In NBA 2K26 MyTeam, the small forward position continues to be one of the most competitive and versatile roles in the game. With the release of the latest patch and new player drops, MyTeam enthusiasts are once again debating who deserves to be ranked among the elite. From high-flying scorers to defensive anchors, small forwards are the glue that holds a balanced lineup together. Whether you're building your dream team from scratch or optimizing a god-tier roster, understanding which small forwards dominate the current meta can make or break your success.

This comprehensive tier list ranks the best small forwards in NBA 2K26 MyTeam from S-tier down to F-tier, based on shooting consistency, defensive value, play making ability, animations, and synergy with current team-building trends. Player performance may shift as patches and updates roll out, but this list captures the most accurate snapshot of the meta right now.

S-Tier: Game-Changing Small Forwards

S-tier small forwards are elite, capable of taking over a game on both ends of the floor. They're not just stars-they define the meta.

Carmelo Anthony (Hoodie Melo Pink Diamond)

Hoodie Melo is back and better than ever. With near-perfect shooting animations, elite dribble packages, and clutch shot-making ability, he's the ultimate offensive weapon. His shot-creating badge combo-Hall of Fame Limitless Range, Catch & Shoot, and Deadeye-lets him dominate isolation plays and stretch defenses. Pair him with a good point guard who can distribute, and you have an unstoppable duo.

Kevin Durant (Galaxy Opal)

Durant remains the prototype for the ideal small forward: tall, smooth, and deadly from anywhere on the floor. His jumper is one of the cleanest in NBA 2K26, and defensively, his wingspan allows him to contest everything. KD fits every lineup-from ISO-heavy offenses to defensive switch schemes-and is currently one of the most complete cards in MyTeam.

LeBron James (Pink Diamond)

LeBron's versatility keeps him in S-tier year after year. His combination of playmaking, slashing, and defense makes him the ultimate all-around small forward. He's a freight train in transition and can guard multiple positions effectively. Even if his jumper isn't quite as smooth as KD's, his athleticism and leadership badges make him invaluable in both online and offline modes.

A-Tier: Elite Value and Balance

A-tier small forwards don't quite dominate like the S-tier stars, but they're still elite contributors capable of leading competitive lineups.

Jayson Tatum (Diamond)

Tatum's shot release is lightning-fast, and his Hall of Fame Green Machine badge ensures consistent shooting under pressure. He shines in both catch-and-shoot and pull-up situations, though his finishing animations can be a bit inconsistent against elite rim protectors. Still, Tatum remains a safe, high-value pick for most lineups.

Kawhi Leonard (Diamond Lockdown Edition)

Defense wins games, and Kawhi proves it. His perimeter defense is second to none, and his Hall of Fame Clamps and Glove badges allow him to neutralize opposing scorers. Offensively, he's no slouch either, especially with his smooth midrange pull-up. In any defensive-focused team, Kawhi's presence elevates your chances to win tight matchups.

Scottie Pippen (Diamond)

Pippen might not be a scoring machine, but he's arguably the best defensive small forward below the top tier. His on-ball defense and passing IQ make him perfect for players who prefer team-oriented basketball. If you're running a system built on ball movement and discipline, Pippen's value skyrockets.

B-Tier: Reliable Role Players

B-tier players are solid and consistent, but they lack the top-end athleticism, shooting, or defensive capabilities of higher-tier options.

Andrew Wiggins (Amethyst)

Wiggins offers reliable two-way play with explosive finishing at the rim. He's not elite in any single category but can fill multiple roles effectively. If you're building a budget-friendly lineup, Wiggins is one of the best choices available.

Paul George (Amethyst)

While not as dominant as his past versions, PG13 still delivers. His length and solid jumper make him a capable 3-and-D option. However, he's slightly slower than other cards in his price range, which keeps him out of A-tier contention.

RJ Barrett (Amethyst Moments Card)

Barrett's offensive boost and improved shot consistency make him a solid option for budget players. His slashing ability stands out, though his defense can be unreliable against top-tier scorers.

C-Tier: Specialist Picks

C-tier small forwards usually excel in one specific area but struggle to stay effective across all matchups.

Mikal Bridges (Ruby)

A defensive specialist who thrives in corner 3 situations. His limited offensive creation keeps him from higher tiers, but his defensive IQ can frustrate opponents in online modes.

OG Anunoby (Ruby)

OG's strength lies in his physicality and rebounding, but his lack of elite shooting limits his value. He's great for defensive squads but won't fit into fast-paced, offense-first playstyles.

Jonathan Isaac (Ruby)

Isaac is an underrated pick for defensive-minded players. His shot-blocking at the small forward position is impressive, and he's surprisingly quick in transition, though his offensive toolkit remains basic.

D- and F-Tiers: Limited Use Cases

D- and F-tier players often lack the shooting badges, defensive stats, or animations to compete in higher difficulty modes. They're fine for beginners or offline challenges but struggle in competitive settings.

Cam Reddish (Sapphire)

While he has decent shooting stats, his lack of badges makes him inconsistent in online play. He's serviceable early in your MyTeam journey but quickly becomes obsolete once you unlock higher-tier options.

Saddiq Bey (Gold)

Bey's shooting form is clean, but his lateral quickness and defensive awareness keep him from staying competitive. Best suited for offline challenges or limited-budget teams.

How to Build Around Your Small Forward

The small forward should complement your team's overall identity. If your lineup leans heavily on defense, pairing an elite scorer like Hoodie Melo or Durant with a defensive-minded guard creates balance. Conversely, if you already have a dominant scorer at point guard or shooting guard, a two-way player like Kawhi or Pippen ensures stability and consistency on both ends.

Ultimately, the best small forward for your MyTeam depends on your playstyle, badge setup, and available NBA 2K26 MT. Investing in top-tier cards can dramatically elevate your gameplay, but even budget-friendly players can thrive in the right system.

Final Thoughts

Ranking every small forward in NBA 2K26 MyTeam is no easy task-each patch, card release, and meta shift reshapes the landscape. Still, the S-tier remains undisputed: Hoodie Melo, KD, and LeBron stand as the cornerstones of elite MyTeam lineups.

Whether you're chasing trophies in online play or grinding offline challenges, remember-chemistry and strategy often outweigh pure star power. Build smart, spend your MT wisely, and dominate your competition one possession at a time.