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Wings are one of the most valuable positions in the NBA. It's extremely difficult to find a superstar, as is evidenced by the top of this list. That's one reason why AJ Dybantsa was selected with this year's No. 1 pick. While Dybantsa still has a ways to go before climbing up the top 10 of this list, his potential to be No. 1 is something that you don't see in every draft.
When those players do hit, they can stay at the top for a long time. Kawhi Leonard is still holding strong at that lead spot entering Year 15 of his career.
The All-NBA depth is much more shallow than at other positions. Below Kawhi are a handful of those players, along with a few fringe All-Stars. Then comes a tier of players in the top 100 filling out the first two-thirds of this list. Beyond that are veterans that give some semblance of two-way play.
Here is each team's starting small forward, ranked from best to worst.
RANKING ALL 150 NBA STARTERS: 11-150 | Top 10
NBA small forward rankings 2026-27
1. Kawhi Leonard, Raptors
Leonard turned in a rare healthy season last year, and he looked like a top-five player in the league. He's not the All-Defensive force that he was in his prime, but he is still good on that end of the floor. And on offense, he's a killer who can get to his 3-point or midrange spots where he is automatic. There might not be anyone in the league with as well-rounded a game as him.
2. Kevin Durant, Rockets
Durant was an ironman for the Rockets last year, carrying their offense every night. His footwork and tough shot-making haven't dropped off much as he enters his 19th season in the league. He can shoot over almost anyone, and he's deadly from every spot on the floor.
3. Jaylen Brown, Sixers
Brown was the lead engine for Boston last season, creating advantages for himself and teammates. He'll have a smaller role with the Sixers this year, but he should still have some chances to cook with the ball. He's a great midrange scorer who can also knock down enough 3's to keep defenses honest.
Philadelphia will need him to have his best defensive year ever. He's had periods where he's been good on the ball, but his off-ball defense needs to become sharper.
4. Jalen Williams, Thunder
Williams never looked totally healthy last season, dealing with recovery from wrist surgery and multiple hamstring issues. When we did see him at full strength, he was guarding 1 through 5, serving as a strong secondary playmaker behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and scoring in bunches. Better health should have him returning as one of the league's best No. 2 players on a great Oklahoma City team.
NBA PROJECTED WIN TOTALS: Eastern Conference | Western Conference
5. Franz Wagner, Magic
Wagner is a well-rounded star with size, vision, and a growing bag of moves. His 3-point shot has been up-and-down, but he's still an All-Star caliber player even without that weapon. He's a high-feel Swiss Army knife that could take another leap under new Magic coach Sean Sweeney.
6. Lauri Markkanen, Jazz
Markkanen has been too good for the Jazz, sitting a lot of minutes to improve their lottery odds. There aren't many seven-footers who can shoot it like he can. He's added a nice post and midrange game over the last several seasons that led to an All-Star selection in 2023. He should get back there as the focal point of a Jazz offense that has much more talent to work with this season.
7. Michael Porter Jr., Nets
Porter proved that he could be the No. 1 scoring option on a team last season, averaging 24.2 points per game on good efficiency. He ditched the black hole reputation, showing surprisingly good court vision and contributing on the glass with his 6-foot-10 size. When he does have an open look though, it's still going up and it's usually going in. He has one of the purest shots in the league.
8. Brandon Miller, Hornets
Miller is a cornerstone of the Hornets' franchise. He already has a good scoring package and is a talented 3-point shooter. His defense and passing have improved every year. He's got the size, motor, and talent to be a future superstar in the league with some added strength and continued improvement.
9. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Flagg had a bumpy start to his rookie year, where he was overtaxed at times as a point forward. He picked it up late, showing real growth and winning Rookie of the Year honors. He should continue to improve his shooting and scoring. He's already a plus defender, with All-Defensive awards in his near future.
10. Jaden McDaniels, Wolves
McDaniels is a terrific defender who sets out to ruin opponents' nights. He's also gotten more juice as a scoring threat, averaging a career-high 14.8 points per game last season while shooting a stellar 41 percent from 3.
11. Mikal Bridges, Knicks
12. Paul George, Celtics
13. Brandon Ingram, Clippers
14. Ausar Thompson, Pistons
15. Dillon Brooks, Suns
- Bridges' stats don't necessarily jump off the page. But he provides good perimeter defense, solid shooting to spread the floor, and a nice midrange pull-up. He never misses games, giving the Knicks a reliable two-way wing.
- George is a perfect fit in Boston as a player who can still create his own shot at times but provides most of his value by stretching the floor, making good decisions, and playing versatile defense.
- Ingram should feast as the Clippers' primary offensive option. He's always had a smooth scoring package, getting to his midrange game and producing a ton of points.
- Thompson is a top 10 defender in the league. His strength, tenacity, and athleticism allow him to make plays that others can't. His offense still has a ways to catch up, particularly his shooting. But he can rebound and finish plays.
- Brooks is a culture changer who still defends at a high level and can score. He's dialed back some of his shot selection issues and become a more well-rounded player, although the line-toeing still remains a staple of his game.
NBA BOLD PREDICTIONS: Eastern Conference | Western Conference
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
16. Devin Vassell, Spurs
17. Dyson Daniels, Hawks
18. Matas Buzelis, Bulls
19. Cam Johnson, Nuggets
20. Jaime Jaquez, Bucks
- Vassell continues to develop into a reliable two-way wing for the Spurs. His shooting is consistent and he has the defensive tools to be solid on that end of the floor.
- Daniels is an incredibly disruptive defender that is always lurking to pick off passes or swipe at the ball. His shooting struggles have been well-documented, but he still contributes with savvy passing, drives, and great touch on his floater.
- Buzelis is primed for a breakout season. He's got some surprisingly shifty moves at his size, he's a great shot blocker, and he's a thunderous dunker. He should get some more freedom under new coach Tiago Splitter to expand his offensive game.
- It took a while for Johnson to figure out his role in Denver. He played better towards the end of the season, not overthinking plays as much and leaning on his 3-point shooting ability. He's a good wing who can defend capably and spread the floor.
- Jaquez brings energy and strong one-on-one scoring ability. He's got a high feel for the game, which shows up in his passing numbers and unique finishes at the rim. The one thing missing from his repertoire is a more consistent 3-point shot.
21. AJ Dybantsa, Wizards
22. Aaron Nesmith, Pacers
23. Toumani Camara, Blazers
24. Herb Jones, Pelicans
25. Peyton Watson, Cavs
- No. 21 is the lowest that Dybantsa will ever be on this list. He's destined for stardom. He does have some wrinkles that he will need to work out as a rookie. While he's a very talented midrange shooter, some of those early, heavily contested shots will need to be cleaned up in the NBA. His defensive effort which, by his own admission was not good in college, will also need to improve. But you can't teach his ability to get to the rim.
- Nesmith is a reliable wing who uses physicality to put his mark on the game on both ends of the floor. He's a good defender and 3-point shooter who is a high-end role player around Indiana's better offensive options.
- Camara is a high-energy defender who rebounds and competes. His 3-point shot has come a long way, and he's now hitting a good percentage on high volume.
- Watson is an athletic defender who is knock-down on corner 3's. He's a good cutter and transition player that should fill a strong complementary two-way role.
NBA POWER RANKINGS IN 2029: Which teams have the brightest future?
26. Andrew Wiggins, Heat
27. Gui Santos, Warriors
28. Jerami Grant, Grizzlies
29. Quentin Grimes, Lakers
30. De'Andre Hunter, Kings
- Wiggins is still a good shooter and capable defender who quietly canned 41 percent of his 3's for the Heat last season. He has a seven foot wingspan that he uses to get a lot of steals.
- Santos isn't a household name, but he's one of the Warriors' better young players due to his high energy, defense, and finishing at the rim. He's developed a capable 3-point shot and learned how to play in the Warriors system, thriving off playing next to Stephen Curry.
- Grant has his critics due to his large contract, but he's a good player. He has plus size and shooting, and he can defend adequately.
- Grimes is a 3-and-D specialist who has run into issues because he feels like he can do more. When he does focus on the role player skills, he performs them at a high level.
- Hunter is a shooter and defender who doesn't do either skill particularly well but won't kill you either. He's also a scoring threat from the midrange, but he has a tendency to float through games.
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