GP: 72 │ MIN: 38.3 PTS: 22.0 FG: 8.7–17.8 (49.1%) 3PT: 0.9–2.7 (32.0%) FT: 3.8–5.7 (66.0%) REB: 8.7 │ AST: 5.6 │ TO: 3.2 STL: 2.9 │ BLK: 0.8 │ PF: 3.0 EFF: 26.1

Scottie Pippen’s best individual season came when Michael Jordan toddled off to play baseball. It offered a glimpse into Pippen’s ceiling and he was indeed elite as the primary option, aside from that one time he pouted for not getting the last shot of a playoff game. Fortunately Toni Kukoc busted it and the Bulls won. His resume is unparalleled and his ability to defend multiple spots while Jordan gave the rest of the league buckets is testament to his ability to play a role. He’s the only player in the top 10 that wasn’t the primary option for the majority of their careers. That is impressive.

4. Julius Erving – 2.01m (91kg).

GP: 1,243 │ MIN: 36.4 PTS: 24.2 FG: 9.5–18.8 (50.6%) 3PT: 0.1–0.4 (29.8%) FT: 5.0–6.5 (77.7%)  REB: 8.5 │ AST: 4.2 │ TO: 3.4 STL: 2.0 │ BLK: 1.7 │ PF: 2.8 EFF: 26.4

• NBA champion (1983)
• 2× ABA champion (1974, 1976)
• 2× ABA Playoffs MVP (1974, 1976)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1981)
• 3× ABA Most Valuable Player (1974–1976)
• 11× NBA All-Star (1977–1987)
• 5× ABA All-Star (1972–1976)
• 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1977, 1983)
• 5× All-NBA First Team (1978, 1980–1983)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1977, 1984)
• 4× All-ABA First Team (1973–1976)
• All-ABA Second Team (1972)
• ABA All-Defensive First Team (1976)
• ABA All-Rookie First Team (1972)
• 3× ABA scoring champion (1973, 1974, 1976)
• ABA Slam Dunk champion (1976)
• ABA All-Time Team
• ABA All-time MVP

Julius Erving — Peak Season (1975–76, ABA)

• Season: 1975–76 │ GP: 84 │ MIN: 37.7 PTS: 29.3 FG: 11.4–22.2 (51.5%) 3PT: n/a FT: 6.5–8.0 (81.5%)  REB: 11.0 │ AST: 5.0 │ TO: n/a STL: 2.0 │ BLK: 2.5 │ PF: n/a EFF: n/a

The Doctor quite simply changed the way the game was played. He packed out Rucker Park and every NBA & ABA stadium he went to. Julius was an artist in every sense of the word. Graceful, athletic, powerful and creative. Dr J averaged 24.2 points per game, 8.5 boards, two steals and 1.7 blocks in more than 1,240 ball games. Julius was the forerunner to the modern NBA small forward. The first slam dunk champion, the master of the finger roll and attacker of big men at the rim. Julius was before his time but also the man of his time.

3. Kevin Durant

GP: 1,061 │ MIN: 36.9 PTS: 27.3 FG: 9.9–18.9 (52.3%) 3PT: 2.1–5.4 (38.8%) FT: 5.9–6.8 (88.3%) REB: 7.1 │ AST: 4.4 │ TO: 3.1 STL: 1.1 │ BLK: 1.1 │ PF: 1.9 EFF: 28.5

• 2× NBA champion (2017, 2018)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2014)
• 15× NBA All-Star (2010–2019, 2021–2025)
• 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019)
• 6× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014, 2018)
• 5× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008)
• 4× NBA scoring champion (2010–2012, 2014)

Kevin Durant — Peak Season (2013–14)

• 2013–14 │ GP: 81 │ MIN: 38.6 PTS: 32.0 FG: 10.5–20.8 (50.3%) 3PT: 2.4–6.1 (39.1%) FT: 8.7–9.9 (87.3%)  REB: 7.4 │ AST: 5.5 │ TO: 3.5 STL: 1.3 │ BLK: 0.7 │ PF: 2.1 EFF: 31.7

Without doubt Kevin Durant is the greatest three-level scorer in NBA history, if not the greatest scorer of all-time. Durant’s ability to put the ball in the hole is in a league by itself. A legit 2.11m wing with flawless footwork, ability to put the ball on the floor, hit the pull-up, step back, runner, the spot-up three ball or dunk it right on your head makes Durant easily one of the greatest small forwards of all time. His career 52% field goal percentage is nuts. His career year in 2013-14 was built on a 31.7 efficiency rating just a touch shy of Larry Bird’s 32.8 in ‘87-88 … that’s just how good Durant is. As far as scoring goes, Durant is No.1 at the small forward position.

2. LeBron James

Career: GP: 1,492 │ MIN: 38.0 PTS: 27.1 FG: 10.0–19.6 (50.6%) 3PT: 2.3–6.6 (35.4%) FT: 5.1–7.0 (73.6%) REB: 7.5 │ AST: 7.4 │ TO: 3.5 STL: 1.5 │ BLK: 0.7 │ PF: 1.8 EFF: 28.1

• 4× NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4× NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
• 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
• 21× NBA All-Star (2005–2025)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
• 13× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)
• 4× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007, 2021, 2025)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2022–2024)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA scoring champion (2008)
• NBA assists leader (2020)
• NBA Cup champion (2023)
• NBA Cup MVP (2023)

LeBron James — Peak Season (2012–13)

2012–13 │ GP: 76 │ MIN: 37.9 PTS: 26.8 FG: 10.1–17.8 (56.5%) 3PT: 1.4–3.3 (40.6%) FT: 5.3–7.0 (75.3%) REB: 8.0 │ AST: 7.3 │ TO: 3.0 STL: 1.7 │ BLK: 0.9 │ PF: 1.4 EFF: 30.7

The fact LeBron is right in the middle of the Greatest of All-Time conversation tells you all you need to know. He’s the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, four-time champion, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP and has played for 23 seasons. His ability to play at the highest level for so long separates him as an all-time great. His career efficiency sits right around 28 for almost 1.500 games. That is high impact, direct impact every single night.

LeBron’s peak season was awesome – 26.8 points per game on 56.5% from the field, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists. But at times his free throw shooting has let him down but it’s balanced out to a decent 73% clip.

But the test here is from the playground: You have peak Lebron and peak Larry Bird standing side-by-side, who do you pick?

1. Larry Bird

GP: 897 │ MIN: 38.4 PTS: 24.3 FG: 8.8–17.8 (49.6%) 3PT: 1.9–4.8 (37.6%) FT: 4.8–5.7 (88.6%) REB: 10.0 │ AST: 6.3 │ TO: 3.1 STL: 1.7 │ BLK: 0.8 │ PF: 2.5 EFF: 30.1

• 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982)
• 9× All-NBA First Team (1980–1988)
• All-NBA Second Team (1990)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
• 3× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986–1988)

Larry Bird — Peak Season (1987–88)

GP: 76 │ MIN: 39.0 PTS: 29.9 FG: 11.6–22.0 (52.7%) 3PT: 1.3–3.1 (41.4%) FT: 5.5–6.0 (91.6%) REB: 9.3 │ AST: 6.1 │ TO: 2.8 STL: 1.6 │ BLK: 0.8 │ PF: 2.1 EFF: 32.8

Larry “Legend”. Larry Bird is without doubt the greatest small forward of all-time.

At his peak, Bird was simply irrepressible, electric and a stone-cold killer. Bird averaged a career double-double on almost 50% from the field. He was the only player in history that would tell people guarding him what he was going to do … and then do it. He hit two game winners in the same game after head coach KC Jones called a time out as Bird hit the first one. He went back into the time out and told KC to get him the ball. He hit the winner again.

Larry's peak season was 1987-88 where his efficiency was a staggering 32.8 in 76 regular season games. He won the previous three straight MVP awards. He took the Celtics to four straight Finals between 84-88, won three straight MVPs, was a lock in the NBA First Team for a decade, won the three-point shooting contest at the All-Star game three times, mostly on reputation (and his ability to shoot the ball) and was and probably still is one of the smartest basketball players to ever live.

He could barely walk in 1990 and still made the All-NBA Second Team. Peak Larry is the Greatest Small Forward of All-Time. With the game on the line, put the ball in Bird’s hands and witness the legend grow.

Michael Jordan said: “I think Larry was probably the smartest basketball player I’ve ever played against.”

Magic Johnson said: “There will never, ever be another Larry Bird.”

Isiah Thomas said: “He was a killer. Larry Bird was a killer.”

Kobe Bryant said: “Larry Bird was one of the coldest players to ever play the game.”

Bill Walton said: “Larry Bird is the greatest passer I’ve ever seen at the forward position.”

Kevin Durant said: “Larry Bird would be killing in this era. He’s one of the greatest scorers ever.”

Dennis Rodman said: “Larry Bird was the most mentally tough player I ever played against.”

Charles Barkley said: “Larry Bird is the best small forward that’s ever played the game.”

And that is why Larry Bird is the Greatest Small Forward of All-Time. Enjoy the Show👇👇👇