2012-2013 NBA Predictions: Top 5 Small Forwards

2012-2013 NBA Preseason Position Rankings: Top 5 Small Forwards: With three of the last four MVPs and four of the last five scoring titles, the small forward position can claim some of the most elite players in the NBA today. Considering the shift to fast-paced, transition-oriented offenses that many teams have made, the trend makes sense. The best players at the small forward spot combine, size, speed and power, making them a nightmare for opposing defenders. While the position won’t rule the NBA forever, there is little doubt that the small forward spot is loaded heading into the 2012-13 NBA season. With that in mind, here is a look at how the top players at the position stack up

2012-2013 NBA Preseason Position Rankings: Top 5 Small Forwards

1.      LeBron James, Miami Heat

Where to begin? James is the defending MVP of the league, and he has earned the honor in three of the last four seasons. By the way, he was also the leading vote-getter for the All-Defensive Team last year. His career averages include 27.6 points, 7.2 rebound and 6.9 assists, and his game is only expanding. He has shot more than 50 percent from the field in each of the last three seasons, including a career-high 53.1 percent last season. His free throw percentage is also creeping toward the 80 percent mark, and last year, he shot a career-best 36.2 percent from beyond the arc. Plain and simple, James is the best player in the NBA today and a no-brainer pick for the top small forward.

2.      Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

He is the ultimate offensive weapon, and Durant has three straight scoring titles to prove it. He has a sweet stroke from beyond the arc, an excellent mid-range and the ability to get to the rim. Durant is always among the league leaders in free throw attempts, and he is career 87.8 percent foul shooter. While his scoring ability has made him a star, Durant’s all-around game is underrated. Last year, he averaged a career-high 8.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists, and while he isn’t a great on-ball defender, he has averaged more than one steal and one block per game in each of the last three seasons. It is only a matter of time before he wins an MVP Award.

3.      Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Although he has been knocked for being a one-dimensional player, there is no denying Anthony’s ability to put the ball in the basket. He can by a high-volume shooter, but Anthony can score in a multitude of ways, including in the post, on the perimeter and by getting to the foul line. He can also create his own shot and is a proven performer in the clutch. With career averages of 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, he does a little bit more than he gets credit for, as well. Anthony may lack that ability to transform a team into a championship-caliber group, but he is an elite scorer and one of the best small forwards in the game.

4.      Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

His speed and athleticism are slowing declining, but Pierce’s savvy and tenacity are as good as they have ever been. He has replaced highlight reel dunks with a nasty mid-range game, and his fadeaway jumper from the elbow should have a patent on it. Last year, he posted a rock solid line of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Pierce can get to the foul line, he can still knock down 3-pointers, and he can still make clutch baskets as good as any player in the game. In fact, Pierce has posted two of the best field goal percentages of his career in the last three seasons. He isn’t getting any younger, but Pierce isn’t ready to pass the torch just yet.

5.      Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

Smith does a little bit of everything from the small forward spot, and his offensive game is only getting better. Last year, he averaged career highs in points (18.8) and rebounds (9.6), and he remained one of the best all-around defenders in the game, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks. His poor free throw shooting and lack of a perimeter will keep him from becoming an elite scorer, but Smith is going to approach 20 points and 10 rebounds to go along with his impressive defensive numbers. His all-around talent is unique to the position, and it makes him one of the best small forwards in the game today.

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