American Media Predicts Top Small Forwards for the New Season: Tatum Tops, James Ranks High, Leonard and George Place Respectively

On August 22, renowned basketball media HoopsHype released their ranking of small forwards for the upcoming NBA season. The top three are Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.

In the 2023-24 season, Jayson Tatum ranked sixth in MVP voting and was selected for the All-NBA First Team for the third consecutive time. He played 74 games, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks, with a field goal percentage of 47.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.6%.

Additionally, he won his first NBA championship. However, critics pointed out that Tatum not only failed to win the Finals MVP for the 2023-24 season but also played more of a supporting role during his stint with Team USA at the Olympics. Entering the 2024-25 season, Tatum still faces some skepticism, which can often serve as extra motivation for players of his caliber.

Durant played 75 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks, with a field goal percentage of 52.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%. During the gold medal-winning journey at the Paris Olympics, it was evident that Durant remains near the peak of his powers.

Being ranked third in the league at age 40 is itself a testament to James’s standing.

In the last season, James played 71 games, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks, with a field goal percentage of 54.0% and a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 41.0%. Over the summer, he became the leader of the U.S. national team, not only achieving the mission of winning the gold medal but also earning the Olympic MVP honor. In recent times, it has become clear that James may have lost some of his youthful athletic prowess, but by adjusting his playing style and honing his shooting skills, he continues to be effective.

In summary, cherish every game we get to see James play—perhaps his time on the court is lessening, but each appearance remains a special moment.

The players ranked fourth to tenth behind James are Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Scottie Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Ingram, and Franz Wagner respectively.