2013 Central Division Position Power Ranking: Small Forwards

Mar 5, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Danny Granger (33) scores past Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

(Author’s note: Third of a five-part series examining and ranking the Central Division by position as teams gear up for Regular Season.)

In the NBA, there are very few players that fall under the category of “Superstar,” but there are a few. Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, all of these guys listed fall under that category, and all have one thing similar, they play the most dynamic position within the NBA; small forward. Of course there are other superstars that play other positions, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, but the majority of these “Superstar” guys, or guys with that type of potential play the same position.

One player that comes to mind is Paul George. I had him listed as a shooting guard in the last edition of Position Power Ranking, but he may not be there for long. If Danny Granger comes back from injury and plays well at the three position there is nothing to discuss, but with the injury question that Granger has, and the potential trade bait that he is as a player, we may see the 6′ 11″ SG known as Paul George shift back to small forward before season’s end.

Other than George or Granger, there are some decent small forwards within the Central Division. Luol Deng of Chicago, Josh Smith of Detroit, and even Caron Butler who still has a little basketball left in him. Now, let us dig right into the rankings.