Boston Celtics: Ranking Jayson Tatum among the top NBA small forwards

No. 3: Jayson Tatum

We can make a case for Tatum being superior to both Khris Middleton and Jimmy Butler, he is locked in at the #3 spot in these rankings, two spots above where Bleacher Report sees him. I guess the 2018 playoff run isn’t on their minds as it is for Celtics Nation.

That said, Tatum has risen his stock more so than most players that made any leaps in 2019-20. The Boston Celtics didn’t just win with Tatum as their star, but they beat top teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and potential playoff foes in the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic without Tatum’s co-star Kemba Walker.

No. 2: Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers are bona fide contenders for the NBA Championship because of Kawhi Leonard‘s decision to join the team last summer. Of course, he was only going to join the team if they could land his friend Paul George, which they did for a steep price.

He is in the midst of a brilliant season leading his team to the #2 seed in the conference. Like last year, though, Leonard has the chance to knock down the supreme overlord of his conference. This time instead of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’d have to take down…

No. 1: LeBron James

LeBron James has been the league’s best small forward since before there was HD television. Currently in the midst of one of his finest seasons yet, James may not be even close to done as the most dominant perimeter player in the game.

The Lakers enter the Lake Buena Vista bubble in Walt Disney World as the presumptive favorites to win it all, and it’s because of James’ focus and ability to lift his teammates that they are seen as likely to overcome adversity to win the hardest title in the history of the league.