Small forwards in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM often fly under the radar compared to flashy point guards and shooting guards, but choosing the right SF can make or break your squad. Today, we’re breaking down 42 of the best small forwards in the game, ranking them from S tier to D tier, and giving you insight into why each player deserves their spot. Whether you’re building a competitive lineup or just want an effective rotation, this guide will help you maximize your court impact, and knowing where to buy NBA 2K26 MT can give you an edge in acquiring the best cards quickly.

Understanding the Small Forward Position

The small forward spot is a hybrid position, balancing offense, defense, and versatility. Unlike other positions, SFs need to contribute in multiple ways: hitting mid-range and three-point shots, slashing to the basket, grabbing boards, and defending elite perimeter and wing scorers. In NBA 2K26, this balance is tricky because the overall depth of SFs is slightly underwhelming compared to guards, meaning there are fewer all-around stars, but there are still several high-impact options.

S Tier – Elite Game-Changers

S-tier small forwards are top-tier options who excel both offensively and defensively. Players in this tier include Dark Matter LeBron James, Josh Smith, Opal AK, and Paolo.

· Dark Matter LeBron dominates with elite slashing, versatile defense, and a reliable jumper. His animations and size make him arguably the best small forward in the game.

· Josh Smith combines affordability with high impact; his defense, slashing, and rebounding make him a top choice for players who want value without sacrificing performance.

· Paolo offers a unique combination of size and shooting, giving a more balanced offensive threat than even Giannis in some cases.

· Opal AK features a no-dip jumper and elite defense, making him a consistent S-tier performer.

These SFs can lead your team, guard multiple positions, and stretch the floor when needed. If you want the best in-game impact, S-tier is where you should invest MT or cards.

A Tier – High-Impact Options

A-tier small forwards offer excellent contributions in key areas, even if they fall slightly short of S-tier dominance. Examples include Kawhi Leonard, Kenneth Faried, Adam Morrison, TJ Warren, Jade McDaniels, Cooper Flagg, Carmelo Anthony, and Larry Bird (Opal).

· Kawhi Leonard is an elite defender with solid slashing ability, while his shooting is good enough for most lineups.

· Kenneth Faried shines as a shooter and slasher; a fully badged version of Faried can even feel S-tier.

· Adam Morrison and TJ Warren bring strong offensive production but leave a little to be desired defensively.

· Jade McDaniels has a smooth jumper and versatile dunk packages, making him borderline S-tier for players prioritizing scoring efficiency.

A-tier SFs are excellent starters or rotation pieces, especially for teams looking to balance offensive firepower and defensive stability.

B Tier – Solid, Situational Players

B-tier small forwards provide decent production but have notable limitations, such as weaker defensive presence or less effective off-the-dribble skills. Players here include Jay McGuire, Jason Tatum, Julius Randle, Kyle Kuzma, Jared Jeff, Shawn Kemp, and Antoine Walker.

· Jason Tatum offers scoring and defense, but lacks standout off-the-dribble moves.

· Julius Randle is versatile but only situationally effective due to inconsistent shooting.

· Shawn Kemp and Kyle Kuzma bring athleticism and dunking prowess but don’t dominate in other areas.

B-tier SFs are best used in rotations or against specific matchups rather than as core lineup anchors.

C and D Tier – Limited Impact

C and D tiers feature players who struggle to provide consistent production. Examples include Rashard Lewis, Pedro Stoakovich, Jonathan Kaminga, Scotty Barnes, Tar East, Roku, Aaron Gordon, and Rodman.

· C-tier players may have a decent shot or some defensive capability but lack versatility or elite animations.

· D-tier players are often handicapped by poor shooting, size mismatches, or limited offensive threat, making them difficult to use effectively in competitive MyTEAM play.

Final Tips for Small Forward Selection

1. Match Your Play Style – Prioritize S-tier or high A-tier SFs if you need a primary scorer and defender. Use B-tier for situational depth or specific lineup needs.

2. Consider Badges – Players like Faried and LeBron dramatically improve with optimal badges. Don’t overlook card development.

3. Balance Offense and Defense – An SF who can slash and defend multiple positions is far more valuable than a one-dimensional shooter or slasher.

4. Height Matters – Taller SFs like Giannis or Josh Smith can dominate boards and defend multiple positions, but shorter SFs may offer quicker perimeter defense and shooting.

In NBA 2K26, small forwards are a nuanced but essential piece of any MyTEAM squad. With the right tiered choices, you can dominate on both ends of the floor and build a lineup that consistently competes at the highest level, especially if you invest wisely in Cheap NBA 2K26 MT to acquire top-tier cards without breaking the bank.