24-year old Trevor Ariza was brought in to start for the Rockets and that will likely be at small forward. He played in all 82 games for the Lakers last season and he averaged 24.4 minutes, 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Ariza gives a great effort at both ends of the basketball court so look for his scoring average to get into double figures this season. 31-year old Shane Battier will get playing time at both small forward and shooting guard for the Rockets this season. He played in 60 games for the Rockets last season and he averaged 33.9 minutes, 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Battier also could see his scoring average spike this season. 21-year old rookie Chase Budinger is a sharp shooter who will likely be the #3 small forward. He was a 2nd round pick out of Arizona who was traded to the Rockets from the Pistons during the NBA Draft. 28-year old veteran Brian Cook is also around but he didn’t play too well last season. He played in 30 games for the Rockets & Magic in which he averaged 5.7 minutes, 2.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. Cook is a deadeye from long range as he did hit 43.3% from three point range last season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: C