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0 In a regulation basketball game, the small forward (SF), also known as the three, is one of the five positions. Small forwards are typically shorter and quicker than power forwards and centers, but taller and larger than either of the guard positions. They are considered to be the most versatile of the five main basketball positions, as they contribute both offensively and defensively.
Small forwards are responsible for scoring points, and defending, and often act as secondary or tertiary rebounders behind the power forward and centre. They are known to be strategic players who create open lanes and opportunities for their team. This position is also known for having considerable passing responsibilities, and many small forwards are prolific scorers.
In the NBA, small forwards typically range from 6′ 6″ (1.98 m) to 6′ 9″ (2.06 m), while in the NBA, guards usually range from 6′ 0″ (1.83 m) to 6′ 5″ (1.88 m). This puts them at the average height of all professional basketball players, making them taller than guards but shorter than power forwards and centres.
Small forwards employ a wide range of styles to score points. Some are very accurate shooters, such as Kevin Durant, while others prefer to initiate physical contact with opposing players, such as LeBron James. Other small forwards are often primarily slashers who also possess jump shots. Some small forwards position themselves on the baseline, while others operate as off-ball specialists.
Small forwards are also known for being versatile defensive specialists. They often guard multiple positions using their size, speed, and strength. Having adequate footwork and a solid defensive stance contributes to why small forwards are successful. When it comes to statistics, small forwards must be all over the map and at least have stats in every category.
#3 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has an impressive resume of achievements that includes winning two championships and two finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018, being named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2014, and earning two All-Star Game MVP awards in 2012 and 2019. Additionally, he has been selected to the All-Star team 13 times, from 2010-2019 and then again from 2021-2023 (excluding 2020 due to injury), making him one of the most consistently dominant players of his generation.
Durant has also been recognized for his exceptional performance on the court, having been named to the All-NBA First Team six times (in 2010-2014 and 2018) and the All-NBA Second Team four times (in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022). He is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist, having won the top prize at the 2012 London Games, the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and the 2020/2021 Tokyo Games.
Notably, Durant is a member of the exclusive 40/50/90 club, having shot more than 40% from 3-point range, 50% from the field, and 90% from the free-throw line during the 2013 and 2023 seasons. He has also been named the USA basketball male athlete of the year three times (in 2010, 2016, and 2021) and was the FIBA world championship MVP in 2010.
Throughout his career, Durant has demonstrated his remarkable scoring prowess, averaging 30 points per game in two separate seasons (in 2014 and 2010) and leading the league in scoring four times (in 2010-2012 and 2014). He has played for four teams during his 16-year NBA career, including the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder, and has averaged an impressive 27.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 1,014 regular-season games. As of now, he is ranked 10th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
#2 Larry Bird
Larry Bird is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played 13 seasons in the NBA, all with the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992.
Throughout his career, Bird was a 12-time All-Star, 3-time NBA champion, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, 3-time NBA MVP, and 9-time All-NBA First Team selection. He is the first player in NBA history to win the MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP awards in the same season (1985-86).
Bird was known for his incredible shooting ability and his all-around game. He was a deadly shooter from anywhere on the court, with career averages of 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He is also one of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history, with a career average of 88.6%.
Bird’s best statistical season came in 1987-88, when he averaged 29.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. He also had a career-high 52-point game that season.
In addition to his individual accolades, Bird led the Celtics to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. He was the Finals MVP in 1984 and 1986, and he played a key role in the Celtics’ dominant run during the 1980s.
Bird was also a member of the gold medal-winning United States men’s basketball team in the 1992 Olympics, known as the “Dream Team”. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
Overall, Larry Bird’s NBA career was one of the most successful and dominant in league history. He was a sharpshooter, and an all-around player and incredible coach and executive for the Indiana Pacers.
#1 LeBron James
LeBron James is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has played in the NBA for 21 seasons so far, spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat,the Cleveland Cavaliers again and the Los Angeles Lakers,.
Throughout his career, James has won four NBA championships (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020), four NBA Finals MVP awards, four NBA MVP awards, and 19 All-Star selections. He has also been named to the All-NBA First Team 13 times and the All-Defensive First Team five times.
James is known for his incredible all-around game, with career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He is also a proficient shooter, with a career field goal percentage of 50.5%.
James’ best statistical season came in 2012-13, when he averaged 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He also had a career-high 61-point game that season.
In addition to his individual accolades, James has led his teams to the NBA Finals 10 times, including eight consecutive appearances from 2011 to 2018. He is the all-time leading scorer in NBA playoff history and has won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
Off the court, James has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and has used his platform to promote positive change in his community. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including his own media company, SpringHill Entertainment.
Overall, LeBron James’ NBA career has been one of the most successful and dominant in league history.
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