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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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Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder
Apr 7, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts to steal the ball from San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio

The top four small forwards in the league are the top of the top in the NBA. These four players are the standard bearers for the league in many ways. And why the small forward position is so deep.

Kawhi Leonard seems poised for a big breakout even within the San Antonio Spurs’ team-oriented, star-suppressing system.

Leonard averaged 21.2 points per game, continuing his upward trend of play and is one of the best defensive players in the league. He is the two-time defending Defensive Player of the Year.

And he seems only to be getting better.

Leonard has kept his defense while increasing his offensive play. His jumper has improved dramatically, and he is better at taking defenders off the dribble. Leonard is the future for the Spurs and will carry the team with Tim Duncan retiring — and Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker likely not too far off from following.

It is easy to forget about Kawhi Leonard. He does not seek the limelight, really ever. Leonard though lets his play do the talking. And he will dot hat again this yet. And that could mean another step forward for Leonard and another rung up the ladder among small forwards in the league.

Next: Fully recovered

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