With all of the player movement during the summer of 2019, NBA fantasy is sure to feel the impact, as will the real-life players and teams. While the usual suspects will most likely still be drafted early, you may want to proceed with caution as “load management” and new teams and new systems will certainly impact your favorite player’s fantasy value. To kick off our look at the 2019-20 fantasy season we open up with the top five forwards (power and small) in NBA fantasy.
Top Fantasy Forward Options for 2019-20
Number Five – Luka Dončić
The rookie sensation from Slovenia did not disappoint last season, opening eyes with gameplay that should be well beyond his years. As with James, the ball will be in Luka Dončić’s hands, for the most part, playing a point forward position. Also in a similar position to James, this season Dončić will be playing alongside an All-NBA caliber teammate that should impact his fantasy lines. As expected there were times late in his rookie season in which his efficiency dipped, but with a year under his belt, don’t expect the same during the Mavs young star’s second season.
It might be hard for Dončić to improve on his numbers per game given the addition of Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks lineup, but improving his percentages is where Doncic will see his value increase in fantasy leagues. Grabbing the 2019 NBA Rookie Of The Year with a top twenty pick will be a great building block for your fantasy team.
2019-20 Fantasy Outlook
79 GP, 35 MPG, 23 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 7.5 APG
Number Four – Paul George
For everyone who says that Russell Westbrook is hard to play with, then please explain how Paul George put up the best stat line of his career last season and was among the finalists for NBA MVP? If you were surprised by his play during the regular season, then you were equally as surprised by the offseason move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Los Angeles Clippers.
There are those who might be rightfully concerned that missing training camp and the start of the season due to shoulder surgery as well as the depth of the Clippers will hamper George’s stats, but not to the point in which he should be anything more than a late first-round pick. Don’t expect similar numbers to last year as the Clippers have far more depth and options than the Thunder did, but George will certainly hover around his career averages as the Clippers look to battle for Western Conference (and Staples Center) supremacy.
2019-20 Fantasy Outlook
70 GP, 33 MPG, 22 PPG, 6 RPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG
Number Three – LeBron James
It has been a while since his name was not on top of the list of the best forwards in NBA fantasy. For the first time since 2005, LeBron James has had a six month offseason in which to recover, repair and rest his body. At 34 years old and entering his 17th season, this is scary news for the rest of the NBA and great news for the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans. Last season James was surrounded by one of the most eclectic rosters of his career. This year, James has an All-NBA teammate, a former All-NBA teammate, an NBA champion and a former NBA champion as his potential starting five to work with.
There was some talk during the offseason about James possibly playing point guard, a spot in which James could use his size and athleticism to his advantage. However for all purposes and until Coach Vogal makes it official on opening night, we will keep him at his natural small forward position. It’s hard to imagine that James’ stat line will take much of a hit even with the addition of Davis, but if you want to find a negative in the long line of positives, last season’s 66.5 percent from the free-throw line was the worst of his career.
2019-20 Fantasy Outlook
76 GP, 36 MPG, 27 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 8.5 APG (Could jump to 10 if he plays the point guard position full time)
Number Two – Anthony Davis
Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love. All superstar level players before teaming up with LeBron James. While they were all rewarded with the ultimate NBA prize, a championship ring, each of them suffered a decline statistically. So too will Anthony Davis and so too will his fantasy numbers. Ever since his second year in the league, Davis has been grouped with the top players in the league, both real life and fantasy. The only thing holding him back from an MVP season (in both worlds) is the fact that he has only played a maximum of 75 games twice during his seven-year career due to injuries.
A more polished version of Antetokounmpo, Davis might struggle early in the season as he learns to play for a new coach, a new system and a whole new cast of teammates (especially with one who commands the ball). The recent addition of Dwight Howard could also impact Davis’ rebounding numbers. Last season’s 56 games were a career-low due to the odd trade demand situation, but it is still a word of warning to be cautious when drafting Davis.
2019-20 Fantasy Outlook:
74 GP, 35 MPG, 24 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2 BPG
Number One – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Topping the list of top five forwards in NBA fantasy, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar and most recent NBA MVP produced his best all-round season last year while leading the Bucks to their best regular-season record since 1980-81. While listed as the team’s power forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo basically plays wherever he wants and wherever the Bucks need him to be.
If the three-time All-Star spends time during the offseason and in practice picking up shooting tips from new acquisition Kyle Korver, an improved three-point game (25 percent last season, 27 percent career) will add to his already impressive line of 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks. Having never played less than 72 games and putting up career shooting percentages of 52 percent from the field and 74 percent from the line while playing over 32 minutes a game, the only issue might in taking Antetokounmpo first overall in a fantasy draft is announcing his last name.
2019-20 Fantasy Outlook:
76 GP, 34 MPG, 27.5 PPG, 13 RPG, 6 APG, 1.5 BPG
Honorable Mention
Zion Williamson, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
