NBA Playoffs: Where Does Harrison Barnes Rank Among the Best Small Forwards?

Carmelo Anthony

May 14, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is guarded by Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) during game four of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats New York 93-82. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony and Harrison Barnes share several similarities: they are both 6’8’’ and they both started as rookies on playoff teams.

While LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Anthony are all the primary scoring options for their respective teams, Anthony has taken more shots per game than any of the other small forwards on this list, averaging 25 shots per game and ten makes. He is the second-highest scorer, averaging 28 points per game. Melo’ is taking almost double the amount of shots as Barnes.

Barnes’ player profile seems to be the closest to Melo out of all the other small forwards on this list. He is a player that is proficient scoring on one-on-one situations, and his back-to-basket play has been exceptional this series. He also established himself as a capable three-point shooter, averaging the highest three- point percentage of everyone on this list.

As Barnes continues to develop, look for him to continue looking more and more like Carmelo.