LeBron king of the small forwards Story Tools: Print Email XML Mike Kahn / Special to FOXSports.com Posted: 6 hours ago Never before has a player been anointed "The Next" before the end of his junior year in high school, but LeBron James never was ordinary. By the time he graduated and was ready to leave the comfortable confines of Akron, Ohio, he was already bound for the Cleveland Cavaliers just up the street as the winners of the "LeBron Lottery." Now what? The next step for LeBron James is to make the Cavs a contender. (David Liam Kyle/NBAE via / Getty Images) Well, for starters, he averaged better than 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists last season. He also improved to 47 percent shooting from the field and hung around 40 percent from 3-point range most of the season before slipping back to 35 percent. Nevertheless, we're stuck wondering about his overwhelming numbers and the inability of the Cavs to make the playoffs in his first two season. The odds seem much better this season, which is why there is no doubt that James is easily the best small forward in the game today. He's extraordinarily strong, athletic and his shooting ability continues to amaze. Perhaps more importantly, the rest of the list has grown to exceptional proportions after a five-year lull when it was causing people to wonder if there would ever be an effective group of small forwards in this league again. Just consider the list, from the obvious growth of players like Shawn Marion, Richard Jefferson and Rashard Lewis; to the potential of Andrei Kirilenko, and the possibilities from Lamar Odom and Carmelo Anthony. Then there is confusion surrounding three very talented small forwards in their prime and responding erratically. What of Ron Artest, Paul Pierce and Peja Stojakovic? They were blossoming stars in this league and entering this season, nobody is quite sure what to expect out of them other than explosive games, but the dependability quotient has slipped dramatically. Even more curious will be what we'll see from Grant Hill. He was a great story last season after four year of virtual non-existence in basketball due to repeated ankle surgery and a near death experience from a subsequent infection. But he played 67 games a year ago and was effective as can be until late, when he prematurely called it a season. He could be an All-Star again, or he may not have much left at all after a season filled with excitement and adrenaline. That's the irony of what this season offers, particularly at this position, and we haven't even gotten to the potential of Atlanta Hawks rookie Marvin Williams. All we know for sure is it won't be dull … from LeBron to Marvin, to call these forwards small certainly is a misnomer. 1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 240 Numbers: 27.2 pts., 7.4 reb., 7.2 ast. He has performed at a level from Day One that only Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan realized. The next step is to lead his team into the playoffs and become serious contenders. Lest we forget, he's still only 20. 2. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 230 Numbers: 19.4 pts., 11.3 reb., 1.9 ast. Outside of the nightmare against Bruce Bowen in the 2005 conference finals, Marion showed how special he is playing out of position at power forward the entire season. This season will be even better as he moves back to his natural spot. 3. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 215 Numbers: 15.6 pts., 6.2 reb., 3.2 ast. Provided he stays healthy, Kirilenko is the most dynamic all around defensive player in the game and continuing to blossom on the offensive end as well. He can do everything and the Jazz need to play through him as much as possible. 4. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 225 Numbers: 22.2 pts., 7.3 reb., 4.0 ast. This should be Jefferson's best season. He had to carry the team last season until he ruptured a ligament in his wrist, but surprisingly returned for the playoffs and a glimpse with Jason Kidd and Vince Carter — potentially awesome. 5. Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 245 Numbers: 24.6 pts., 6.4 reb., 3.1 ast. He should be at the top of the list with his dominant capabilities on both ends of the floor. But he has to prove he can be effective without losing it emotionally. The Pacers need him on the court. This is a key year for his future. 6. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics Ht./Wt. 6-6, 230 Numbers: 21.6 pts., 6.6 reb., 4.2 ast. Despite his obviously immense talent, a lot of people are split on what Pierce's value is because of his moody, erratic play that always affects his play and his teammates. He could play at a superstar level again, but most people doubt it. Paul Pierce needs to stop being moody and start playing like he did a few years ago. (Elsa / Getty Images) . 7. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings Ht./Wt. 6-10, 230 Numbers: 20.1 pts., 4.3 reb., 2.1 ast. Often considered the best perimeter shooter in the game, he is coming off his worst performance in several years. It's hard to figure where he's coming from because he's been such a disappointment in the postseason and last year it seeped into the regular season. Like Artest and Pierce, this is a crucial year. 8. Rashard Lewis, Seattle SuperSonics Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 225 Numbers: 20.5 pts., 5.5 reb., 1.3 ast. He stepped up to be an All-Star last season, but once again injuries ruined his season. Whether it's his shoulder, knees or toe, there always seems to be something with him and at 26, this is a disturbing trend. 9. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 225 Numbers: 20.8 pts., 5.7 reb., 2.6 ast. The beginning of last season was a nightmare for Anthony, but when coach George Karl rescued the team from disaster, Anthony snapped out of his funk and began to perform at an All-Star level. If he continues to grow up, stardom is inevitable. 10. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 230 Numbers: 15.2 pts., 10.2 reb., 3.7 ast. If playing point forward in coach Phil Jackson's triangle offense doesn't turn him into an All-Star, nothing will. He was on the brink in Miami, but last season was a mess because he couldn't fit in with Kobe Bryant. That should be remedied this year, and Odom should blossom like never before. Remember, he's still only 25. Also receiving consideration: Grant Hill, Orlando Magic; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons; Shane Battier, Memphis Grizzlies; Bobby Simmons, Milwaukee Bucks; James Posey and Antoine Walker, Miami Heat; Corey Maggette, Los Angeles Clippers; and Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota Timberwolves. ______________________________________________________________ If anyone remembers, this is the same guy who top Dwayne Wade as the top shooting guard in the NBA (a list which also included T-Mac, who happens to be a small forward). I think this guy needs to stop referring to NBA Live for which position these guys play, as far as i am concerned, Paul Pierce is a shooting guard, and T-Mac is the best '3' in the league, not to mention the fact the he rated Shawn Marion quite highly for a guy who can't create his own shot. Let's open the flood gates , who is everyone's top 5 small forwards? Mine are in no order, i don't do rankings because at the moment it is tmac but next season it will most likely be Lebron, i just like to have a top five and that's it. T-Mac Lebron Artest Kirilenko Vince Carter
Lebron is better than McGrady, Shawn Marion is a joke - we saw what Bowen did to him, Artest is #2 if McGrady is a '2', and anyone who ranks Dwayne Wade ahead of Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady should be in a room with padded walls.
TMAC catches flack for not getting out of the first round. Lebron hasn't even sniffed the playoffs yet. How long can that go on, for people to start bashing and doubting him? Tmac is number 1 in my book.
Lebron is not better than Tmac! He hasnt done anything to prove that status. He has ALOT of skills and is a great passer, but he isnt anywhere near the scorer or defender Tmac is. At this point the two best wing players are Tmac and Kobe.
I always thought of McGrady as a shooting guard. He's always seemed a bit skinny to play small forward...
From the guys on that list... 1. Lebron - Yup. 2. AK47 - Insane overall impact on games, and isn't a headcase. 3. Artest - Insane overall impact on games, and is a headcase. The rest, I honestly don't think separate themselves enough for me to rank them, personally. I'd put Paul Piere at the bottom, as I think he's a cancer, but that's about it.
Uhh, isn't anywhere near the scorer? Lebron James last year - 27.2ppg FG .472% Tracy McGrady last yr - 25.7ppg FG .431% He also averaged more rpg (7.4 to 6.2) and apg (7.2 to 5.7) last year. Before someone mentions that McGrady averaged 32ppg in a season, I can just as easily say that James is only 20 years old. The question is "who is better NOW" so neither argument works. I wouldn't trade T-Mac for James if given the chance because developing chemistry is a b****, but sorry, James is better.
We'll see who will win more championships. Then, in hindsight, we will be able to say who was better. At this point, I would have to say it is hard to tell, even though the stats and the hype might be in favor of James.
The reason T-Mac has 32ppg season was because he had to carry a crappy team on his own. When Yao can share his offensive load, he doesn't need to score that much. For a team to be successful, I don't think a single star can get it done nowadays. The dilemma is as long as he's putting super impressive numbers, just like KG, which means there is noone else in his team is a legit threat, he wouldn't be really successful. Stats and results have both to be considered, when you measure greatness. At this point, I wouldn't say James is better than T-Mac. So far, T-Mac has proven himself that he singlehandedly led a team to playoff in the East, James has yet to do so.
I don't understand why some writers still list T-Mac as SG and Lebron as SF. Both played SF after playing SG the previous season, so either put them both as SG or both as SF. First, T-Mac is better than Lebron at this point in his career. Just watch a Cavs vs Rockets game, you can tell T-Mac gets tired of hearing Lebron this, Lebron that, and just destroys him. Also, don't forget that when Ron Artest isn't punching people he is one of the top 10 players in the league right now. It can be argued that Lebron is a top 10 player in the league although he wouldn't make my list. This isn't going by stats but by the players themselves. Lebron doesn't play D and when he does its all gambles, takes some wild shots, can be caught standing around when its not his turn to score, and we haven't seen how he handles playing with other good perimeter players. Give him another season or two and I'll probably be changing these rankings then, but I refuse to rate him on his potential rather than his results.
I'd put T-Mac as the top 3. I actually put Lebron in more of the Magic point gaurd mode with more scoring ability.
He was 21 in 2000 when he and Vince led the Raptors to the playoffs. He led the Magic to the playoffs pretty much by himself for three years after that in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
I love TMac and he is an ubelievable player, but Lebron is better than TMac. You have a 2nd year player who is putting up unbelievable numbers. 27-7-7? I don't remember a player Lebron's age that has been able to put up numbers near that. From a NBA fan's standpoint, I cannot wait to see what Lebron will be doing 2-3 years from now.
McGrady will, he has the far superior supporting cast. But it's not a 1 way street. In the same breath, you can't penalize Lebron because he had no supporting cast and his coach was fired during the season. Lebron is 20! Look, I'm the BIGGEST McGrady fan around, I think he has a strong case to win MVP this year, and the difference between he and James is a hair's width. It's no insult to come in second behind Lebron James, he's just that good. We're talking about a 20 year old averaging 27-7-7 and nearly leading his team to the playoffs two years in a row. I don't get why some of you are getting so defensive about McGrady. He's great too.
lebron is not better than t-mac because he's twenty, which seems to be a big factor in comparing the two. it makes no difference how old lebron is when you're comparing him with anyone else for ONE season. being twenty right now doesn't give lebron any advantage over t-mac until maybe he's 28 and t-mac's 34. they're both still young. lebron's age isn't pertinent unless you're asking something like who would you take to start a new franchise, then obviously you go with the younger of two similar players. fact is that at this point, t-mac has accomplished more, has shown he can put up any stat he wants, is a far better defender, and given his experience, a likely better leader.
Look, I'm not trying to knock T-Mac, but getting to the first round of the playoffs isn't something to hang T-Mac's hat on. Hell, Francis's Rockets had the same record as some of those T-Mac teams is Francis as good a player as either one of these guys? Individually, Lebron had a pretty awesome season, his team wasn't atrocious, even though they played like it down the stretch, and he is only twenty. But there's an argument that he is as good as T-Mac right now, probably not but there's definitely an argument.
