Tier rankings are a valuable tool to help prepare for fantasy basketball drafts. Grouping similar players into tiers makes it easier for managers to make quick decisions during drafts, which never go as planned. With the 2023-24 NBA season rapidly approaching, the next position in this series is small forwards.
Note that this fantasy basketball tier ranking series sorts players based on their projected primary position this season. A player’s position can vary across fantasy sites, so other position eligibility is listed in brackets. Also, tiers don’t necessarily correspond to rounds.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24 Draft Tiers: Small Forwards
Tier 1
Jayson Tatum [PF] – Tatum is coming off a career year where he averaged highs in points, rebounds, assists, and threes. He also contributes defensive stats and solid shooting splits. His durability greatly benefits fantasy managers, as he’s never played under 64 games in his six-year career. The Celtics have a loaded roster this season, but expect Tatum to put up similar numbers.
Tier 2
Mikal Bridges [SG] – Thanks to a trade to the Nets last year, Bridges posted his best stats yet. He increased his average points by 10 and is also a great source of rebounds, threes, and steals with excellent efficiency. He’s expected to have a lead role with the team this year, and his availability (he’s never played under 72 games) makes him a top fantasy pick.
LeBron James [PF] – Even as Father Time chases him down, James still has high fantasy value. Last season, the 38-year-old averaged a near triple-double, although his stats slightly decline each year. The most concerning downsides of drafting James are his shooting and health, especially after his brutal foot injury last season.
Jimmy Butler [PF] – With the Heat losing several players over the offseason, Butler will be expected to shoulder a heavier load. He’s a very well-rounded player; however, he doesn’t contribute many three-pointers. He’s dealt with several injuries over the past few seasons but played a respectable 64 last year.
Lauri Markkanen [PF] – Markkanen’s breakout season earned him the Most Improved Player Award, and he can be expected to put up similar averages this year. He posted career-highs in points (nearly doubling his average from 2021-22), assists, and threes, all on solid efficiency. He can also provide rebounds and usually commits few turnovers.
Tier 3
Kawhi Leonard [SG] – A high-risk, high-reward pick, Leonard’s injury history and load management are problematic for most managers. But when he’s healthy, there’s no denying his high value. The Clippers star suited up for 52 contests last season, and the last time he appeared in at least 60 games was in 2018-19. Still, he’s a two-way star who can stuff the stat sheet.
DeMar DeRozan [SG] – DeRozan statistically took a slight step back last season as his usage rate dipped. He still contributed excellent offensive numbers on solid efficiency and was able to play 74 games. However, he’s not a great source of threes or stocks.
Desmond Bane [SG] – With Ja Morant suspended for 25 games to start the season, Bane is poised to see increased usage and production. He has continued to improve each year, and his well-roundedness makes him a valuable all-around player. Bane is among the best three-point shooters in the NBA, with excellent shooting splits.
Brandon Ingram [SG, PF] – Injuries have followed Ingram throughout his career, and he played a low of 45 games last season. He has plenty of star potential, as evidenced by his elite offensive skills. Ingram also contributes rebounds and solid shooting splits but averages quite a few turnovers. He’s a risky pick, but his position eligibility is a significant benefit.
Tier 4
Scottie Barnes [PF] – Barnes didn’t have the breakout sophomore season many expected, and he posted nearly identical numbers to his rookie campaign. However, the loss of Fred VanVleet presents more opportunities for him to have the ball. Barnes averaged solid numbers in points, rebounds, assists, and stocks but still needs to improve his three-point shooting.
Franz Wagner [SG, PF] – He’s only played two seasons in the NBA, but Wagner has emerged as one of the Magic’s best players. He has steadily improved each year, and he’s poised to take another leap. His greatest benefits are his well-roundedness, position eligibility and availability, as he played 79 and 80 games in his rookie and sophomore seasons, respectively.
Khris Middleton [PF] – Middelton has been an excellent contributor for the Bucks until a knee injury derailed last season. He only appeared in 33 contests, but in that time, he posted respectable stats in points, assists, and rebounds. His consistency has fluctuated; however, he is expected to return to his regular role this season.
Tier 5
Klay Thompson [SG] – Most of Thompson’s injury concerns appear to be a thing of the past, as he suited up for 69 games last season. The Warriors made several moves during the offseason, but the 33-year-old’s role should remain the same. His fantasy value comes from his scoring, efficient shooting, threes, and rebounds, but he doesn’t provide much else.
Michael Porter Jr. – Managers are usually hesitant to select Porter Jr. due to his lofty injury history. However, if he stays healthy, he appears primed to take on a bigger role with a Nuggets team that lost two key players. He managed to play a career-high 62 games last season and contributed points, threes, and rebounds with solid shooting splits.
Tobias Harris [PF] – One of the more underrated fantasy players is Harris. He provides solid value thanks to his consistency and durability. His stats aren’t eye-popping, but his efficiency is excellent. Harris could see more usage if James Harden doesn’t play for the 76ers.
Buddy Hield [SG] – Even though the Pacers are actively shopping him, Hield can still be counted on to provide fantasy value. He’s a stellar 3-and-D player who is an excellent shooter and rebounder. His availability is another benefit, as he’s never played under 70 games.
Tier 6
Keldon Johnson [SG] – As a result of increased usage, Johnson averaged career-highs in points, assists, and threes. However, his shooting splits weren’t the best, and he doesn’t contribute much defensively. With key players now healthy and the addition of Victor Wembanyama, his role may decrease slightly.
RJ Barrett [SG] – Barrett is still an unpolished player whose efficiency has been the biggest downside of drafting him. His stats have fluctuated over his four seasons as he’s struggled with shooting, turnovers, and consistency. The upside is still there, and a breakout season always feels right around the corner (but that window is closing).
Brandon Miller [SG] – The second-overall 2023 pick will likely earn a starting role with the Hornets. At Alabama, Miller showcased his scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities. However, he struggled with efficiency and foul trouble in Summer League. He has great potential and should have opportunities to develop his game throughout the season.
Ausar Thompson [SG] – Another highly-touted prospect, was a star in the Overtime Elite league by averaging a near triple-double. He showed flashes of his abilities and versatility in Summer League through his two-way prowess. The Pistons’ depth may dampen his usage, and shooting is a weakness.
Tier 7
Jaden McDaniels [PF] – McDaniels became a starter for the Timberwolves last season, allowing him to put up career-highs in points, assists, threes, steals, and blocks. He also did this with excellent efficiency, although his three-throw percentage could be better. His durability is an added bonus.
Josh Hart [SG] – While his stats aren’t eye-popping, Hart provides decent all-around numbers. The Knicks have plenty of depth, which could damper his usage, but Hart could see increased minutes depending on Barrett’s production.
Bruce Brown [PG, SG] – With the Pacers, Brown will have an increased role as a starter. Overall, he’s a versatile player who can contribute to several categories and play multiple positions. He’s steadily increased his stats each season, and a breakout could be on the horizon.
Harrison Barnes [PF] – Barnes has served as a reliable option for both the Kings and fantasy managers. He’s a great scorer who converts shots on high efficiency, but he doesn’t provide much value elsewhere.
Dillon Brooks [SG] – After his infamous villain stints with the Grizzlies, Brooks now finds himself on the Rockets. A change of scenery could benefit him, as he is coming off an up-and-down year. His biggest downside is his shooting splits, but he’s useful for points and threes.
Tier 8
Gordon Hayward – Injuries have significantly limited Hayward’s impact, as he’s played about 50 games in each of the past few seasons. When healthy, he is a great all-around contributor, especially on the offensive end.
De’Andre Hunter [PF] – Entering his fifth season, Hunter hasn’t yet taken the leap needed to take his game to the next level. His stats have remained stagnant, but he can post points, rebounds, and threes.
Luguentz Dort [SG] – Dort’s impact is mainly felt in real life. His stats are low for someone who receives quality minutes consistently and he’s also not the best shooter. However, there’s the odd night when he’ll explode.
Trey Murphy III [PF, SG] – After undergoing surgery, Murphy will miss the first month and a bit of the season. Still, he’s someone to consider drafting after his breakout year last season. He shined when given the responsibility of covering his injured teammates.
Kelly Oubre Jr. [PF] – Oubre posted a career-high in points for the Hornets in a starting role last season, even while missing almost half of the season. He won’t see the same usage with the 76ers, but he’ll still have some opportunities. He offers value in rebounds, steals, and threes.
Tier 9
Tim Hardaway Jr. [SG] – The only categories Hardaway Jr. contributes to are points, threes, and rebounds. He’s a decent option in deeper leagues, thanks to his consistency.
Caleb Martin [SG] – Coming off the best season of his career, and with more minutes to go around, Martin could take another leap. While it wasn’t a significant increase, he posted highs in points, assists, rebounds, threes, and steals.
Royce O’Neale [SG] – O’Neale emerged as a solid streamer option last season as he was a 3-and-D threat. The main thing limiting him is minutes, but a revamped Nets squad could provide more opportunities.
Tier 10
Deni Avdija [PF] – With the Wizards in rebuilding mode, Avdija can prove his worth. He’s fairly versatile, but his main contributions come from points and rebounds.
Matisse Thybulle [SG] – Thybulle could see a more consistent role with the rebuilding Trail Blazers. His stats weren’t worth using a pick on last season, but his potential as a two-way player may be unleashed in 2023-24.
