👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Tiered Rankings - Power Forwards

The 2015-2016 NBA season ended on June 19th and the start of the 2016-2017 NBA regular season is a decent ways away on October 25th. Since the end of the NBA season rookies have been drafted, newcomers squared off and competed for roster spots in the NBA Summer League, and there was a mad dash to sign valuable free agents by every single team in the league.

So here we stand, looking at the beginning of a new Fantasy Basketball season on the distant horizon, wondering what to make of all the roster changes and power shifts. To make sure that none of us are caught off guard and unprepared because of distractions in the sports world like the NFL and the World Series, let's rank the top 20 players for Fantasy Basketball by all five positions and break down the top 20 by tiers of value.

Today, we focus on our 2016-17 tiered fantasy basketball rankings for NBA power forwards.

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

Editor's Note: All players on this list are eligible at PF in Yahoo! leagues.  Many may be eligible at other positions, but they are only ranked here in the tiered rankings.

 

First Tier Power Forwards - Fantasy Basketball Rankings

1. Paul Millsap, ATL

2. Anthony Davis, NOR

Now that players are growing up focusing on athleticism, shooting, and ball handling, we are seeing a very diverse skill set throughout the upper echelon of NBA power forwards. Paul Millsap and Anthony Davis are clearly the best of the best at PF, and they offer different kinds of production along with their own risks/rewards.

Millsap has been an All-Star the last three seasons, has hit big peaks in assists; steals; blocks; and rebounds, has continued to score 17 per night even at 31 years old, and has shot 34.4% from distance in his time as a Hawk. Since his rookie season Anthony Davis has averaged 23.1 points, 2.6 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 10.2 boards per game. He also shot 32.4% for 3PT shots last year after shooting just 11% total for his first three seasons.

The only drawback to Davis is health. He averages 65 games per year and last year had a career low 61. Though if there is a candidate for a quadruple-double in the NBA, my money is on him. With his young age and still-budding skill set, he offers a far higher ceiling than Millsap does, especially since Millsap is 31. However with Al Horford now a Boston Celtic, there may be a really wide-open gap for rebounds in Atlanta.

 

Second Tier Power Forwards - Fantasy Basketball Rankings

3. Pau Gasol, SAS

4. Blake Griffin, LAC

5. Derrick Favors, UTA

6. LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS

Maybe Blake Griffin could even stay in the top five all season as long as he doesn't get in anymore equipment related altercations. The power forwards in this 4-7 range are more traditional type players, in that, they mostly prefer to score from inside, they rebound aggressively, and they all are pretty effective on defense in one way or another.

Gasol is a safer bet because of his track record, but any of these guys should make any Fantasy Basketball Manager happy to have.

 

Third Tier Power Forwards - Fantasy Basketball Rankings

7. Kevin Love, CLE

8. Kristaps Porzingis, NYK

9. Greg Monroe, MIL

10. Serge Ibaka, ORL

11. Tobias Harris, DET

12. Nerlens Noel, PHI

13. Kenneth Faried, DEN

If the players in the 8-13 range just had one more category that stuck out, then they would all have a case for the top five. Unfortunately, while these players demonstrate a lot of talent in their areas of expertise, they have some glaring gaps that make them less desirable for Fantasy Basketball Managers.

Love can rebound, score, and shoot. Ibaka can block, rebound, and has improved his shooting. Faried is a rebounding monster, Greg Monroe is a quiet double-double guy, and Tobias Harris is sneaky well-rounded. Guys like this can be hard to own because of their high ADP but they have the gaps that the immediate tier above them do not have. I would love to keep believing in Nerlens Noel, but there are just so many young big guys on the 76ers roster that it brings up a lot of uncertainty as to what his future role is.

 

Fourth Tier Power Forwards - Fantasy Basketball Rankings

14. Dirk Nowitzki, DAL

15. Myles Turner, IND

16. Robert Covington, PHI

There is really no theme for this tier, they just aren't able to do what the 13 guys above them can do, or at least not anymore in Dirk's case. Dirk is getting old but he is still one of the best shooters in basketball history. That means he should continue to score at an efficient rate. He is also still tall, so an adequate rate of rebounds should continue. Myles Turner averaged 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his rookie year in a meager 22.3 minutes each game.

Per 36 minutes that is equivalent to 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He probably won't be on the floor for 36 minutes each game, but after his successful rookie campaign his playing time should increase by a big margin. Robert Covington has been a versatile defensive specialist the past two years in Philly and shot 36.3% from distance. The big problem is that the 76ers drafted Ben Simmons and have a big slew of talented young players to kick start their rebuild. That might mean Covington's days of ample playing time are cooked.

 

Fifth Tier Power Forwards - Fantasy Basketball Rankings

18. Chris Bosh, MIA

19. Aaron Gordon, ORL

20. Julius Randle, LAL

This fifth tier is actually a little more well-rounded than the fourth tier, they just have more question marks. For instance, how much more valuable would Julius Randle be if he could block at least a shot a game and could pop out to hit three pointers more often and at a better rate than 27.8%? We all can see that Aaron Gordon would have more statistical production with more playing time, but will he get more playing time this year? And will it be enough? At 32 years old, when will Chris Bosh's play start to steeply diminish?

 

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Isaiah Likely

Expected to be "Featured Piece" in Giants Offense
Marquise Brown

Eagles Signing Marquise Brown to One-Year Deal
Jaylen Waddle

Broncos Acquiring Jaylen Waddle From Dolphins
Konnor Griffin

Avoids Next Round of Roster Cuts
Gerrit Cole

to Throw an Inning on Wednesday
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
MarShawn Lloyd

to Compete for No. 2 Job
Deshaun Watson

Back on the Fantasy Radar in 2026?
Emanuel Wilson

to Carry Early-Season Upside in Weak Backfield?
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Jalen Nailor

Can Jalen Nailor be the No. 1 Wide Receiver in Las Vegas?
Jacob Bridgeman

Great Season Keeps Rolling For Jacob Bridgeman Ahead of Valspar Championship
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Emerging as a High-End Dynasty Stash
Alex DeBrincat

Shines with Three Assists Monday
Jack Hughes

Produces Three Assists in Comeback Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Returns with Three-Point Effort
Erik Gudbranson

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Shayne Gostisbehere

to Remain Sidelined Tuesday
Maxim Shabanov

Considered Day-to-Day
Adrian Kempe

Labeled Day-to-Day
Malik Monk

Might Miss Another Game Tuesday Night
Naz Reid

Questionable for First Game of Back-to-Back
Myles Turner

Questionable to Suit Up Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Iffy for Meeting with Knicks
Ivica Zubac

May Sit Out Tuesday's Action
Andrew Nembhard

Questionable Tuesday Due to Calf Issue
Andrew Wiggins

Remains Out Tuesday
Akshay Bhatia

Riding Strong Form Into the Valspar Championship
Darnell Mooney

Poised for Large Role in Giants Offense?
Nathan Carter

the New Handcuff at RB in Atlanta?
Jalen Tolbert

the New WR2 in Miami?
Pascal Siakam

Likely to Remain Out Tuesday
Patrick Cantlay

Playing Well Heading to Valspar Championship
Keegan Bradley

Needs Improvement From Approach Play at Valspar Championship
Kevin Porter Jr.

Available Against Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson

Questionable for Tuesday's Game
Dylan Sampson

Set to be Pass-Catching Backup RB in Cleveland
Joel Embiid

to Remain Out Tuesday
Jaylin Noel

Dynasty Value on the Rise, Could be WR3 in 2026
Jarrett Allen

to Sit Out At Least Three More Games
Keenan Allen

Fantasy Stock Continues to Fall as he Nears the End of his Career
Trae Young

Exits Early Monday Due to Quadriceps Contusion
Drake London

to be a Volatile WR2 With QB Uncertainty?
John Collins

Starting Against Spurs
Craig Porter Jr.

Out 1-3 Weeks With Groin Strain
Russell Westbrook

Off Injury Report for Tuesday
Clint Capela

Alperen Sengun Sidelined, Clint Capela Starting Against Lakers
Bam Adebayo

Iffy for Tuesday Night
Walter Clayton Jr.

Javon Small Out Monday, Walter Clayton Jr. Returns to Starting Lineup
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Listed as Questionable for Tuesday
Rayan Rupert

GG Jackson II Out, Rayan Rupert to Start Against Bulls
George Holani

Signs Tender Offer on Monday
Johan Rojas

Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
José Ramírez

No Plans for Jose Ramirez to Undergo Imaging on Injured Shoulder
Darius Slay

Retires From the NFL
Seiya Suzuki

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Joe Musgrove

Expected to Open the Year on the Injured List
Christian Kirk

49ers Sign Christian Kirk to One-Year Deal
Matt McCarty

Could Thrive at the Valspar Championship
Michael Kim

Seeks to Dust Off Tough Week at TPC Sawgrass
Max Homa

Enjoying a Solid 2026 Heading into Valspar Championship
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Slugging Through Rough 2026 Season
Zach Neto

Expected to Return to Game Action on Tuesday
Kyren Williams

Will Kyren Williams Remain the Undisputed RB1 in Los Angeles Going Forward?
Mason Taylor

Does Mason Taylor Have Breakout Potential in 2026?
Puka Nacua

Appears Poised to Dominate for Years to Come
Andrew Novak

Wants to Rebound After The Players Championship
Austin Smotherman

on Baby Watch as Valspar Championship Approaches
Luke Clanton

Might Have Issues at the Valspar Championship
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Must be Accurate at the Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Zach Neto

to Take Batting Practice on Monday
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Connor McDavid

Records Three Assists Sunday
Bo Groulx

Makes Big Impact Sunday
Drake Batherson

Pots Two Goals in Sunday's Win
Bobby McMann

Continues Dream Start in Seattle
Kirby Dach

Injured on High Hit
Alexander Wennberg

Without Timeline for Return
Leon Draisaitl

Exits Early with Injury Sunday
Troy Terry

Adds Three Points in Return to Lineup
Leo Carlsson

Picks Up Trio of Points on Sunday
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez is Day-to-Day with Shoulder Inflammation
Brendan Gallagher

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Sunday
Daniil Tarasov

Starting Against Kraken
Ty Emberson

Remains Out Sunday
Bobby Brink

Questionable Sunday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Unavailable Against Wild
Corbin Carroll

to Resume Playing Defense This Week
Francisco Lindor

Non-Committal About Status for Opening Day
Nathan Eovaldi

Named Rangers' Opening Day Starter
Hayden Birdsong

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Forearm Strain and UCL Sprain
Marcelo Mayer

Scratched With Left-Knee Soreness
Zach Neto

Tests Come Back Negative, Dealing With Sprained Hand
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Francisco Lindor

is Making Spring Debut on Sunday
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
Seiya Suzuki

Leaves WBC Game on Saturday With Right-Knee Discomfort
Zach Neto

is Removed After Suffering Hand Injury
Joe Ryan

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Zack Wheeler

Throws First Live BP Session on Saturday
Merrill Kelly

Expected to Open Season on the Injured List
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF