Top 10 Small Forwards of All Time: Versatile Kings Who Dominated Both Ends
Small forwards are the ultimate hybrids—too quick for bigs, too strong for guards, and built to do it all. Scoring? Easy. Defense? Locked in. Playmaking, rebounding, leadership—these dudes were Swiss Army knives in sneakers, and the best of ’em didn’t just play the game, they shaped it.
When you talk the Top 10 Small Forwards of All Time, you’re diving into a legacy of legends who could give you 40 on one end and clamp your best guy on the other. From LeBron’s all-around dominance to Bird’s trash talk and torching threes, from Dr. J’s flair to KD’s unstoppable pull-up—this list is loaded with guys who didn’t just impact the game—they were the game.
Some brought finesse. Others brought fire. But every one of these forwards left defenders spinning and history books open. It’s time to settle the debate—who really owned the wing?
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Let’s break down the Top 10 Small Forwards of All Time.
#10. Dominique Wilkins
Height/Weight: 6’8”, 230 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: Atlanta Hawks (1982–1994), Los Angeles Clippers (1994), Boston Celtics (1994–1995), Panathinaikos (1995–1996), San Antonio Spurs (1996–1997), Fortitudo Bologna (1997–1999), Orlando Magic (1999)
Dominique Wilkins wasn’t just explosive—he was a detonation in sneakers. Known as the “Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins lived above the rim. But don’t get it twisted—he wasn’t just a dunker. He was a cold-blooded scorer, dropping 25+ a night for a decade and going toe-to-toe with the best in the league.
His duel with Bird in the ’88 Eastern Semis is still legendary—Wilkins dropped 47 in Game 7, and even though the Hawks lost, he earned every ounce of respect. With a silky jumper, elite athleticism, and unmatched confidence, Nique was a problem every time he touched the ball.
And while he never won a ring, his impact on the game and Atlanta’s franchise is locked in.
Accolades:
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9× NBA All-Star
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7× All-NBA Selection
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NBA Scoring Champion (1986)
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NBA All-Rookie First Team (1983)
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Hall of Fame Inductee (2006)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#9. James Worthy
Height/Weight: 6’9”, 225 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers (1982–1994)
James Worthy didn’t need a flashy nickname—Big Game James said it all. When the lights were brightest, he showed up the loudest. A key piece of the Lakers’ Showtime dynasty, Worthy had the speed to outrun bigs, the strength to bully wings, and the calm to thrive in clutch moments.
He gave Boston 36-16-10 in Game 7 of the ’88 Finals, earning Finals MVP and solidifying his rep as one of the best postseason performers ever. He ran the floor like a guard, finished at the rim with force, and always delivered when Magic found him on the break.
Accolades:
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3× NBA Champion (1985,1987, & 1988)
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NBA Finals MVP (1988)
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7× NBA All-Star
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2× All-NBA Selection
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Hall of Fame Inductee (2003)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#8. Kawhi Leonard
Height/Weight: 6’7”, 225 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: San Antonio Spurs (2011–2018), Toronto Raptors (2018–2019), Los Angeles Clippers (2019–present)
Kawhi Leonard is a silent assassin. No flexing. No trash talk. Just elite defense, midrange mastery, and cold-blooded clutch buckets. He’s one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history, and when healthy, there’s nobody scarier in a playoff series.
He took Toronto to its first-ever title in 2019 with a legendary run as basically a hired gun—game-winners, 30-pieces, and lockups all delivered with a straight face in his lone season in the six. He’s also the reason LeBron didn’t get a three-peat in Miami, locking him down in the 2014 Finals en route to his first Finals MVP.
He doesn’t say much—but his résumé screams greatness.
Accolades:
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2× NBA Champion
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2× NBA Finals MVP
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2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year
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5× NBA All-Star
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3× All-NBA First Team
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7× All-Defensive Team
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#7. John Havlicek
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 203 lbs
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Teams: Boston Celtics (1962–1978)
John Havlicek was the ultimate hustle guy who turned effort into championships. He wasn’t the flashiest scorer or the most athletic—but his motor never stopped, and he had a knack for being in the right place every single time.
A bridge between the Bill Russell and Larry Bird eras, Hondo won 8 rings and became the Celtics’ all-time leading scorer. And if you’ve ever heard the phrase “Havlicek stole the ball!”—that moment sealed his legacy in NBA lore forever.
He did the dirty work and made it look beautiful.
Accolades:
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8× NBA Champion
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NBA Finals MVP (1974)
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13× NBA All-Star
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4× All-NBA First Team
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5× All-Defensive First Team
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
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Hall of Fame Inductee (1984)
#6. Scottie Pippen
Height/Weight: 6’8”, 210 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1987–1998, 2003–2004), Houston Rockets (1998–1999), Portland Trail Blazers (1999–2003)
Scottie Pippen was the ultimate second star—but make no mistake, he was a top-tier superstar in his own right. With freakish length, court vision, and defensive instincts that made opponents panic, Pip was a nightmare on both ends. He ran the break, facilitated offense, and guarded every position on the floor.
MJ got the spotlight, but Pippen made the Bulls a dynasty. His ability to take over games when needed, especially during Jordan’s absence in ’94, showed he wasn’t just a sidekick—he was a force.
Accolades:
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6× NBA Champion
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7× NBA All-Star
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3× All-NBA First Team
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10× All-Defensive Team
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NBA All-Star Game MVP (1994)
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2× Olympic Gold Medalist
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Hall of Fame Inductee (2010)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#5. Elgin Baylor
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 225 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (1958–1971)
Elgin Baylor was a walking bucket before the term even existed. He brought aerial finesse and hangtime to a league that hadn’t seen anything like it. Baylor could drop 40 with ease, hit tough shots from anywhere, and put on a show every time he touched the rock.
Though he never won a title, his scoring prowess and smooth style laid the foundation for future wings. That 1961 season? 38.3 points per game. And let’s not forget the 61-point outburst in the NBA Finals—a record that still stands.
Baylor changed the way forwards played—forever.
Accolades:
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11× NBA All-Star
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10× All-NBA First Team
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NBA Rookie of the Year (1959)
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Career Averages: 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG
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Hall of Fame Inductee (1977)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#4. Julius Erving
Height/Weight: 6’7”, 210 lbs
Position: Small Forward
Teams: Virginia Squires (1971–1973), New York Nets (1973–1976), Philadelphia 76ers (1976–1987)
Julius “Dr. J” Erving brought style, grace, and skywalking swagger to the game. He didn’t just play above the rim—he lived up there. His windmill dunks, tomahawk slams, and baseline levitation turned the NBA into a highlight reel and the ABA into a playground.
But he wasn’t just flash—he was foundational. Dr. J was the bridge from Wilt and West to MJ and Magic. He led the Sixers to a title in 1983 and changed what it meant to be a superstar on and off the court.
He made basketball beautiful.
Accolades:
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NBA Champion (1983)
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4× MVP (3 ABA, 1 NBA)
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16× All-Star (NBA + ABA)
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5× All-NBA First Team
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2× ABA Champion
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Hall of Fame Inductee (1993)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#3. Kevin Durant
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 240 lbs
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016), Golden State Warriors (2016–2019), Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023), Phoenix Suns (2023–present)
Kevin Durant is the most unguardable scorer the league has ever seen. Seven feet tall with a guard’s handle, a sniper’s stroke, and a killer mentality, KD can get 30 in his sleep—and make it look pretty while doing it. Midrange, three-ball, transition pull-ups, you name it—he’s mastered every scoring level.
He turned the Thunder into a contender, then redefined superteam dominance with the Warriors—winning two titles and two Finals MVPs while averaging nearly 30 in the playoffs. His game is fluid, polished, and devastating, and when he’s locked in? There’s nothing a defense can do.
Durant’s game is pure art—and it’s deadly.
Accolades:
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2× NBA Champion
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2× NBA Finals MVP
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NBA MVP (2014)
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4× NBA Scoring Champion
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13× NBA All-Star
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6× All-NBA First Team
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4× Olympic Gold Medalist
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
#2. Larry Bird
Height/Weight: 6’9”, 220 lbs
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Teams: Boston Celtics (1979–1992)
Larry Bird didn’t have bounce, flash, or blazing speed—but he had everything else. Court vision, basketball IQ, a filthy jumper, and a chip on his shoulder big enough to bury your whole team. He was trash talker, tactician, and cold-blooded killer all rolled into one.
Bird led the Celtics to three titles in the ’80s, won three straight MVPs, and carried one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history with Magic Johnson. His ability to control a game with passing, rebounding, and timely daggers made him the complete package.
You couldn’t rattle him. You couldn’t rush him. And you sure as hell couldn’t outwork him. Bird was all business—and all buckets.
Accolades:
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3× NBA Champion
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2× NBA Finals MVP
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3× NBA MVP
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12× NBA All-Star
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9× All-NBA First Team
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3× All-Defensive Second Team
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NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
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Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
#1. LeBron James
Height/Weight: 6’9”, 250 lbs
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward / Point Guard
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010, 2014–2018), Miami Heat (2010–2014), Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present)
LeBron James is the most complete player in NBA history—and the undisputed king of the small forward spot. From high school phenom to four-time champ, he’s delivered on every ounce of hype and then some. Whether it’s scoring, passing, rebounding, defending, or leading, LeBron does everything—and he does it at an all-time level.
He’s the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time Finals MVP, and a player who dragged underdogs to the Finals, dominated with superteams, and never took his foot off the gas in year 21. His basketball IQ is elite, his playmaking is generational, and his longevity? Unprecedented.
He can run your offense, defend your best guy, drop 40, and still make the right play. LeBron isn’t just a player—he’s a system.
Accolades:
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4× NBA Champion
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4× NBA Finals MVP
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4× NBA MVP
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NBA All-Time Leading Scorer
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20× NBA All-Star
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13× All-NBA First Team
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6× All-Defensive Team
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3× Olympic Gold Medalist
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NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Still hungry for more greatness? Check out the Top 10 NBA Players of All Time to see who truly ruled the league, or dive into the Top 10 Shooting Guards of All Time for a look at the coldest bucket-getters to ever lace ’em up.
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