Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Stories

Ranking The Top 4 Small Forwards in The NBA Draft

Credit-USA TODAY Sports/JBL/ESPN

In the third installment, we take a look at the small forwards. As in past years, the position is loaded with talent in the NBA Draft. Look for these four guys make an immediate impact on their respective franchises.

1.) Michael Porter Jr. – Missouri, Freshman

small forwards in the nba draft

Credit-Sports Illustrated

Michael Porter Jr. surprised a lot of people when he committed to Missouri, but his college career was almost over before it started. Porter Jr. suffered a back injury which ended up requiring surgery.

He appeared in just 3 games this past season, totaling 58 minutes. Sitting out virtually the entire season will likely cost him being the first overall pick of this year’s draft.

But despite his lack of playing time this past season, his talent is undeniable and his still expected to be a top-10 pick. The only question is — where in the top-10 will he land?

2.) Mikal Bridges – Villanova, Junior

Credit-SB Nation

Mikal Bridges was a huge part of this year’s Villanova National Championship run, where he averaged 17.7 ppg and shot 51.4% from the field.

Bridges value is in his versatility. This past season he showed that he can defend multiple positions while also scoring on the offensive end.

At 6’7”, Bridges can spread the floor and help an offense flow. He has the ability to shoot, while also putting it on the floor and getting to the basket.

3.) Kevin Knox – Kentucky, Freshman

small forwards in the nba draft

Credit-Sports Illustrated

Kevin Knox was part of an up-and-down Kentucky squad this year. But even with the rollercoaster season his team had, he found a way to average 15.6 ppg.

Knox is different from other freshman drafted out of Kentucky as he’s not as polished of a basketball player. But, as one of the top athletes in this year’s draft, his potential is through the roof.

Knox’s mid-range game is good and it will only get better once he gets to the NBA. However, he will need to get stronger, as he’ll have to be more physical at the next level.

4.) Miles Bridges – Michigan State, Sophomore

small forwards in the nba draft

Credit-SB Nation

Miles Bridges burst out of the gate this season as one of the hottest players in college basketball, but he started to level off as the season went on.

Bridges went on to average 17.1 ppg, while also grabbing 7 boards per game in a disappointing season for Michigan State. But despite his top-level talent, he is surrounded by a lot of questions marks.

Many wonder what position Bridges will actually play. Also at 230 lbs, Bridges will need to trim a little bit of weight in order to remain competitive for the long, strenuous NBA season.

In spite of these questions, though, Bridges should be a lottery selection.

Reading on your iPhone? Download the Spotlight app to keep up with our latest columns!

Written By

McDaniel College graduate, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, and future Strength and Conditioning Coach. Former DIII athlete and All-American bullpen catcher. NY/NJ area sports fan that also lives for Green Bay Packers playoff heartbreak. Binge-watcher of health and fitness related documentaries.

Related

Facts

It was Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back who said, “Size matters not,” and if you follow the NHL with some regularity you know that...

Facts

Football is a game of strength.  But at the sport’s highest level, athleticism comes in all shapes and sizes.

Facts

We used multiple data points to track down the fastest NFL running backs ever. Spoiler alert: they're not who you think.

Basketball

The NBA All-Star played just one year of high school basketball, attended four colleges in four years, and worked as a bagger at Safeway.