The small forward position is one that stresses versatility. Relied on to rebound the ball, score, and defend against multiple positions. Reliable small forwards are often tasked with shouldering the offensive load or becoming lock down defenders against the opposing team's best player; some small forwards are assigned to both tasks.
The NBA is host to a myriad of talented small forwards able to play more than just their designated position; but there are five small forwards who shine above the rest...
5. Shawn Marion
Often asked to play the power forward position, Shawn Marion is one of, if not the best, versatile defenders in the league. He can guard much larger men so effectively it cannot be termed much of a mismatch despite his 6'7" height. Shawn Marion is also a ferocious rebounder for his size, with a career average of 10.1 rebounds a game.
On the flip side of his defensive talents, Shawn Marion is a monster on the offensive end. Shawn can shoot the ball all the way out to the three-point line but is a monster capable of finishing strong at the rim.
When he is the number one option on offense, combined with his defense, Shawn is capable of putting up monster numbers. (2005-'06 Season Averages: 22 points and 12 rebounds.)
Career Averages: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
4. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady, though taken by the injury bug because of the nature of his explosive game, is still one of the premier athletes in the NBA. Averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists the past season; Tracy McGrady proved he is still capable of stuffing the stat sheet and taking over games.
Tracy is an adequate defender but it's on the offensive side that Tracy McGrady shines. An adept passer and is one of the better play makers among small forwards. Tracy McGrady has a deadly jump shot, though his three-point percentage has dropped to an unreliable percentage (.292).
McGrady is at his best when he attacks the basket. He is almost impossible to guard and will drive in and get the easy two or go to the line. Like Dwyane Wade, the driving nature of T-Mac's game has caused a myriad of back injuries piling up over the years. Though now more of a jump shooter, T-Mac still knows when his team needs him and is more than capable of shouldering the offensive load.
Career Averages: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
3. Carmelo Anthony
It was hard to place 'Melo over T-Mac, but at this point in his career, Tracy McGrady isn't as durable or explosive as Carmelo. Carmelo Anthony had no real weakness coming out of college, and it showed in his extensive skill set. Carmelo has a solid mid-range shot and is reliable shooting the three (.354).
Carmelo can play the post game as well, if not better than most of the three men in the league. Anthony's size means he can bully his way into the paint and grab a decent amount of rebounds. Like Tracy, 'Melo is at his best when attacking the rim hard and finishing strong or drawing a foul.
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