The Best NBA Small Forwards of the 90s
- 1Age: 58
Unquestionably one of the most versatile and dominant small forwards to ever play in the NBA during the 90's, Scottie Pippen was a key component of the Chicago Bulls dynasty alongside Michael Jordan. With his incredible defensive prowess, relying on his lengthy wingspan and agility, Pippen often took on the opposing team's best player, essentially making life miserable for them. On the offensive end, his ability to facilitate, slash to the basket, and knock down the occasional three-pointer made him an essential playmaker on those legendary Bulls teams.
- 2Age: 64
Dominique "The Human Highlight Film" Wilkins dazzled crowds throughout the 90's with his superhuman athleticism and jaw-dropping dunks. He was an absolute scoring machine during his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, using his deceptive quickness and impressive leaping ability to consistently put points on the board. Beyond his offensive talents, Wilkins was also a solid rebounder and never shied away from the challenge of defending against some of the league's best players.
- 3Age: 60
In the realm of sharpshooting small forwards, Chris Mullin holds a special place with his sweet stroke and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc. A member of the original 1992 Dream Team, Mullin utilized his elite shooting prowess to space the floor and create opportunities for his teammates on the offensive end. Known for his tireless work ethic and commitment to the game, Mullin's dedication undoubtedly paved the way for future generations of three-point marksmen.
- 4Age: 67
Although he predominantly played in the 80's, Larry Bird's contributions and impact on the NBA during the early 90's cannot be overstated. Widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards ever, his unparalleled court vision, pinpoint passing, and deadly shooting touch made him a nightmare for opposing teams. The level of intensity and competitiveness that Bird brought to each game was truly infectious, propelling the Boston Celtics to multiple championships and solidifying his status as an all-time great.
- 5Age: 51
Grant Hill's illustrious career was marked by his incredible versatility and all-around skill set during the 90's as a small forward. With his innate ability to score at will, rebound, and distribute the ball effectively, Hill gave opposing defenses fits as they tried to contain his multifaceted game. Additionally, his exceptional athleticism and agility allowed him to excel on the defensive end of the floor, making him a truly complete player in every sense.
- 6Age: 61
Affectionately known as the "Round Mound of Rebound," Charles Barkley was a force to be reckoned with among small forwards in the 90's. Despite being slightly undersized for his position, Barkley's sheer strength, determination, and uncanny ability to crash the boards made him one of the most feared and respected players in the league. His relentless tenacity and unbridled energy on both ends of the floor captivated fans while making significant contributions to his teams, namely the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
- 7Age: 57
Glen Rice was a lights-out shooter and prolific scorer who presented constant matchup problems for opponents throughout the 90's. His consistent stroke, quick release, and ability to convert tough shots made him a constant threat on the offensive end, whether he was pulling up from deep or slashing to the basket. Always ready to step up in clutch situations, Rice's steady hand and ice-cold demeanor made him a valuable asset to any team he joined during his NBA tenure.
- 8Age: 51
Monster Mash Jamal Mashburn was an explosive scorer and versatile small forward who could create offense in a multitude of ways. With his size, strength, and ball-handling ability, he was adept at taking his defender off the dribble and finishing strong at the rim. Furthermore, his ability to stretch the floor with his jump shot made him a difficult cover for opposing teams, as he forced them to respect his outside game as well.
- 9Age: 63
A key contributor to the Showtime Lakers of the 80s, James Worthy continued to leave his mark on the league in the early 90's with his dynamic scoring ability and clutch play. Known as "Big Game James" for his propensity to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations, he consistently delivered when it mattered most. His smooth style of play, combined with his athleticism and quick first step, made him an imposing offensive force to be reckoned with.
- 10Age: 61
Detlef Schrempf was a pioneering European player whose impact on the NBA during the 90's helped pave the way for future generations of international stars. He was a skilled and intelligent player with an exceptional shooting touch and solid passing abilities, essentially serving as a prototypical stretch-four well ahead of his time. Schrempf's versatility, court vision, and three-point shooting prowess were instrumental in his success as one of the best small forwards of the decade.
- 11Age: 55
Toni Kukoč, another trailblazing European talent, played a pivotal role in the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat during the 90's with his multifaceted skill set and innate basketball IQ. Known as "The Waiter" for his impressive passing abilities, Kukoč could facilitate the offense, create opportunities for his teammates, and stretch the floor with his shooting. His length on the defensive end also allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and contribute to the Bulls' stifling defense.
- 12Age: 51
Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson brought relentless scoring prowess and unwavering confidence to the NBA during the 90's. With his size and strength, he was a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he could score effectively from the post or step out and hit the mid-range jumper with ease. Robinson's assertive approach and commitment to putting points on the board made him a key contributor to his teams during his prime years.
- 13Age: 67
Though his prime years were in the 80's, Bernard King remained a formidable force and smooth scorer into the early 90's. With his silky offensive game and ability to score both inside and out, King put immense pressure on opposing defenses. Despite the wear and tear on his body, he maintained a level of efficiency and professionalism that showcased just how talented and dedicated he was to the sport.
- 14Age: 46
Paul Pierce began his storied NBA career in the late 90's, showcasing his impressive scoring ability and unshakable confidence from the get-go. Equally adept at knocking down clutch three-pointers and taking defenders off the dribble, "The Truth" struck fear into opponents with his unmistakable killer instinct. Pierce's well-rounded offensive game and competitive nature would go on to define his Hall of Fame caliber career, making him one of the standout small forwards of his era.
- 15Age: 56
Sean Elliott was a reliable and consistent small forward during the 90's who made meaningful contributions on both ends of the court. His exceptional shooting touch and ability to score from all over the floor helped spread the floor for his teammates and keep opposing defenses honest. On top of his offensive capabilities, Elliott was also a solid and tenacious defender, rounding out his skill set and distinguishing himself as one of the premier small forwards of the decade.
- 16Age: 53
Big Shot Bob, as Robert Horry was fondly called, made an indelible impact on the NBA in the 90s due to his uncanny ability to step up during the game's most crucial moments. A versatile small forward with a penchant for knocking down clutch three-pointers and making game-saving defensive plays, Horry's fearlessness under pressure proved invaluable to multiple championship teams throughout his career. By playing with intensity and poise when the stakes were highest, Horry etched his name in basketball history as one of the all-time great role players.
- 17Age: 61
Although primarily known as the greatest shooting guard of all time, Michael Jordan spent some time as a small forward during his career and dominated in that position just as effectively. His unparalleled scoring ability, tenacious defense, and unmatched killer instinct made him virtually unstoppable on the court, regardless of where he played. Simply put, Jordan's impact on the game during the 90s transcended any specific position and stands as a testament to his greatness and influence on the sport of basketball.
- 18
Cedric Ceballos
Age: 54Cedric Ceballos was an explosive scoring threat in the 90s who could create offense in a variety of ways and provide nightly highlights with his powerful dunks. With his impressive leaping ability and relentless energy, Ceballos was a force to be reckoned with on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Whether he was finishing strong at the rim or soaring through the air for an awe-inspiring slam, Ceballos created memorable moments that showcased his athleticism and skill as a small forward.
- 19Age: 64
Mark Aguirre was a potent scorer and crafty offensive player during the late 80s and early 90s who could fill it up from both inside and outside. With an array of moves including a silky mid-range jumper and the ability to finish around the rim, Aguirre was a constant threat who required extra attention from opposing defenses. His contributions on the offensive end played a significant role in his teams' successes, solidifying his place among the top small forwards of his era.
- 20Age: 53
Bryon Russell distinguished himself as a reliable "three-and-D" small forward during the 90s, with his solid shooting from beyond the arc and tenacious defensive skills. His ability to stretch the floor and spread defenses thin, coupled with his tireless effort on the other end of the court, made him a valuable asset to his teams. Despite flying somewhat under the radar, Russell's consistent play and knack for making timely contributions earned him recognition as one of the more dependable small forwards of the decade.
- 21Age: 65
With his lethal scoring ability and sharpshooting prowess, Kiki Vandeweghe was a major offensive weapon during the late 80s and early 90s. Equally adept at hitting long-range shots and slashing to the basket, Vandeweghe could score in a multitude of ways, which kept defenses guessing and off balance. His smooth stroke and offensive versatility solidified his place as one of the best pure scorers among small forwards of his era.
- 22Age: 57
Derrick McKey was a versatile small forward who impacted the game on both ends of the floor during the 90s. Although somewhat underrated, his ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and contribute on offense made McKey a valuable piece for his teams. His well-rounded skill set, coupled with his high basketball IQ, allowed him to make meaningful contributions across the board and cement his place as one of the more complete players among small forwards of the time.
