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Who is going to dominate the paint for your fantasy team at the power forward spot? Here are your preliminary power forward rankings for 2017-2018. This set of pre-season tiers is simple: each tier simply represents a significant gap in production in what is otherwise a straight-up numerical ranking.
All positional eligibility is based on Fantrax league defaults, and will include anyone who qualifies at the position. As a result, players ranked here may not qualify at the position on all other sites.
All of the initial position tiers are coming from different writers -- so don't come complaining to us if there's no consistency between them. Just relax, enjoy, and hate on each set of rankings separately.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including NBA Writer of the Year, Best NFL Series, MLB Series, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!
Fantasy Basketball Tiered Power Forward Rankings
Tier 1
1. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors - After a stellar Finals, KD appears poised to take the reigns from LeBron James as the best player in the league. LeBron will probably have something to say about that.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers - On that note, LeBron appears poised to make one last run at the MVP award. You better believe he's gonna ball before he enters free agency, and he will need to carry the load for the Cavs once again with new acquisition Isaiah Thomas sidelined.
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans - Davis figures to be a solid foundation for any fantasy team, pending his sometimes iffy health. This season's friendlier schedule should help a guy like him stay right.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis has the most potential of any player in the league to go bonkers. Don't blink when you see the Bucks on the screen.
5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets - With the keys to the best down-the-stretch offense from last season, the Joker figures to be a top-10 producer for your team. He also figures to be the future of the franchise for the Nuggets.
6. Demarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans - Can Boogie finally have a steady and consistent season without the drama? My bet is yes as this big man enters a contract year and eyes unrestricted free agency.
7. Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder - PG13 portends to be a star alongside his new MVP teammate Russel Westbrook. Expect him to find greater freedom and efficiency in OKC.
Tier 2
8. Blake Griffin, Los Angles Clippers - Injuries, recklessness, and now possibly the Kardashian curse? Blake is now "the guy" for the Clips moving forward...but what about him? Can he finally move the franchise forward?
9. Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks - Barnes looks to build on a breakout season as he approaches his second season as the offensive spearhead in Dallas.
10. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks - The Unicorn looked magical this summer, playing his hand well in front office politics and Eurobasket. He figures to be a big producer in New York with or without Carmelo Anthony at his side.
11. Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers - KLove will (should) be a huge part of Cleveland's plan going into the season, given their situation. He's good for a double-double and some efficient scoring.
12. Paul Millsap, Denver Nuggets - Perhaps the most overlooked star in the league, Millsap once again flew under the radar in joining the Nuggets. Expect somewhat of a renaissance from him this season.
13. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors - Draymond is the do-it-all glue guy for the champs. You'll see him yapping and putting up numbers once again, no question.
Tier 3
14. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks - This ranking is less about Melo's talent and more about the uncertainty around his situation. And don't forget, Hoodie Melo would be number one on this list...on any list.
15. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs - The 2016 Western Conference Semi-Finals seem so long ago. If this guy can recapture his form from the first two games of that series, he'll be a top tier guy. However, uncertainty plagues him as well. He's a player to watch up until the trade deadline as his name has been floated in potential deals.
16. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons - The guy is good for a double-double and lots of blocks. He should take a small leap this year as he assumes centerpiece status in Detroit.
17. Al Horford, Boston Celtics - The ultra-efficient Horford will probably see an uptick in his own numbers, now that he is playing with a C's squad that includes Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.
18. Dwight Howard, Charlotte Hornets - Superman relocates once again; this time to buzz city. There is great potential in his union with Kemba Walker.
19. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers - If he is healthy, he will dominate. But, that's a big if.
20. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers - This guy will get numbers and all of the playing time in the world now that the Pacers are building around him.
21. Danilo Gallinari, Los Angeles Clippers - Hopefully Gallo's hand is healed after he cold-cocked a competitor in an international "friendly." He will be an offensive stalwart for the Clips when he's healthy.
22. Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets - Ill Will takes over for Gallo in Denver at the starting small forward spot. Expect his numbers and production to rise; his chemistry is going to be excellent with Jokic and Millsap this year.
23. Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors - Ibaka may not be what he used to be, but he is worth a solid look in leagues that value defensive stats and rebounds. Overall, he's still a solid double-double threat most every night.
24. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic - He took a big step back last season. Probably will still put up some good numbers as the Magic don't have many other options.
25. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks - Dirk still has it. Health is the only obstacle to another virtuoso performance.
Tier 4
26. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers - Let's see the kid suit up before we crown him, yeah? He's a great prospect and a good Rookie of the Year candidate, but his production is unpredictable at best.
27. Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers - RoCo projects to take another step forward as a versatile wing slasher and defender.
28. Jae Crowder, Cleveland Cavaliers - He's insulted he was traded and he gets to play with LeBron. He's gonna get some open looks.
29. Zach Randolph, Sacramento Kings - Only this far down because of an arrest and possible suspension. I understand that his original charge was reduced, but the situation is worth monitoring. He will produce well if he is able to play.
30. Ryan Anderson, Houston Rockets - Open threes.
31. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers - Double-double guy in the making.
32. Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers - A break-out rookie looking to build on a great start to his career, Saric will probably take some time to gel with the new Sixers by his side.
33. Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves - This dude will get rebounds, blocks, and dunks. Plenty of each.
34. Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs - NOT THIS GUY! No seriously, this guy will be a big part of what the Spurs do.
35. Nerlens Noel , Dallas Mavericks - He bet on himself. He has to go earn that huge contract he wants.
36. James Johnson, Miami Heat - After signing a big deal, JJ can relax and play his point-forward role in Miami in comfort.
37. Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic - He can dunk, but can he fill a solid role on a basketball team? This has to be the year.
38. Greg Monroe, Milwaukee Bucks - Monroe may be on an unwanted contract in the league, but he is still good for 12 plus points a game.
39. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers - Offensive rebounds and hustle.
40. Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs - Old man wizardry. Gasol returns for a bench role in San Antonio.
41. Markieff Morris, Washington Wizards - Morris will produce well, but his health has been extremely questionable in the past. He would be ranked higher were it not for a spotty history with regards to availability.
42. Clint Capela, Houston Rockets - Lob City is now Clutch City. This guy is gonna eat, and actually figures to be a great value pick in both leagues. Problem is, he can't play in late-game scenarios and doesn't have an offense outside of four feet.
Tier 5
43. Justice Winslow, Miami Heat - He needs a consistent jumpshot. The basketball world needs Justice Winslow to propel the Heat to a drama filled playoff series with the Cavs.
44. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - RHJ is gonna have a big role in Brooklyn. It also seems like Brooklyn is going to be very, very, bad.
45. Marcus Morris, Boston Celtics - Hey, he's got a new team and a new chance to prove himself. He is going to have to find some minutes in a still-crowded front court or risk being an afterthought.
46. Trevor Booker, Brooklyn Nets - Book will also have a big role for the Nets. They are still the Nets.
47. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons - Harris could finally grow into the player we thought he would be three years ago. At this point the prospect is unlikely, but still enticing.
48. Richaun Holmes, Philadelphia 76ers - A crowded front-court might force this guy into a defensive role.
49. Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers - He will have plenty of time on the court, but not very many talented players to share it with. Don't expect him to feast offensively, but Thad should be solid otherwise.
50. Marquese Chriss, Phoenix Suns - One of the more intriguing young guys on the Suns. He can fly.
51. Frank Kaminsky, Charlotte Hornets - Frank the tank is in such a weird place from a basketball standpoint. It's like...he could be a stud or out of the league by next off-season.
52. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz - The question remains: can he stay healthy? If he can, he is a great compliment to the French Rejection, Rudy Gobert.
53. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks - The only reason Jabari isn't way higher on this list is his health. When he gets back sometime later in this season, he is going to be a beast once again.
