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As we get into October, Fantasy basketball draft season is here, and managers should start identifying their building blocks, targeting sleepers, and avoiding potential busts.
One of the most crucial positions in 9-category fantasy basketball leagues is the Small Forward. This position can heavily influence all nine categories as this is one of the deepest positions in terms of play style in the entire NBA.
When evaluating the small forward pool, finding players who can add value to all nine categories is essential. In this piece, I'll rank the small forward-eligible players and sort them into five tiers. It's usually ideal to grab at least one player from the top two tiers, otherwise, you may struggle to match your league-mates' small forward production.
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The Top 20 Small Forwards in 9-Category Fantasy Basketball Leagues
These rankings break down the top 20 small forwards into five tiers:
- Tier One: Cornerstone Pieces — First-round picks that you can build your roster around.
- Tier Two: Alpha Dogs — Not quite first-rounders, but All-Star caliber players who can fill up the stat sheet.
- Tier Three: Beta Dogs — Less consistent than Alpha Dogs but capable of delivering huge performances that can swing matchups.
- Tier Four: High Floor Players — Consistent and reliable, but not likely to deliver explosive performances regularly.
- Tier Five: High Upside Players — Players with significant potential who, if they become more reliable, can provide a major edge over the competition.
Note that these rankings focus on players whose primary position is small forward, though they may have eligibility for other positions. All players listed have small forward eligibility across all major fantasy league platforms.
Tier 1: Cornerstone Pieces
1.LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers (SF/PF)
Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, LeBron James remains a top asset in fantasy basketball leagues. After 21 seasons, he shows no signs of slowing down. A player who consistently fills up the stat sheet at an efficient rate is invaluable in a 9-category league. This offseason, he was the best player in the Olympic Games winning Olympics MVP, further demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level while keeping his teammates involved as he transitions out of his 30s.
Since joining the Lakers, LeBron has averaged 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He does this with impressive efficiency, shooting 51.3% from the field, 35.7% from three, and 72% from the free-throw line. Having LeBron on your team gives you a significant advantage in 7-8 categories, even if his free-throw percentage could be better.
The final Olympic Games for LeBron James, at 39 years old:
• Voted USA flag bearer
• Won every single game
• Dropped a triple-double
• Won $37.5K medal bonus
• Named Men's Basketball MVP
• Secured his third Olympic Gold Medal
• Helped Team USA win 5th-straight Gold pic.twitter.com/bYm97KEAtf— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 10, 2024
2. Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors (SF/SG/PF)
Tier 2: Alpha Dogs
3. Paul George - Philadelphia 76ers (SF/PF)
Paul George is entering his fifteenth season as a pro, this time with his fourth team, after signing a four-year, $212 million max contract. Toward the end of last season, there was speculation that George's time with the Clippers might be coming to an end. However, this was not due to his performance on the court. Last season, he had one of his best years, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot efficiently, with a high volume of attempts—47.1% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 90.7% from the free-throw line on 16.7 shots per game. Although the 76ers have many players to distribute the ball to, George's efficiency should remain high, keeping him among the top small forwards in the league.
IS THIS REAL LIFE? pic.twitter.com/JMblAfl8Qe
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 30, 2024
4. Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers (SF/PF)
5. Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat (SF/SG/PF)
6. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics (SF/SG)
7. DeMar DeRozan - Sacramento Kings (SF/PF)
Tier 3: Beta Dogs
8. Franz Wagner - Orlando Magic (SF/PF)
9. Miles Bridges - Charlotte Hornets (SF/PF)
10. Brandon Miller - Charlotte Hornets (SF/SG)
11. Mikal Bridges - New York Knicks (SF/SG)
After emerging as one of the league's top young stars following his trade to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 season, Mikal Bridges experienced a setback last season. His points per game average dropped from 26.1 to 19.6, while his field goal percentage fell from 47.5% to 43.6%, and his free throw percentage decreased from 89.4% to 81.4%. These were the lowest shooting percentages he posted since his rookie season.
It became clear that Bridges needed a change of scenery to thrive in a winning environment, and that opportunity arose this offseason when he was traded to the New York Knicks. This move offers Bridges a fresh start and reunites him with college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has a strong track record with wings, and Bridges addresses a need for the Knicks as a scoring wing. With a solid fit and ample opportunity, fantasy managers should consider spending a mid-to-late round pick on Bridges.
12. Brandon Ingram - New Orleans Pelicans (SF)
Tier 4: High Floor
13. Michael Porter Jr. - Denver Nuggets (SF)
Michael Porter Jr. is entering his sixth year in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and has the confidence and support of the organization. One of his early career weaknesses has been his availability, but that took a positive turn last season when he played in 81 regular-season games. Additionally, Porter Jr. saw a significant increase in his rebounding, raising his average from 5.5 to 7 rebounds per game.
The standout aspect of Porter Jr.'s game is his scoring ability. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.7 points with impressive shooting percentages of 48.4% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 83.6% from the free-throw line. However, he has struggled in the assist category, never averaging more than 2 assists per game throughout his career. Fantasy managers considering Porter Jr. will need to allocate additional resources to bolster their assist totals.
14. Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks (SF)
15. OG Anunoby - New York Knicks (SF/PF)
Tier 5: High Upside
16. Amen Thompson - Houston Rockets (SF/PF)
17. Trey Murphy III - New Orleans Pelicans (SF/SG)
18. Jaime Jaquez Jr. - Miami Heat (SF/SG)
One of the best values at their ADP is Miami Heat small forward/shooting guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., currently being drafted around 146 overall—nearly a 12-13 rounds pick. Finding someone who plays 28.2 minutes per game at that stage in the draft is rare. Jaquez's role is expanding, and while it remains unclear whether he or Nikola Jovic will fill the final spot in the starting lineup next season, it's evident that he will be on the court after receiving endorsements from both Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra this offseason.
Jaquez had an impressive offseason following his rookie year, training with the Team USA select team during the Olympics. He also earned a spot on the All-NBA Summer League team after appearing in just two games. Jaquez finished his rookie season averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1 steal, with shooting splits of 48.9% from the field, 32.2% from three, and 81.1% from the free-throw line. Fantasy managers should consider snagging Jaquez late in drafts due to his breakout potential.
Jaime Jaquez in tonight’s Summer League game 👌
29 points
11 rebounds
5 assists
10/18 FG— Playbook Sports (@PlaybookSN) July 14, 2024
19. Ausar Thompson - Detroit Pistons (SF/PF)
20. Deni Avdija - Portland Trail Blazers (SF/PF)
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