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

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

Cody's Small Forward fantasy basketball rankings, tiers and analysis for 2024-2025 drafts. The top NBA Small Forwards for 9-category fantasy basketball drafts.

As we get into October, 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 Small Forward. This position can heavily influence all nine categories as this is one of the deepest positions in terms of play style in the entire NBA.

When evaluating the small forward pool, finding players who can add value to all nine categories is essential. In this piece, I'll rank the small 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, you may struggle to match your league-mates' small forward production.

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 Small Forwards in 9-Category Fantasy Basketball Leagues

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

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

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

 

Tier 1: Cornerstone Pieces

1.LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers (SF/PF)

Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, LeBron James remains a top asset in fantasy basketball leagues. After 21 seasons, he shows no signs of slowing down. A player who consistently fills up the stat sheet at an efficient rate is invaluable in a 9-category league. This offseason, he was the best player in the Olympic Games winning Olympics MVP, further demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level while keeping his teammates involved as he transitions out of his 30s.

Since joining the Lakers, LeBron has averaged 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He does this with impressive efficiency, shooting 51.3% from the field, 35.7% from three, and 72% from the free-throw line. Having LeBron on your team gives you a significant advantage in 7-8 categories, even if his free-throw percentage could be better.

2. Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors (SF/SG/PF)

 

Tier 2: Alpha Dogs

3. Paul George - Philadelphia 76ers (SF/PF)

Paul George is entering his fifteenth season as a pro, this time with his fourth team, after signing a four-year, $212 million max contract. Toward the end of last season, there was speculation that George's time with the Clippers might be coming to an end. However, this was not due to his performance on the court. Last season, he had one of his best years, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot efficiently, with a high volume of attempts—47.1% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 90.7% from the free-throw line on 16.7 shots per game. Although the 76ers have many players to distribute the ball to, George's efficiency should remain high, keeping him among the top small forwards in the league.

4. Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers (SF/PF)

5. Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat (SF/SG/PF)

6. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics (SF/SG)

7. DeMar DeRozan - Sacramento Kings (SF/PF)

 

Tier 3: Beta Dogs

8. Franz Wagner - Orlando Magic (SF/PF)

9. Miles Bridges - Charlotte Hornets (SF/PF)

10. Brandon Miller - Charlotte Hornets (SF/SG)

11. Mikal Bridges - New York Knicks (SF/SG)

After emerging as one of the league's top young stars following his trade to the Brooklyn Nets during the 2022-23 season, Mikal Bridges experienced a setback last season. His points per game average dropped from 26.1 to 19.6, while his field goal percentage fell from 47.5% to 43.6%, and his free throw percentage decreased from 89.4% to 81.4%. These were the lowest shooting percentages he posted since his rookie season.

It became clear that Bridges needed a change of scenery to thrive in a winning environment, and that opportunity arose this offseason when he was traded to the New York Knicks. This move offers Bridges a fresh start and reunites him with college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has a strong track record with wings, and Bridges addresses a need for the Knicks as a scoring wing. With a solid fit and ample opportunity, fantasy managers should consider spending a mid-to-late round pick on Bridges.

12. Brandon Ingram - New Orleans Pelicans (SF)

 

Tier 4: High Floor

13. Michael Porter Jr. - Denver Nuggets (SF)

Michael Porter Jr. is entering his sixth year in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and has the confidence and support of the organization. One of his early career weaknesses has been his availability, but that took a positive turn last season when he played in 81 regular-season games. Additionally, Porter Jr. saw a significant increase in his rebounding, raising his average from 5.5 to 7 rebounds per game.

The standout aspect of Porter Jr.'s game is his scoring ability. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.7 points with impressive shooting percentages of 48.4% from the field, 39.7% from three, and 83.6% from the free-throw line. However, he has struggled in the assist category, never averaging more than 2 assists per game throughout his career. Fantasy managers considering Porter Jr. will need to allocate additional resources to bolster their assist totals.

14. Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks (SF)

15. OG Anunoby - New York Knicks (SF/PF)

 

Tier 5: High Upside 

16. Amen Thompson - Houston Rockets (SF/PF)

17. Trey Murphy III - New Orleans Pelicans (SF/SG)

18. Jaime Jaquez Jr. - Miami Heat (SF/SG)

One of the best values at their ADP is Miami Heat small forward/shooting guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., currently being drafted around 146 overall—nearly a 12-13 rounds pick. Finding someone who plays 28.2 minutes per game at that stage in the draft is rare. Jaquez's role is expanding, and while it remains unclear whether he or Nikola Jovic will fill the final spot in the starting lineup next season, it's evident that he will be on the court after receiving endorsements from both Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra this offseason.

Jaquez had an impressive offseason following his rookie year, training with the Team USA select team during the Olympics. He also earned a spot on the All-NBA Summer League team after appearing in just two games. Jaquez finished his rookie season averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1 steal, with shooting splits of 48.9% from the field, 32.2% from three, and 81.1% from the free-throw line. Fantasy managers should consider snagging Jaquez late in drafts due to his breakout potential.

19. Ausar Thompson - Detroit Pistons (SF/PF)

20. Deni Avdija - Portland Trail Blazers (SF/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

Moises Ballesteros

Now The Triple-A Batting Average Leader
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Raisel Iglesias

Notches Fifth Save Monday
JP Sears

Fans Seven In Monday's Win
Josh Hader

Earns Eighth Save Of Season Monday
Jose Altuve

Hits Two-Run Homer Monday
Los Angeles Chargers

Tre Harris Expected To Fill X Role For Chargers
Charlie Condon

Visiting A Hand Specialist On Monday
Bailey Ober

Extends Quality-Start Stretch To Four In Monday's Win
Los Angeles Chargers

Quentin Johnston Needs To Earn His Spot In Training Camp
Noelvi Marte

Stays Hot With RBI Triple Monday
Los Angeles Chargers

Hassan Haskins The Leader For No. 3 RB Job
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Plan For 1-2 Punch At RB With Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris
Zebby Matthews

Strikes Out Five In Latest Start At Triple-A
New England Patriots

Patriots View TreVeyon Henderson As A Three-Down Back
Cleveland Browns

Browns View Quinshon Judkins As A Potential Bell-Cow Back
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Plan To Develop Jalen Milroe As A QB
Bubba Chandler

Tosses Five Shutout Innings In Latest Start
Jordan Lawlar

Surging At Triple-A
Tennessee Titans

Titans Unlikely To Pick Up Treylon Burks' Fifth-Year Option
Cleveland Browns

Browns Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To Elijah Moore
Cleveland Browns

Browns Agree To One-Year Deal With Diontae Johnson
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Could Reunite With Amari Cooper
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Sign Robert Woods To One-Year Deal
Nick Maton

Outrighted To Triple-A
Josh Rojas

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Tuesday
Tyler Gilbert

To Serve As Opener On Tuesday
Ryan Weathers

Tosses Three Shutout Innings In First Rehab Start
Keider Montero

Sent Back To Minors
Steven Matz

To Start On Wednesday Against Reds
Kris Bryant

To Have "Follow-Up Scans"
Gary Sánchez

Orioles Place Gary Sanchez On Injured List
Tomoyuki Sugano

Records Career-High Eight Strikeouts
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Jrue Holiday

Out Again On Tuesday Night
Bennedict Mathurin

Questionable For Game 5
Damian Lillard

May Not Play Next Season
Johnathan Kovacevic

To Remain Out Tuesday
Brenden Dillon

Unavailable Tuesday
Luke Hughes

Not Ready To Return For Game 5
Darius Garland

Remains Out On Monday
Ross Colton

Remains Out On Monday
Oskar Bäck

Oskar Back Returns To Stars Lineup Monday
Miro Heiskanen

To Miss Game 5
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go For Game 4
Cleveland Browns

Browns Decline Kenny Pickett's Fifth-Year Option
New York Giants

Giants Won't Pick Up Evan Neal's Fifth-Year Option
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Ikem Ekwonu
Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Goedert Could Remain An Eagle
Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Could Still Add Wide Receiver Help Prior To 2025 Season
Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders Struggled During Pre-Draft Process
Buffalo Bills

Elijah Moore Visiting With Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars

Emmanuel Ogbah Signs With Jaguars
New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr Undergoes MRI Exam
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Ivan Demidov

Has Historic Outing In Game 4
Timo Meier

Records Two Points Sunday
Andrei Svechnikov

Nets Hat Trick In Game 4 Win
Leon Draisaitl

Caps Off Four-Point Effort With First Postseason Overtime Goal
Connor Hellebuyck

Gets Pulled Again
Alexandre Carrier

Fails To Finish Game 4
Tyler Tucker

Makes Early Exit Sunday
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Jaylen Brown

Available For Game 4
Darius Garland

Questionable For Game 4
Jaden Ivey

Making Progress
Frederik Andersen

Exits Game 4 With Injury
Jake Neighbours

Shines On Sunday With Three Points
Jordan Binnington

Makes 30 Saves In Game 4 Victory
Patrik Laine

Not Expected To Play In Game 4
Sam Montembeault

Labeled Day-To-Day
Aliaksei Protas

Considered A Game-Time Decision Sunday
Logan Thompson

A Game-Time Call Sunday
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Jimmy Butler III

Ruled Out On Saturday
Isaiah Stewart

Questionable For Sunday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 4
Jrue Holiday

Won't Play On Sunday
Mitchell Robinson

Questionable For Game 4 Versus Detroit
Michael Porter Jr.

Available On Saturday Night
Russell Westbrook

Won't Suit Up For Game 4
Darius Garland

Won't Suit Up For Game 3
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Pregame Warmup
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF