Alright, so I wanted to figure out who the top 5 small forwards of all time really are. It’s a fun debate, and I figured I’d do my own digging and come up with a list I felt good about.
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My Process
First, I brainstormed a bunch of names. You know, the obvious ones that always come up in these conversations, and then some guys from different eras that I thought deserved a look.
Then, I hit up the internet. Seriously, I spent hours on different websites and forums, reading articles, watching old game footage, and just generally soaking up as much info as I could. It was a blast, to be honest, like taking a trip down basketball memory lane.
I started making a spreadsheet. Yeah, I’m a nerd, I know. But it helped me organize my thoughts. I listed out all the players I was considering, and then I started jotting down their key stats: points per game, rebounds, assists, championships, MVP awards, all that good stuff. Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they definitely matter.
After that, it was all about weighing the different factors. How much do you value individual brilliance versus team success? How do you compare players from different eras, when the game was played so differently? There’s no right answer, really. It’s all subjective.
I spent a lot of time just thinking, honestly. Going back and forth, changing my mind, and then changing it back again. It’s tough! These guys are all legends.
Finally, I forced myself to narrow it down. It wasn’t easy, and I’m sure some people will disagree with my choices, but that’s part of the fun, right?