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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 best small forwards available

By Noah Torr

Jan 10, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) after a play against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) after a play against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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This high caliber position has a few stars headed to NBA free agency this summer. Who are the top guys to watch out for?

The small forward position has become ever so valuable in the modern era of basketball. When a coach decides to go small, the small forward slides over to either the power forward or center position. If a coach goes big, the small forward can fit into the shooting guard position. Flexibility is invaluable one the wing.

It’s important to note that three of the five best players in the league are, arguably, small forwards — the best player in the world, LeBron James, 2017 NBA Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Kawhi Leonard. All three are vital parts to their respective team’s success.

This upcoming offseason has a captivating crop of free agent talent. Here are the best small forwards among that group.

5. Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay had a tough 2016-17 season. Well, his whole career in Sacramento is summed up by his latest season: a disappointment. Gay had an abrupt ending to his year after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon in a game against the Indiana Pacers.

Even though he had a subpar time in Sacramento, this is the year to turn it around. It is unlikely that he returns to Sac-town, which is evident through their draft this year. Justin Jackson was selected with the No. 15 overall selection and Harry Giles was picked No. 20 overall. The Kings are looking to run it back next season with a young core consisting of a starting five of De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Justin Jackson, Skal Labissière/Harry Giles, and Willy Cauley-Stein. Rudy Gay is nowhere in sight.

Gay may not be the young talent that the Kings are looking for, but he’s not exactly 35. He is only 30 years old and will have at least three or four more good years in the league. Rudy is still a very capable small forward and teams would be lucky to sign him in the offseason. Gay could look to sign with contenders considering he in the latter part of his career.

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