NBA's greatest -- here comes LeBron

Once upon a time, long ago, small forwards ruled the land in pro basketball.

But then Larry Bird retired and Scottie Pippen retired and the game was lorded over by power forwards.

Then a new hope emerged in Cleveland.

Here are the top 20 small forwards to play in the NBA or ABA. LeBron James is gaining quickly.

Rank, player, years, points
1. Julius Erving, 1971-1987, 20150.5
2. Larry Bird, 1979-1992, 19309.6
3. Elgin Baylor, 1958-1972, 17471.5
4. Rick Barry, 1965-1980, 16577.2
5. Scottie Pippen, 1987-2004, 16503.7
6. John Havlicek, 1962-1978, 16307.9
7. Connie Hawkins, 1967-1976, 14754.0
8. Paul Arizin, 1950-1962, 14782.5
9. Billy Cunningham, 1965-1976, 14706.8
10. Dominique Wilkins, 1982-1999, 14478.9
11. Alex English, 1976-1991, 14404.0
12. LeBron James, 2003-2008, 13345.0
13. Grant Hill, 1994-2008, 13344.4
14. Cliff Hagan, 1956-1970, 13221.1
15. Bobby Jones, 1974-1986, 12982.5
16. Terry Cummings, 1982-2000, 12873.5
17. Bob Dandridge, 1969-1982, 12863.1
18. James Worthy, 1982-1994, 12842.6
19. Marques Johnson, 1977-1990, 12681.5
20. Adrian Dantley, 1976-1991, 12493.4