X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Power Forward: Fantasy Basketball Rankings, Tiers and Analysis for 2024-2025 Drafts

Giannis Antetokounmpo - NBA DFS Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineups

Cody's power forward fantasy basketball rankings, tiers, and analysis for 2024-25 drafts. The top NBA power forwards for 9-category fantasy basketball drafts.

There is no more time to waste! 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 power forward. This position can heavily influence the rebounding and field-goal percentage categories and is one of the deepest positions in terms of talent in the entire NBA.

When evaluating the power forward pool, finding players who can add value to multiple categories is essential. In this piece, I'll rank the power 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, your league mates might monopolize the market and create a huge advantage.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

The Top 20 Power Forwards in 9-Category Fantasy Basketball Leagues

These rankings break down the top 20 power forwards into five tiers:

  • Tier 1: Cornerstone Pieces — First-round picks that you can build your roster around.
  • Tier 2: Alpha Dogs — Not quite first-rounders, but All-Star-caliber players who can fill up the stat sheet.
  • Tier 3: Beta Dogs — Less consistent than Alpha Dogs but capable of delivering huge performances that can swing matchups.
  • Tier 4: High-Floor Players — Consistent and reliable, but not likely to deliver explosive performances regularly.
  • Tier 5: High-Upside Players — Players with significant potential who can provide a major edge over the competition if they become more reliable.

Note that these rankings focus on players whose primary position is power forward, though they may have eligibility for other positions. All players listed have power forward eligibility across all major fantasy league platforms.

 

Tier 1: Cornerstone Pieces

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks (PF/C)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the premier two-way threats in basketball, making him a valuable asset in 9-category fantasy leagues. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged an impressive 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, with a remarkable 61.1% field-goal percentage. These are numbers that few players can match.

However, there are drawbacks. Giannis averages just 0.5 three-pointers made per game and shoots only 65% from the free-throw line. This makes him a somewhat polarizing choice in 9-category formats. While he excels in seven categories, his performance in three-pointers and free-throw percentage presents challenges that seem difficult to overcome.

Managers drafting Giannis will need to either compensate for his shortcomings in three-pointers and free-throw percentage by allocating resources elsewhere or choose to completely punt those categories, focusing instead on strengthening the other seven.

2. Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics (PF/SF)

3. Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns (PF)

 

Tier 2: Alpha Dogs

4. Lauri Markkanen - Utah Jazz (PF/SF)

5. Paolo Banchero - Orlando Magic (PF/SF)

6. Jalen Williams - Oklahoma City Thunder (PF)

One of last season's biggest breakout stars was Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Jalen Williams. JDub finished fourth in the Most Improved Player Award voting, with many believing he should have taken home the trophy.

In the 2023-24 season, Williams improved across nearly all nine categories, averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks. He accomplished this with impressive efficiency, posting a 54% field-goal percentage, 42.7% from three, and 81.4% from the free-throw line.

Williams is expected to continue taking on an increased role, solidifying his position as the team's second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. At just 23 years old, he has yet to reach his full potential and has a real chance of making his first All-Star appearance this season. He should be a target for all fantasy managers, as he has the opportunity to break out even further this year.        

7. Evan Mobley - Cleveland Cavaliers (PF/C)

8. Pascal Siakam - Indiana Pacers (PF)

9. Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans (PF)

 

Tier 3: Beta Dogs

10. Jalen Johnson - Atlanta Hawks (PF)

Another player who saw a remarkable improvement last season was Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson. He boosted his averages in every category, including an increase of over 10 points per game, and is poised for an even bigger breakout this season.

In the 2023-24 season, Johnson averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks. He also shot efficiently, with a field-goal percentage of 51.1%, 35.5% from three, and 72.8% from the free-throw line.

As the starting power forward for the Hawks, Johnson is expected to log significant minutes in the frontcourt. His role on the team is like a fixer, addressing various weaknesses and contributing where needed.

He has earned the full trust of the coaching staff and the organization, ensuring he’ll rarely leave the floor. Drafting Johnson means acquiring a reliable player you can confidently start without a second thought.

11. Julius Randle - Minnesota Timberwolves (PF)

12. Kyle Kuzma - Washington Wizards (PF/SF)

13. Keegan Murray - Sacramento Kings (PF/SF)

 

Tier 4: High Floor

14. Tobias Harris - Detroit Pistons (PF/SF)

15. Aaron Gordon - Denver Nuggets (PF)

After seven years in Orlando, Aaron Gordon has found a perfect fit with the Denver Nuggets, entering his fifth season with the team. Since joining the Nuggets, he has become one of the most efficient players in the NBA, shooting over 50% from the field every season -- a feat he never achieved in Orlando.

Gordon has developed strong chemistry with frontcourt mate Nikola Jokic, and together they form one of the toughest tandems to defend in the league.

Gordon is poised to make significant contributions in points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage, while also making an impact on the defensive end. This presents managers with a valuable opportunity to strengthen those categories with a late-round pick.

16. Jerami Grant - Portland Trail Blazers (PF)

 

Tier 5: High Upside 

17. Jabari Smith Jr. - Houston Rockets (PF/C)

18. Trayce Jackson-Davis - Golden State Warriors (PF/C)

In the 2023-24 season, the Golden State Warriors struggled to find clarity in their team dynamics, leaving players unsure of their roles. However, as the season progressed, that picture began to clear up.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, these issues should be resolved. This newfound clarity will allow their young players to showcase their potential and start making meaningful contributions.

One player poised to benefit from a defined role in the frontcourt and increased playing time is second-year forward Trayce Jackson-Davis. Since the 2023-24 All-Star break, TJD has averaged 10.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, shooting an impressive 71% from the field.

While he may not contribute significantly in three-pointers or free-throw percentage, he has shown potential to create assists even as a big man. Managers seeking to boost their field-goal percentage and blocks should keep Jackson-Davis on their radar as a late-round pick.

19. Jonathan Kuminga - Golden State Warriors (PF)

20. Taylor Hendricks - Utah Jazz (PF)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jameson Williams

Lions Didn't Entertain Trade Offers For Jameson Williams
Dalton Rushing

Homers In Four-Hit Game
Qadir Ismail

Raiders Sign Qadir Ismail
New York Giants

Giants Plan To Exercise Kayvon Thibodeaux's Fifth-Year Option
Russell Wilson

Will Be Giants Starting Quarterback
Max Muncy

With A Pair Of Doubles Back At Triple-A
Michael Lorenzen

Tosses Quality Start
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Close Out The First Round With Josh Simmons
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Trade Up One Spot In First Round To Select Jihaad Campbell
A.J. Puk

Likely To Miss Multiple Months
Marquis Grissom Jr.

Notches Fifth Save At Double-A
Buffalo Bills

Bills Address Secondary And Take Maxwell Hairston With 30th Overall Pick
Félix Bautista

Felix Bautista Records Third Save
NFL

Eagles, Chiefs Swap First-Round Picks
Washington Commanders

Josh Conerly Jr. Goes At No. 29 Overall To Commanders

Giants Trade Up For Jaxson Dart At No. 25
Detroit Lions

Tyleik Williams Taken By Lions At No. 28 Overall
Shane Smith

Tosses Five Shutout Frames
Roman Anthony

With Home Run No. 5 On Thursday
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Go With Malaki Starks At No. 27 Overall In NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Takes Donovan Jackson No. 24 Overall
NFL

Rams Trade The 26th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Falcons
Andrés Muñoz

Andres Munoz Secures Ninth Save
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Trade Back Into First Round To Draft James Pearce Jr. At No. 26 Overall

Matthew Golden Selected No. 23 Overall By Green Bay
NFL

Texans Trade The 25th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Giants
Jakob Marsee

Up To 18 Steals At Triple-A

Omarion Hampton Taken No. 22 Overall By Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Selects Derrick Harmon At No. 21 Overall
Denver Broncos

Broncos Build Secondary By Selecting Jahdae Barron At No. 20

Buccaneers Add Emeka Egbuka At No. 19
Jeff McNeil

Activated From Injured List
Brett Baty

Optioned To Minors
Zack Gelof

To Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Ryan Walker

Remains Giants Closer
Kumar Rocker

Heads To Injured List
Brent Rooker

Resting For First Time This Season
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Isaiah Stewart

Remains Out For Game 3
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Bryan Woo

Picks Up Third Win, Strikes Out Eight On Thursday
Cade Cavalli

Moving Rehab Assignment To Double-A
Paul DeJong

Having Surgery On His Nose
Royce Lewis

Starting His Rehab Assignment On Friday
Tyler O'Neill

Out On Thursday With Sore Neck
Linus Ullmark

Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Logan Thompson

Comes Up Big In Game 2
Connor McMichael

Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Anze Kopitar

Tallies Four Points In Game 2 Victory
Adrian Kempe

Notches Two Goals, Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Tyler Seguin

Gives Stars Series Lead With Overtime Winner
Gabriel Landeskog

Delivers Six Hits In First Game Since 2022
Tyler Herro

Scores Game-High 33 Points In Wednesday's Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Fires In 30 Points In Game 2 Win
Paolo Banchero

Notches 32 Points In Game 2 Loss
Jaylen Brown

Posts 36-Point Double-Double Wednesday
Jalen Green

Erupts For 38 Points In Game 2 Victory
Brandin Podziemski

Limited To 14 Minutes Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Set For MRI Thursday
Brandin Podziemski

Upgraded To Available
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Davion Mitchell

Moves Into Starting Lineup Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Picks Up Questionable Tag
Al Horford

Starts Game 2
Michael Porter Jr.

Practices On Wednesday
Jayson Tatum

Out On Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

May Miss Another Game Thursday
NYI

Cal Clutterbuck Announces Retirement
Pavel Zacha

Recovering From Small Procedure
Nikolaj Ehlers

To Miss At Least Two More Games
Miro Heiskanen

Still Out On Wednesday
John Klingberg

Enters Oilers Lineup For Game 2
Evander Kane

To Make Season Debut Wednesday Night
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Posts Team-High 26 Points In Tuesday's Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notches 27 Points Despite Poor Shooting
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Pascal Siakam

Scores Team-High 24 Points In Game 2 Win
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF