For decades, the small forward position has produced some of basketball’s most versatile superstars, elite scorers, lockdown defenders, and true leaders. These legendary wings have delivered championships, memorable playoff runs, and countless individual accolades. Here’s a list of the 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history, ranked by their achievements, stats, and what set them apart from the rest.
10. Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce had career averages of 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 3.5 APG. A one-time NBA champion (2008) and Finals MVP, he was a 10-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA selection. He scored over 26,000 career points, ranking among the top 20 all-time. A career 36.8% three-point shooter, he was known for his clutch performances, leading the Celtics to their first title in over two decades. He finished in the top 10 in scoring for eight straight seasons and was an underrated defender, making four All-Defensive selections.
9. Rick Barry
Rick Barry recorded career averages of 24.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 4.9 APG. A one-time NBA champion (1975) and Finals MVP, he was a 12-time All-Star across the ABA and NBA. He won a scoring title (1967) and led the league in free throw percentage six times with an underhanded technique, finishing with an 89.3% career FT percentage. A four-time All-NBA First Team selection, he scored 36.3 PPG in the 1967 Playoffs, the third-highest ever for a single postseason. His all-around skills and leadership helped the Warriors secure their first championship in franchise history.
8. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard has career averages of 19.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 3.0 APG. A two-time NBA champion (2014, 2019) and two-time Finals MVP, he has also won two Defensive Player of the Year awards. A five-time All-NBA selection and six-time All-Defensive team member, he has led the league in steals (2015) and is one of the best perimeter defenders in history. He guided the Raptors to their first title in 2019, leading all playoff scorers. His elite two-way ability and efficient scoring (career 49.5% FG) make him one of the most dominant small forwards.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Point Guards in History
7. John Havlicek
John Havlicek posted career averages of 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 4.8 APG. An eight-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, he was a 13-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and eight-time All-Defensive selection. He scored 26,395 career points, ranking among the top 20 all-time. Known for his endurance and clutch performances, he made one of the most famous steals in NBA history in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals. He won Finals MVP in 1974 and played a key role in bridging the Celtics’ success from the Bill Russell era into the 1970s.
6. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor averaged 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, and 4.3 APG across 14 seasons. An 11-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection, he was a prolific scorer and rebounder despite playing in an era with no three-point line. He holds the record for most points in an NBA Finals game (61) and averaged over 34 PPG in two separate seasons. Though he never won an NBA title, he played in eight Finals.
5. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen posted career averages of 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 5.2 APG. A six-time NBA champion (1991-1993, 1996-1998), he was a seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, and 10-time All-Defensive selection. He led the Bulls in assists during multiple championship seasons and was a two-time Olympic gold medalist. One of the greatest perimeter defenders ever, he finished top five in steals six times and was a key facilitator in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense.
4. Julius Erving
Julius Erving averaged 24.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG across the ABA and NBA. A three-time champion (two ABA, one NBA), he won four MVPs (three ABA, one NBA) and was an 11-time NBA All-Star. He finished his career with over 30,000 combined points. Known for his high-flying style, he was a two-time ABA Playoffs MVP and led the league in scoring three times. A five-time All-ABA First Team selection and seven-time All-NBA selection, he was a key figure in the NBA-ABA merger.
– 16x All-Star (11x NBA, 5x ABA)
– NBA Champion
– 2x ABA Champion
– 4x MVP (3x ABA, 1x NBA)
– 7x All NBA
– 1993 Hall of Fame inducteeHappy Birthday Dr. J, @JuliusErving!! pic.twitter.com/3UmTVM7Dis
— Andscape (@andscape) February 22, 2019
3. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has career averages of 27.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.3 APG. A two-time NBA champion (2017, 2018), he won two Finals MVPs and an MVP award (2014). A four-time scoring champion, he has made 13 All-Star appearances and earned 10 All-NBA selections. Durant boasts a career shooting split of 50.1% FG, 38.8% 3PT, and 88.6% FT, making him one of the most efficient high-volume scorers ever. He has won two Olympic gold medals and led the league in total points five times.
2. Larry Bird
Larry Bird averaged 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 6.3 APG in his 13-year career. A three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), he won three consecutive MVPs (1984-1986) and two Finals MVPs. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time All-NBA selection, he was a career 49.6% shooter with a 37.6% three-point percentage. Bird led the league in free-throw percentage four times and was a key figure in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. The small forward won Rookie of the Year (1980) and was a three-time All-Defensive selection.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Shooting Guards of All Time
Who is the greatest small forward in NBA history?
LeBron James has career averages of 27.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 7.4 APG. A four-time NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020), he has won four MVPs, four Finals MVPs, and is the all-time leading scorer. A 19-time All-Star and 19-time All-NBA selection, he ranks top five in points and assists in NBA history. He holds two Olympic gold medals and has led the league in scoring (2008) and assists (2020).
