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Fantasy Basketball Rankings: Power forward draft tiers for 2024-25 NBA season

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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks

The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching, so in conjunction with my latest points and category fantasy basketball rankings dropping, it’s time to dig into my position-by-position tiers. I’ve covered the point guards, shooting guards and small forwards, so next up are the power forwards.

NOTE: Only some players will have analysis when listed in the tiers below. Players with multi-position eligibility will only appear in the positional tier where they played the most minutes last season or are projected to play this season.

Create or join a Yahoo Fantasy hoops league for the 2024-25 NBA season

The power forward landscape in fantasy basketball is flush with talent through the first three rounds. Emerging talents, including Evan Mobley and Jalen Johnson, are poised for breakouts, while Jonathan Kuminga could be the sleeping giant around pick 100. The PF position is pretty deep, as plenty of veterans can provide value to your roster across different categories. And for points leagues, players like Jerami Grant, Bobby Portis, and rookie Alex Sarr are late-round options for consideration.

  • Giannis is not just a top-four option in points leagues; he’s a game-changer. Even though you’ll need 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 sound investment.

  • A perennial first-rounder, Tatum 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.

  • There is some injury risk, but KD is as efficient as they come. A 50/40/90 threat that touches nearly every category is hard to pass up in any format. Durant hasn’t finished below 12th in per game value since his rookie season.

  • Chet Holmgren slides over to PF with Isaiah Hartenstein in the building. Holmgren costs an early-to-mid second-round pick, which is justified given his production with upside in blocks.

  • Scottie Barnes is one of the most versatile wings in fantasy basketball. Barnes brings the stocks and counting stats that are valuable in any format; last year’s breakout was for real.

  • The departure of Paul George opens up more touches for Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi would be in the elite tier if it weren’t for his availability issues. As such, Leonard’s third-round ADP is appropriate because, despite his injury history, he’s one of the most efficient wings who locks down defensively.

  • The Grizzlies’ season was decimated due to injury, but JJJ managed to play 60+ games for the third consecutive season. Jackson Jr.’s blocks were down last season, so hopefully, playing his more natural position at PF can revive the defensive numbers that fantasy managers are looking for from the former Defensive Player of the Year.

  • The Cleveland Cavaliers decided to run it back, and while that could be a cause for concern, I’m more excited about Evan Mobley’s prospects as he heads into his fourth NBA season. We saw gradual improvements in his efficiency and with new head coach Kenny Atkinson in the building, we’ll see Mobley’s versatility showcased more than it was under J.B. Bickerstaff.

  • The Hawks are in a weird place, but that has no bearing on how good Jalen Johnson will be. Johnson is a stat-stuffer whose only weakness is his free-throw shooting (and even that’s improving).

  • I’m bullish on Paolo Banchero because of his counting stats. After securing his first All-Star bid last season and the Magic clearly moving like contenders, he’ll be in for a big third season. The lack of 3s and turnovers is a challenge for nine-category leagues, but he’s a solid all-around player in the right build. In points leagues, he’s a beast.

  • In Julius Randle’s case, it’s about how much, if any, he’ll have to sacrifice or defer offensively. A sixth-round ADP is suitable, given what we know he can do as a rebounder and passer from the PF spot.

  • The reports of Zion Williamson being in shape appear legit. Considering Zion is coming off playing 70 games last year, this should bode well for his fantasy outlook. Few big men offer as much assist potential as Zion in the middle rounds of drafts.

  • Playoff Tobias Harris should be mentioned in the same vein as Playoff P (Paul George). Harris clearly had enough of Philly, and now he lands in an ideal position as the second option in Detroit. He’s a boringly consistent and durable mid-round pick.

Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs

  • DeMar DeRozan’s arrival stunted Keegan Murray’s potential, but he still remains a sought-after three-point specialist with low turnovers. Murray is a solid pick in the seventh round of fantasy drafts.

  • Jabari Smith Jr. showed improvement in his second season, boosting his scoring and shooting percentages. If he can contribute more defensively, Smith has the potential for a breakout year.

  • Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors is set for a breakout season with increased playing time and a key role in the offense. His athleticism makes him a valuable fantasy option.

  • Naz Reid, the Sixth Man of the Year, is a reliable option off the bench for the Timberwolves. Fantasy managers can look to draft Reid in the ninth or 10th rounds for consistent production.

  • Taylor Hendricks is emerging as the starting power forward for the Jazz. With efficient shooting, rebounding, and defensive skills, Hendricks is a late-round steal in fantasy drafts.

Tier 6: Uninspiring but serviceable PFs

1. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

2. Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

3. P.J. 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

  • Jerami Grant provides scoring and defensive stats and could benefit from a move to a contending team. He is a valuable pick in the ninth or 10th round of fantasy drafts.

  • Bobby Portis Jr. offers scoring and rebounding off the bench for the Bucks and is a solid option in the 10th round of drafts.

Tier 7: Young PF watchlist

1. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets

2. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards

3. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

4. Nikola Jovic, Miami Heat

  • Noah Clowney is expected to see increased minutes for the rebuilding Nets and has shown promise in his rookie season. He is worth considering in the 13th round of fantasy drafts.

  • Matas Buzelis could have a breakout season if given the opportunity and is a player to watch, especially if there are changes in the Bulls’ lineup.

Tier 8: Bench depth PFs

1. Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers

2. Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics

3. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

4. Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles Clippers

5. Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks

6. Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs

7. Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets

8. Dario Saric, Denver Nuggets

9. Xavier Tillman Sr., Boston Celtics

10. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

11. Jabari Walker, Portland Trail Blazers

12. Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets

13. Trey Lyles, Sacramento Kings

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