The power forward position has evolved significantly in the NBA over the last decade, with this position often being more of a combo player who can either shoot or handle the ball rather than be an enforcer or rebounding threat. No player personifies this evolution more than Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tops the position rankings. Here’s five power forwards to keep an eye on ahead of the season, along with our projected top 30 in fantasy basketball for the spot.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Greek Freak has become a model of consistency as he enters his prime looking to stack up championships. The Bucks are going to be a title contender as long as he’s healthy, and Antetokounmpo is showing he can continue to dominate despite defenses throwing different looks at him and daring him to shoot more. He’s a no-brainer selection in fantasy basketball, largely because he rarely takes games off.
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
It feels like a make-or-break year for Davis, who has been sidelined by injuries the last two seasons. The power forward has slipped from superstar status, something the Lakers hope he can regain this season. Fantasy managers will need him to stay healthy to deliver significant production, which has become a huge question mark with Davis. His health could ultimately make him a huge sleeper or bust depending on which way things go.
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Another player who’s fantasy outcome depends on health is Williamson. He missed all of last season with a foot injury and given his playing style, that’s an ailment which could come back around. The Pelicans are a rising team in the West and Williamson’s presence will boost them overall. The question will be whether Williamson’s workload will be managed during the regular season to ensure he stays fit for the playoffs.
John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Collins received a big extension last season and immediately became the subject of trade talks. The Hawks seem content to keep him around for now, as he fits well with Trae Young. Can Collins take a step forward as a shooter and defender, or will he continue to be in trade conversations? If the latter scenario happens, that’ll surely impact his production and fantasy value.
Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Murray broke out in Summer League and has emerged as a Rookie of the Year contender, sitting only behind Paolo Banchero in the odds table on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Kings are desperately looking to make the playoffs, and Murray should be an immediate contributor offensively. His defense will need work but Murray can be a nice steal in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.
Fantasy Basketball 2022-23 Top 30 Power Forwards
Player | Team | Rank | Top 100 Rank |
---|---|---|---|
Player | Team | Rank | Top 100 Rank |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks | 1 | 3 |
Anthony Davis | Lakers | 2 | 15 |
Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 3 | 23 |
Pascal Siakam | Raptors | 4 | 25 |
Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 5 | 41 |
Julius Randle | Knicks | 6 | 44 |
Bam Adebayo | Heat | 7 | 50 |
Christian Wood | Mavericks | 8 | 52 |
John Collins | Hawks | 9 | 68 |
Jerami Grant | Trail Blazers | 10 | 73 |
Wendell Carter Jr. | Magic | 11 | 83 |
Keegan Murray | Kings | 12 | 85 |
Draymond Green | Warriors | 13 | 97 |
Jaren Jackson Jr. | Grizzlies | 14 | 100 |
Bobby Portis | Bucks | 15 | N/A |
Aaron Gordon | Nuggets | 16 | N/A |
PJ Washington | Hornets | 17 | N/A |
Bojan Bogdanovic | Pistons | 18 | N/A |
Brandon Clarke | Grizzlies | 19 | N/A |
Cameron Johnson | Suns | 20 | N/A |
Dorian Finney-Smith | Mavericks | 21 | N/A |
Al Horford | Celtics | 22 | N/A |
Patrick Williams | Bulls | 23 | N/A |
Jalen Smith | Pacers | 24 | N/A |
Richaun Holmes | Kings | 25 | N/A |
Rui Hachimura | Wizards | 26 | N/A |
Kevin Love | Cavaliers | 27 | N/A |
Chris Boucher | Raptors | 28 | N/A |
Marcus Morris | Clippers | 29 | N/A |
Marvin Bagley | Pistons | 30 | N/A |