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NBA Player Rankings: Top 10 small forwards for 2016-17

By Tom West

Mar 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats San Antonio 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Kawhi Leonard (2) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats San Antonio 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

6th place – Giannis Antetokounmpo

When ranking point guards, some NBA fans may consider including Point Giannis. He started running the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense last season and garnered far more responsibility as a playmaker, gaining far more admiration from fans in the process. It was another dynamic of Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s expanding game that’s helping him grow into one of the most promising, versatile young players in the league.

And he’s only just getting started at a mere 21 years old.

For these rankings, Giannis has to be included. He guards and plays multiple positions well, even being listed as a point guard on Basketball Reference for 2015-16, but according to the same site, he spent 77 percent of his minutes at small forward. He belongs here.

At 6’11”, Giannis moves unlike any other player of his size. Armed with rare quickness for someone near 7’0″, impressive high-end speed, extortionately long strides (and euro steps) and a 7’3″ wingspan, he’s a freakish physical specimen.

Thanks to having his stellar level of agility, his body is perfect for the NBA, especially in an age where versatility is key.

In the same way that there’s a lot to his physical prowess, there’s a lot to Giannis’ game, too. Even though he lacks a three-point shot (25.7 percent and 28 makes last season) and is little better from mid-range (50.9 percent of his shots came within two feet of the basket).

However, Giannis took a step forward in every single area in 2015-16. He had career-highs in points (16.9), rebounds (7.7), assists (4.3), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.4) per game, including field goal percentage (50.6), PER (18.8) and true shooting percentage (56.6).

To add on to his tear away fastbreaks, lengthy defense and jaw-dropping dunks, Giannis shifted more to his point role as the season went on. By averaging 7.5 assists over the last 26 games of the season, he put together a spell of play that separates him as a passer from almost everyone on this list.

Seeing as more development should be in store, whether he’s honing his poise as a passer or (hopefully, for the Bucks) adding some kind of increased range to his game, Giannis deserves a high spot heading into 2016-17.

His potential goes just as far as his euro step.

Next: 5th place - A star who keeps getting better

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