As the NBA evolves into a positionless games, several star forwards are now listed as top tier power forwards instead of small forwards. Others have shifted to the SG position, which is why Middleton and George won’t be found on this year’s top 10 small forwards list. Nonetheless, the small forward position still features several superstars.
Here are the top 10 NBA small forwards for the 2021-2022 season.
10. Bojan Bogdanović- Utah Jazz
Bogdanović remains one of the most capable scorers at the forward position in the NBA. When the Jazz need a bucket, Bogdanović can deliver almost just as easily as Mitchell can. His usage and shot attempts dipped a little last season. I believe this is due to the fact that the Jazz were one of the teams that struggled to move the basketball, especially as Conley Jr. missed games.
If the Jazz can improve their ball movement, I believe not only will Bogdanović move up this list, the Jazz will become legitimate contenders.
9. DeMar DeRozan- Chicago Bulls
DeRozan is one of the most electrifying scorers in the NBA. What he is good at, he is really good at. So much so, that “some” fans say he is what Michael Jordan would look like in today’s NBA. He is a fun player to watch finishing around the rim who also has an elite mid range game.
Now, that comparison is ridiculous. DeRozan is a capable scorer and decent finisher. However, his weaknesses are glaring. His inability, or willingness, to shoot the three ball holds his teams back. It’s hard to pin point all the differences between what he brings to his teams and what Kawhi Leonard brings, but we all know there is a massive difference.
I believe a combination of intangibles, shot selection, defensive ability, and a few other things have held DeRozan back from being one of the best wings in the NBA. He’s decent, but there are several others I’d take over him.
8. Andrew Wiggins- Golden State Warriors
Watching the career trajectory of most NBA players, they tend to enter their prime right around the age of 27. Wiggins turns 27 this winter. Warriors fans are hopeful that his tenure with the organization will help him take that next step. I personally hope Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, or Wardell Curry II have been able to get inside his head.
Wiggins has tremendous talent, but inconsistent effort. When engaged, Wiggins has shown flashes of greatness. If they were more consistent, he could easily climb the list of top NBA small forwards during the 2022 season.
7. Brandon Ingram- New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram is the most overrated player in the NBA. There are always Ingram fans on Twitter debating Ingram vs Tatum. Ingram is a talented scorer who is finally starting to show what he is actually capable of. So far, it’s been in limited capacity on couple bad basketball teams.
What Ingram is capable of on a decent team has yet to be seen. He has shown enough to be better than Wiggins’ inconsistencies. He has not shown enough to move up my top small forwards list for the second year in a row just yet.
6. Gordon Hayward- Charlotte Hornets
Gordon Hayward is one of the best point forwards in the NBA. He brings tremendous offensive talent. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, while also being a great facilitator, makes Hayward one of the best small forwards in the NBA. The only thing keeping “Always Happy Daddy” off the top 5 small forward ranking is his inability to stay healthy. Hayward has been plagued with injuries over the last 4 NBA seasons.
5. Michael Porter Jr.- Denver Nuggets
There is a lot of hype on several players from the 2018 draft class; perhaps the most on Michael Porter Jr. this NBA season. Back in 2018, I thought he could be the second best player of his draft class. Although he has great competition from Young and Ayton, I still think that possibility exists.
With the absence of Murray, the Nuggets will be relying on Porter Jr. much more than they have in the past. We will finally get to see if Mike Malone being hard on him early on his career has paid off. Porter Jr. is one of the most gifted scorers in the NBA. He is listed at 6’10” with the skillset to play the guard position. Porter Jr.’s ability to score the ball makes him a deadly threat vs any defender in the NBA.
The Nuggets need Porter Jr. I’m very optimistic for his potential this season.
4. Jimmy Butler- Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is one the toughest two way players we have ever seen in NBA history. He is also one of the selfless stars in the NBA, despite having tremendous scoring ability. In fact, his commitment to being selfless has helped make the Miami heat one of the most best teams in the NBA over the last couple of seasons. I’m not sure what transpired during last year’s playoffs, but I’m willing to bet that the Miami Heat will bounce back in a big way. Their stars are paid and they have retooled.
Butler averaged 7.1 & 6.0 AST over the last couple of seasons, respectively. I’m excited to see his production in the Miami Heat offense playing alongside Kyle Lowry, and a hopefully a healthy Victor Oladipo at some point.
3. Jayson Tatum- Boston Celtics
Ranking Tatum above Butler this year was not done lightly. I have it on good authority that Tatum’s future with the Boston Celtics will be heavily weighed by how this season goes. Tatum, and the Boston Celtics, had a mediocre outing last season. This was mostly due to the team turning a deaf ear to Brad Stevens. However, Tatum battling endurance issues and lingering issues from the upper raspatory infection held him back.
Tatum invested heavily in his body this summer. He has put on quite a bit of muscle which will enable him to endure the NBA season with less fatigue. If the Celtics can right the ship under Ime Udoka, Tatum will be considered an MVP candidate by many.
2. Kawhi Leonard- Los Angeles Clippers
Although Kawhi Leonard will likely miss the entire 2021-2022 season, let’s not forget that he is one of the best two way players in NBA history.
1. LeBron James- Los Angeles Lakers
This may be the season Kevin Durant finally takes the throne from the king. I’ll let you guys know when I see it. Until then, LeBron James is still the king.
Honorable mentions.
With Kawhi being out this season, there are several small forwards who could contest for the 10th spot. De’Andre Hunter, Mikal Bridges, and Rui Hachimura come to mind.
Curious to hear your thoughts, tweet me @tprx11 or debate our community on Instagram!