Upon completion of the 2023-24 NBA season, we have named the 25 best small forwards in the world and divided them into five tiers. The small forward position has seen countless passing of the torches since the best small forwards in the world right now include the Finals MVP, bonafide All-Stars, and multiple budding stars. Note that the positions will be based on where the players played in the 2023-24 season.
*Please note that the positions will be based on where the players played in the 2023-24 season according to Basketball Reference.
Tier 1 (The Best)
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown had an incredible season in 2023-24. The All-Star not only signed the largest contract in NBA history but followed it up with postseason success by winning the championship and also adding the Western Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP (20.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.0 APG). Playing alongside multiple All-Star talents including Jayson Tatum, Brown was at the top of his game across the board including definitely. Top off his season with an All-Star appearance after averaging 23.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and there is no doubt nobody played the small forward position better than Brown.
Tier 2 (Superstar)
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard was finally healthy in the regular season, playing 68 games and making an All-Star and All-NBA Second Team appearance by posting 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 41.7% from three. However, in perfect timing, Leonard missed every game in the postseason and that ultimately ended the Los Angeles Clippers’ run very early with a first-round exit. Regardless, Leonard proved he is still one of the best forwards in the NBA and health is the only thing in his way from possibly reaching the top again.
Tier 3 (All-Stars)
DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, Klay Thompson, Khris Middleton
DeMar DeRozan continues to defy age and evolve his game at 34 years old, maintaining his status as one of the league’s most reliable scorers. In the 2023-24 season, DeRozan averaged 24.0 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Known for his mid-range mastery, DeRozan has also improved his playmaking and defensive presence and has a new era starting for him with the Sacramento Kings.
Brandon Ingram has solidified his role as the New Orleans Pelicans’ go-to scorer and a versatile playmaker. This season, Ingram posted impressive averages of 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, showcasing his all-around game. His ability to create his shot and facilitate offense has made him a focal point for opposing defenses although he has been involved in trade rumors but not any longer following the team’s acquisition of Dejounte Murray this summer.
Mikal Bridges emerged as a key player for the Brooklyn Nets, demonstrating his prowess on both ends of the court. Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while providing elite perimeter defense. His transition to a primary scoring role was seamless, but he might have to revert back to his primarily defensive role following the New York Knicks’ acquisition of him and that bodes well for his future.
Klay Thompson is not the same player who was a bonafide All-Star, but he can still have an All-Star impact. Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc. His sharpshooting ability remains a game-changer, and his defensive skills have shown resilience post-injury. It seems Thompson’s time in Golden State is up, and we could see him having an elite shooting impact with a new roster for the 2024-25 season.
Despite dealing with nagging injuries the past two seasons, new Khris Middleton’s performance has been instrumental in the Milwaukee Bucks’ success. Middleton averaged 15.1 points per game in the regular season but was far better in the playoffs by posting 24.7 points per game on 35.5% from deep. Middleton is a three-time All-Star for a reason and we can’t knock him off Tier 3 just yet.
Tier 4 (Fringe All-Stars)
Josh Hart, Luguentz Dort, Herbert Jones, Keegan Murray
Josh Hart has been a revelation for the New York Knicks, proving his worth as one of the league’s most versatile and hardworking players. In the 2023-24 season, Hart averaged 9.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game but took his numbers to 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the playoffs. Hart was essentially irreplaceable for the Knicks this year and headlines Tier 4.
Luguentz Dort has continued to develop into one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA while expanding his offensive game. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dort averaged 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. His defensive prowess is highlighted by his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses which is one of the reasons why the Thunder finished with the best record in the NBA.
Herbert Jones has quickly made a name for himself as a defensive stalwart and an emerging star for the New Orleans Pelicans. In the 2023-24 season, Jones averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 41.8% from three. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, and his ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots made him an All-NBA Defensive First Team member.
Keegan Murray has shown tremendous potential in his second year with the Sacramento Kings, establishing himself as a key contributor. Murray averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game, demonstrating his scoring ability and versatility. His efficiency from the field, shooting 45.4%, and his three-point accuracy at 35.8% have made him a reliable offensive weapon behind De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
Tier 5 (Key Starters)
Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr, Franz Wagner, Jaden McDaniels, Deni Avdija, Trey Murphy III, Brandon Miller, Jalen Johnson, Bennedict Mathurin, Dillon Brooks, Jaime Jacquez Jr, Keldon Johnson, Kelly Oubre Jr, De’Andre Hunter
After serving a suspension, Miles Bridges returned to the Charlotte Hornets with a chip on his shoulder, quickly re-establishing himself as a key player. He averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, providing a dynamic presence on both ends of the floor despite playing on a struggling team that was in the lottery.
Michael Porter Jr. has continued to be a vital component of the Denver Nuggets offense, contributing 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. His efficiency from beyond the arc, shooting 39.7%, complements his ability to score in various ways. While his defense is still a work in progress, Porter Jr.’s scoring prowess and rebounding skills have solidified his role as a reliable starter for the reigning NBA champions.
Franz Wagner has emerged as a cornerstone for the Orlando Magic, displaying impressive versatility and basketball IQ. Wagner posted averages of 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. No doubt, Wagner was the best player on the Magic behind All-Star Paolo Banchero.
Jaden McDaniels has continued to develop his game, becoming a standout defender and an efficient scorer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. McDaniels averaged 10.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while maintaining a shooting split of 48.9% from the field and 33.7% from beyond the arc. His defensive versatility and ability to guard multiple positions have been invaluable to the Timberwolves who made the Western Conference Finals this past season.
Deni Avdija has made significant strides with the Washington Wizards, improving his offensive game and maintaining his defensive prowess. Avdija averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, and now has a new team with the Portland Trail Blazers to continue showcasing his all-around impact.
Trey Murphy III has become a key piece for the New Orleans Pelicans, providing excellent shooting and defensive versatility. Murphy averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 38.0% from three-point range. His ability to space the floor and guard multiple positions has made him a crucial starter for the Pelicans who have just improved with the Dejounte Murray trade.
As a rookie, Brandon Miller has quickly established himself as a promising player for the Charlotte Hornets. Miller averaged 17.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, demonstrating his scoring ability and versatility. His shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc at 37.3%, made him finish third in the Rookie of the Year race.
Jalen Johnson is only 22 years old but is getting better and better. The swingman averaged 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game on 35.5% from three, meaning he will soon be a name that is floated across the league. The 6’9″ athlete could be part of an exciting core in Atlanta for the foreseeable future.
Bennedict Mathurin has continued to build on his strong rookie season, becoming a key player for the Indiana Pacers. Mathurin averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, but the team sorely missed him in the playoffs because he was not available for a single minute. Going forward, Mathurin will likely continue being a prime role player for the up-and-coming side.
Dillon Brooks has maintained his reputation as a tenacious defender and a capable scorer for the Houston Rockets. Brooks averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while providing relentless defense. Brook’s numbers will never leap off the page but his impact defensively will be critical for a Rockets team looking to make the playoffs in 2024-25.
In his rookie season, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance for the Miami Heat. Jaquez averaged 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, contributing solidly across the board. His versatility, basketball IQ, and defensive tenacity have made him a valuable asset for the Heat and a promising young starter.
Keldon Johnson has continued to be a reliable scorer and versatile player for the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score in various ways. His physicality and improved three-point shooting at 34.6% have made him a crucial part of the Spurs’ lineup around Victor Wembanyama.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has brought energy and scoring ability to the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 15.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 2023-24. His ability to score in transition and his defensive efforts were valuable to the Sixers but he could be looking for a long-term deal from any NBA team this summer.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has brought energy and scoring ability to the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 15.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 2023-24. His ability to score in transition and his defensive efforts were valuable to the Sixers but he could be looking for a long-term deal from any NBA team this summer.
Finally, De’Andre Hunter has continued to develop as a solid two-way player for the Atlanta Hawks. Hunter averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, providing reliable scoring and strong defense. With the Hawks rebuilding around rookie Zaccharie Risacher and possibly Trae Young, we don’t know what will happen to De’Andre Hunter just yet going forward.
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