NBA small forward tier list: Where is Raptors star OG Anunoby?

Tier 2: Expected All-Stars

5. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

4. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

3. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers

Middleton and DeRozan will likely be All-Stars once again next year. With the former remaining the perfect complementary role player for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the latter coming off one of the best seasons in his illustrious career, both arrows are pointing upward.

While it’s easy to make fun of George for his playoff season, he has very few holes in his game. When Kawhi Leonard returns, he and George will make the Clippers a contender. If Anunoby steps on the gas pedal, he might end up playing like a Tier 2 player for a brief spurt.

Tier 1: All-NBA

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Tatum’s status as one of the game’s more elite players is beyond reproach after leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals. While Anunoby has proven to give him some tough games in the past, it’s hard for one to argue that OG should be ranked near him right now.

James is 37 years old and remains one of the best scorers and all-around players this game has to offer. The fact that he’s still at the top of his game at a time when most his age are lucky to be in the league defies all logic. There’s no shame in OG looking much weaker in comparison.