The skill level for the small forward position is at an all-time high as the new NBA season begins. This is because capable forwards can defend multiple positions and are often the best players on their team, the small forward position may be the most important position in the modern NBA. As a result, eight of the past ten Finals MVPs have been natural small forwards.
On that note, let’s have a look at the top 5 SF going into next season:-
1) Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Who else other than the King can hold the number one position on this list. James had an MVP-caliber season, considering his age of 37, but the Lakers were marred by injuries throughout the whole season. The Laker also missed the playoffs for the second time in four years of Lebron’s presence in Hollywood city. If star player Anthony Davis can be available to play for at least 60 games this season, there is a high chance that the Lakers can compete for the championship and James can win a 5th MVP and even a 5th championship ring.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=56, PPG=30.3, AST/gm= 6.2, RBD/gm=8.2, 3-pt%= 35.9%
Also read: Oladipo returns to Heat, aiming toward return to past form
2) Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
The Klaw was not available for the entirety of last season because of a hamstring injury he suffered against the Utah Jazz in the 2021 playoffs. This season, he would be looking to finally deliver a championship or even help the Clippers make a maiden run to the NBA Finals. When healthy, Leonard is considered a top-5 player in the NBA. A special thing about the San-Diego-born basketball player is that he is as efficient in his defense as he is in the offense.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=0, PPG=0, AST/gm= 0, RBD/gm=0, 3-pt%= 0%
Also read: Zion Williamson, Pelicans aim to end “negative” narratives
3) Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum was pathetic on the offensive side of basketball in the 2022 NBA Finals. He had a record number of turnovers for a player in the entire playoffs. He did become a good defensive player over the course of last year, thanks to inspired coaching from Ime Udoka. Jayson Tatum has become a perennial All-Star player over the last 2 years. If Boston were to repeat going to the NBA Finals, Tatum needs to improve his overall game this season and that must start with protecting the ball i.e fewer turnovers.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=76, PPG=26.9, AST/gm= 3.0, RBD/gm=6.6, 3-pt%= 35.3%
Also read: NBA: Top 5 Point Guards heading into the 2021-22 Season
4) Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat’s ferocious and fiery leader, had a good last season. The Miami Heat were a strong team when Butler was on the court but lacked competitiveness when he was out. Jimmy Butler has become more of a point guard for the team. He got help to run offensive sets with Kyle Lowry as his teammate. But his niggling injuries during the course of the season restricted the team to be at their best. Butler would need to have a monster season if the Heat were to compete for the NBA Title.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=57, PPG=21.4, AST/gm= 5.6, RBD/gm=5.9, 3-pt%= 23.3%
Also read: NBA: Brooklyn Nets lose Andre Drummond, Bruce Brown on the same day
5) Demar Derozan, Chicago Bulls
Demar Derozan had a resurgence last season. At one point he was leading the whole league in the MVP race. He became the first player in NBA history to score at least 35 points while shooting 50% from the field in seven consecutive games, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record. He did get help from Zach Lavine but he had to carry the scoring burden for most of the season. If the Bulls were to go deep in the Playoffs this year, Derozan will have to increase his scoring and simultaneously continue to be the leader that he is.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=76, PPG=27.9, AST/gm= 4.9, RBD/gm=5.2, 3-pt%= 35.2%
Honorable Mentions:
1) Khris Middleton
2) Brandon Ingram
3) Michael Porter Jr
