It’s finally time to start prepping for fantasy basketball drafts as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. To help guide managers, this five-part series sorts players into draft tiers based on their position, with this article featuring the small forwards.<\/p>\n
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Note that a player\u2019s position can vary across fantasy sites,<\/a> so other eligibility is listed in brackets. The good, average, and bad categories are based on a player\u2019s latest season stats and Hashtag Basketball<\/a>. Tiers don’t necessarily\u00a0correlate to rounds.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: <\/em><\/strong>point guards<\/em><\/a>, shooting guards<\/a>, power forwards<\/a>, centers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Good: PTS, BLK, FG%, FT%, AST, 3PM | Average: REB, STL | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Rockets made a huge splash this offseason by acquiring Kevin Durant<\/a>. He’ll be the team’s leading star and will pick up the bulk of the offensive duties with Fred VanVleet<\/a> out for the year with an ACL tear. The 15-time All-Star is an elite two-way player and is highly touted for his scoring abilities. However, the biggest concern is the 37-year-old’s durability. He also struggles with turnovers, but managers will happily overlook that thanks to his versatility.<\/p>\n Good: STL, PTS, AST | Average: REB, BLK, 3PM, FG%, FT% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n Each year, Jalen Williams<\/a> climbs the fantasy rankings as he continues to improve. The former 12th-overall pick is a well-rounded contributor, with his only notable weakness being turnovers. He also gives the benefit of multi-position eligibility, even spending some time at center last season. The 24-year-old had some ups and downs, but he has tremendous upside. Williams underwent wrist surgery in July, and it’s unclear if he’ll be 100% for the start of the season.<\/p>\n Good: AST, PTS, REB, FG% | Average: STL, BLK, 3PM, FT% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n 2025-26 will be LeBron James’<\/a> 23rd season in the NBA, and he’s still going strong. The four-time NBA champion can make an impact on both ends of the floor and has improved his free-throw percentage to the best mark of his career. That leaves the biggest knock on his game as turnovers. While he consistently outperforms his ADP, age and injuries make him a risky pick. In the past seven years, he’s only suited up for at least 70 contests twice, both coming in the past two seasons. James is already sidelined to start the year due to sciatica.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: PTS, AST, STL | Average: REB 3PM, FG% | Bad: BLK, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Celtics are expected to be without Jayson Tatum<\/a> for almost all of the season, leaving Jaylen Brown<\/a> as the next man up. He’s coming off a disappointing year, but he’ll have an excellent opportunity to redeem himself. The 28-year-old’s scoring, three-point shooting and assists should increase. He’s also an active rebounder and can grab steals. Brown’s primary shortcomings are his inefficiency at the free-throw line, blocks and turnovers. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if he puts together a career-best campaign.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, FT%, AST, STL | Average: REB, BLK, 3PM | Bad: FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Franz Wagner<\/a> is coming off a breakout year.\u00a0He was forced to step up while Paolo Banchero<\/a> was sidelined with a torn oblique, an injury that Wagner would later suffer. Still, he managed to post career highs in multiple categories and took a significant leap in his scoring. While the addition of Desmond Bane<\/a> could impact some of his offensive numbers, he doesn’t pose as a notable threat to the German’s fantasy stock.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, FG% | Average: REB, TO | Bad: 3PM, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n Now that Jimmy Butler<\/a> is on the Warriors and happy, managers shouldn’t be concerned about any suspensions or sit-outs. Injuries can still impact his availability, though, as the last time he suited up for more than 70 games was in 2016-17. The 36-year-old played well alongside Stephen Curry<\/a> and could improve his production after having an offseason to adjust to the team. Butler is stellar offensively, except he’s never been much of a three-point shooter. Defensively, he can also grab some boards and steals.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, PTS, FT% | Average: REB, AST, STL, BLK | Bad: FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Managers only got to see Brandon Miller<\/a> for 27 matches after he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. Still, that small sample was very promising, as his three-pointers surged and he made minor improvements across the board. However, having the ball in his hands led to a poor field goal percentage and a high turnover rate. The 22-year-old has excellent two-way upside and will have a significant workload as LaMelo Ball’s<\/a>\u00a0supporting star.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n 2025 first-overall pick Cooper Flagg<\/a> is a highly anticipated generational prospect. The former Duke product is extremely versatile and will immediately be thrust into a big role for the short-handed Mavericks. The 18-year-old is already a very polished player with no major red flags to his game, except for turnovers. Flagg’s calling card is his defence, and his ceiling is incredibly high. There’s no doubt that managers will reach for him in drafts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: STL, PTS, FG% | Average: REB, AST, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n It’s a very high-risk, high-reward decision to draft Kawhi Leonard<\/a>. He’s proven to be able to provide top-10 value, but he’s only eclipsed 70 games twice in his 13-year career. The 34-year-old underwent a knee procedure over the offseason and is reportedly healthy. That doesn’t mean he won’t still get plenty of rest days. Overall, Leonard is a very enticing player with few holes in his game. The Clipper is a guy who can do it all, even with his numbers not being what they used to be.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: STL, BLK, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n DeMar DeRozan’s<\/a> first season with the Kings resulted in his lowest fantasy ranking in years. Sharing the court with two co-stars meant he had a little bit less to do. The minor dips in multiple categories were enough to boot him from the top 50 in category leagues. But that doesn’t mean the 36-year-old isn’t a valuable asset. He offers points, assists, good shooting splits and some stocks. DeRozan’s worst stat has consistently been threes, though he averaged more than one for the second time in his career.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT% | Average: REB, STL, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n Despite being dealt to the Raptors at the trade deadline, Brandon Ingram<\/a> has yet to wear his new threads due to injury. He should finally be ready to make his debut on opening night. If he can stay healthy, the 28-year-old can have a solid two-way impact. Although, his numbers could take a slight hit from playing alongside three other high-usage players. Throughout his career, Ingram has always been turnover-prone, but injuries have limited him the most. He’s only played over 60 games once in the past four seasons.<\/p>\n Good: STL, AST, 3PM | Average: PTS, REB, BLK, FT% | Bad: FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Paul George<\/a> looked like a shell of himself after an injury-riddled season. Knee issues have plagued him for years, and he’s still rehabbing from his surgery in July. He’s expected to be ready for the start of 2025-26, but his availability issues ring alarm bells for most managers. The 76ers will be careful with him throughout the season and rest him as needed. When the 35-year-old is 100%, he’s an offensive powerhouse who can crash the board and rack up steals.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: AST, STL, BLK, FG%, BLK | Bad: REB<\/em><\/p>\n The Nuggets acquired Cameron Johnson<\/a> from the Nets over the offseason. The change of scenery surrounds him with some excellent playmakers who can complement his catch-and-shoot abilities well. That bodes well for the 29-year-old, as his best assets are his scoring and three-point shooting. However, being surrounded by all this talent points to a likely reduction in his role. It’s also discouraging that he’s played 60 games or fewer in five of his six seasons.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: REB<\/em><\/p>\n For the past two years, Mikal Bridges’<\/a> ranking has fallen to hover just inside the top 100 in category leagues. That placement didn’t come as a surprise in his first season with the Knicks, given their star-studded lineup. Even then, Bridges still did a bit of everything. But he stood out the most in the tenth category: availability. He has played all 82 games five times in his seven-year career and has never appeared in fewer than 72.<\/p>\n Good: STL, FG% | Average: REB, BLK, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST<\/em><\/p>\n This could be Ausar Thompson’s<\/a> year to break out if he’s given an increased workload. He has already proven himself to be an excellent defender, and he’s worked to develop his offensive game. The 22-year-old just needs to get his free-throw percentage up and become more involved as a scorer and playmaker.<\/p>\n Good: STL, 3PM | Average: PTS, AST, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n After returning from his foot injury, Devin Vassell<\/a> couldn’t build off his breakout in 2023-24. Instead, some of his numbers regressed. The guard\/forward struggled with inconsistency, and it doesn’t help that the Spurs made more additions. While there isn’t as much need for him to score and facilitate, he still offers some points, threes and steals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: STL, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, REB, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Jaden McDaniels<\/a> is coming off his strongest campaign yet as he ranked inside the top 100 in category formats for the first time. That was thanks to his ability to compile stocks, rebounds and points on decent splits. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, he’s continuously improved. The most frustrating aspect of McDaniel’s game is his inconsistency.<\/p>\n Good: STL, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, REB, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Last season, Toumani Camara<\/a> became a permanent member of the first unit. That promotion and his production in stocks, rebounds and threes allowed the 25-year-old to make a massive leap from his rookie to sophomore year. Camara is expected to have a similar role in 2025-26, and his defence is his calling card.<\/p>\n Good: STL | Average: PTS, REB, AST, BLK | Bad: 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Bilal Coulibaly<\/a> took his numbers up a notch in his sophomore year. The Frenchman has always been a defensive stud, but he has also flashed his developing scoring and playmaking skills. Although shooting more efficiently would raise his ranking even more. Coulibaly will miss the first few weeks of the season as he recovers from thumb surgery.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, BLK | Average: REB, STL, 3PM, TO | Bad: AST, FG%, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Andrew Wiggins<\/a> is entering his first full season with the Heat. While he had good value last year after being traded there, his usage could dip due to the addition of Norman Powell<\/a> and the team prioritizing their young guns. The 30-year-old can still be counted on to provide some two-way numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: 3PM, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Moving Bane over the offseason provides Jaylen Wells<\/a> with an opportunity to get more involved offensively. As a supporting scorer, he can increase his points and threes, which are some of the 22-year-old\u2019s best attributes. Watch out for Wells, as he\u2019s due for a sophomore leap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n There was a lot of drama around Ace Bailey<\/a> in June, but hopefully that\u2019s a thing of the past. The Rutgers product slots in as the starting small forward and should get plenty of run time, especially in silly season. The 19-year-old has strong skills in scoring, rebounding, and in stocks, while his main weaknesses are playmaking and shooting efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: STL | Average: AST, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: PTS, REB, 3PM, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The injury-riddled 76ers relied on Herbert Jones<\/a> more, but his own health issues limited him to just 20 games. He stands out most on the defensive end and should have a hefty workload this year.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: AST, REB<\/em><\/p>\n Injuries held back Aaron Nesmith<\/a> last year, but if he can stay on the court this season, he can bump up his production while Tyrese Haliburton<\/a> is out. He\u2019s flashed his ability to score, knock down threes, crash the boards and grab steals.<\/p>\n Good: AST | Average: PTS, STL, BLK, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Following his shoulder surgery in March, Ayo Dosunmu<\/a> is now ready for the 2025-26 season. There are plenty of mouths to feed on the Bulls, but the 25-year-old is a solid, versatile contributor who will work to carve out a role for himself.<\/p>\n Quentin Grimes (SG)<\/b><\/p>\n Average: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, FT%<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n The stalemate between Quentin Grimes<\/a> and the 76ers is finally over, and he’ll return to the team. He was a popular silly season pickup last year for his versatile contributions. However, he probably won’t return to that form as Philadelphia will have Jared McCain<\/a> back in a few weeks and added VJ Edgecombe<\/a> in the draft, creating a logjam at shooting guard.<\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: PTS, BLK, 3PM, FG% | Bad: AST, REB, STL, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n 2024 first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> was inconsistent for most of his rookie campaign, but started to find his footing near the end of the season. His fantasy value stemmed from points, but he needs to expand his game beyond his scoring. That may be difficult, given the Hawks\u2019 offseason additions and the fact that they are fully healthy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: PTS, 3PM, FT% | Average: STL, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, AST, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n A trade to the Cavaliers at last season\u2019s trade deadline tanked his fantasy relevance as he was demoted to a bench role. However, that could change this season, given team injuries and Max Strus<\/a>\u2019 poor performance. Hunter is good in the scoring and rebound categories.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, TO | Average: PTS, STL, FT% | Bad: REB, AST, BLK, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Dillon Brooks<\/a> was shipped to the Suns as part of the Durant trade. He doesn\u2019t offer much fantasy value, except that he can provide points and threes. He\u2019ll have the chance to contribute that with Phoenix needing more offensive firepower.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Average: PTS, REB | Bad: FT%, AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Kyle Kuzma<\/a> was one of the biggest disappointments of 2024-25, even ranking outside the top 300 in category formats. A trade to the Bucks did little to help his value. However, he has a chance to redeem himself, as the team will need more help filling a Damian Lillard<\/a>-shaped hole. Just don\u2019t get your hopes up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: AST, FT% | Average: PTS, STL, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Given his lengthy injury history and declining numbers, Khris Middleton<\/a> is a risky pick. It\u2019s also not encouraging that he\u2019s on a rebuilding team. The 34-year-old still offers some points, assists and steals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: PTS, AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG% | Bad: REB, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Over the offseason, Caris LeVert<\/a> made his way to the Pistons. He\u2019s proven to be a reliable sixth man who can step up when needed. While he\u2019s pretty versatile, he does struggle with inconsistency. Also, his role will likely be reduced due to the team\u2019s depth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: 3PM | Average: PTS, AST, STL, FT% | Bad: FG%, REB, BLK, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Jazz traded Jordan Clarkson<\/a> to the Knicks in the summer. He\u2019ll move to a reserve role where his upside will be capped. Most of his value is tied to the offensive categories, and he\u2019s also been known to struggle with availability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM, FG%, FT% | Bad: REB, AST, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s hard for guys like Aaron Wiggins<\/a> to consistently be on the fantasy radar when playing for a stacked team like the Thunder. However, he\u2019s coming off a decent campaign, during which he posted good points, threes and steals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: 3PM, TO | Average: REB, STL, BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The Suns made some roster changes, which could lead to Royce O\u2019Neale<\/a> starting. He has shown that he can deliver in multiple categories and has recorded some impressive performances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Kevin Huerter<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Brice Sensabaugh<\/a> (SG, PF)<\/p>\n Max Strus (SG)<\/p>\n Jaime Jaquez Jr.<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Naji Marshall<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Corey Kispert<\/a> (SG, PF)<\/p>\n Keldon Johnson<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Ziaire Williams<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Julian Champagnie<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Jarace Walker<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Vince Williams Jr.<\/a> (PG, SG, PF)<\/p>\n Matisse Thybulle<\/a> (SG, PF)<\/p>\n Bogdan Bogdanovic<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Bruce Brown<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Ochai Agbaji<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Josh Green<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\n Ron Holland II<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Dariq Whitehead<\/a> (SG)<\/p>\nFantasy Basketball Small Forward Tiers 2025-26<\/h2>\n
Tier 1<\/h3>\n
Kevin Durant (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 2<\/h3>\n
Jalen Williams (SG, PF, C)<\/h4>\n
LeBron James (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 3<\/h3>\n
Jaylen Brown (SG)<\/h4>\n
Franz Wagner (PF)<\/h4>\n
Jimmy Butler (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 4<\/h3>\n
Brandon Miller (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Cooper Flagg (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 5<\/h3>\n
Kawhi Leonard (PF)<\/h4>\n
DeMar DeRozan (PF)<\/h4>\n
Brandon Ingram (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Paul George (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 6<\/h3>\n
Cameron Johnson (PF)<\/h4>\n
Mikal Bridges (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Ausar Thompson (PF)<\/h4>\n
Devin Vassell (SG)<\/h4>\n
Tier 7<\/h3>\n
Jaden McDaniels (PF)<\/h4>\n
Toumani Camara (PF)<\/h4>\n
Bilal Coulibaly (SG)<\/h4>\n
Andrew Wiggins (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Jaylen Wells (SG)<\/h4>\n
Ace Bailey (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 8<\/h3>\n
Herbert Jones (PF)<\/h4>\n
Aaron Nesmith (PF)<\/h4>\n
Ayo Dosunmu (SG)<\/h4>\n
Zaccharie Risacher (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
De’Andre Hunter (PF)<\/h4>\n
Dillon Brooks (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 9<\/h3>\n
Kyle Kuzma (PF)<\/h4>\n
Khris Middleton (SG, PF)<\/h4>\n
Caris LeVert (SG)<\/h4>\n
Jordan Clarkson (PG, SG)<\/h4>\n
Aaron Wiggins (SG)<\/h4>\n
Royce O’Neale (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 10<\/h3>\n
Tier 11<\/h3>\n