Three-point shooting in the modern NBA is far and away the most valuable asset for a team. A distant second, however, is strong production from the wings. Having a small forward that can hold his own is critical to this. It's no coincidence that the best contenders have at least one wing who can produce at a high level. With a strong emphasis on Who are the top ten small forwards in the NBA?
10: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic.
In his second season, Franz Wagner took some serious strides forward. Wagner's scoring output increased by 3.4 points per game, jumping to 18.6 from 15.2. in addition to an increased scoring output, Wagner's efficiency from every part of the floor took a step forward, proving that as his volume increases, he can maintain good efficiency. Though not as noticeable as his scoring output, Wagner's playmaking and defense also took a step in the right direction. With the not-so-surprising emergence of Wagner, the Magic have two franchise cornerstones in their frontcourt for the foreseeable future.
9: Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks.
While spending most of the 2022-13 season injured, Khris Middleton is still a quality contributor for the championship-contending Bucks. Middleton has proven himself as a suitable number two for a championship team. If Middleton can get back to the player we saw in the 2021-22 season, then the Bucks will become even more dangerous than they already are. Middleton didn't have a great season, however. His scoring, playmaking, and efficiency dipped from his usual form when he did play. That Being said, There's no indication that Middleton won't be a high-end wing moving into next season.
8: Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Coming off a championship season as well as returning from injury, Michael Porter Jr. performed admirably. His deep shot is as lethal as ever, and in the post-season, his defense took a noticeable step forward. If Porter Jr. can stay healthy next season, there's no reason to believe he won't take another step forward. He's an ideal pairing alongside Jokic and Murray, and he should thrive off their pressure.
7: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets
Mikal Bridges Shocked the NBA world after his trade to Brooklyn. His offensive production exploded, jumping from 17.1 points to over 26 per game. Bridges' elite defense and scoring outburst primes him to take the next step into the upper echelon of NBA wings. Unfortunately, it's unclear whether Bridges can sustain the production seen at last season's end. That being said, Bridges seemed to handle the pressure of being a number one option well. Bridges is primed to take the step into stardom.
6: Andrew Wiggins: Golden State Warriors
Since his trade to Golden State, Andrew Wiggins has been a completely different player. His defense and three-ball took a step forward, and he became as close to a perfect role player as you could as someone to be. he was so good at his role that he was named an All-Star in 2022. Wiggins is a non-ball dominant wing who can defend, space the floor, and finish around the rim, all at a high level. Wiggins' ability to provide value to all 30 NBA teams earns him a spot here.
5: Demar DeRozan: Chicago Bulls
Demar Derozan, as he has been for the better part of a decade, is an elite offensive player who can carry an offensive load. DeRozan's mid-range shot has proven to be one of the deadliest shots in the league. His improved playmaking over the past couple of seasons has taken his offensive game to the next level. Below-league-average defense and the lack of a three-point shot take a hit on DeRozan's value. However, DeRozan is still a premier offensive player in the NBA, which earns him this ranking.
4: Brandon Ingram: New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram has been among the more underrated players in the league for several seasons. Ingram has the talent and ability to be the best offensive player on any given team. Ingram is a true three-level scorer, able to hit efficiently from deep and use his length to finish efficiently around the rim. Ingram has also shown his playmaking chops in recent years, hovering shy of six assists over the past two seasons. Although not a terrific defender, Ingram is serviceable. If New Orleans can stay healthy and leap into contention, Ingram will surely turn heads.
3: Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard started the season very slow. Despite the slow start, Kawhi began to get back into form at the end of the season. The one thing that keeps Kawhi from being the best or second-best wing in the NBA is his health. Since 2017, Leonard has failed to play over 70 games in any season. Despite his health concerns, Leonard's skill and impact are enough to earn him a top-three ranking. His playmaking has also seen improvement since signing with the Clippers. If Kawhi can play over 55 games next season, there's a good chance he'll be back to the form we've come to expect from him.
2: Jimmy Butler: Miami Heat
There's not much to be said about Jimmy Butler that hasn't been said already. One of the best leaders in the league, Butler has proven multiple times that he can lead a team to the finals. Butler is a great defender, finisher, and mid-range shooter. Butler is one of the most complete wings in the NBA. A talented passer and scorer, Butler's consistent elite post-season play had brought Miami to two NBA Finals in his four seasons there. Butler is one of the few players who can make his teammates better and elevate his own game.
1: Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics
Similarly to Butler, There's not much that can be said about Jayson Tatum that hasn't been said already. As the first Celtic to score over thirty points per game, Tatum has made strides as a finisher, shooter, and defender. Tatum has led the Celtics to four conference finals and one NBA Finals. Tatum's game was truly unlocked when he became a better playmaker. His ability to kick the ball out after a drive or hit the open shooter after a move has made him one of the premier offensive players in the NBA. Should Tatum continue on this trajectory, he'll surely be regarded as one of the best wings in the NBA For years to come.
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