Small forward

The small forward, or, colloquially, "the three", is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall. The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role. Most current NBA small forwards are between 6'5" and 6'11" in height.

Small forwards are primarily responsible for scoring points, and are often also counted on as their team's secondary or tertiary rebounder (behind the power forwards and centers), although a few who play as point forwards have considerable passing responsibilities as well. Most small forwards in professional basketball, however, are prolific scorers. The styles with which small forwards amass their points vary widely, as some players at the position like the Hornets' Peja Stojakovic are very accurate straight up shooters, while others prefer to "bang inside", initiate and/or not shy away from physical contact with opposing players, to get their points, while others are primarily slashers such as Tracy McGrady. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line", that is have opposing players called for committing shooting fouls against them, as fouls are frequently called on the defense when offensive players "take the ball hard" to the basket, that is, aggressively attempt post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. Therefore, accurate foul shooting is an imperative skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line.

Defense is often a major priority for small forwards as well, though, since many like to use their athleticism and size to bottle up opposing scorers. Any list of excellent defensive players at SF must include current NBA player Ron Artest, who is generally regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league today. Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs, while not a star offensive player, is a masterful and tenacious defender, both on the perimeter and closer to the hoop. Former small forwards also known for their defensive abilities include Larry Bird, an extremely smart team defender despite a lack of speed, and Scottie Pippen, perhaps the absolute best one-on-one defender in the NBA during most of his career.

Many small forwards can also play shooting guard; those who switch between the two positions are called "swingmen" or "wings". Among the most dominant small forwards of the past were Elgin Baylor, Rick Barry, Julius Erving, Larry Bird, James Worthy, Dominique Wilkins, and Scottie Pippen. Notable NBA small forwards who are currently playing include Ron Artest, Rashard Lewis, Carmelo Anthony, Grant Hill, Morris Peterson (who also plays shooting guard at times), Lamar Odom, Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Simmons, Tayshaun Prince, Shawn Marion, Andrei Kirilenko, LeBron James, Josh Howard, and Tracy McGrady. Dirk Nowitzki is another notable player with excellent small forward skills; however, because he is 7 feet tall, he has spent most of his time at power forward over the course of his NBA career.