5 Best NBA Small Forwards of All-Time, Ranked

The best small forwards of all-time combine versatility, scoring ability, defensive presence, and leadership across different eras. This position demands a rare blend of size and skill that allows a player to shape every area of the game. 

This ranking breaks down the greatest NBA small forwards ever and highlights the qualities that helped each one leave a lasting impact on basketball history.

1. LeBron James

• Years Played: 2003 to present
• Teams: Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers
• Championships: 4
• MVPs: 4

LeBron James sits alone at the top because no small forward has ever influenced the sport more broadly or more consistently. 

At his best, LeBron controls a game through strength, precision passing, and a natural feel for tempo that few players have ever mastered. He is one of the rare stars who can lead the league in scoring one year and assists the next, which speaks to how completely he covers every category of production.

What makes LeBron even more remarkable is how his game has evolved through multiple eras. Early in his career, he relied heavily on explosive drives and transition dominance. As time went on, he added a patient half-court style built around playmaking and mid-range efficiency. 

His longevity, postseason heroics, and ability to elevate nearly every roster he has played with are the foundation of his case as the greatest small forward ever.

2. Larry Bird

• Years Played: 1979 to 1992
• Teams: Boston Celtics
• Championships: 3
• MVPs: 3

Larry Bird paired elite shooting touch with some of the sharpest instincts the game has ever seen. 

He was never the most athletic player on the court, but he saw plays before they happened and had an unusual ability to diagnose defensive gaps. Bird controlled pace through high-IQ passing, effortless jump shooting, and an intense competitive edge that often swung close games in Boston’s favor.

Throughout the 1980s, Bird stood at the center of one of basketball’s greatest rivalries with Magic Johnson, and their battles helped push the NBA into a new era of popularity. Bird was relentless and confident, often using smart positioning and an uncanny feel for timing to win matchups against more physically gifted opponents. 

His unique blend of shooting, toughness, and leadership secures him firmly in the second spot among all-time small forwards.

3. Kevin Durant

• Years Played: 2007 to present
• Teams: SuperSonics/Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns
• Championships: 2
• MVPs: 1

Kevin Durant is one of the most polished and effortless scorers the NBA has ever seen. 

With the height of a center and the handle of a guard, Durant gets to his spots with minimal wasted motion. His jump shot is nearly unblockable, and his ability to score at all three levels forces defenses into impossible decisions.

Durant’s game is not limited to scoring. He has quietly become an effective defender who can challenge shots at the rim and switch onto wings and guards. His contributions in Golden State showed how impactful he could be when surrounded by high-level talent, where he delivered some of the best playoff performances of his career. 

Durant’s combination of efficiency, versatility, and consistency places him comfortably among the top small forwards in league history.

4. Julius Erving

• Years Played: 1971 to 1987
• Teams: Squires, Nets, 76ers
• Championships: 3
• MVPs: 4

Julius Erving changed what a small forward could be. Before Dr. J, very few players attacked the rim with the same blend of elevation, grace, and creativity. His high-flying style became a major attraction in both the ABA and NBA, and he inspired generations of players who followed.

Erving’s influence was not just stylistic. He was a reliable scorer, a strong defender, and a long-term leader who consistently delivered deep playoff runs. 

His move to Philadelphia helped solidify the franchise as a perennial contender, and the 1983 title became the perfect capstone to a distinguished career. Dr. J’s ability to blend showmanship with substance makes him one of the most impactful small forwards ever.

5. Scottie Pippen

• Years Played: 1987 to 2004
• Teams: Bulls, Rockets, Trail Blazers
• Championships: 6
• MVPs: 0

Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as the greatest perimeter defender the small forward position has ever produced. 

His length, mobility, and instincts allowed him to guard all five positions and disrupt entire offensive systems. Pippen played a central role in Chicago’s six championships, acting as the team’s defensive leader and often initiating the offense.

Although frequently viewed through the lens of his partnership with Michael Jordan, Pippen proved his individual value when Jordan briefly stepped away. He delivered one of the best all-around seasons of the decade, finishing near the top of the MVP race and guiding the Bulls to 55 wins. If you’re interested in where Jordan and other elite shooting guards rank historically, check out our list of the best shooting guards of all-time.

His ability to contribute in every phase of the game makes him one of the most complete and underrated legends at his position.

Honorable Mentions

• Kawhi Leonard – Known for his suffocating defense, efficient scoring, and two historic championship runs.
• Elgin Baylor – A pioneer of modern athleticism whose scoring style was ahead of its time.
• Dominique Wilkins – One of the most electric offensive players ever with a reputation for relentless attacking.
• John Havlicek – A high-motor, two-way standout who helped power Boston through multiple championship eras.
• Rick Barry – A fearless scorer with an unorthodox style who consistently delivered in major moments.

These players fall just outside the top five SFs ever, but each left an unmistakable mark on the game. 

Many of them helped redefine how wings could score, defend, and carry franchises during their primes. Their careers collectively span nearly every era of NBA history, offering a wide view of how the small forward position has evolved. 

Although they did not crack the top tier, each remains an essential figure in the story of the NBA’s greatest wings.

Ranking the Best NBA Small Forwards Ever

Ranking the best small forwards of all time requires evaluating impact, versatility, skill, and the ability to shape an era. The players listed here influenced the league in different ways, from shifting its style to carrying championship teams. 

Together, they represent the evolution of one of basketball’s most important positions and offer a clear picture of how greatness has changed over time. For more top-tier NBA history content, take a look at our ranking of the best shooting guards of all-time.