Small-Ball: The Top Small Forwards of the NBA Playoffs

Senior Writer Written on May 16, 2009

Only six teams are left in the NBA's annual rendition know as the Playoffs and as two Game Sevens conclude only four will remain after Sunday. The postseason is littered with talent on every team at every position.

However, the numbers pinpoint that Small Forward is clearly one of the most important out there on the floor and without a solid 3 your team won't get as far.

The examples are everywhere and in this piece I will highlight few and there contributions to their respective teams.

Here are the Top Three Small Forwards of the NBA Playoffs:

LeBron James

James was deemed the league's Most Valuable Player after leading the Cavs' to a franchise best 66-win season and the Top overall seed in the Eastern Conference. He finished second in Defensive Player of The Year voting behind Dwight Howard and earned a spot on the NBA's All-Defensive First Team.

In addition, James was a unanimous pick on the NBA's All-First Team and so far has gotten the Cleveland Cavaliers' off to a 8-0 start (the only two sweeps in the playoffs belong to LeBron and Co.) in the postseason sans Allen Iverson and a banged up Atlanta Hawks squad.

He's averaging 32.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2 steals per game in Cleveland's eight postseason meetings and looks to be in prime position to make his 2nd Finals' appearance in his first 6 seasons.

His next opponent will be determined on Sunday as the Celtics and the Magic will battle for a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals at the Garden.

Carmelo Anthony

Melo has averaged over 20 points per game in each of his first six seasons as a pro and the best dual threat in the Western Conference north of Kobe Bryant.

In addition, Melo is beginning to learn to play defense thanks to the teachings of Team USA, and is developing into the superstar that everyone envisioned of him when he was selected third overall out of Syracuse after leading them to a National Championship as a freshman.

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written on May 16, 2009 Rankings/List

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