In the sports world of today, there is always competition. It's always who's the best quarterback, center, guard, shooting guard, strong safety, wide receiver, running back, etc. In the NBA, there is always someone that is on top. Then there are some of the best players that are overlooked and underrated. It is my personal objective to bring those players to light. I'm not just talking about any players. Thanks to me, you all will be exposed to the Top 10 BEST Small Forwards in the NBA. (In that particular order.) Get ready to face facts.
10. Paul Pierce, Brooklyn Nets
Yes, the Brooklyn Nets have a losing record right now and are actually in the playoffs. (Please, let that soak in.) Despite the Nets having a losing record, the 15 year veteran has really pulled through for the Nets when they needed it the most. In his last ten games, he is shooting almost .494% from FG range. True enough he isn't as good as he was in Boston, but he is getting the job done without a doubt. Making plays, and stepping up to the plate. I am not saying by any means that Pierce is the best player on the Nets squad, but he definitely earns being in the starting line up and at the bottom of my Top 10. The 36 year old former Kansas Jayhawk is averaging 13 points, 2 assists and 4 rebounds per game.
9. Luol Deng, Cleveland Cavaliers
The 6 foot 9, 220 pound Cleveland Cavalier has show nothing but success since his arrival in Cleveland. Deng is averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game since joining Kyrie Irving and company. This guy is never afraid of getting his hands dirty. Since his arrival, he has had a total of 75 rebounds in which 49 comes from his stellar performance on defense.His three pointers are a bit off though. Nothing a little more practice wouldn't do. He scores, he defends and it is too bad that he wont be in Cleveland next year.
8. Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum is a great performer. Halfway through the season, Batum is averaging 12.8 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds. In the French native's last 5 games, he has scored more than 15 points. His lowest points scored was 4 against the Indiana Pacers. He was shooting a perfect .500 from the field in four of his last five games. Not only is he a great scorer, but he's a fantastic rebounder. That is his forte. The 5 year veteran is in his 5th year with the Portland Trail Blazers who rest comfortably in the 3rd seed of the Western Conference with a record of 36-15.
7. Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets
If there is anybody in the NBA that is overlooked right now, it would definitely be this guy. I hear so much talk about people dominating in the NBA, and it's as if the Houston Rockets were not blessed with the presence of this guy. In his last 5 games, the 25 year old Cassellberry, Florida native has been shooting .473% from the field. He shot a perfect 3 for 3 from beyond the arc against the 6 seed Phoenix Suns. He had 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 19 points that game. He definitely showed out against Rick Carlisle's 8 seed Dallas Mavericks on January 29. He was 9 for 17 and scored 26 points.He struggled against the San Antonio Spurs where he only scored 6 points. Nevertheless, the Rockets pulled out of that one. On the season, Parsons is averaging 17 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds. Chandler Parsons is an amazing individual and one heck of a competitor. He is never talked about. I advise you all to take a look at this guy. Matter of fact, the Houston Rockets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 8. He's worth a look. Trust me. I have seen the man PLAY.
6. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Okay, I know Kawhi Leonard has not played and I know that I will be judged about putting him in the top 10, but that is why I am writing and you're reading. Give it about a year or two, and Pop will mold Kawhi Leonard into a real threat. Take my word for it. Please do. Kawhi Leonard is a threat on the court. On the average of 11 points and 6 rebounds per game, the Los Angeles native is a playmaker. He is solid, quiet, and gets the job done. The guy has big hands and can steal! As Charles Barkley said, Leonard is the key to the Spurs success. If he is not used, the Spurs will regret it. Big time.
5.Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings
I personally think that Rudy Gay is in a class all by himself. I really do. If you want to talk about talent, Rudy Gay's name will definitely be up for discussion unless you have not been watching this season. On average, Gay is scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game. True enough, the guy needs to work on his assists and passing the ball more, but what I love about him is his quiet and humble ambition. The former Connecticut Huskies small forward has been in the league for 7 years. He has had two out of five games where he has scored 23 and 24 points. Tonight, the Sacramento Kings will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gay and company will look to redeem themselves after coming off of a loss against the Washington Wizards. Gay was a disappointing 2 of 11 from the field and had a total of 5 points. Everybody is entitled to a bad game. Make no doubt about it, Rudy Gay will continue to shine. Bet on it,
4. Paul George
Now, I would be crazy not to include this guy. Paul. George. Need I say more? Game after game, the 6 foot 9 Californian has been putting up numbers. I'm not only talking about points, but i'm talking about rebounding too. In his past few games, he is averaging at least 6 rebounds. and 19 points. His regular statistics for each game this year has to be at least 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The Indiana Pacers have been blessed by the basketball gods to have such a player. What I see in this guy is consistency. Stellar consistency.
3. LeBron James, Miami Heat
For all of you King James lovers that I look forward to hating me, I'm sorry to say, but he is NOT the best Small Forward not player in the NBA. In the words of TLC, "that's actual and factual." Period. This year, LeBron James is starting to feel the pressure he felt in Cleveland. Everything and everyone is on his back. Dwayne Wade's knees are making his game inconsistent. Please do not let me get started on Chris Bosh. King James is doing his best to put the Miami Heat on top which has not been a problem considering the Miami Heat being the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Indiana Pacers. He leads the entire team in points (26), rebounds (6.9) and assists (6). What does that tell you? Here is another ticker here, neither Wade nor Bosh are leading the team in anything. Mario Chalmers leads in steals, and Chris "Birdman" Andersen leads in blocks. Despite not having any help, I still believe that LeBron James can perform. How long will that hold up if he is carrying an entire team? Look to see King James and the Heat miss the NBA Championship this year. They will be ousted by the 1st or 2nd round. Oh, and by the way, after this season, the King will leave South Beach. Will they burn his jerseys too?
2.Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Although his future with the New York Knicks is uncertain and bleak, (So is Mike Woodson's.) that has not stopped the 29 year old 10 year veteran from performing above and beyond expectations. As of now, Anthony leads the New York Knicks team in points. He is averaging 27 points per game, 3 assists and 8 rebounds. Whether Spike Lee and the Knicks admit it or not, they need Carmelo Anthony. Maybe by him being born in New York, he will stay? His wife, tv personality star, Lala Anthony said that he may stay with the team. Carmelo has not said anything about staying. Now, I do know that Nolan had a meeting with Woodson and Anthony about the team. But, that is definitely another story. The fact remains that Carmelo Anthony is above average this year and is doing his best to keep the New York Knicks attempted playoff run alive.
1. Kevin "Slim Reaper" Durant
The Slim Reaper has been turning opponents into victims here lately and has not stopped. He's the best Small Forward in the NBA as well as the best player in the NBA. Sorry, King James fans, but the Slim Reaper has this one all tied up. Not only does he lead his team in scoring, but he leads the entire NBA in scoring. He's standing at 6 foot 9 with long Stretch Armstrong arms and a dominant presence on the floor. He blocks your shot, dots your eyes from three point range, bullies you in the paint, and is absolutely sensational when it comes to rebounding the ball. 26, 31, 26, 29, 41. Those are the Slim Reaper's points in his last five games. He has only been in the league 6 years and the way things are looking, he's getting a lot better. For teams in the East and West...this is scary. 7-12 assists per game. He has shot over .500 in two of his last five games when shooting from 3 point land. Free throws are of no difficulty for the Washington D.C. native. Triple doubles are going to be so easy for him. Just watch. This man is the BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA.
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