Nerlens Noel could be in store for a breakout season
We wrap up our position previews with power forwards. The position offers plenty of options for your fantasy squad. Whether you prefer the experienced veterans or the promise of youth, power forward is a deep position this year. Also, with the tendencies of NBA teams to use stretch fours, numerous players can provide you with threes or steals, if that is your cup of tea. Of course, you can also find the old reliable rebounders and shot block artists to help fill out your categories.
Whatever you look for from your power forward, you can find the perfect fit for your fantasy squad below. All players below hold power forward eligibility in Yahoo! leagues. Remember to check your site’s settings before drafting.
First, let’s breakdown some of the standouts.
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Stud: DeMarcus Cousins
If you do not have the No. 1 overall pick, chances are you have no opportunity to grab Anthony Davis, the undoubtedly top option in all of fantasy. So let’s talk about the other stud among the power forward crowd, DeMarcus Cousins. Top five in points and rebounds, top 10 in blocks and steals, Cousins is a do-it-all for your squad. While his turnovers will plummet your rank there, newly acquired Rajon Rondo can help Cousins limit his turnovers and boost his field goal percentage while not stealing the offensive focus. A no doubt top 10 pick, at only 24 Cousins’ best seasons are ahead of him.
Breakout: Nerlens Noel
When we think of the 76ers, we don’t equate them with winning. However, after an impressive rookie season, Noel is ready to take your fantasy squad to the top even if his real life crew remains in the tank. Top 10 in blocks and steals, Noel’s numbers since the All-Star break were off the charts. With 13.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, the rookie power forward ranked in the top 20 in all of fantasy over the final two months of the season. Currently going in the fourth round, if Noel can keep raising his percentages he can finish as a top 10 player.
Bust: LaMarcus Aldridge
The biggest signing in the NBA free agency this summer, Aldridge put winning over personal numbers by signing with San Antonio. The crowded Spurs’ frontcourt and system will no doubt limit Aldridge’s minutes and field goal attempts, in turn limiting his numbers across the board. Still being drafted in the top 20, Aldridge will disappoint owners that are expecting numbers similar to what he has posted in Portland the past nine years.
Sleeper: Meyers Leonard
Replacing the recently departed Aldridge in the Blazers’ starting lineup, Leonard has the opportunity jump up the fantasy power forward ranks. His per 36 averages last season of 13.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.0 three-pointers are reasonable possibilities for Leonard in 2015-16. His career shooting percentages of .517 from the field and .837 from the line are bound to dip with more attempts. Although he’s only 22 years old, the former Illini’s ceiling is a top 50 fantasy finish at a 100-plus draft pick cost.
Power Forward Tiers
Best of the Best
What can you say about Davis that has not been said before? Absolutely in a class by himself, Davis gives you top 10 contributions in virtually every category. The combination of stats he provides is unparalleled. A top shot blocker and rebounder who shoots over 80 percent from the line and ranks in the top five for points is what brings you championships. If Davis can connect on the three-point shot that he has been working on this summer, the power forward may have the greatest fantasy season of all time.
Elite
Coming off a lost season, due to multiple foot surgeries, Durant is looking to bounce back to lead the league in scoring once again. Legitimate concerns that the foot problem pops up again this season and the emergence of Westbrook takes some of the shine off the forward. However, the recent fantasy dominance, previously healthy career, and MVP upside outweigh any concern. Top five pick in any format.
Despite beasting the NBA Finals, LeBron had a down fantasy season. A dip in points, rebounds, and percentages knocked James out of the top 10 of fantasy ranks last year. Entering his 13th year in the league and with his focus on bringing a title back to Ohio, extended periods of rest and missed games seem likely this season.
With James and Durant probably being used at SF, Cousins is the real PF stud of this tier. See breakdown above.
Near Elite
Declining rebounds, lack of blocks, and high turnovers keep Griffin out of the Elite tier. On the plus side, the increased assists and improving free throw percentage make Griffin a dependable second-round pick.
A top 15 fantasy player last season, Millsap has been an undervalued option at PF the last few years. Giving you a block, a steal, and a three-pointer per game makes Millsap the perfect compliment to whomever you draft in the first round.
With Enes Kanter in town and Durant back, Ibaka should see a drop in threes as he is forced to stay down low. On the plus side, his blocks and rebounds should rise as he compensates for Kanter’s lack of defense.
Coming off a season where he missed 40-plus games, Anthony is expected to ready for opening night. The shortage of rebounds and injury uncertainty limit his upside, but he was still a top 30 player on a per game basis last year.
The big boost to your field goal percentages and minimal turnovers compensate for Horford’s dwindling points and boards. His minutes may be declining too, as Atlanta tries to keep Horford healthy for the playoffs.
A resurgent 2014-15 for Gasol pushed him back into the top 10 of power forwards for this year. New coach Fred Hoiberg will undoubtedly limit the 35-year-old’s minutes this year with the abundance of options for the Bulls in the frontcourt. Although, the addition of a three-point shot keeps Gasol in the overall top 30 for 2015-16.
Up and Comers
George is coming off a season where he played only six games, so caution is warranted, but he is only 25 and averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 boards, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers in 2013-14.
Points and percentages are not Green’s forte, but that is all. A real multi-category monster, Green will give solid contributions in rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and even three-pointers.
With Greg Monroe in Milwaukee and Drummond being only 22, undoubtedly he will see his points go up. Factor in his over 13 boards and nearly two blocks per game and the Pistons big man would be a top 20 play if he did not tank your free throw percentages.
The 25-year-old Vucevic, finally broke out his offensive game in 2014-15, posting 19.3 points while making over 53 percent of his field goal attempts. A double-double machine, the Magic big man makes up for his lack of steals and blocks with consistency.
Noel is a defensive beast ready for a breakout, see the breakdown above.
His first year under coach Quinn Snyder’s system had Favors playing a larger role in the offense. The 23-year-old will get you solid points, rebounds, and blocks, but his free throw percentage leaves much to be desired.
Old Reliables
Hopefully, Bosh is healthy after a blood clot scare last season limited him to 44 games. In those games, he impressed with 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 three-pointers per game.
A reliable power forward, but in Pop’s scheme, Aldridge is no longer a top 15 fantasy option. Check out the breakdown above.
Probably won’t see 20 and 10 from Jefferson again, but 18 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game are reasonable coming off a down year.
No need to score 20 a game in Cleveland for Love, although the points and field goal percentage should rise in a bounce back second year with the Cavs.
Gay’s versatility and multi-category contributions outweigh the turnovers and field goal percentage.
Prime Starters
- Greg Monroe
- Chandler Parsons
- Tobias Harris
- Kenneth Faried
- Nikola Mirotic
- Terrence Jones
- Markieff Morris
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Monroe’s shift to Milwaukee may bring fewer points, but the rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage should only get better.
Parsons and Mirotic are primed for larger roles in their respective offenses, but the diminished rebounds hurt from the PF spot.
Harris, Faried and Morris are safe and unexciting low-end starting options with solid percentages and substantial points and rebounds.
Jones has a dependable fantasy game and has the chance to move up the ranks, but let’s see if he can stay healthy first.
A tenacious defender, Antetokounmpo can be a steal in fantasy drafts if he can continue to improve his offensive side of his game.
How the Mighty have fallen
Nowitzki and Duncan were fixtures in the top 10 for a decade and a half. As they wind down their careers, they are nothing more than bench material in fantasy.
With Howard, Noah, Randolph, and Lee all soon to be 30 and over, their best years are behind them. Injuries are a definite concern with this group.
The Rest
- DeMarre Carroll
- Gorgui Dieng
- Thaddeus Young
- Aaron Gordon
- Ersan Ilyasova
- Patrick Patterson
- Jabari Parker
- Ryan Anderson
- Meyers Leonard
- Julius Randle
- Ed Davis
- John Henson
- Tristan Thompson
- Kristaps Porzingis
- Mason Plumlee
2015-2016 Fantasy Basketball C Rankings
2015-2016 Fantasy Basketball SF Rankings
2015-2016 Fantasy Basketball SG Rankings
2015-2016 Fantasy Basketball PG Rankings
Dale Redman is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Dale, check out his archive and follow him @DTRedman.
