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NBA Position Rankings: Top 10 Small Forwards for 2017

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) defends during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots as Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) defends during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Jan 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers won 120-93. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jimmy Butler, Chicago

Jimmy Butler has emerged very quickly as one of the top shooting guards in the league. He is a bull defensively. His strength helps make up for his lack of size. And he cut his teeth on that end before taking over more of the offense.

Now with Derrick Rose off the roster, this team truly belongs to Butler. And he will do it at small forward with the Bulls adding Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo to the backcourt.

Butler averaged 20.9 points per game for the Bulls last year as they struggled to stay in the Playoff hunt. But his defense remains his calling card — even as his offense has taken his attention away from it. He played very well on the defensive end especially during the Olympics.  That is all still in there.

Whether Butler can transition to small forward and keep up all this production remains to be seen. He still has a roughly 2-to-1 ratio of shooting guard minutes to small forward minutes. It will be an adjustment for him.

Butler though is capable of making it. He has the toughness and skill to continue his offensive production though. Butler is a rising star in the league. There is no reason to think that wills top, even with Chicago’s crowded backcourt.

Next: Beginning of the elite

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