Alright, hoops heads, let's talk about the most stacked position in basketball. It's 2026, and small forwards still run the show. I don't care what the positionless truthers say — when the game slows down and the lights get bright, you want a long, switchable, bucket-getting wing who can guard the other team's best player. That's the small forward. No cap. The 2010s and 2020s gave us LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, and now a new wave is crashing in while the old heads refuse to move over. So here's my top 10 small forwards as we look at the 2025-26 season and beyond. Honorable mentions go to Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and Brandon Ingram. Now let's get into it.

My Top 10 at a Glance

10. Deni Avdija — Portland Trail Blazers

Kicking off this ranking is the best small forward that no one seems to know about, and I mean that with love. Deni Avdija was hidden from even the most dedicated NBA fans in Washington, then got dealt to Portland in 2024 and immediately broke out. In 72 games, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on a stellar 60.5% true shooting. That's efficiency, folks. Avdija has all the tools of a new-age small forward at six-foot-nine. He's an excellent on-ball and off-ball defender, can shoot the three, and even flashed some shot-creation tools in his first season in Rip City. He and his young Portland teammates are primed for a surprising ascension to the playoffs in 2025-26. Don't sleep on them.

9. Jaden McDaniels — Minnesota Timberwolves

Next up is Jaden McDaniels, the lockdown perimeter defender for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Is he an inconsistent offensive player? For sure — 12.2 points per game on 56.2% true shooting in 2024-25 ain't gonna light the world on fire. But he's certainly capable of exploding for big nights on that end. If McDaniels can become a more reliable shooter, he will rise in this ranking next year. Where 'The Seatbelt' makes his money is on defense, where he is arguably the top perimeter defender in basketball. Somehow, he's only made All-Defense once, which is straight-up disrespect. McDaniels is the go-to answer to solve many of the best guards in the league. His performance against Jamal Murray in Minnesota's legendary seven-game victory over Denver is one of the most special defensive jobs in recent memory. Clamps for days.

8. OG Anunoby — New York Knicks

OG Anunoby is the ultimate low-stats, huge-impact type of forward for the New York Knicks. The former Raptor has averaged 17.1 points and 4.7 rebounds on 47.9% from the field and 37.6% from deep in two seasons with the Knicks, but his contribution to winning goes far beyond those numbers. Since arriving in New York, OG's Knicks have a record of 65-32. They've also won three playoff series, reaching the franchise's first East Finals in 25 years in 2025. Anunoby is the perfect superstar role player, as he's a knockdown shooter and elite off-ball player as well as one of the best defensive forwards. He and Mikal Bridges form the top defensive wing tandem in the league. That's a scary sight for opposing scorers.

7. Jalen Johnson — Atlanta Hawks

Seventh on the list is one of many young talents on the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Johnson. Johnson's 2025 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he flashed superstar potential in the 36 games he played. The Duke product was one of the most productive young two-way forwards, averaging 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 50% from the field. Johnson is your prototypical modern-day point forward with a versatile skillset on both ends of the floor. At just age 23, the six-foot-nine SF flashed signs of a LeBron-type playstyle over the past two seasons. Johnson pushes the pace in transition, is an excellent rebounder and playmaker, and showed off some scoring chops. With the Hawks healthy and revitalized lineup, Johnson could have a breakout 2025-26 campaign. I'm buying all the stock.

6. Jimmy Butler — Golden State Warriors

The first star on this ranking is also the most polarizing player on the list, Jimmy Butler. Golden State's new SF showed signs of severe decline in 2024-25, but it is unclear how much was due to the drama in Miami that ultimately led to his ugly exit. Butler has clearly dropped as an athlete, but remains one of the savviest and most intelligent players in basketball. Upon arriving in Golden State, Butler immediately changed the outlook of Warriors basketball, lifting them from mediocre to a true second-tier contender. The Dubs went 23-7 with Butler in the lineup, as Curry was completely revitalized with a second star. Butler is no longer a dominant scorer, but fits perfectly in Steve Kerr's ball and player movement offense. Sadly, Stephen Curry's injury in the second round cost Butler any chance at a title, and he struggled to be the first option against a ferocious Minnesota defense. Playoff Jimmy seems to have finally ended, but with Curry back in the fold for a full season next to Butler, GS is once again a threat. Don't count out the old dog.

5. Franz Wagner — Orlando Magic

Choosing between Butler and Franz Wagner was a tough decision, as they are the first two stars on the list and are extremely well-matched. Ultimately, Wagner was the choice because he is oozing with potential entering his fifth NBA season. Franz is poised for a breakout campaign in 2025-26 with a healthy Magic team which added sharpshooter Desmond Bane to the fold. As a lethal driver to the rim, Wagner suffered mightily from Orlando's lack of spacing in 2024-25. Bane's arrival and the return of Jalen Suggs to the starting five should elevate his and Paolo Banchero's game next season, setting Wagner up for a huge year. In 2024-25, Franz had an excellent season despite the lack of help, averaging 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 60 games. He's a dynamic two-way athlete who just needs to polish off his three-point shot as well as improve as a decision-maker, and Wagner will reach the next level. Sheesh.

4. Jaylen Brown — Boston Celtics

It's questionable whether Jaylen Brown is a small forward next to Tatum, but he has been playing the three for a few years now in Boston's small-ball look, so we'll give him the nod at fourth. Brown is not beloved by the casual NBA fans, but he's quietly been one of the most durable and consistent stars in the league. While Brown is certainly not an elite first option like his teammate Tatum, he's been the perfect second option for Boston as they've dominated the league for a decade. He, not Tatum, captured the ECF and NBA Finals MVPs in the Celtics' dominant run to the title with an excellent two-way performance. Brown is an explosive athlete and is one of the best defenders in basketball. He's played at least 57 games in all nine of his NBA seasons, giving Boston a reliable small forward every night. He will get his chance to be their primary scorer in JT's absence in 2025-26. Time to eat.

3. Kawhi Leonard — LA Clippers

This may be the last season when we can say this, but Tatum's injury makes it possible: the three defining small forwards of the former generation are still the top three at their position in 2025-26. Kawhi Leonard rounds out the trio after his first healthy playoff run since 2020. Leonard, after playing 52 and 68 games in 2023 and 2024, only suited up for 37 contests in 2025. However, his well-rounded Clippers squad earned the fifth seed, allowing Kawhi to have his first full postseason series in a half-decade. Now, Leonard has clearly declined on both ends, as he is no longer capable of being a shutdown defender or carrying an offense by himself. Still, a healthy Kawhi is a better option for a postseason chase than all but two guys on this list. He remains a mid-range assassin, which is one of the most valuable skills come playoff time. The two-time Finals MVP is certainly not scared of the moment. All NBA fans are praying for at least one more healthy Kawhi season in 2025-26. Please, basketball gods.

2. Kevin Durant — Houston Rockets

It's 2025-26, and somehow Kevin Durant and LeBron James are still competing for the top small forward spot. Unfortunately for Durant, it's a competition that he may have never spent a single season on top of (he has an argument for 2014, 2017-18, and 2021-2023). However, KD is one of the game's greatest players ever, and remains an elite SF as he enters his 18th season. Durant is still arguably the best pure scorer in basketball at age 37, posting 26.6 PPG in 2025 on great efficiency. KD's 27.2 career points per game (sixth all-time) and 62% true shooting (11th) make him one of the most unstoppable scorers ever, and he's continued that pace as he's aged into his late-30s. The Slim Reaper dominates opponents with his silky jumper at nearly seven feet tall, which allows him to get it off over any defender's contest. Even as he slows down athletically in his old age, Durant will always be able to shoot over elite defenders, keeping him firmly in the top-15 players. KD begins a new chapter with the Houston Rockets in 2025-26, as he looks to be the missing piece in their championship formula. Scary hours.

1. LeBron James — Los Angeles Lakers

It is nothing short of a miracle, but LeBron James is somehow standing alone at the top of his position group as he enters year 23 at age 40. This gives James close to 20 years of being the best SF in the sport, which seems impossible, but the Lakers star was once again elite in 2024-25, earning All-NBA Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting. Again, Jayson Tatum has been the best SF in the NBA for at least three seasons, but he's out for 2025-26 with a torn Achilles. Although James is clearly declining athletically and isn't the same defender as he ages, he remains a great two-way player. LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds on 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from deep in 2024-25 and was the best player on a 50-win Lakers team that finished third in the West. King James has compensated for his lack of athleticism in this phase of his career by becoming an excellent three-point shooter (39.3% from deep in the last two seasons), playing out of the post more than ever, and using his mind to control games rather than his body. Yes, he's an inconsistent defender as his energy oscillates at age 40. He's not a full 82-game guy anymore, or he'd still be a top-five player. However, James is still one of the very best stars in the NBA, building his GOAT case with every game. Respect the king.

Final Take

So there you have it, my top 10 small forwards as we move through 2026. The old legends — LeBron, KD, Kawhi — are still holding it down, but the young guns are coming for the throne. Deni Avdija, Jaden McDaniels, Jalen Johnson, and Franz Wagner are all ready to level up. And when Jayson Tatum gets healthy, he's gonna crash the party and probably take the No. 1 spot. But for now, the small forward position is deeper and more fun than ever. Buckle up, because 2025-26 and beyond are gonna be a movie. Peace.