Building the Perfect NBA Small Forward

As you have probably seen on Bleacher Report, the lead NFL writers over there have been writing articles about “building the perfect (quarterback, running back, linebacker, etc). So, I thought, how about building the perfect NBA player? So here we are,with the second installment in the series with the perfect small forward.

***For the sake of the system, they cannot all be Kevin Durant or LeBron James

Kevin Durant’s Arms

Durant has a beautiful stroke and is one of the best three point shooting small forwards in the league. Durant averaged a whopping 32.0 PPG in his MVP season last year, including 2.4 three pointers a game, which ranked second among small forwards. He shot 50.3% from the field and 39.1% from downtown, something the other elite small forwards could not replicate.

Durant is so lanky it’s nearly impossible to guard when his shot is at it’s apex, but it isn’t just for offense that his arms are so valued. Durant is great at stealing and chase-down blocking. Durant averaged 1.3 SPG last season, which is really needed from your small forward.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Legs

Giannis stands at a listed 6″10″ for the Milwaukee Bucks but, according to Gery Woelfel of the Racine, Wis., Journal Times, may end up being a grand 7 feet tall. That is insane for anyone other than a center. But Antetokounmpo, who has played the point guard for Milwaukee this offseason and may be played at SG this season, is another level of elite body.

While his skills still have to grow into his body, Giannis possesses legs even the basketball gods envy.

LeBron James’ Mind and Vision

Well take your pick for what you want to be LeBron’s, because we can’t just gift him the whole article (ok, maybe we can, but we aren’t Sportscenter, so we will go with this).  LeBron is probably the smartest guy in basketball IQ in the league. He is the guy to see and make the extra pass or drive the lane and kick it at the exactly right time. Just look here:

James is the captain, the leader, the King of all his team’s, and it is so important that the leader of the team knows when to get his teammates involved. James proves that he does that every season, including his 6.4 APG last season.

 

 Andre Iguodala’s Defense

Iggy has been one of the most ferocious defenders in the league for several seasons now. He has been a two time All Defensive selection as well as a member of Team USA in 2010 and 2012. Iguodala has averaged 1.7 SPG for his career, even reaching above 2.0 twice in both ’06-’07 and ’07-’08.

Iggy said it best in this Nike interview:

 

 

Paul Pierce’s Heart

 

Paul Pierce has never been the most athletic player on the floor, but he is always the most determined. He has that clutch factor that is unguardable, and the mindset that he won’t stop until he gets what he needs. That is how he led Boston to a title in 2008, and that is how he won the series for Brooklyn last season against Toronto with this amazing block at the buzzer.

But it isn’t just defense. Pierce’s clutchness spreads to the offensive side of the ball. He was always the go-to option in Boston, and he still possesses that veteran leadership for his new Wizards squad (and last year in Brooklyn).

If Pierce makes his mind up, nobody can stop him.