Best Teams To Play For As A Small Forward
The small forward position in basketball is considered to be the most versatile one. It is no surprise then that some of the top players in the game currently play in this position. NBA 2K23 has seen an increase in popularity of the small forward position, as players desire to participate in every aspect of the game. Therefore, selecting the right team is crucial for players to strike a balance between helping their team and not getting in the way of others.
With the NBA season concluded, NBA 2K23 has not made any changes to its player ratings and roster adjustments. This means that gamers can start a career in the game, pick a team, and not have to worry about getting bumped in the depth chart or having playing minutes reduced after a big trade goes down. This is the perfect time to begin a MyCareer, and the following teams are some of the best for small forwards.
Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong team that is just one position away from a title. Small forwards here can pass to any teammate, and their defense is excellent, allowing them to focus solely on their opponent. Phoenix Suns have shown they are ready for a championship, with a fantastic small forward who possesses excellent defensive badges. Memphis Grizzlies have a well-rounded team but lack a powerful small forward, which can be filled by a gamer looking to make their mark. Minnesota Timberwolves, on the other hand, are an underrated team full of All-Star talent, and adding a top small forward would make them a five-man team with five threats on the court at all times. Lastly, Portland Trailblazers have a great team, except for one starter who can be replaced almost instantly. Small forwards with excellent shooting ability will thrive here, as there will be plenty of open opportunities from mid-range and beyond the arc.
NBA 2K23 is available on various platforms, including PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. With the right team, small forwards can make their mark and dominate the court.
No position is more versatile than the small forward. Is it any wonder, then, that some of the game’s best players currently play this position? When it comes to NBA 2K23small forward is increasing in popularity for this very reason; players want to participate in every aspect of the game.
This makes selecting a team vitally important. Players will need just the right amount of help without getting in the way of others or having others get in the way of them. This kind of balance is tough to find in NBA 2K23but there are a handful of teams that can turn this MyCareer dream into a reality.
Updated on June 27th, 2023 by Hodey Johns: With the NBA season concluded, it appears the game has delivered one final verdict when it comes to player rating and roster adjustments. After the Finals concluded a series of trades and draft picks were made but NBA 2K23 has not made any changes. This stands to reason since these transitions will reflect on NBA 2K24 instead of this installment. The reason this is significant is that, without any more adjustments to the roster, gamers can now start a career in this game, pick a team, and not have to worry about getting bumped in the depth chart or having playing minutes reduced after a big trade goes down. This is probably the best time to start a MyCareer and this list will not need any further adjustments as any future changes will be reserved for NBA 2K24.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Position | Player | Rating |
PG | Darius Garland | 87 |
SG | Donovan Mitchell | 92 |
SF | Isaac Okoro | 76 |
PF | Evan Mobley | 86 |
C | Jarrett Allen | 84 |
There is simply not a better spot for small forwards who want to win immediately than Cleveland. Isaac Okoro with his 76 rating is a terrible starter and holding the squad back. After replacing him, the lowest starter on the team is a healthy 84.
Once unlocking the best playmaking badges, small forwards here can pass to any teammate and have them score. Their defense is great too, so small forwards can focus on their guy without needing to worry about everyone else. The Cavaliers are one position away from a title and the MyPlayer can easily fulfill the role.
Phoenix Suns
Position | Player | Rating |
PG | Chris Paul | 87 |
SG | Devin Booker | 92 |
SF | Josh Okogie | 78 |
PF | Kevin Durant | 96 |
C | Deandre Ayton | 84 |
The Suns have proved they’re ready for a championship. After a midseason trade was made for Kevin Durant, he paired with Ayton to lock down the big men. The two guards have never been anybody to doubt. Paul is an all-time great and Booker is hotter than he’s ever been.
After that, it’s really just a matter of not letting the team down. The only thing that stopped Phoenix from winning it all this year was some bad injury luck. With a great small forward who has fantastic defensive badges, this team is ready to completely dominate.
Memphis Grizzlies
Position | Player | Rating |
PG | I Morant | 92 |
SG | Desmond Bane | 85 |
SF | Dillon Brooks | 79 |
PF | Years Jackson Jr. | 87 |
C | Steven Adams | 82 |
The Grizzlies were the number two seed in the West but had some issues that kept them from achieving their dreams. Still, it’s a hot team that is clearly one powerful small forward away from winning it all. They’re a complete team and gamers can play their way in Memphis.
With such a well-rounded crew, perhaps consider making a perfect custom jump shot and being a scorer. Getting the ball from Morant will be frequent and he’ll draw a ton of double teams. This leads to more openings so consider taking advantage with some mid or long-range jumpers.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
Position | Player | Rating |
PG | Mike Conley | 80 |
SG | Anthony Edwards | 86 |
SF | Jaden McDaniels | 79 |
PF | Karl-Anthony Towns | 86 |
C | Rudy Gobert | 84 |
The Timberwolves are way too underrated. This is a team full of All-Star talent and two of the best bigs in the league with two completely different skill sets. A smart gamer that wants to keep opponents guessing will find a home in Minnesota as they use the surrounding cast to their advantage.
This is a playoff team without a top small forward. If the MyPlayer steps in, then this is a five-man team with five threats on the court at all times. That means more one-on-one matchups for gamers to exploit. Since Towns likes to shoot from downtown, players can even make a slasher and use ideal finishing badges to score at the rim.
Portland Trailblazers
Position | Player | Rating |
PG | Damian Lillard | 95 |
SG | Anfernee Simons | 83 |
SF | Matisse Thybulle | 76 |
PF | Straw Grant | 82 |
C | Jusuf Nurkic | 82 |
Portland is often considered to be wasting Lillard’s talents but it’d be more accurate to say there is really only one starter that isn’t holding up. Thybulle and his 76 rating can be replaced almost instantly. After that, the rest of the team is 82+.
Since Lillard is going to be drawing double teams, don’t be afraid to make a shooting-first build that utilizes some of the best shooting badges. There will be plenty of open opportunities from mid-range and beyond the arc to take advantage of with the Trailblazers.
NBA 2K23 is available now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
