The 2023-24 NBA season is set to kick off, and all eyes are on the players to watch out for.
The small forward position is interesting to check out since most of the huge names are there.
With several NBA stars playing the small forward spot, it is hard to come up with the top 5 best small forwards entering the 2023-24 season.
Here are some of the top names that are likely to be subject to debate.
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1. Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been struggling to consistently regain his old form due to injuries. The Clippers are trying to manage him properly, a reason he will sit out the team's last preseason game, SI.com reported.
However, there is no question that the Clips are provided with a huge lift when he is on the floor.
The 32-year-old has yet to fulfill his objective of delivering an NBA title to the Clippers. Although Paul George is there to help him, the Clippers still need added help from other positions.
2. Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler must find a way to continue leading the Miami Heat on his broad shoulders. A Damian Lillard coming would have eased his burden, but most know how the seven-time All-Star ended up with the Milwaukee Bucks, per NBA.com.
Regardless, Butler has proven to be a good fit for Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. It won't be easy for the South Beach squad, although the 34-year-old has proven on multiple occasions he can step up when needed.
3. Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum officially remains at small forward, although there is a chance he may do some point guard duties. With Marcus Smart now gone, the 25-year-old cager is an option to serve as a playmaker, although questions are in the air if this would be good for their offense, NBC Sports reported.
Regardless, Tatum is expected to continue to pour in the points if guys like Derrick White can step up orchestrating for the Cs.
4. Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant is in a good team that includes Devin Booker and newly-acquired Bradley Beal. He remains dominant, although injuries have also hampered him at certain points in the past seasons.
The fact that KD can shoot it from the outside makes it puzzling for opposing teams to find an excellent defender to put on him. He poses a matchup problem, especially since he does more than put up huge numbers on the offensive end.
5. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers
He may be 38, but LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has proven that age is just a number. The four-time NBA champion has battled injuries the past seasons but has shown he can quickly jump back and be deadly on both ends of the basketball court.
James remains the focal point of the purple and gold. With time winding down in his NBA career, expect the 19-time All-Star to be a dominant force this 2023-24 season, surrounded by young players and another All-Star in Anthony Davis.
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