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, let’s look at the power 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: Power Forwards
Tier 1
Giannis Antetokounmpo [C] – One of the most dominant players in the NBA, Antetokounmpo was one of six players to average over 30 points per game last season. He also chipped in excellent numbers in rebounds and assists. However, he posted lows in multiple categories, had subpar shooting splits, and faces injury concerns heading into this season.
Kevin Durant [SF] – Durant is an extremely well-rounded player who is still an elite fantasy pick despite having a lofty injury history. He hasn’t appeared in over 55 games for the past three seasons but is a two-way star with stellar efficiency. Also, his scoring production may take a minor hit with the Suns’ new big three.
Tier 2
Victor Wembanyama [C] – Despite being a rookie, Wembanyama is being selected early in many fantasy leagues. Dubbed a generational prospect, the 19-year-old’s potential is tremendous. He’ll surely be a valuable contributor in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. His most significant concern is injuries, as he has a long, skinny frame.
Pascal Siakam [C] – Fred VanVleet’s signing with the Rockets presents an opportunity for Siakam to have a bigger impact. He’s coming off one of the best statistical seasons of his career, and he provides managers with excellent numbers in the primary categories. However, he doesn’t post many steals or blocks.
Karl-Anthony Towns [C] – 2022-23 was an injury-riddled season for Towns. Even though his calf issue limited him to 29 games, he displayed flashes of his superstar self. He’s a solid source of rebounds, threes, and other offensive stats but doesn’t contribute as much as expected defensively. Also, his role alongside Rudy Gobert is still a concern.
Tier 3
Jaren Jackson Jr. [C] – Following the news that Steven Adams is out for the season, Jackson Jr. will see an uptick in usage and defensive responsibilities. He’s already one of the premier shot-blocking players in the league, and he also adds rebounds, steals, and points with solid efficiency.
Julius Randle – Even though he experiences harsh criticism every year, Randle has mostly lived up to his fantasy expectations. He averaged a double-double of points and rebounds last season, along with posting solid numbers in assists and threes. However, his efficiency and defensive contributions were a downside.
Kristaps Porzingis [C] – Porzingis is coming off an excellent season with the Wizards, and he was traded to the Celtics this offseason. The team has a stacked starting lineup, which will damper his usage. He can still provide some scoring and three-point shooting, but his primary production will come from rebounds and blocks. Also, be mindful of his lofty injury history.
Tier 4
Zion Williamson [C] – After a turbulent year, Williamson finally appears healthy. There’s no telling how long he’ll stay that way, but for managers willing to take a risk on him, he’s a huge benefit when on the court. His dominance makes him a scoring threat, and he’s shown flashes of facilitating. He can also grab boards, steals, and blocks.
Paolo Banchero [SF] – The 2023 Rookie of the Year had a stellar campaign and is poised to take another leap in his sophomore season. Banchero is extremely versatile and can chip in several categories, just not with great efficiency. At times throughout the season, he struggled with inconsistency and didn’t record many steals or blocks.
Evan Mobley [C] – Mobley took a small step forward in his game, slightly increasing his stats from his rookie season. This year, it’s possible he’ll average a double-double of points and rebounds. Already one of the top picks for Most Improved Player, Mobley is an excellent shot-blocker who also puts up solid points and some assists.
Tier 5
Kyle Kuzma [SF] – With the loss of two of the Wizards’ stars, Kuzma is expected to step up. His usage will undoubtedly increase, and he’ll be a top option offensively alongside Jordan Poole. His playmaking duties may also increase as a result. Kuzma offers solid rebounding, but his efficiency is a weakness.
Jalen Williams [SG, SF] – Williams is coming off a promising rookie campaign. He posted solid stats in the primary categories, limited turnovers, racked up steals, and had excellent shooting splits. His usage should decrease slightly with Chet Holmgren healthy, but he’ll still carve out a key role with the young Thunder squad.
Jerami Grant – The Damian Lillard trade opens up more opportunities for Grant, a veteran on a young, rebuilding team. Fantasy managers can count on him to provide points, threes, some rebounds, and solid shooting percentages. He’s also a decent contributor to defensive stats.
Cameron Johnson [SF] – Johnson has steadily increased his stats each season, and his new role with the Nets is a chance for him to take a huge leap. After trading their superstars and remodelling the team, Brooklyn will rely on guys like Johnson to run the offence. As a result, he’ll see more usage, as long as he can stay healthy.
Tier 6
Andrew Wiggins [SF] – Wiggins missed a chunk of last season because of personal reasons and some injuries, but he still gave managers points, rebounds, and steals. While his stats are declining, he still provides solid fantasy value. He could see a slight damper in his production due to the Chris Paul trade and a stacked Warriors starting lineup.
Jabari Smith Jr. [C] – Heading into his sophomore season, Smith Jr. is a double-double (points and rebounds) threat who can also swat shots and hit a few threes. Consistency and efficiency are his main areas of improvement, but he’s a promising pick with plenty of potential.
John Collins – Managers hope Collins returns to his former fantasy glory this season. He was stuck in a rut with the Hawks as his stats declined each year, and a change of scenery with the Jazz could be what he needs. Expect him to post numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Aaron Gordon – Fresh off an NBA championship, Gordon played a vital role in the Nuggets’ run. His combination of scoring, efficiency, and defensive prowess made him a desirable fantasy acquisition. Expect him to shoulder more responsibilities this year with the loss of two key depth pieces.
Tier 7
Keegan Murray [SF] – He didn’t have an eye-popping first season, but Murray still showcased his potential. He led the rookie class in threes made and hit them at a high clip. He also adds some rebounding and steals as a 3-and-D threat. However, he’s struggled with inconsistency and free-throw shooting.
P.J. Washington – Washington stepped up when several of the Hornets’ key players were out with injuries/suspensions. Aside from his facilitating, he’s fairly well-rounded offensively and contributes steals and blocks on the defensive end. Washington’s role this season is unclear with the possible return of a certain player.
Bojan Bogdanovic (SF, SG) – Bogdanovic shined for the Pistons last season when Cade Cunningham missed most of the year. He’s not expected to see the same usage this season, and he has injury concerns, but he’s still worth considering drafting. He’s a scoring threat with stellar efficiency and three-point shooting, and he has some value in rebounds and assists.
Tier 8
Miles Bridges [SF] – Bridge’s situation is very uncertain at the moment. He still has to serve a suspension to start the year, and other recent news reports clouded his availability even more. If he does suit up, he’ll look to pick up right where he left off in 2021-22, when he emerged as a top fantasy player.
Kyle Anderson [SF] – Anderson’s stats didn’t jump off the page until he stepped into the starting lineup and emerged as a triple-double threat. Overall, he’s a versatile two-way player who shines with increased usage.
Saddiq Bey [SF] – After a trade from the Pistons to the Hawks, Bey’s production and usage dropped. However, he’s expected to have a spot in the starting lineup, and he’s a source of points, threes, and rebounds.
Patrick Williams – While the Bulls’ big three overshadow his offensive role, Williams can still explode when they have days off. He suited up for all 82 games last season and has fantasy upside in deeper leagues.
Obi Toppin – A trade to the Pacers could be what Toppin needs to finally break out. He showcased flashes of his potential with the Knicks but was buried in the rotation. He provided excellent stats in points, rebounds, assists, threes, and steals in five games as a starter.
Tier 9
Rui Hachimura [SF] – Hachimura became an appealing pick after some stellar performances in the Lakers’ playoff run. After joining the team, he posted lows in several categories but has upside as a two-way player.
Jarred Vanderbilt – Vanderbilt is a double-double threat (points and rebounds). He’s known for his defensive abilities but has ways to go to improve his offensive game. Vanderbilt is very efficient from the floor but not from beyond the arc or the charity stripe.
Bol Bol [C] – A fan-favourite, Bol thrived in increased minutes last season. He emerged as a solid scorer on decent shooting splits, but his main strength lies in his shot-blocking and rebounding. Surprisingly, Bol appeared in 70 games, as he has a lofty injury history.
Jonathan Kuminga – With an increased role, Kuminga is a player projected to have excellent stats. He showcased some of this in preseason, but it’s not likely to see with the Warriors’ depth. He’ll still contribute some points, rebounds, and steals.
Tier 10
Grant Williams – A bigger role for Williams is on the horizon as he finds himself with the Mavericks. He’s very durable and provides much-needed offensive contributions through his scoring and three-point shooting, in addition to rebounds.
Tari Eason [SF] – In his rookie season, Eason played all 82 games and provided scoring, decent shooting percentages, rebounds, and steals. He’s a player with a ton of potential on a young Rockets team.
Jonathan Isaac [SF] – The story of Isaac’s career thus far is injury after injury. For managers willing to take a chance on him, he has defensive potential but will have limited usage.
