NBA's Fab Five: Small Forwards

[Real Deal]

I realized I never finished these...so I better get on it.

 

http://www.alldaynba.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/lbjames.jpg

 

After being inactive for six months, I figured there was no better time than now to continue my positional rankings. Looking over the two guard positions, there isn’t much I would change for my honorable mentions, but the top fives stay the same.

 

With that established, it’s time for our small forwards to step under the microscope. Since Larry Bird dominated the position in the 1980′s, it feels like we’ve been searching for that next legendary player, one that can do anything on the court. Scottie Pippen was close, and pre-injury, Grant Hill produced a game that led many to believe he was the next big thing.

 

Fortunately, we may have found two, and they stand out among the five best small forwards in the NBA.

View the rest here: http://www.alldaynba.com/nbageneral/nbas-fab-five-small-forwards

[Poe]

Solid list. You've mentioned the right people, and I think I actually agree with the ordering. Good work.

[Real Deal]

By the way, I would appreciate it if you guys helped me out and tweeted the article (using the Tweet button on the blog). No biggie if you don't, though.

[Real Deal]

Solid list. You've mentioned the right people, and I think I actually agree with the ordering. Good work.

Thanks. Very difficult to round out the five after adding Melo. I seriously sat there for almost an hour, changing it up...and finally settled, haha.

[AboveLegit]

I still would take Pierce over Granger if I'm choosing between the two to lead me to a championship.

 

Good list nonetheless. The only problem I have with it is Pierce being so low. IMO, I still think he's top 5 worthy.

[Poe]

Thanks. Very difficult to round out the five after adding Melo. I seriously sat there for almost an hour, changing it up...and finally settled, haha.

 

Yea, it's no question who's in the top 3. The 4th and 5th places you have to do more comparing between a wider group of players.

 

I do believe Wallace deserves his place based on his achievements as a rebounder and defender while still being enough of an offensive threat to be a leader in keeping his team in playoff contention.

 

And about Granger, concerning his FIBA play, some players just aren't able to fit in a role situation. It's a completely different mentality being a star versus filling in a role. I know from personal experience growing up. For me at least, you find yourself playing to your fullest when you know you are the best player.

 

And about Granger as an NBA player, he just had one off year. He's improved dramatically each year until that injury. He just hasn't had any playoff success because of the team around him, but his play individually has been more than enough to be a top 5 SF. Perhaps a full healthy season will allow Granger to prove himself as a top 4 or even a top 3 SF in this league, though that has yet to be seen.

[Check my Stats]

I like Granger more than Wallace but it isn't something worth arguing about really, I can co-sign that list.

[Real Deal]

I still would take Pierce over Granger if I'm choosing between the two to lead me to a championship.

 

Good list nonetheless. The only problem I have with it is Pierce being so low. IMO, I still think he's top 5 worthy.

I'm just not sure if Pierce can carry a load like Granger or Wallace, at this point. Wallace hasn't proven he can average 25-30 points, but he's dropping 20's and playing the best defense on the team. Granger can average 25+ on a less-talented team, primary scoring option. I think Pierce would struggle if he was asked to do the things he did back in the early part of the decade.

[*Swish*]

The 5 is hard but I think I'd rather put Pierce over Granger. Also, I think that Durant will in 2-3 years be number 1 of this list.