Top 10 NBA Small Forwards of All-Time

August 14, 2024

Small forward is considered the most versatile position on the basketball court, and it’s easy to see why.

They are expected to do a bit of everything: score, defend, rebound, and often lead the offense.

Whether it’s soaring through the air for a dunk in traffic, nailing a buzzer-beating three-pointer, or locking down the opponent’s best player, these small forwards have done it all, including making our list of the best small forwards in NBA history.

Best Ever NBA Small Forwards

Here are our best small forwards of all time—a list that includes 150 All-Star appearances, more rings than a jewelry store, and enough scoring to make even the most hardened defender break out in a cold sweat.

1. LeBron James

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,421 (and counting)
Points per Game (PPG): 27.0
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 7.4
Assists per Game (APG): 7.4
Steals per Game (SPG): 1.6

LeBron James, also known as “King James”, is often compared to Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate (most often by himself), is an athletic marvel who has slayed father time, and redefined what it means to be a small forward.

LeBron is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and has been named to the All-NBA First Team a lazy 13 times.

On February 7, 2023, LeBron James made history by breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record, PASSING Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points. With a fadeaway jumper against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever, achieving a milestone that had stood for nearly 39 years.

2. Larry Bird

Career Stats:

Games Played: 897
PPG: 24.3
RPG: 10.0
APG: 6.3
SPG: 1.7

Larry Bird, the “Hick from French Lick,” was one of the most skilled and competitive players in NBA history.

A three-time MVP and three-time NBA champion, Bird was known for his incredible shooting, court vision, and clutch game. He led the Boston Celtics to dominance in the 1980s and was part of one of the greatest rivalries in sports against Magic Johnson’s Lakers.

Bird’s trash-talking was as legendary as his jump shot, and his ability to back up every word with his play made him one of the most feared and respected players on the court.

3. Kevin Durant

Career Stats (as of August 2024):

Games Played: 961
PPG: 27.2
RPG: 7.1
APG: 4.2
SPG: 1.1

Kevin Durant, also known as “KD” or “Slim Reaper” (one of our favorite nicknames) is one of the most lethal scorers the NBA has ever seen.

Standing at nearly 7 feet tall, Durant has the shooting touch of a guard and the length of a center, making him a matchup nightmare.

A two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, Durant’s ability to score from anywhere on the court has earned him four scoring titles.

4. Julius Erving

Career Stats:

Games Played: 836 (NBA only)
PPG: 24.2
RPG: 8.5
APG: 4.2
SPG: 2.0

Julius “Dr. J” Erving was one of the most electrifying players in basketball history.

Dr. J was for his high-flying dunks and smooth style, changing the game with his athleticism and flair.

He won an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983 and was a four-time MVP in the ABA. Erving’s impact on the game goes beyond his stats; he was a cultural icon who brought the sport to new heights, both literally and figuratively.

If there was a Hall of Fame for coolness, Dr. J would be a first-ballot inductee.

5. Elgin Baylor

Career Stats:

Games Played: 846
PPG: 27.4
RPG: 13.5
APG: 4.3
SPG: Data not officially recorded

Elgin Baylor was one of the most impactful scorers and rebounders of his era, despite being just 6’5”.

Baylor was known for his acrobatic moves and ability to score in a variety of ways.

An 11-time All-Star, Baylor set the standard for what a small forward could be, blending strength, skill, and creativity on the court.

His career averages of 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game show his all-around greatness.

6. Scottie Pippen

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,178
PPG: 16.1
RPG: 6.4
APG: 5.2
SPG: 2.0

Scottie Pippen was the ultimate sidekick to Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty throguh the 1990s.

But “Pip” was a superstar in his own right. A seven-time All-Star and eight-time All-NBA Defensive First Team selection, Pippen was one of the best wing and perimeter defenders in NBA history.

His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his playmaking and scoring abilities, made him an essential part of the Bulls’ six championships.

7. John Havlicek

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,270
PPG: 20.8
RPG: 6.3
APG: 4.8
SPG: 1.2

John Havlicek, known as “Hondo,” was one of the most consistent and durable players in NBA history. Playing a lofty 1,260 games, which was nearly unheard of in that era.

Havlicek spent his entire 16-year career with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA championships.

Known for his work ethic and clutch performances, Havlicek could score, defend, and play multiple positions.

His iconic steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals is still one of the most memorable plays in NBA history.

8. Rick Barry

Career Stats:

Games Played: 794 (NBA only)
PPG: 23.2
RPG: 6.5
APG: 5.1
SPG: 2.0

Rick Barry was one of the most dominatn scorers and competitors in NBA history.

Known for his unorthodox underhand free-throw shooting style, Barry led the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship in 1975, earning Finals MVP honors.

He was a 12-time All-Star across the NBA and ABA and one of the few players to lead both leagues in scoring.

He was also known as one of the all-time assholes in sports.

9. Dominique Wilkins

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,074
Points per Game (PPG): 24.8
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 6.7
Assists per Game (APG): 2.5
Steals per Game (SPG): 1.3

Dominique Wilkins, known as “The Human Highlight Film,” was one of the most athletic and dynamic players in NBA history.

Wilkins was known for his highlight reel of dunks and scoring ability, making him a fan favorite.

An Atlanta Hawks legend, Wilkins was a nine-time All-Star and won the NBA scoring title in 1986.

While he never won an NBA championship, his impact on the game and his ability to put on a show every night make him one of the greatest small forwards of all time.

10. Paul Pierce

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,343
PPG: 19.7
RPG: 5.6
APG: 3.5
SPG: 1.3

Paul Pierce, known as “The Truth,” was one of the most clutch and reliable players of his generation. Pierce spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics, leading them to an NBA championship in 2008, where he was named Finals MVP. Known for his scoring ability and knack for hitting big shots, Pierce was a 10-time All-Star and one of the most respected players in the league. Whether it was a step-back jumper or a dagger three, Pierce always seemed to deliver in the clutch.

Best Ever NBA Small Forwards

We’ve combined all of the stats of our greatest NBA small forwards from the list above – and placed them in a table for easy viewing.

Player	Games	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG
1. LeBron James	1,421	27.0	7.4	7.4	1.6
2. Larry Bird	897	24.3	10.0	6.3	1.7
3. Kevin Durant	961	27.2	7.1	4.2	1.1
4. Julius Erving	836	24.2	8.5	4.2	2.0
5. Elgin Baylor	846	27.4	13.5	4.3	–
6. Scottie Pippen	1,178	16.1	6.4	5.2	2.0
7. John Havlicek	1,270	20.8	6.3	4.8	1.2
8. Rick Barry	794	23.2	6.5	5.1	2.0
9. Dominique Wilkins	1,074	24.8	6.7	2.5	1.3
10. Paul Pierce	1,343	19.7	5.6	3.5	1.3