Top 10 Best Small Forwards in the NBA Today 2023
These are the best Small Forwards in the NBA today, ranked according to overall talent, production so far, and projected production going forward. This list will be updated as the season progresses. Injured players expected to be out for a long period of time are not included.
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#10 – Cameron Johnson
Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets is known for his exceptional three-point shooting, boasting a 41.6 percent success rate over the past two seasons. He can also contribute with scoring off the dribble, particularly when taking advantage of aggressive closeouts. However, his offensive impact can be limited when his three-point shot isn’t falling consistently. Despite this, his established shooting prowess in the NBA makes him a valuable asset for the Nets. He has shown off this shooting ability over this 2023 season.
#9 – Michael Porter
Michael Porter Jr. made a strong comeback in the 2022-23 season after an injury-riddled year, helping the Denver Nuggets secure their first-ever championship. While he faced some shooting struggles in the NBA Finals, Porter Jr. showcased excellent defense and rebounding skills. His willingness to embrace a role player’s role and contribute with elite shooting adds to his value, making him an essential part of Denver’s success.
#8 – Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic, a veteran small forward, has consistently put up impressive numbers even on teams with moderate success. In his first season with the Detroit Pistons, he became the standout player on a struggling team. Bogdanovic’s elite shooting and scoring abilities, particularly off the dribble, make him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their offensive firepower, which has garnered interest from contending teams.
#7 – Franz Wagner
Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner, a rising star in his first two NBA seasons, has showcased the potential for an All-Star-level career. His improvement in outside shooting, hitting 36.1 percent last season, indicates a promising future. Not only this, he also has a knack for getting his teammates involved with his passing ability. He has been at the helm of a resurging Magic franchise.
#6 – Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown, an All-NBA Second Team selection, secured the largest contract in NBA history, signing a five-year, $304 million deal after his career-best season. He has evolved into an elite shot-maker and one of the league’s premier wing defenders. While his ball-handling skills need improvement, Brown is one of the best small forwards in the NBA today alongside Jayson Tatum.
#5 – Brandon Ingram
Injuries limited Brandon Ingram to 45 games in the previous season, impacting the New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes despite a strong roster. Ingram, a versatile wing player, excels in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and disrupting opponents defensively with his long reach. His length enables him to make contested jumpers, and his agility allows him to navigate past defenders when driving to the basket. While lacking elite burst, his shooting abilities from beyond the arc and midrange compensate for this.
#4 – Paul George
Paul George is considered one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, known for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. However, his recurring injury issues, which have caused him to miss significant playing time over recent seasons, raise concerns about his availability. When healthy, George is a superstar, displaying athleticism and proficiency as a shot-maker across all three levels, along with exceptional defensive skills. Despite these qualities, his ability to stay injury-free remains a significant factor affecting his and the Clippers’ potential success.
#3 – DeMar Derozan
DeMar DeRozan is a unique player in today’s NBA, known for his exceptional midrange scoring ability. He excels at hitting midrange fadeaways and finishing explosively around the basket. Despite being in his mid-30s, DeRozan has maintained his high level of play, earning back-to-back All-Star selections with the Chicago Bulls. He’s in his contract year and it shows as he’s started off hot this 2023 season.
#2 – Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes’ performance in the early part of the season has been impressive, and advanced metrics like Box Plus-Minus (BPM) and Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM) rank him among the top players in the league. While his basic stats of 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game are noteworthy, what makes Barnes stand out is his ability to positively impact his teammates and contribute to winning plays in less obvious ways. His all-around game and ability to elevate his team’s performance make him the most underrated player in the NBA today.
#1 – Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s relentless style of play and his ability to lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals highlight his status as one of the best players in the NBA. He excels in both scoring and defense, ranking high in advanced metrics like VORP, BPM, and WS/48. Butler’s exceptional midrange scoring, defensive strength, and proficiency at drawing fouls contribute to his efficiency, even in the absence of a strong three-point shot. Jimmy Butler will look to lead the Miami Heat to another NBA Finals as he cements his status as the best small forward in the NBA today.
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