Highlights
- A great small forward in NBA 2K24 is like having an extra player on the court, capable of playing every position effectively.
- Michael Porter Jr., Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Mikal Bridges are talented small forwards with potential for future success.
- Khris Middleton, Brandon Ingram, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, and LeBron James are all exceptional small forwards with impressive skills and accomplishments.
A great small forward in NBA 2K24 can feel like having an extra player on the court. The greatest player of this generation is a small forward some of the players who could replace him are small forwards as well. They need to be able to play every position adequately, from guard to center.
Not every player can score from any place on the court or defend a speedy point guard as well as a 7'5" center. NBA 2K24 features many well-rounded small forwards that can do everything. A handful of these can do it all at the highest level, becoming exactly who they need to be when the moment demands it.
10 Michael Porter Jr. - 83
There is little doubt that Michael Porter Jr. would be a treasure leaguewide if he had some help. With four years in the league, Porter has started in only about half of the possible games due to injury. Thankfully, he was available during the Nuggets championship run this last year.
He didn't have a great series but this could be just a taste of what is to come. Porter has always been recognized for his potential both offensively and defensively. If he stays healthy and gets some practice, Denver will have another championship very soon.
9 Franz Wagner - 84
One of the most exciting things about Franz Wagner is that he made passing a priority starting immediately in his rookie season. When looking at championship teams, assists are clearly valuable and Wagner puts the appropriate focus on the metric.
The Magic may have something on their hands if they decide to build a team around Wagner. If he continues to prioritize the right facets of his game, Orlando will be happy to lock this young talent down for a long time.
8 Desmond Bane - 85
In his third year, Desmond Bane has been steadily improving every year. The Grizzlies had some off-court issues this last season which sadly derailed an incredible year for Memphis, headlined by the emergence of Bane who averaged over 20 points per game.
Playing sports in VR is hard enough but playing in the NBA is much tougher. Bane's vision and scoring, especially from range, are an asset to a squad that has high hopes for the future. If the team can keep it together for one year, Bane may be the star of a championship team.
7 Khris Middleton - 86
The Bucks were bounced as a first seed last year but fans have to be excited that Khris Middleton returned from injury and dominated the series. Despite the losses, Middleton played as though he never missed a game after his three All-Star seasons.
Between Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, this may be the best tandem of forwards in the league. The Bucks already won one championship with this strategy. If both continue to play at a high level, it won't be their last Finals championship together.
6 Mikal Bridges - 87
Having never missed a game since being drafted in 2018, Mikal Bridges is the model of health playing a position that is frequently subject to injury. A defensive powerhouse and two-time NCAA champion, the Nets got Bridges in the big Kevin Durant trade.
The trade has worked out well for Brooklyn who saw Bridges get his first Player of the Week and his first three 40-point games after joining. The team is rebuilding right now but Bridges is about as good a piece to build around as any team could hope for.
5 Brandon Ingram - 87
After a rough start in Los Angeles, Brandon Ingram was moved to New Orleans and immediately won his first All-Star nomination and the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Unfortunately, he's had a tough time playing a full season.
Even so, he set a career-high in points per game this last season. If he can stay in good health, Ingram has proven he's ready to continue to take steps forward. The future of sports gaming is bright and Ingram's future, both in the NBA and the game, is bright as well.
4 Paul George - 89
The Clippers have two small forwards on this list and they're grateful for it. With the team struggling with injuries, Paul George is often called upon to carry the load for banged-up teammates. Paul George got his eighth All-Star nod last year so his game obviously excels in these roles.
George is also a regular for the NBA All-Defense teams in addition to his recognized scoring talent. When using a controller great for sports games, using George is a treat because he's never mismatched, able to block, steal, and score against anybody.
3 Kawhi Leonard - 92
Injuries have kept the two-time Finals MVP from the All-Star Game. Kawhi Leonard hasn't played more than 57 games since coming to Los Angeles. Still, when he's on the court, any team he plays on is a contender. If he gets a year of health, few doubt he can be a champion again.
Leonard is a thrill to watch on any end of the court, getting a steals title and two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. Defense wins championships and Leonard is living proof that this is more than just a trite saying.
2 Jimmy Butler - 93
The Heat barely made it into the playoffs last year as an eighth seed and the team made it all the way to the NBA Finals behind one of the most incredible playoff performances of all time. "Jimmy Buckets" and "Playoff Jimmy" became household names for NBA fans.
Butler has made a career of shining when the lights are brightest and against staggering odds. His scoring numbers put him on par with the best shooting guards in the league. He's not all offense; he led the league in steals in 2021.
1 LeBron James - 97
Every stat for LeBron James is staggering. The four-time Finals MVP and champion has also been to every All-Star game for the last nineteen years. His game has continued to improve, going from leading the league in scoring in 2008 to leading the league in assists in 2020.
This may sound like he's one of the best point guards in the game which isn't entirely wrong; he's frequently called to be the on-ball man for the Lakers. Anybody who thought he was running out of gas must have missed the playoffs where he established that any road to a championship has to endure his powerful presence.
NBA 2K24 will be available on September 8th, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.