Starting Small Forward On Every NBA Team For 2025-26 Season

No matter how much the game continues to change, the small forward stands effective and ready to do everything. In today’s NBA, the 3 is no longer either a one-dimensional shooter or specialist defender; he’s the Swiss army knife of the court. 

At 6’6″ to 6’9″, a wing player glides between positions, scorer and defender, secondary facilitator to rebounding cog. Teams that thrive this season won’t just succeed because of their stars, but because those versatile wings plug holes and redefine two-way impact.

Following our list of starting point guards and shooting guards, let’s roll through each franchise and identify the player wearing the three who carries spacing, swing, and the next-wave energy into the starting lineup for the 2025-26 season.

Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher

2024-25 Averages: 12.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Zaccharie Risacher, the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made an immediate splash for the Atlanta Hawks during his rookie season. He averaged a promising 12.6 points (ranking 87th league-wide), 3.6 rebounds (140th), and chipped in 1.2 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field, solid numbers for a 20-year-old adjusting to NBA pace. 

Heading into the 2025-26 season, Risacher looks primed to evolve from a promising rookie into a pivotal starting small forward. With improved shot selection and physical maturity, he could bolster his rebounding and defensive presence, areas where the Hawks need more consistent two-way wing play.

Boston Celtics – Jaylen Brown

2024-25 Averages: 22.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Jaylen Brown showcased his full All-Star presence in 2024-25 for the Boston Celtics, logging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a career-high 4.5 assists across 63 games. Late in the postseason, even while absorbing high usage, he averaged 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists per game while playing through a tough meniscus injury, a testament to his grit and versatility.

This season, Brown returns healthy and ready to carry even more responsibility, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles. Expect him to lean into his evolved playmaking chops and defensive acumen, chasing the kind of two-way impact that can carry Boston deep in the playoffs despite injury concerns.

Brooklyn Nets – Michael Porter Jr.

2024-25 Averages: 18.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Michael Porter Jr. continued to reliably score for Denver last season before joining Brooklyn this offseason. He averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, serving as a steady 3-and-D floor spacer and offensive catch-point sparks plug. His blend of size, shooting, and scoring instincts kept defenses honest, and though he never dominated, Porter’s efficiency and spacing presence made him a quietly impactful weapon.

Now with the Nets, Porter enters 2025-26 as the starting small forward, a role that implies not just spot threat, but consistent offensive gravity. If he can maintain his scoring efficiency and stay healthy in a more featured role, the Nets’ spacing and second-line scoring should improve dramatically.

Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel 

2024-25 Averages: N/A

Kon Knueppel is a name emerging quietly but strongly in Charlotte’s offseason projections as the starting small forward. Though he didn’t post official 2024-25 NBA numbers, his presence in summer circuits and camp chatter indicates he’s locked into the three for the Hornets’ youth-driven retool. 

He’s being positioned as a two-way swing piece, versatile on defense, mobile in transition, and shot mechanics-explosive enough to threaten from deep. With rising expectations and limited experience, he’ll face a baptism by fire, but if his developmental buzz holds, he could become the core wing Charlotte builds around next.

Chicago Bulls – Matas Buzelis

2024-25 Averages: 8.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Matas Buzelis, the 11th pick of Chicago’s 2024 draft, punched above his rookie-year expectations, posting 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in 18.9 minutes, while hitting 36.1% of his threes on 45.4% shooting overall. More than just box score numbers, his defense stood out as a secondary rim protector whose block rate ranked in the 89th percentile among rotation wings.

Looking ahead to 2025-26, Buzelis enters Year 2 with heat hotter than summer in Chicago. The buzz is real: if his shooting becomes serviceable and his frame fills out, that defensive foundation could elevate him into a legitimate two-way disruptor.

Cleveland Cavaliers – De’Andre Hunter

2024-25 Averages: 17.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

De’Andre Hunter engineered a reliable secondary scoring role for Cleveland in 2024-25, averaging 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and shooting 47.0% overall with 40.5% from deep. He parked consistency across 64 appearances, bringing instant spacing and tight perimeter defense, playing a no small role on a contending Cavaliers team.

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Hunter looms as Cleveland’s do-it-all swing wing. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland anchoring the backcourt, Hunter’s off-ball prowess and corner gravity will define spacing. If he stays healthy and sharp, expect him to morph from role piece to vital glue guy, the kind you notice only when he’s missing.

Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg

2024-25 Averages: N/A

Cooper Flagg didn’t log NBA stats in 2024-25, because he was busy dominating college hoops. At Duke, this 18-year-old phenom averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earning virtually every major award, including the Wooden, Naismith, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year honors. 

His stat line wasn’t just flashy; it was historic, leading Duke in nearly every category and dominating in efficiency metrics, all while being named a consensus first-team All-American. Now he’s thrust into the NBA spotlight, selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks, a franchise moving forward after trading Luka Doncic. 

Summer League showed glimpses of his readiness: 20.5 PPG, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and active defense in just over 30 minutes a night. Flyer chatter calls him a rare cerebral talent, compared favorably to LeBron and Curry for leadership and IQ. Time will tell if Flagg can match expectations on a title-contending team.

Denver Nuggets – Cam Johnson

2024-25 Averages: 18.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Cam Johnson brought his trademark floor-spacing to Denver last season, putting up 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 47.5% shooting, 39.0% from three, over 57 games, efficiency matched only by a few wings in the league. He will essentially need to come close to those numbers to help the Nuggets achieve their goals. 

For 2025-26, Johnson returns to orchestrate gravity for Jokic’s symphony. His improved playmaking, combined with reliable shooting, makes him one of Denver’s most versatile pieces. If he keeps moving off-ball while taking over secondary creation responsibilities, Johnson could redefine what a rise-from-corner veteran wing can do.

Detroit Pistons – Ausar Thompson

2024-25 Averages: 10.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Ausar Thompson’s sophomore campaign made noise; he posted 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, while shooting efficiently at 53.5% from the field. Despite health hurdles, including missing early-season action due to a blood clot, he bounced back to conclude the regular season as one of Detroit’s most energetic swingmen. 

Heading into 2025-26, Thompson could be Detroit’s perimeter linchpin: a standout defender with growing offensive chops. His energy, defensive instincts, and late rollout with Pistons faithful make him a rising piece in a young, evolving core. The key intrigue: can Ausar harness that first-step explosiveness and develop more consistent offense?

Golden State Warriors – Jimmy Butler

2024-25 Averages: 17.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Jimmy Butler, midway through the 2024-25 season, landed in Golden State and immediately shifted the team’s dynamic. Over 30 games in Warrior blue, he averaged 17.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.9 APG, draped in elite efficiency (47.6% FG, 27.9% from three), long enough to remind us how devastating a two-way vet he remains. 

Since his arrival, the Warriors’ metrics soared: 16-3 record, top-of-the-league 30.5 assists per game, and a defensive rating in the top two, a testament to his impact beyond the box score. Next season, Butler assumes the dual mantle of scorer and locker-room boss. His midseason extension (two years, $121 million) signals that GSW believes he’s not just a short-term playmaker but a foundational piece. 

Though he battled some bumps, like missing a playoff game due to pelvic soreness, Warriors brass and fans have grown to expect him to be that seasoned foil for a youth-laced roster. Can a 35-year-old still move the needle from closing games to teaching the next wave? We have to wait and see.

Houston Rockets – Kevin Durant

2024-25 Averages: 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Kevin Durant remained brutal and beautiful in 2024-25, averaging 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 4.2 APG while shooting a flat 52.7% from the field, numbers befitting a surefire Hall of Famer in his prime era. His elite efficiency marked him among the league’s most reliable scoring options despite the evolving, but still thin, Rockets roster behind him.

Looking ahead, Durant is set to kick off the 2025-26 season not just healthy, but intriguing. Trade rumors swirl, with whispers linking him to the Spurs and veteran voices like Charles Barkley cautioning teams against overpaying for this final career act. Whether Houston holds onto its luminous island-gunner or flips him like a high-stakes chess piece, one thing’s for sure: KD still commands defensive focus, late-game assignments, and headlines, regardless of the uniform.

Indiana Pacers – Aaron Nesmith 

2024-25 Averages: 12.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Aaron Nesmith carved out a steady role for Indiana, delivering 12.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, on highly efficient shooting, 50.7% overall and a blistering 43.1% from three, on 24.9 minutes per game during the regular season. He locked in as one of the Pacers’ most reliable off-ball creators and catch-and-shoot threats, delivering spacing and quiet efficiency.

Even more impressive? In the playoffs, Nesmith elevated his scoring to 12.7 PPG with 5.7 boards on 49.2% three-point shooting. Heading into 2025-26, the question hovers: can he grow from a high-level role player into a go-to spark when Indiana needs offense? With his shot-making upside and growth curve, critics and fans alike will be watching whether Nesmith becomes the steady engine that powers a rising Pacers core.

Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard

2024-25 Averages: 21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Kawhi Leonard takes the stage for the Clippers once again after a staggered 2024-25. He averaged 21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, and shot a sharp 49.8% from the field and 41.1% from three, but only across 37 games, as offseason knee inflammation and personal matters truncated his minutes.

Despite limited availability, Leonard’s presence defined the Clippers when healthy. After the All-Star break, his on-court contributions (PPG+RPG+APG) ballooned to 34.5 per game at home, illustrating that when he’s in rhythm, he remains among the league’s most impactful swingmen. 

Heading into 2025-26, the key narrative remains health. If the Clippers can keep Kawhi on the court, his elite defense, elite spacing, and elite calm may just keep them in playoff contention, but it’s always about the miles, not just the stats.

Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James

2024-25 Averages: 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

LeBron James, the ageless legend, delivered another vintage campaign in 2024-25 for the Lakers with averages of 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.6 BPG over 70 games, all while shooting a robust 51.3% from the field at age 40. Despite whispers of slowing down, James remained a top-tier facilitator, ranking 6th league-wide in assists, a role more akin to a point-forward wizard than a traditional wing.

Heading into 2025-26, “The King” will look to continue reigning. His offensive versatility, paired with veteran IQ, keeps him the focal point of L.A.’s offense, healing roster wounds caused by LeBron’s predecessors’ departures. The looming question: can he stay durable and impactful enough to carry the Lakers into true title contention one more time? 

Memphis Grizzlies – Jaylen Wells

2024-25 Averages: 10.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Jaylen Wells burst onto the 2024-25 scene as a dependable rookie, averaging 10.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.7 APG while shooting 42.5% from the floor, all in a respectable 25.9 minutes per game. However, heartbreak struck late in the season: a brutal fall led to a concussion, facial laceration, and broken wrist, prematurely ending his promising campaign.

As the Grizzlies’ presumed starting small forward next season, Wells represents a frontier of untapped potential, combining length, youthful poise, and offensive intrigue. If he fully recovers, Memphis can tailor a rising identity around his two-way instincts. 

Miami Heat – Norman Powell

2024-25 Averages: 21.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Norman Powell reminded fans and foes alike that scoring isn’t just about volume, it’s efficiency too. In 2024-25, he dropped 21.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG over 60 games, while torching defenders with an elite 41.8% from three on 7 attempts per game. His mid-season surge, especially Game 4 of the playoffs with 22 points, re-emphasized his clutch-making ability.

Moving into 2025-26, Powell is the Miami Heat’s unofficial closer, armed with scoring punch and defensive grit. Tasked with shouldering late-game responsibilities and spacing the floor, he’ll be counted on to elevate his offense again, while maintaining fight-at-the-rim tenacity.

Milwaukee Bucks – Kyle Kuzma

2024-25 Averages: 14.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Kyle Kuzma continued his decent scoring ways with the Bucks in 2024-25, contributing 14.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 2.3 APG while shooting 43.6% from the field. A versatile forward at heart, Kuzma added scoring diversity and rebounding heft to Milwaukee’s wing rotation.

For the upcoming season, Kuzma enters as a key rotational piece, expected to stretch defenses and act as a secondary creator. His comfort in bounce-back roles makes him a trusted veteran on a juggernaut roster. The storyline: can he expand beyond his positional depth, offering more two-way contact along with offense?

Minnesota Timberwolves – Jaden McDaniels

2024-25 Averages: 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Jaden McDaniels posted 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 2024-25, shooting a crisp 47.7% from the field, blending steady scoring with length and athleticism. In the playoffs, he rose to the occasion, averaging 17.4 points on 84.6% shooting during the first round, proving he can elevate under pressure.

In 2025-26, McDaniels is primed to ascend from reliable role player to frontline starter. His ability to stretch, defend, and adapt will be central to Minnesota’s identity. If he maintains his playoff growth trajectory, expect him to turn into a core piece, bridging potential and production on both ends of the floor.

New Orleans Pelicans – Herb Jones

2024-25 Averages: 10.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Herb Jones continues to define “unsung glue guy.” In 2024-25, before a season-ending torn labrum, he averaged 10.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, and a staggering 1.9 SPG, a defensive keystone for New Orleans’ rotation. His wingspan and instincts held offenses at bay.

If Jones returns fully recovered, expect him to re-anchor New Orleans’ two-way foundation next season. His ability to patrol passing lanes, disrupt rhythm, and make winning plays, without commanding the spotlight, could be the intangible edge the young Pelicans need to push toward playoff contention.

New York Knicks – Mikal Bridges

2024-25 Averages: 17.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Mikal Bridges delivered a sterling first season in New York, averaging 17.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, while shooting an efficient 50% from the field, all the while anchoring the Knicks’ defense and durability on the wing. His consistency on both ends quickly made him a cornerstone alongside Jalen Brunson.

With a fresh four-year, $150 million extension in hand, Bridges steps into 2025-26 as a foundational piece. His iron-man reliability and two-way versatility are vital tools for a team playoff-bound and championship-chasing. Now the story: can he continue to elevate—offensively as a creator and defensively as a stopper, in a squad built for sustained success?

Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams

2024-25 Averages: 21.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Jalen Williams anchored his breakout season with a dazzling mix of scoring, playmaking, and defense that earned him All-Star honors and an NBA championship. His 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game make him one of the league’s most balanced two-way wings. With a sturdy 48.4% shooting, he leveraged athleticism, versatility, and length to morph into the Thunder’s Swiss-army-kind-of forward. 

In 2025-26, Williams is positioned not just to retain his starting spot but to become a cornerstone. As the engine in OKC’s juggernaut offense, he’ll be counted on to initiate transitions and harass ball-handlers defensively. The key storyline: if Williams sustains that competitive fire and continues refining his off-ball IQ, he could soon redefine what an All-NBA two-way forward looks like in the modern era.

Orlando Magic – Franz Wagner

2024-25 Averages: 24.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Franz Wagner continues to blossom at 23 for the Orlando Magic, producing a team-leading 24.2 points alongside solid all-around impact: 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. His efficiency (46.3% FG) and growth as a facilitator and scorer tapped into limitless upside, earning fantasy rankings and front office praise alike. 

Heading into 2025-26, Wagner’s role is clear: lead Florida’s offensive movement while anchoring wing defense. His versatility at 6’10” allows him to create mismatches and deliver hustle plays. If Orlando keeps building around him, Wagner may stake his status as the type of two-way franchise-altering talent that shifts how wings are valued in the NBA.

Philadelphia 76ers – Paul George

2024-25 Averages: 16.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Paul George provided scoring punch, defensive tenacity, and veteran composure to Philly last season, delivering 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while guarding the toughest assignments on the court. His efficiency (43% FG) belied the demands he absorbed as both secondary scorer and stopper. 

In the year ahead, George’s impact still centers on consistency and leadership. If he can find a rhythm alongside the younger core while preserving his defensive edge, he could balance as a stabilizing foil to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. His playoff experience and two-way pedigree remain the glue that holds a championship pursuit in place.

Phoenix Suns – Dillon Brooks

2024-25 Averages: 14.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Dillon Brooks rolled into the 2024-25 season delivering 14.0 points per game, and more importantly, a brand of scarring defense and raw intensity. His 39.7% on 6.3 threes per game marked career highs, a vintage perimeter spark plug that gave teams nightmares. 

For 2025-26, Brooks enters Phoenix not just as a scorer, but as their instigator and edge-setter. The narrative: Can he temper glitchy aggression into calculated disruption while anchoring perimeter defense? If he hits mid-teens scoring while setting tone on both ends, he may just become the intangible heartbeat of a hungry Suns squad.

Portland Trail Blazers – Deni Avdija

2024-25 Averages: 16.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Deni Avdija delivered his most consistent and productive season yet, posting 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists per game. His 47.6% shooting and all-around ability reinforced his moniker as the Trail Blazers’ Swiss-army forward, anchoring plays from multiple angles. 

Looking ahead, Avdija’s 2025-26 season could be his defining moment, as a modest prototype or breakout performer. His size and feel make him a defensive asset and floor stabilizer. If he continues developing playmaking and shot creation, his box-score numbers could quietly skyrocket while anchoring Portland’s next iteration.

Sacramento Kings – DeMar DeRozan

2024-25 Averages: 22.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG

If consistency had a face, it would be DeMar DeRozan’s. With the Kings, he delivered yet another season of midrange mastery and veteran savvy, contributing 22.2 points and 4.4 assists per game while carving up defenses with trademark footwork and controlled aggression. His 47.7% from the floor made him a reliable counterweight to faster-paced offensive systems, anchoring the Kings’ perimeter production.

Entering 2025-26, DeRozan remains Sacramento’s steadying force amid youth and experimentation. As the de facto wing commander, he’ll be counted on to close games, mentor emerging wings like Malik Monk, and maintain his elite midrange efficiency as new threats around him develop.

San Antonio Spurs – Devin Vassell 

2024-25 Averages: 16.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Devin Vassell quietly enhanced his upstairs. With 16.3 points and 1.3 steals per game, he flashed two-way continuation, with the speed to defend guards and the length to contest on drives. His perimeter shooting hovered near league average, but his growth barreled forward in late-season bursts, one outing featuring 24 points and four steals in a losing effort against the Cavs was signature Vassell muscle flex.

In 2025-26, Vassell’s role as the fulcrum of San Antonio’s rebuild is clear. As their most consistent two-way wing, he’ll shoulder scoring, perimeter defense, and leadership. If he refines his shot distribution and continues to make others better, the Spurs’ timeline for relevance could shorten in a hurry.

Toronto Raptors – Brandon Ingram

2024-25 Averages: 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG

Brandon Ingram provided instant versatility and scoring zip, delivering 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over 18 games before a mid-season ankle injury paused his momentum. His trade arrival brought offensive symmetry and attention at all three levels, quickly justifying Toronto’s investment.

With league sources now confirming he’s cleared for contact and ramping up in training, Ingram looks poised to step into a lead role heading into 2025-26. If he stays fit, pain-free, and explosive, Toronto gains a two-way swingman who can both create and close.

Utah Jazz – Lauri Markkanen

2024-25 Averages: 19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Lauri Markkanen offered the Utah Jazz reliable stretch scoring and rebounding, averaging 19 points and nearly 6 boards per game. Though his field goal percentage dipped to 42.3%, his shooting gravity and spacing were vital; often, his presence alone carved driving lanes and midrange opportunities for teammates.

This offseason, he’s channeling that form abroad, dropping 79 points across two EuroBasket games for Finland, turning heads with vintage firepower, and reminding fans of the All-Star potential he still harbors. Hopefully, he can get back to his best next season.

Washington Wizards – Bilal Coulibaly

2024-25 Averages: 12.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Bilal Coulibaly emerged as a multi-faceted presence for the Washington Wizards last season, averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, alongside elite defensive instincts. The 20-year-old flashed a triple-double and aggressive instincts that landed him in trade package chatter and highlight reels alike.

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury threatens to close out his breakout campaign. But Wizards fans can rest assured: reports confirm he avoids surgery and will continue offseason training. If he recovers fully, Coulibaly projects as Washington’s budding two-way catalyst.