I think sometimes people conflate the various concepts of "small ball" into one idea, and this is where is goes awry. A small ball center who is 6'9" with a 7'3" wingspan, great standing reach, and can switch on PFs and SFs is a benefit. A 6'7" PF with a 7'1" wingspan who can stay with some guards is a big asset. But a 6'1" SG who doesn't defend well anywhere on the floor is a totally different story. Try and think of the last team who won a chip with a 6'1" SG...