TL;DR
- Kevin Durant and LeBron James lead with 96 OVR ratings as the premier small forwards
- Small forwards excel as two-way players who create mismatches on both offense and defense
- Strategic player selection depends on your team composition and preferred playing style
- Master defensive positioning and shot creation to maximize your small forward’s impact
- Emerging talents like Mikal Bridges offer excellent value for budget-conscious teams
Breaking down the NBA’s premier wing players and versatile forwards who dominate both ends of the court.
NBA 2K23 has arrived, bringing fresh debates about basketball’s most dynamic position. The small forward role has evolved from legendary debates between Bird versus Erving and Pippen versus Hill to modern discussions comparing Tatum versus Butler. This year’s roster of wing players demonstrates remarkable depth, highlighted by Arizona’s celebration of “Mikal Bridges Appreciation Day” recognizing defensive excellence. With official 2K23 ratings now available, we’ve conducted comprehensive analysis to identify the elite small forwards and provide strategic insights for building championship-caliber teams.
For additional NBA 2K23 resources, explore our comprehensive Complete Guide to gameplay mechanics and the detailed ratings database.
Below are Visual Concepts’ officially rated top small forwards in NBA 2K23, accompanied by detailed performance analysis and strategic recommendations:
- Kevin Durant – 96 OVR: The scoring phenom combines unprecedented length with elite shooting, creating nearly unguardable offensive options. His 7’5″ wingspan allows for high-release jumpers over defenders, while his improved defensive animations make him a legitimate two-way threat. Perfect for isolation sets and pick-and-pop situations.
- LeBron James – 96 OVR: Basketball royalty maintains his dominance through unparalleled basketball IQ and physical prowess. His playmaking abilities set him apart, functioning as a primary ball-handler who can orchestrate entire offenses while maintaining scoring efficiency.
- Kawhi Leonard – 94 OVR: The defensive specialist returns with his trademark lockdown capabilities and efficient mid-range game. His patient, methodical offensive approach pairs perfectly with his elite perimeter defense against opposing stars.
- Jayson Tatum – 93 OVR: The ascending superstar showcases refined scoring moves and improved playmaking. His step-back three-pointer has become one of the game’s most reliable crunch-time weapons.
- Jimmy Butler – 93 OVR: Miami’s leader brings tenacious defense and clutch scoring ability. His high basketball IQ and leadership traits significantly impact team performance in close games.
- DeMar DeRozan – 89 OVR: The mid-range maestro demonstrates why old-school basketball remains effective. His footwork and shot creation in the post create constant mismatches against smaller defenders.
When selecting your small forward, consider how their skills complement your existing roster. For teams needing primary scorers, Durant and Tatum offer elite shot creation. Squads requiring defensive anchors should prioritize Leonard and Butler. To optimize your lineup further, consult our Class Guide for position-specific strategies.
Beyond the established elite, several emerging small forwards offer tremendous value and growth potential. Mikal Bridges deserves special recognition for his elite perimeter defense and improving offensive game, making him an ideal 3-and-D specialist for budget-conscious teams. Other notable wings include Brandon Ingram, whose length and scoring versatility create matchup problems, and Khris Middleton, providing reliable shooting and secondary playmaking.
These players often come at lower salary cap costs while providing specific skills that complement star players. When building your ultimate team, these value selections can make the difference between a good roster and a championship contender. For weapon-specific strategies that complement your small forward selection, see our Weapons Unlock guide for optimal loadouts.
Mastering small forward utilization requires understanding both micro and macro gameplay elements. Defensively, position your SF to disrupt passing lanes and close out on shooters, utilizing their length and athleticism. Offensively, leverage their versatility by creating isolation situations or using them as secondary ball-handlers in pick-and-roll actions.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t force your small forward into roles that don’t suit their strengths. Avoid using defensive specialists like Kawhi Leonard as primary scorers, or expecting scoring-focused players like Durant to anchor your defense without support.
Advanced optimization: Utilize practice modes to master each player’s unique shooting releases and dribble moves. Study their hot zones on the court and develop plays that position them in these optimal scoring areas. Time estimates for mastering a player’s moveset typically range from 2-4 hours of focused practice.
Action Checklist
- Analyze your team needs and identify whether you require scoring, defense, or playmaking from the SF position
- Practice with 2-3 top-rated small forwards in Play Now mode to understand their unique animations
- Master defensive positioning using length and anticipation to generate steals and fast breaks
- Develop 3-5 offensive sets that maximize your small forward’s scoring strengths
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Best NBA 2K23 SFs: Top Small Forwards By Rating Master the court with expert analysis of NBA 2K23's elite small forwards and winning strategies