Part 3 of Top 10. Today we are on the Top 10 Small Forwards in the NSL. This list is based on a combination of 2k23 rating, Projected positional fit in the NSL, and my own flawless impeccable opinion. Don�t hate, appreciate.

1. LeBron James - Despite being 152 years old. LeBron James is still physically the best small forward in the game. He has been able to maintain peak physical conditioning and marry it to a next-level basketball IQ. If the NSL were the MATRIX then LBJ would be Morpheus. LeBron�s physical size and athleticism allow him to play in the post as well as on the wing where he has a more than capable midrange game and is a respectable 3-point shooter. When properly motivated he can play near elite-level defense as well. Tie that in with the ability to get his teammates involved and there just aren�t many options when it comes to containing him or even providing a moderate speed bump. With his closest competition for #1 all either aging as well or injury prone. LeBron will remain the top dog as a Small Forward.

2. Kevin Durant - Always a bridesmaid but never a bride. As stellar as KD is, he is still only number 2 at his position. Even at number 2, the Slim Reaper is a silky smooth scorer that can light it up from anywhere on the court. Driving to the basket, post-ups, spin moves, and pull-ups. Durant can has all the tools to get it done no matter what the offensive situation is. When properly motivated he can lock down a fair amount of wing players as well as put in some defensive work in the post. Kevin hands down can carry a team on offense and lead the defense at the same time.

3. Jimmy Butler - If Jimmy was a dog he would be a Pitbull. He has an endless well of fight that gives him the ability to play bigger and harder than most other players of similar size and skill set. Butler is a renowned gym rat that looks to get the most out of his talent. A capable scorer and playmaker which makes him well-rounded on offense despite a shaky 3-point shot. But where he really makes his bones is as a tireless defender that can guard 1-4 and can bring it every night he is on the court even when he is obviously gassed. 

4. Kawhi Leonard - The Claw could be higher on this list. But injuries and suspect internal fire both knock him down a bit. But when fully engaged and motivated, Kawhi can be one of the best. Arguably a Scottie Pippen 2.0 due to a slightly better and longer jump-shooting range. Kawhi�s tantalizing talent often has him miscast as a number 1 when he is really just a turbocharged number 2. But like most two-way players he sets himself apart by being a premier defender. A 1-4 defender that can apply a suffocating defensive blanket to his own man and knows when to float and help teammates as well. His only real flaw is likely just a lack of passion for the game.  

5. Khris Middleton - Steady as she goes. Middleton is a consistent performer. Good for a solid 20-plus points per game. Khris isn�t flashy but he gets it done. A 3-level scorer that makes good decisions with the ball and has excellent shot selection. Not the most atheltic guy at his position he is, however, a premier defender that is best used against 2�s and 3�s. He can guard stretch 4�s in a pinch. Not a number 1 but a clear number 2 that can that can fill a lot of gaps for teams on both ends of the floor.

6. DeMarr Derozan - DD is an incredibly smooth scorer that has recently been able to turn the corner as a playmaker and add more depth to an already enviable scoring game. Despite a shaky 3 point shot, DeRozan can get buckets for days on end with a bevy of midrange shots and slashes to the basket. The only knock on his game is less than idea defensive effort for a player with his level of athleticism. Slot him in a team with a solid defense and watch the wins pile up.

7. Brandon Ingram - Baby Durant, well not quite. But Ingram is still pretty good though. At 6�8� with a condor wingspan. Brandon has a prototypical Small Forwards build. A born jump shooter that can also slash. Ingram is a breath away from being a near-prolific scorer. As great as he is on offense he is something of a letdown on defense where he has the size, length, and athleticism to be in the upper echelon on that side of the ball as well. Another year or two or perhaps a change in coaching and he could get there and move up on this list

8. Andrew Wiggins - Wiggins is an athlete that can do a little bit of everything but somehow still leaves you feeling like there is way more in the tank than what we are seeing. Wiggins can score with the best of them with the speed and hops to get to the hoop and a moderately soft touch from 3. A solid #2 or #3 option that can play both sides of the ball as he is a very good if not elite defender. Andrew has a lot of unrealized potential but if nothing else he is steady in what he brings and can be the missing piece for any franchise looking to contend.

9. Mikal Bridges - Mikal is a relatively �New Kid on the Block� In 4 years he is already possibly even in skill level with Wiggins. But Bridges is approaching attack dog tenacity with his defense. If he ever cracks the scoring conundrum he could become a must-have asset for any team looking to contend. He still plays more like a 3nD guy instead of the scorer that he can be. Another year or two of seasoning and he will leapfrog up this list.

10. R.J. Barrett - Barrett probably doesn�t get enough love in the NSL. RJ is a streaky shooter with superb slashing skills. When he is on he can euro-step you to the basket, get a deflection on defense, and then streak down the court to receive an alley-oop pass for a dunk. If he could channel that kind of play more consistently he could easily be a top 5 player as a SF. An underrated defender that is a hair away from putting it all together and becoming a must-have piece to a championship team.