NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting small forwards for 2023-24

Tier 3: The clear-cut stars

In this tier of NBA small forwards, we’ll jump into the shortlist of clear-cut stars. These are the players who have established themselves as household names but also players who are a cut below the superstar tier at the position. For the majority of these players, there’s no questioning their game anymore. They’ve arrived.

9. RJ Barrett, New York Knicks

As a new entrant into this tier, RJ Barrett has arrived as a star for the New York Knicks. While he still may be considered somewhat of a polarizing figure among Knicks fans, it’s hard to deny his talent and the overall impact that he has for New York. The Knicks don’t get to the second round of the playoffs without him last season and don’t have as bright of a future without his presence on the roster.

Barrett is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he’s averaged at least 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game on pretty good overall shooting numbers. He’s struggled a bit with his 3-point shot but if he can stabilize that this season, there’s no question he could end up having another career year for the Knicks.