NBA 2K23 is almost here! So this is a good time as any to go over some early ratings predictions as a build up to the release of the game.

In this piece we will predict the top 5 small forwards ratings. Word has it that these are the highest rated players, if that's really the case then you probably know the top 2 players we will have in our list.

NBA 2K23 will be released on 9th September and will be available on PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

On that note, let's have a look at our top 5 as we wait for the official ratings to be published by 2K.

Read more: NBA 2K23: Top 5 power forwards ratings (Predicted)

NBA 2K23 Top 5 Small Forwards rated

To briefly explain what a small forward is and what the player does, we'd say that this player is pretty much responsible for everything on the basketball court, and has a wide set of skills. A small forward rebounds, shoots from inside and outside, plays defence, and rebounds.

Before we share our top 5, we'd like to remind you that these are merely predictions based on prior information or stats.

5. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics (OVR 87)

Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Jaylen Brown has a 2-Way 3-Level Scorer Build with a final Overall Rating of 86 on NBA 2K22, and had 43 Badges in all.

Brown's performance in the playoffs may just have improved his rating. His average was 24 points, 3 assists per game, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. It's safe to say that this could have been by far his greatest season.

4. DeMar DeRozan - Chicago Bulls (OVR 91)

DeMar DeRozan
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 19: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 19, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

With the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan concluded his season with high points of 27.9 per game, while he had 10.2 shots per game in each match.

He had a final Overall Rating of 90 on NBA 2K22 and a build that was a creator of slashing shots, and he held 25 badges in all.

3. Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat (OVR 94)

Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 29: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics during game seven of the Eastern Conference Final at FTX Arena on May 29, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Jimmy Butler makes our number 3 spot once again, but this time as a small forward.

Jimmy's final NBA 2K22 rating showed that he had a Build of a 2-Way Slashing Playmaker, an Overall Rating of 92, and a total of 51 Badges. Based on this, and his performance we think that a 94 OVR is fair.

2. Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers (OVR 96)

Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers warms up before the start of Game Four of the Western Conference second-round playoff series against Utah Jazz at Staples Center on June 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Kawhi Leonard missed last season due to his torn ACL in his right knee, so we are a bit unsure if his rating will increase or decrease, but we'll go ahead and predict that he will get a 96 OVR.

He had a 2-Way Scoring Machine Build and a final Overall Rating of 95 in NBA 2K22. He obtained 51 badges in all, including 2 Hall of Fame Level badges.

1. LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers (OVR 98)

LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James had a 2-Way Slashing Playmaker Build and a final Overall Rating of 96 in NBA 2K22. He earned 65 badges in all, four of which are at the Hall of Fame level.

Would it really be a proper top 5 rating prediction without King James though? Last season he took home an All-NBA Third Team selection after playing 6 games.

That concludes our predictions for NBA 2K23 Small Forwards, do you think we were spot on? We hope we were and we look forward to seeing the official ratings in the coming weeks.

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