NBA Player Rankings: Top 10 Small Forwards In The NBA Entering 2016-17

Feb 21, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) defends during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

10. Nicolas Batum – Charlotte Hornets

2015-16 Stats: 14.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 40.6% field goals

The Charlotte Hornets would not have made the postseason last year if it had not been for the playmaking, skill and versatility of Nicolas Batum.

His reward was a five-year, $120 million contract with the franchise. Even though the Hornets were eliminated from the playoffs by the Miami Heat in seven games, injuries took a toll on the team in their first-round series. Batum sustained a foot injury during the series that limited his production, and forced him to miss two games.

When he was healthy, Batum is a walking triple-double (during the regular season). Due to his health, though, his playoff numbers dropped to 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, two assists, 0.4 steals and 37.8% field goals against the Heat.

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