Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking starting small forwards in 2021 preseason

5 of 6

Michael Porter Jr. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

10. Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is undersized for the small forward position but he’s going to be something special in the NBA. He averaged around 19 points per game as a rookie for the Minnesota Timberwolves and should take another big step in his second season. He has a real chance to be the second coming of Dwyane Wade and if he’s properly developed he can be the best player on that team in short order.

9. Michael Porter Jr.

The Denver Nuggets got a steal in the 2018 NBA Draft in Michael Porter Jr. He’s quickly developed into a legit scoring threat and has a chance to take an even bigger step this season with Jamal Murray out most of next season. Porter Jr. has the potential to be the number two scorer on a championship team and he has the chance to prove it next season.

8. Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram has proven to be a legit All-Star talent player. He’s a three-level scorer at an elite level, an underrated playmaker, and a long defender. The only question surrounding him is that if he and Zion Williamson can make the playoffs together.

7. DeMar DeRozan

For the first time in his career, DeMar DeRozan will be a second scoring option on offense now that he’s on the Chicago Bulls. Don’t be mistaken, he’s a midrange assassin and will get his buckets, but based on how he and Zach LaVine mesh could impact where he is on this rankings next offseason.

6. Gordon Hayward

After signing with the Charlotte Hornets the last offseason, Gordon Hayward looked like the former All-Star that he was when he was in Utah. Now he’s the veteran leader of a promising young core and has to be that same player again this year if the Hornets want to make the playoffs this year.