NBA Position Rankings: Top 10 Small Forwards for 2017
Our NBA Position Rankings series continues as we look at the small forwards, perhaps the deepest position group in the NBA. Where does Aaron Gordon fit?
The NBA has undoubtedly gone through some major transformations. Positions have become more fluid. Speed and versatility have become important every position. The ability to shoot has become an even greater plus.
The small forward position though has changed very little through all this. The player at the 3 is expected to be able to do the same things he was a decade ago.
Small forwards have to do it all. And do it all with some size. They have to defend, drive, score and sometimes play point guard too. At least the very best ones do. And they likely have to be able to play both the quicker shooting guards and the bigger power forwards.
The position is not that different, but still very different than it was.
The Orlando Magic are investing in size at small forward. Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green will man the position. Both have spent time at power forward at various points of their career. They are not traditional small forwards — less slasher and more power. They will have their work cut out for them some nights.
The Magic though certainly seem to have a type. And that reveals a lot about their identity and the kind of team they want to build.
Undoubtedly though, this is the position that is in the most flux and has the most question marks.
The debate has raged this summer on whether Aaron Gordon is a small forward or a power forward. No matter where the decision falls, there are questions about it.
Gordon is the biggest mystery on the roster. He is a bundle of potential that could turn into something. But nobody is still quite sure what. Playing small forward is going to reveal a lot about him and what he can be. And the Magic need something from him this season.
Gordon is not among the best small forwards in the league. Not even close. As we rank the top 10 forwards in the league, Gordon is only hoping to find a model he can grow from in perhaps the deepest position in the league.
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