Wingers are a sought-after commodity in the NBA, and since LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the three has been the king’s position in the league. Both are now in a different position, but Franz Wagner has once again made it into our ranking of the best 15 small forwards.
Platz 15: DILLON BROOKS (Houston Rockets)
Age: 27Stats 2022/23: 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 39.6 percent FG and 32.6 percent three-pointers in 30.3 minutes (73 games for the Grizzlies)Achievements: 1x All- Defensive teamPrevious year: not ranked
The World Cup showed it once again: Dillon Brooks can not only talk a lot, but is also a damn good player. There are hardly any better defenders than him on the wing, also because he can play well in various positions.
The shot selection obviously leaves question marks, but his rates weren’t always as poor as last year. $84 million for four years may be a bit too much, but Brooks occupies a position that is extremely valuable because the pool of players with his skillset is very limited.
Platz 14: CAM JOHNSON (Brooklyn Nets)
Age: 27Stats 2022/23: 15.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals with 47.0 percent FG and 40.4 percent three-pointers in 28.5 minutes (42 games for Suns and Nets)Achievements: -Previous year : not ranked
Johnson is one of the best shooters from the wing, his three-point rate over four years is a strong 39.3 percent with almost six attempts per game. So you can’t leave Johnson standing freely, and his throw from the dribble has improved.
Nevertheless, Johnson remains above all a specialist who can at least defend reasonably well due to his length.
Pick 13: New Orleans Pelicans – JADEN McDANIELS (28) (Pick: Kira Lewis Jr.). Upside player who seems to be slowly showing what he is capable of. Athletic forward who can defend multiple positions and make the game quick.
Platz 13: JADEN MCDANIELS (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Age: 22Stats 2022/23: 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks with 51.7 percent FG and 39.8 percent three-pointers in 30.6 minutes (79 games)Achievements: -Previous year: not ranked
It was very controversial that McDaniels didn’t make the All-Defensive Team last year. He definitely deserved it. McDaniels has established himself as an elite defender in his third season and his athleticism makes him a real weapon in transition.
A positive side effect is the improved shooting, although more than 3.4 attempts per game would be desirable. Ball handling and creating for yourself remain a work in progress.
Platz 12: MICHAEL PORTER JR. (Denver Nuggets)
Age: 25Stats 2022/23: 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists with 48.7 percent FG and 41.4 percent three-pointers in 29.0 minutes (62 games)Achievements: 1x ChampionPrevious year: 13
His jump shot remains one of the best in the NBA and few can run as hot as MPJ. In Denver, the forward has a good environment in which he doesn’t have to do too much because there are holes in his game. Defensively he’s often not quite up to speed, even if he can compensate for that with length.
Porter has the potential to be a strong scorer, but he isn’t the best at creating for himself. His choice of throws isn’t always the best either, but as a role player he can definitely be seen as a luxury item.
Franz Wagner repeatedly went to the basket in Washington.
Platz 11: FRANZ WAGNER (Orlando Magic)
Age: 22Stats 2022/23: 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists with 48.5 percent FG and 36.1 percent three-pointers in 32.6 minutes (80 games)Achievements: -Previous year: 14
It can certainly be argued that Wagner is the Magic’s best player, precisely because his game is much more sophisticated than that of a Banchero. The Berliner has improved in all areas in his second season, hardly misses a game and generally delivers very consistent production.
What makes Wagner so valuable is the fact that he can shine both with and without the ball and can therefore fit into pretty much any team. And: It seems as if the Germans still have a lot of room for improvement.
Platz 10: O.G. ANUNOBY (Toronto Raptors)
Age: 26Stats 2022/23: 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals with 47.6 percent FG and 38.7 percent three-pointers in 35.6 minutes (67 games)Achievements: 1x Champion, 1x All- Defensive teamPrevious year: 11th
There is hardly a player who can defend one-on-one as well as Anunoby. The Brit may not be a star player, but he is a star in his role as a 3-and-D specialist. There are rumors that the Raptors want to involve Anunoby more next season, this is his chance to showcase his skills with the ball.
This is probably not that interesting for potential contenders, as various teams have offered several first-round picks for the Raptors forward in the past. His skillset is rare and correspondingly expensive.
Platz 9: ANDREW WIGGINS (Golden State Warriors)
Age: 28Stats 2022/23: 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists with 47.3 percent FG and 39.6 percent three-pointers in 32.2 minutes (37 games)Achievements: 1x champion, 1x all-time StarPrevious year: 9
It was a somewhat used year for Maple Jordan, who first suffered an injury and then missed almost two months for personal reasons. When fit, Wiggins continued his ideas from the championship year.
A good, athletic defender on the wing who can also do something with the ball and hit shots. Any team can use that, especially teams with big ambitions like Golden State.
Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans) – 21.4 points, 48.3 percent FG, 5.8 rebounds, 4 assists (9 games)
Platz 8: BRANDON INGRAM (New Orleans Pelicans)
Age: 26 Stats 2022/23: 24.7 points 5.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists with 48.4 percent FG and 39.0 percent three-pointers in 34.2 minutes (45 games)Achievements: 1x All-Star, MIPPrevious year: 8th
Ingram is an interesting case. The Pelicans forward has his best moments when he has the ball in his own hands, and then he plays at near All-Star level. At the same time, he lives primarily in the middle distance and rarely comes to the basket. But he is an above-average passer.
That all sounds good, but it hasn’t yet translated into team success. His performance with Team USA was also typical of this, as he often looked lost on the field without the ball. And here lies the crucial question: How good can a team really be with Ingram as their first option?
Platz 7: KHRIS MIDDLETON (Milwaukee Bucks)
Age: 32Stats 2022/23: 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists with 43.6 percent FG and 31.5 percent three-pointers in 24.3 minutes (33 games)Achievements: 1x champion, 3x all-time StarPrevious year: 6
Let’s face it, the Bucks’ season was so disappointing because Middleton was never really fit and didn’t even match his previous performances. We give the defendant the benefit of the doubt here and that Middleton is significantly improved after a full offseason.
As a secondary playmaker and crunch time expert, he is essential for the Bucks, but Middleton has clearly weakened defensively.
Platz 6: DEMAR DEROZAN (Chicago Bulls)
Age: 34 Stats 2022/23: 24.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists with 50.4 percent FG and 32.4 percent three-pointers in 36.2 minutes (74 games)Achievements: 6x All-Star, 3x All-NBAPrevious year: 7th
DeRozan is actually like a fine wine, with age he is in his prime. The Bulls forward is one of the kings of the middle distance and has improved massively in terms of playmaking in recent years.
This brought the Bulls only limited team success, but DeRozan is just one of numerous reasons for this. Should Chicago decide to initiate a change, DeRozan should be of interest to numerous teams even at the age of 34. His game, which is based little on athleticism, should age well.
Platz 5: MIKAL BRIDGES (Brooklyn Nets)
Age: 27Stats 2022/23: 20.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists with 46.8 percent FG and 38.2 percent three-pointers in 35.7 minutes (83 games)Achievements: 1x All-Defensive TeamPrevious year: 10
Bridges was overqualified as a 3-and-D player, which became more than clear after the trade to Brooklyn. Instead, the forward managed the feat of acting even more efficiently with significantly more responsibility and tasks.
Bridges played at an All-Star level for the rest of the season and proved that he is also a good choice as a second option. This is what makes Brooklyn so interesting, as the Nets are in a position to trade for a bona fide superstar. The co-star Bridges is already on the team.
Platz 4: PAUL GEORGE (L.A. Clippers)
Age: 33Stats 2022/23: 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 45.7 percent FG and 37.1 percent three-pointers in 34.6 minutes (56 games)Achievements: 8x All-Star, 6x All-NBA (1x First), 4x All-Defensive Team, MIPPrevious year: 5
Paul George is always on the threshold between superstar and second option, but the latter is now more likely to apply to the 33-year-old, who, like his teammate Kawhi Leonard, is repeatedly plagued by injuries. His services as a two-way wing are still in demand, and his passing game has improved over the years.
And yet the last tick is often missing. The ball handling is not optimal and his drives are too rare. Despite everything, George continues to be one of the best wings in the NBA with his defense and ability to create for himself.
Platz 3: KAWHI LEONARD (L.A. Clippers)
Age: 32Stats 2022/23: 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists with 51.2 percent FG and 41.6 percent three-pointers in 33.6 minutes (52 games)Achievements: -Previous year: 2
If it weren’t for the constant worries about his health, Leonard would be at the top, but a certain level of availability is also part of the overall package. Defensively, The Claw is no longer as dominant as he was in his heyday, but he is perhaps the safest bucket in the NBA.
Leonard doesn’t come to the ring as often anymore, but his jumper from the middle is still so good that it hardly matters. One would like to see another full Kawhi season to find out if Leonard can still be the best player on a championship team.
Platz 2: JIMMY BUTLER (Miami Heat)
Age: 34 Stats 2022/23: 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists with 53.9 percent FG and 35.0 percent three-pointers in 33.4 minutes (64 games)Achievements: 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Defense, MIPPrevious year: 4
Last year showed once again that Butler can step up several gears in the playoffs and influence the game in different ways. There is probably no one on this list as complete as Butler, who can eliminate his opponent and throw the offense for his own team.
This is extremely exhausting and rare, something that must not be forgotten. A better three-pointer would be desirable, but hardly anyone can draw fouls and fuel their way to the ring as well as Butler.
Jayson Tatum was ice cold in Game 3 against Miami.
Platz 1: JAYSON TATUM (Boston Celtics)
Age: 25 Stats 2022/23: 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 46.6 percent FG and 35.0 percent three-pointers in 37.1 minutes (74 games)Achievements: 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA (2x First)Previous year: 3
Every now and then there is still a lack of consistency and decision-making, but Tatum is now such a good scorer that this only becomes important at the very highest level. The 25-year-old is now less dependent on his jump shot and has significantly improved his finishing at the ring.
What also speaks for Tatum: While his direct competitors are aging or now playing in other positions, the Celtics All-Star has improved year after year and is the American hope of winning an MVP award again after five years.
2023-09-18 07:26:00
#NBA #Ranking #small #forwards #Franz #Wagner #making #leap
