RADIO
As we make our way through the positions, it's time for us assess the value of the struggling power forwards on our rosters. Power forward play has been very good this season, and those who ended up with busts at this deep position likely feel short-changed. A key aspect in trying to understand power forward value is highlighting the players' actual skill sets. Those who cannot create their own shots or threaten to stretch the floor will have to depend on the play of their teammates in order to reach their maximum (dunking) potential. With that said, let's focus on three busts from the power forward position and decide what we should do with them.
NBA Under-Performing Stars: Power Forward Edition
Kenneth Faried (PF, DEN)
Kenneth Faried's struggles this season are understandable, but inexcusable. With the departure of Ty Lawson, those who drafted Kenneth Faried knew that there would be a risk in taking the power forward. Without Lawson's steady passes and experienced play in setting up the offense, Faried may have trouble finding his production. At the same time, Faried should have been afforded a larger role in the offense as a result of losing Lawson. Injuries to Denver's frontcourt should have also increased Faried's production. He has looked like a possible breakout candidate for the second year in a row now. However, Faried has disappointed so far this season, averaging 12.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. With all that said, Faried has strung together several nice performances over the past week, so should you hold him or sell high?
Trade him.
Kenneth Faried's biggest issue is his overall lack of skill. He still has very little shooting touch, and can bomb your FT% on any given night. Faried also cannot provide consistent production at a high level because his inside game is still not polished either. He is missing easy looks in the paint, and his good FG% has to rely on physically dominating his defender and his teammates setting him up. With Emmanuel Mudiay at the helm, Faried has received a dramatic downgrade in terms of having a facilitator who will always find him when he is open. In addition, his defensive stats are still lacking. The bright side is that depending on the strength of schedule, Faried is capable of providing several strings of double doubles throughout the season. You just would not want to rely on this in any kind of league. Look to sell high on him as soon as he puts up a few nice performances.
Nikola Mirotic (PF, CHI)
Nikola Mirotic was a popular breakout candidate this season because of Chicago's new coach and offense. News that Mirotic would enter the starting lineup made his ADP rise dramatically, as he would be a great source of 3's and rebounding. However, after a few good performances to start out the season, Mirotic's production has dropped off dramatically. He has once again been relegated to a bench role, and is only averaging 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on the season. Mirotic does still fit the bill in terms of providing solid 3's and rebounding, but his production has been lackluster pretty much everywhere else. Is it time to give up on him?
Drop him.
It is definitely time to drop Mirotic, given his fluid role in an offense that heavily relies on Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler. In the past month, Mirotic was able to score over 20 points in just one game. It is important to note that his expanded offensive focus in that one game against Indiana came primarily from mismatches against the small ball Pacers. Sure, he can fill this niche of posting up against small forwards and shooting guards in small ball lineups once in a while. However, it would take major injuries to the Bulls in order for Mirotic to provide consistent production like he did at the end of last season. Drop him and have a look at the power forwards for the Phoenix Suns. Jon Leuer has earned the starting job and provides a much better floor than Mirotic does. Mirza Teletovic has also been been a great option for 3's and scoring upside.
Nerlens Noel (PF, PHI)
Nerlens Noel has perhaps been the biggest disappointment at power forward this season. Noel's production was likely going to be limited playing alongside Jahlil Okafor anyway, but his efficiency has really compounded the problem. Noel is losing out on a ton of rebounds because Jahlil is averaging 7.9 rebounds a game, and Noel is also shooting just 43.2% from the field. These two issues have severely limited Noel's production, as he is averaging 10.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and just a block a game. Many expected improvements to his game after his solid rookie campaign, where he averaged similar numbers. With Philadelphia continuing to provide sub par point guard support, should you look to trade him or hold?
Hold him.
I am not saying to hold him indefinitely, but certainly don't look to trade him right now. Noel had stretches of low production last season as well, but really picked it up down the stretch. This season, Noel's hasn't shown a ton of improvement to his game because of the crowded paint. The talent is certainly there, and more importantly, the minutes are still there. The issue with trading him is that you will likely not find anyone willing to give you good value for Noel. His low scoring output is just not that flashy, and the 76er tag is one that many fantasy players tend to dismiss. You should definitely be able to bank on a higher efficiency from Noel as the season progresses. He should certainly shoot closer to 50% than 40% come March and April. If you are really struggling to get power forward production right now, look at the Suns players mentioned earlier.
