Ranking the Top 10 Small Forwards In the NBA

Mar 13, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) drives against Toronto Raptors small forward Rudy Gay (22) during the second half at the TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

9. Rudy Gay

2012-13 Season Averages: 17.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.6 apg

A lot of people would probably argue the fact that Rudy Gay should be higher up this list, but I am not a huge fan of his. Ever since joining the Toronto Raptors, Gay has given the team exactly what they lacked — a closer. Raptors had given away a lot of leads late in games throughout the season, and Rudy offered the team a good solution in that regard.

Gay has hit a couple of game-winning shots in Toronto, and given the team a much-needed offensive weapon. He can score off the dribble and create his own shot at any time. However, he is shooting 39.9% from the field this season, which is simply unacceptable.

He is third among small forwards in field goal attempts, taking 17.2 shots per game. What hurts Rudy’s game the most is the fact that he can’t shoot from beyond the arc, yet puts up 3.3 three-point attempts on average. He is shooting an atrocious 28.4% from deep.

With all of that being said, Gay is still a solid player. He is very athletic, is a great wing defender and is usually reliable when it comes to taking the last shot in the game.