Anybody who plays small forward in NBA 2K22 is going to have their hands full. Small forwards are capable of blocking like centers, passing like point guards, scoring like shooting guards, and dunking like power forwards. They need to be ready to take over dribble duties and interior defense at a moment's notice.
This position that needs all of the tools unsurprisingly attracts some of the most talented players on the planet. NBA 2K22 recognizes this fact and rewards those who play the position well with player ratings that tell their tale of their superiority.
10 R.J. Barrett - 83 OVR
For fans of the Knicks, understanding that a drafted player would get them into the playoffs is worth any amount of money. R.J. Barrett arrived into a disastrous situation. Now, three years later, the Kicks are regularly expected to appear in the postseason.
Barrett has yet to receive any seasonal accolades, but this is largely due to the fact that he's so well-balanced. He has a tremendous basketball IQ, makes smart plays, and works marvelously with his team. The Knicks have a ways to go, but Barrett is doing things for New York that other disappointing superstars have failed to do.
9 Gordon Hayward - 83 OVR
Players who suffer the injuries Hayward has suffered usually give up the game. In four consecutive years with Boston, he suffered four consecutive injuries that cost him most or all of the season; a broken left tibia, a reaggravation of the broken tibia, a fractured left hand, and a right ankle sprain.
Charlotte, looking to take some chance and rebuild, brought in the former All-Star and he bounced back last year, even posting a career high in points scored in a game. If Hayward continues to progress, the Hornets are due for an exciting season.
8 Brandon Ingram - 84 OVR
Lakers fans are stunned at how quickly Brandon Ingram turned around. At one time, Ingram looked to be a bust. After a solid rookie year, he had problems in the playoffs that left all of Los Angeles with a bitter feeling toward him. It wasn't long before he found himself in a Pelicans uniform.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right system. Last year with New Orleans, Ingram turned in his first All-Star performance and was voted the most improved player in the league. He's not just a template for a strong dunker, he has no single weakness in his game.
7 Michael Porter Jr - 84 OVR
It's hard to find a sweeter shot than Michael Porter Jr's three-point ball. The small forward isn't known for being consistent from deep, but when Porter is on, he can equal character builds designed to shoot threes. He's just as good from mid-range, too.
For Denver, he's been a huge part of their recent success. They're clearly only a few pieces away from a championship and if Porter continues to play at this level, they'll be set at a position that is hard to find.
6 DeMar DeRozan - 85 OVR
DeMar DeRozan was a beloved player in Toronto before he was traded off to the Spurs. Once again, San Antonio fans embraced him, but last year, he was dealt to the Bulls. It's odd that front offices haven't been seeing what fans have witnessed.
As a consistent triple-double threat, he improves every team he's on, helping them go from cellar dwellers to playoff contenders. DeRozan will get the opportunity to show Windy City fans what all the hype is about this upcoming season.
5 Jaylen Brown - 86 OVR
There was a lot of criticism after Jaylen Brown was given a five-year deal by the Celtics. After a promising rookie year, critics had soured on him, upset that he took ill-advised two-point shots. But Boston's faith and patience in him has been well-rewarded.
Coming off of his first All-Star season, he is one of the top reasons Boston fans are hoping for a deep playoff run. An injury prevented him from playing in the playoffs last year, but with his presence on the court, the Celtics are a contender in the Eastern Conference.
4 Khris Middleton - 88 OVR
Even when his minutes were limited, few players were making clutch plays like Khris Middleton was. He had a history of coming up big in individual games when he was needed. Last year, he took the next step forward in being at his best when Milwaukee needed a hero.
His performance all throughout the playoffs kept the Bucks in contention during each series. After a lifetime of being clutch, Middleton finally got the reward he deserved, an NBA title, and the recognition that comes along with it.
3 Jimmy Butler - 91 OVR
After snapping a streak of four straight all-star games, the 76ers sent Jimmy Butler to the Miami heat. The change of scenery and personnel was exactly what Butler needed, getting another all-star nod and, unthinkable, leading this league in steals last year as a small forward.
Stout defensive capabilities coupled with his scoring prowess have made Butler a hot commodity despite being a journeyman in the league. Heat fans are hoping he stays and builds another title-winning team in Florida.
2 Kawhi Leonard - 95 OVR
Nicknamed "the Claw" thanks to his large hands, Leonard has been the missing ingredient for teams looking for that last piece of the puzzle. When he won it all with Toronto, at times it felt like he was the only piece of the puzzle required to go all the way.
The Clippers have wisely invested in his services, mortgaging their future prospects in order to build a team around him. The Clippers might have been title-bound before an injury sidelined him last year. If he's healthy, Leonard could have his third ring with his third team before long.
1 LeBron James - 96 OVR
Why bother trying to make the best small forward build possible when LeBron James already exists? Coming fresh off of yet another championship season with yet another team, it's clear that whoever has LeBron James has a great chance of winning it all.
Although this is high praise, it's a bit of an understatement for James, who has played for three teams, winning the championship with each of them at least once. He's perhaps the best of all time, and certainly the best among the small forwards today.