Best Defensive Small Forwards Of All Time: WHO IS THE BEST DEFENSIVE SMALL FORWARD IN NBA HISTORY?

Introduction

The small forward position in basketball is one of the most versatile and demanding positions on the court. It requires players to be able to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. However, when it comes to defense, there are some small forwards who have made a name for themselves by being lockdown defenders. From Scottie Pippen to Kawhi Leonard, these players have proven their worth by shutting down opponents’ top scorers time and again. But who is the best defensive small forward in NBA history? In this post, we will explore the top contenders and try to answer this age-old question once and for all!

Who is the best defensive small forward of all time?

There are many great defenders at the small forward position throughout NBA history, but who is the best defensive small forward of all time? Let’s take a look at some of the best defensive small forwards in NBA history and see who stands out as the greatest defender.

One player that routinely put up stellar numbers on defense was Hakeem Olajuwon. Known for his incredible footwork, anticipation, and strength at the center of the paint, Olajuwon was a punishing defender against both players and guards. He was named to six All-Defensive Teams and won two Defensive Player of the Year Awards during his 14-year career in the NBA.

Rudy Gobert is another dominant defender at the small forward position. Standing 7’1″ tall with a 7′3″ wingspan, Gobert has elite size and athleticism to go along with his strong fundamentals. He has been an All-Star multiple times and was named to an All-Defense Team in each of his first five seasons in the league. His ability to block shots and force turnovers makes him a difficult opponent for any player on the court.

LeBron James is one of the most versatile players in NBA history, able to play both guard positions and small forward effectively. His defensive skills have been widely known for years now, as he has accumulated accolades such as five Defensive Player of The Year Awards, four Finals MVP Awards, three championships, two Olympic gold medals, and one Super Bowl MVP Award. His ability to shut down opponents both offensively and defensively makes him one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

The pros and cons of being a defensive small forward

There are many pros and cons to being a defensive small forward in the NBA. On one hand, these players are often able to limit opponents from scoring by keeping them in front of the perimeter and away from the basket. They also tend to be very versatile, as they can play both inside and outside on defense, allowing their team to utilize a more balanced defensive scheme.

However, being a small forward is not always an easy task. These players often have to be extremely active defensively, as they are frequently tasked with guarding multiple players at once. In addition, they often have less bulk than some of the other defenders on their team, which can make it difficult for them to stop bigger players from overpowering them.

Ranking the top 10 defensive small forwards in NBA history

There are a few defensive small forwards who have had an impact on the game over the years. However, when it comes to being the best at defending the perimeter, there is only one name that stands out. That man is Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.

Draymond has consistently been one of the best defenders in basketball for several years now. He consistently ranks in the top 10 defensively in various statistical categories. This season, he was even named to both the All-Defensive First Team and Second Team by NBA coaches.

Here are some of Draymond’s numbers from this past season:
-2nd in blocks (1.3 per game)
-5th in steals (1.08 per game)
-6th in defensive rating (98.4)
-7th in points allowed per game (89)
-10th in field goal percentage allowed (.417)
If you want to talk about lockdown defense, then you need to talk about Draymond Green. He is a player who affects every game he plays and makes things very difficult for his opponents. He is a great defender both physically and mentally, which makes him extremely tough to beat overall on that side of the ball.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great defensive small forwards in the NBA history, but which one is considered to be the best? This is a contentious topic and I’m sure there will be many arguments about who the best defender small forward of all time is. However, after looking at all of the evidence and considering who has performed at the highest level throughout their career, I have come to the conclusion that Michael Jordan was without a doubt the greatest defender small forward in NBA history.