The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching, so in conjunction with my last points And fantasy basketball rankings down, it’s time to dig into my levels post by post. I’ve covered the playmakers, shooting guards And small forwardsso next on the list are the power forwards.
Draft Levels: PG | SG | SF | PF | Cs
NOTE: Only certain players will be analyzed when listed in the tiers below. Players eligible for multiple positions will only appear in the position tier where they played the most minutes last season or are expected to play this season.
(Create or join a Yahoo Fantasy basketball league for the 2024-25 NBA season)
The fantasy power forward landscape is loaded with talent in the first three rounds. Emerging talents like Evan Mobley and Jalen Johnson are ready to break out, while Jonathan Kuminga could be the sleeping giant around the 100th pick. The power forward position is quite deep, as there are plenty of veterans who can add value to your roster in a variety of categories. And for points leagues, players like Jerami Grant, Bobby Portis, and rookie Alex Sarr are late-round options to consider.
Level 1: Elite PFs
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
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Giannis isn’t just a top-four option in scoring leagues; he’s a game-changer. While you’ll have to strategize around his poor free-throw shooting in category formats, the consistent 30-10-5 production you’ll get from him as a first-round pick is a good investment.
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Tatum, a perennial first-rounder, offers the perfect blend of production and durability. As the top option on the best team in basketball, Tatum is a valuable player you can build around for any format.
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There’s an injury risk, but KD is as effective as they come. A 50/40/90 threat who hits nearly every category is hard to ignore in any format. Durant hasn’t finished lower than 12th in value per game since his rookie season.
Level 2: All-Star caliber PF
1. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
3. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
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Chet Holmgren slides to the PF spot with Isaiah Hartenstein in the building. Holmgren costs an early or mid-second round pick, which is justified given his production and blocking potential.
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Scottie Barnes is one of the most versatile wings in fantasy basketball. Barnes brings value and counting stats that are valuable in any format; last year’s breakout was real.
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Paul George’s departure opens up new opportunities for Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi would be in the elite if it weren’t for his availability issues. Thus, Leonard’s third-round pick is appropriate because, despite his injury history, he is one of the most efficient and defensively blocking wings.
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The Grizzlies’ season was decimated by injuries, but JJJ managed to play 60+ games for the third straight season. Jackson Jr.’s blocks declined last season, so hopefully playing his more natural position as a PF can boost the defensive numbers fantasy managers are looking for in the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Level 3: First round PF
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
4. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to reverse course, and while that may be a cause for concern, I am more excited about Evan Mobley’s prospects as he enters his fourth NBA season. We have seen gradual improvements in his efficiency and with new head coach Kenny Atkinson in the building, we will see Mobley’s versatility showcased more than it was under J.B. Bickerstaff.
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The Hawks are in a weird situation, but that doesn’t reflect on how good Jalen Johnson is. Johnson is a stat-heavy player whose only weakness is his free throw shooting (and even that is improving).
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I’m bullish on Paolo Banchero because of his scoring numbers. After earning his first All-Star berth last season and with the Magic clearly shaping up to be a title contender, he’s going to have a big third season. The lack of three-pointers and turnovers is a challenge in nine-tier leagues, but he’s a solid, versatile player with the right size. In points leagues, he’s a beast.
Level 4: Mid-range PF
1. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
2. Julius Randle, New York Knicks
3. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
4. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
5. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
6. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
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In Julius Randle’s case, it’s a question of how much he’ll have to sacrifice or compromise offensively. A sixth-round ADP is appropriate, given what we know about him as a rebounder and passer from the PF position.
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The rumors that Zion Williamson is in shape seem legitimate. Given that Zion just played 70 games last year, that should bode well for his fantasy prospects. Few big men offer as much assist potential as Zion in the middle rounds of drafts.
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Tobias Harris, a playoff player, is worth mentioning in the same vein as Paul George, a playoff player. Harris is clearly tired of Philly, and now he finds himself in a perfect position as the second option in Detroit. He’s a boring, consistent, and durable mid-round pick.
Level 5: Young PF with potential
1. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
2. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
3. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
4. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz
6. Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
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The arrival of DeMar DeRozan has slowed Keegan Murray’s rise, but he remains a highly sought-after three-pointer who rarely loses the ball. You can grab Murray in the seventh round.
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Jabari Smith Jr. has made strides in his sophomore season, increasing his scoring, field goal and three-point percentages. If he can put up more points, Smith could take the next step.
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The Warriors are finally ready to let Jonathan Kuminga unleash his athleticism. Kuminga is a standout and his starting role is solidified, ready to have a breakout season as the Warriors’ likely second option.
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Naz Reid won Sixth Man of the Year for one reason: he’s nice. Reid will be a staple in the Wolves’ rotation and a reliable backup for any fantasy manager around the ninth and tenth rounds.
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Taylor Hendricks is gaining traction as the Jazz’s starter. In his 23 starts over the final two months of his rookie season, Hendricks shot 61 percent from the field (league average is 58 percent). Hendricks can hit three-pointers, grab rebounds and is a shifty defender coming late in the draft.
Level 6: Uninspiring but useful PFs
1. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
2. Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
3. PJ Washington Jr., Dallas Mavericks
4. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
5. Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers
6. Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls
7. Caleb Martin, Philadelphia 76ers
8. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
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Jerami Grant is one of the few 20-point scorers to reach the ninth and 10th rounds of the draft. Grant doesn’t fit the Blazers’ timeline, so a trade to a contender could be what he needs to reinvigorate the defensive and rebounding numbers he used to provide.
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Bobby Portis Jr. is part of Doc Rivers’ inner circle, so his minutes are safe. He’s another 10th-rounder who provides points, rebounds and solid peripherals despite coming into the game as a backup.
Level 7: PF Youth Watch List
1. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets
2. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
3. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
4. Nikola Jovic, Miami Heat
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Remember, the Nets are here reconstruction modeso Noah Clowney will inevitably earn a good dose of minutes this season. Clowney ranked 92nd percentile in points scored per shot attempt and 96th percentile in blocks percentage per minute during his rookie campaign — pretty solid numbers for a 20-year-old. With a 13th-round ADP, Clowney is worth a shot.
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Keep an eye on Matas Buzelis. If Zach LaVine is traded or Patrick Williams wreaks havoc, Chicago’s rookie could emerge as a fantastic asset. Buzelis is athletic, has good command of the game, and possesses playmaking and two-way skills. Don’t sleep on him.
