Who are 2023’s Most Underrated Small Forwards?
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The small forward position for the class of 2023 has done nothing but amazing things this year. There have been many outstanding small forwards in this class but there are some who don’t get the credit they deserve. Here are…
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Continue ReadingThe small forward position for the class of 2023 has done nothing but amazing things this year. There have been many outstanding small forwards in this class but there are some who don’t get the credit they deserve. Here are my five underrated small forwards for the class of 2023 and why I think these players will go on to have very successful basketball careers going forward.
Ewing is a very nice two-way forward that will do anything for his team to win games. He has great a shot from deep with his range extending the more shots he makes in the game. Ewing also has a soft touch around the rim allowing him to score anywhere he wants. He moves his feet well and even if he gets beat off the dribble he can use his long frame to still block or disrupt shots. The only thing Ewing should look to do more is to crash the glass to gain more opportunities for his team.
Croce’s high quick release allows him to get up any shot in both the midrange and three-point area. Combine that with his height and he can seemingly shoot over anyone who tries to contest him. Croce is also a hustle player that is not afraid to get scrappy and dive after loose balls. He is solid at defense with some games this year having multiple steals and blocks. Croce should look to finish at the rim more often using his height to his advantage.
Payoute is an elite defender who will block anything inside the paint or on the perimeter giving opposing players problems when trying to score on him. He is very good at reading passing lanes as well as not being afraid to pickpocket ball handlers that look to test him off the dribble. Payoute has great athletic ability which not only allows him to block all those shots but to also finish high and strong at the rim dunking over anyone in his path. Payoute is a monster on the boards grabbing multiple double-digit rebounds a game. If he works on a more consistent three-point shot he will be unstoppable.
Highlights
Adams is a gifted shot blocker while pairing that with being a rebounding machine. He’s like the human vacuum and will grab almost any board that is even remotely near him. He uses his size and strength to overpower defenders down low and finishes through contact well forcing the officials to call the foul on opposing teams. If Adams can develop a consistent three-point shot he will become an overall complete player that every coach would love to have on their team.
Alston’s smooth and quick shot looks like a work of art whenever he releases the ball from downtown. He can shoot the three either off the dribble or with the catch-and-shoot shot. Alston can finish at the rim and hit the pull-up midrange but should look to do it more often. If he can do that it will only help increase his free throw attempts more as he gets to the line at a very respectable rate already. Alston has quick hands to get into passing lanes and will strip defenders that look to test him off the dribble. He is turning into a complete two-way player the more he grows into his game.