We are back for the Small Forward installment of the top 10 list, we already completed the Centers and Power Forwards list check those out if you haven’t already and let us know what you think. (Me, Martel, Nate and Ron) ranked the SF’s on a 10 point system in this how it turned out!
10. Gerald Wallace, Brooklyn Nets, 5 pts– In his current position with the Nets Gerald Wallace should flourish. Serving as the versatile, do-it-all, 4th option scorer behind D Will, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez suites his game and the franchise well.- Nate
8. Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls, 13 pts– Deng is a solid player. He has the ability to stretch the defense with his ability to shoot, and he is an adequate defender. The pressure will be on Deng to perform this season, due to Derrick Rose being out until March or later. Deng may not make the All-Star game this season, but you can pencil in at least 15.0 ppg to go along with 6.0 boards for Deng no matter what the circumstances are.- Ron
8. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers, 13 pts– Granger is the emotional leader of the Pacers, also their most consistent performer. Granger gets buckets *Uncle Drew voice, with good range and ability to put the rock on the floor. Some say he was snubbed from the All-Star team last year but if he will have a shot to make the All-Star team this year barring injury.- JT
7. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers, 14 pts– Once known as the other AI, Iggy is probably the most versatile small forwards in the league. He can score as well as pass and rebound,and he’s also a great defender. This past season he mad his first all-star team and this summer he’s chasing gold in the Olympics with team USA. He should be able to ride that momentum into a great 2012-13 season.- Martel
6. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks, 15 pts– Each of the last few years were expected to be Josh Smith’s breakout year, if it doesn’t happen this year it just won’t as his touches will increase with the departure of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams. Defensively he’s one of the best forwards in the league and can rebound with the best of ’em.- Nate
5. Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies, 23 pts– Rudy Gay is a smooth operator from the Small Forward position. With Mike Conley running the show in Memphis it gives Gay the luxury just to spot up or to be in the right place at the right time on the offensive side of the ball. Gay will look to take his scoring up a notch now that O.J. Mayo left for Dallas. That will give Gay more opportunities to score with one less person to share the ball with. Gay will need to improve his ball-handling, but the sky is the limit for Rudy as long as he continues to apply himself. Many feel that Gay and Z-Bo can’t coexist, but I don’t think that is a major issue. The Grizz will be at full strength this upcoming season and Gay will be fighting for his first All-Star bid.- Ron
4. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics, 31 pts– Pierce is still a threat on the floor, even though he can’t carry the team on his back for long periods like he use to. Pierce is on the decline, a lot of the young guns on this list are nipping at his heals. With the decent off-season the Celtics have had they may have another run in them and PP will be a huge reason if they make that run.- JT
2. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks, 32 pts– Melo is one of the most scrutinized players in league and also one of the most dangerous. One of very few players that can score everywhere in every way. From post to perimeter Anthony has proven his self as a top player in this league and this coming season might be his best opportunity to take that next step.- Martel
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder, 32 pts– Kevin Durant’s range is crazy, his handles are nice, he defends well, the only weak spot in his game is his frame. At his size he’s expected to be able defend bigger players which sometimes he just can’t do after long stretches, even with his length. Once he gets stronger physically his impact on the game will grow, which is crazy to imagine.- Nate
1. LeBron James, Miami Heat, 39 pts– No explanation needed!- Ron
Let us know what you think!
luol > Rudy Gay
Nope, nope and nope lol