Top 5 Small Forwards Known to Dominate the Field—Relentless Speed Every Time! - Coaching Toolbox

Understanding the Context

1. Kawhi Leonard – The Calculated Runner

Although often labeled a power forward, Kawhi Leonard’s speed and cutoff agility when positioned in the small forward role make him a benchmark for all modern smalls. With sub-3.5-second 20-foot sprints, Leonard combines basketball IQ with blistering explosiveness. His ability to transition instantly from perimeter shooter to low post presence keeps defenses guessing, proving that elite small forwards don’t just score—they dominate space and time on the fly.

2. Jrue Holiday – The Violent Force of Penetration Speed

Key Insights

At just 5’10”, Jrue Holiday is a master of using his compact frame to chase defense, leaving defenders trailing as he bursts through screens with precision. His 27.5+ speed rating (per NBA Advanced Player Tracking) allows him to catch contact off-guard and launch off-the-dribble drives or finish with spacious jumpers. Holiday’s relentless movement and quick feet make him both a primary scanner and a finisher—qualities essential for any top-tier small forward.

3. Ja Morant – Lightning in the Backcourt

Though technically a point forward, Ja Morant’s role embodies the essence of a dominant small forward: size 6’0” but speed electrifying at 29 mph top speed. His el scrambling behind the ball—penetrating, off-ball cutting, and rebounding with ferocious intensity—redeems the small forward archetype. Morant’s crossover explosiveness and laser-like quickness force defenses into hairpins, proving that raw speed paired with elite vision drives modern basketball dominance.

Final Thoughts

4. Cade Cunningham – The Gambler with High Defenses

Late NBA draft pick Cade Cunningham exemplifies how modern small forwards thrive on relentless movement and improvisational speed. Though primarily a sharpshooter, his 27 MPH commitment off the dribble—paired with elite hand placement and off-ball cutting—gives him the hard-nosed, unpredictable air of a elite small. With refusal to sit idle, Cunningham consistently stretches defenses vertically, redefining what it means to be a small forward in the offensive rush game.

5. Ben墨 – The Unheralded Speed Machine

While not as widely recognized, convert-goers like Benmelesse Muyser (often stylized “Muyzer” or under pseudonyms) and emerging prospects like William Jackson III represent the next wave of smallest forwards defined by speed. At under 6’0”, Jackson uses bar speed exceeding 4.0 seconds and a low center of gravity to evade defenders in restricted areas, finishing with efficient layups and quick releases. His relentless pace and ability to stretch the floor make him a prototype for how small forwards can dominate with sheer explosiveness and movement.