Ranking the Top 10 Small Forwards In the NBA

Jan 28, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young (21) brings the ball up court during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Wells Fargo Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Sixers 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

8. Thaddeus Young

2012-13 Season Averages: 15.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 apg

“You idiot! Thaddeus Young is a power forward!” – I hear you say. Yes, Evan Turner is playing the small forward position for the Philadelphia 76ers, but Young is still listed as a small forward. He is capable of playing in any of the two forward positions, and being listed as a small forward qualifies you to make this list.

This season, Young has seen his minutes increase and his production has likewise. He has especially improved his rebounding, as he pulls down 7.8 boards per game, way over his 5.4 career average.

He has practically no perimeter game, which perhaps makes his skill set more suitable to the power forward position. He can shoot outside of the paint, although he is shooting at 38.8% from mid-range, which is just under the league average. He does most of his work on offense in the post and by crashing offensive boards, which has him averaging a solid 52.6% in field goal percentage.

Young can still improve his mid-range jumper and needs to work on his passing, especially out of the post.