5 Small Forwards from the 2010s that need Player Comparisons

2010s Small Forwards Player Comparisons

One could argue that the golden age of small forwards was during the 2010s. That being said, a lot of guys in the second tier of talent at that position seemingly get overlooked. However, there are five small forwards that deserve player comparisons who simply haven't received one yet.

There have already been comparisons made for Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and Jimmy Butler, with one for LeBron James on the books. For full episodes of these comparisons, check out Basketball Now and Then: The Greatest Comparisons on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Despite covering most of the great small forwards from that decade already, there's still more SF that need comparisons. Most of the players that are on this list are more high-end role players/ two-way wings.

5. Chandler Parsons

Why?

Chandler Parsons is one of two players on this list whose prime was stolen from him due to injuries. However, before all the injuries, Parsons was an emerging two-way talent at the small forward position.

From the 2012-13 season through the 2015-16 season, Parsons averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from the free throw line. While those aren't necessarily All-Star numbers, they are pretty good production for a role player.

Who?

In terms of being a two-way role player, finding a comparison for Parsons among former and current players isn't that difficult a task.

Current Player: Cameron Johnson

Former Player: Detlef Schrempf

4. Jeff Green

Why?

Jeff Green, aka "Uncle Jeff," is one of the currently longest tenured players in the NBA. However, the former 5th overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft was at his peak in the 2010s. It should also be noted that he could have made the power forward list as well, but because of his position versatility, keeping Green on this list is more than fine.

Despite having heart surgery and missing the whole 2011-12 season, Green made multiple impacts as a versatile scoring wing at both forward positions. His best statistical year came during the 2013-14 season, in which he averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Longevity is also in Green's favor. He just finished this past season with the Rockets and hopes to play one more season, according to Anthony Duckett of Sports Illustrated.

Who?

Since Green played in the NBA this past season and hasn't officially retired, there will be no current player comparison. However, there is one player he compares well to.

Former Player: Al Harrington

3. Nicolas Batum

Why?

Like Green, Nicolas Batum also played this past season, but it appears he has strongly hinted that he is going to retire. That being written, Batum will always be underwritten in Basketball history due to him getting grossly overpaid in the 2010s.

Besides being a very accomplished player for France on the international level, Batum had a successful NBA career. His best statistical year came in the 2016-17 season with the Charlotte Hornets. He averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Out of all the players on this list, Batum is easily the best playmaker of the bunch.

Who?

As he hasn't officially retired yet, there won't be any current player comparisons for him. However, there are a couple of former players who are good comparisons for him, especially one former International teammate.

Former Player: Boris Diaw

2. Rudy Gay

Why?

Rudy Gay is probably one of the more underrated and appreciated players of the 2010s. It didn't help his case that he wasn't producing big numbers on winning teams for the majority of his career; however, he could score with the best of them.

From 2010-11 through the 2016-17 seasons, Gay averaged 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals for three different teams. If Gay were on a winning team, there's a decent chance he would have made at least one All-Star game.

Who?

Gay was a mid-range assassin during his prime and a tweener at the forward position. With that in mind, there are a few comparisons for him.

Current Player: Andrew Wiggins

Former Player: Jamal Mashburn

1. Gordon Hayward

Why?

Like with Parsons, Gordon Hayward's prime was stolen by a horrendous injury. However, despite that. Hayward is still forgotten for the impressive play he was able to achieve during his career.

Unlike the other players on this list, Hayward actually made the All-Star game in the 2016-17 season. During that year, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while shooting 47.1 percent from the floor and 39.8 percent from downtown.

Who?

Hayward was a two-way 3-level scorer, and finding a comparison for him isn't so simple. However, with that aspect of his game in mind, here are two comparisons.

Current Player: Austin Reaves

Former Player: Mike Miller

Agree or disagree with these 2010s small forward player comparisons? Is there another small forward from the 2010s that we should cover? Comment your thoughts and opinions below.