With the NBA season just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the best fantasy players for this season. With most fantasy drafts set to take place this week it’s important to dissect the players and break down the pre-season rankings for each position.
This particular article will explore the top power forwards that can help your fantasy team out this season. There’s no doubt that some of the best players in the entire NBA are on our power forward list, so landing one of these top players could be the difference between winning and losing for your fantasy team this season.
Productive big men are hard to find in the NBA these days, so having one of the most productive power forwards on your team can have a major impact on your success this season. Make sure you take the time to check out the whole list to prepare yourself for your draft.
15. DeMarcus Cousins: PF, C, Sacramento Kings
2011-12 Projections: 16.1 PPG, 2.9 APG, 9.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The biggest concern for Cousins when he came into the league was his attitude. While he has had a few problems with that during his young career it does seem that he is beginning to get control of his emotions on the court. Still, Cousins is an aggressive player that plays with plenty of emotion. With Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and now Jimmer Fredette drawing a lot of the defensive attention, Cousins should see an increase in his numbers this season.
14. Gerald Wallace: PF, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 16.1 PPG, 2.3 APG, 8.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Gerald Wallace is one of those players that never has plays drawn up for him but always manages to get his numbers anyways. Wallace has struggled with injuries in the past, but has managed to remain healthy over the last few seasons. This will be his first full season in Portland, and he could certainly benefit from the talent he has around him. With the defense focused on players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Jamal Crawford, Wallace will find plenty of opportunities to crash the boards and get easy buckets. If he can stay healthy again this season, Wallace has the potential to be an elite fantasy forward.
———————————————–
Join our $500 Fantasy Basketball Tournament – It’s FREE
———————————————–
13. David Lee: PF, C, Golden State Warriors
2011-12 Projections: 17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 10.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
After several productive seasons with the New York Knicks Lee saw his numbers take a dip during his first year in Golden State. While part of that was due to an early-season elbow injury, Lee ended up having trouble living up to his draft position in many leagues. However, he finished the season strong and is looking to continue his high level of play this year. With Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis running the backcourt Lee should get plenty of rebound opportunities, which can result in easy buckets.
12. Joakim Noah: PF, C, Chicago Bulls
2011-12 Projections: 14.4 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Noah has been a frustrating fantasy player for many of his owners over the course of his career. He has plenty of potential, but always seems to get hurt at the most inopportune time. Plus, when Carlos Boozer arrived in Chicago last season Noah’s numbers decreased as well. If Noah is able to stay healthy in 2011-12 he should produce solid fantasy numbers that will make him a productive reserve forward or center.
11. Zach Randolph: PF, Memphis Grizzlies
2011-12 Projections: 20.3 PPG, 2.1 APG, 11.8 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Following Memphis’ run to the Western Conference Semi-Finals last season Randolph is being looked at as one of the players with the most fantasy potential in 2011-12. Randolph was a major offensive catalyst for the Grizzlies during the post-season, and many fantasy players are looking for him to sustain those numbers for this season. While Randolph should have a solid season, it will be tough for him to match the production he put up against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round last April.
Next Page: Top 5 Fantasy Power Forwards
10. Al Horford: PF, C, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 15.9 PPG, 3.7 APG, 9.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG
The Atlanta Hawks have been a team looking to take the next step for about four years now but have been unable to do it. Horford has been a solid player since being drafted by the team out of Florida back in 2007. He has established himself as one of the top forwards in the league, and might see his numbers increase this season. After Atlanta lost Jamal Crawford to free agency there will be more shots to go around. This means Horford might find himself getting more attempts at the basket, but it might also hurt his shooting percentage in the process.
9. Chris Bosh: PF, C, Miami Heat
2011-12 Projections: 19.6 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.7 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Not surprisingly, Bosh was the biggest superstar to suffer statistically when he, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James teamed up in Miami. He had trouble finding his role within the offense, but by the end of the season was arguably more productive than even James. With another season of practice and familiarity under his belt with his Heat teammates Bosh should have a better season than the one he had a year ago.
———————————————–
Join our $500 Fantasy Basketball Tournament – It’s FREE
———————————————–
8. Blake Griffin: PF, Los Angeles Clippers
2011-12 Projections: 23.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 12.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Nobody will benefit more from the addition of Chris Paul to the Clippers than Blake Griffin. Still, Griffin is a risky fantasy pick, especially early in drafts. After a stellar breakout season in 2011, people have climbed over one another to get on the Blake Griffin bandwagon. But remember, Griffin missed all of 2009-10 after a season-ending injury in the pre-season. If he’s able to stay healthy this season he should have another stellar year, but until he’s managed to play more than 50 percent of his games as a pro it’s important to consider his history.
7. Josh Smith: PF, SF, Atlanta Hawks
2011-12 Projections: 17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Josh Smith offers fantasy owners a versatility that is nearly unmatched. While he doesn’t get all the hustle stats that he once did anymore, he’s still a very valuable addition to every fantasy roster. With the loss of Jamal Crawford, the Hawks will have to find scoring from other sources this season. One of those sources certainly seems to be Smith, who is looking to improve on his 16.5 PPG average from a year ago. Smith will also offer fantasy owners more blocks than nearly any other player at his position, and can be used as a small forward/power forward hybrid when needed.
6. Al Jefferson: PF, C, Utah Jazz
2011-12 Projections: 20.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 BPG
The Utah Jazz are going to be bad this season. Very, very bad. Now, while this isn’t always a deterrent for fantasy players, with Jefferson it might be. It doesn’t help that the Jazz drafted center Enes Kanter out of Kentucky in last summer’s NBA Draft. The arrival of Kanter, as well as Derrick Favors and Paul Millsap are all going to take away some of Jefferson’s minutes and touches this season. While Jefferson will still be one of Utah’s strongest options, don’t expect him to be as dominant as he has been in the past.
Next Page: Top 5 Fantasy Power Forwards
5. LaMarcus Aldridge: PF, C, Portland Trail Blazers
2011-12 Projections: 20.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Aldridge was one of the biggest All-Star snubs last season, and proved it as he averaged career highs practically across the board. This could be the season that Aldridge goes next level, and establishes himself as one of the top forwards in the league. Without Brandon Roy the Blazers will need Aldridge to lead the team on and off the court, and if he’s up to the challenge his numbers should benefit greatly. Aldridge is one of the most skilled, versatile power forwards in the Western Conference, and should have a very strong season.
4. Pau Gasol: PF, C, Los Angeles Lakers
2011-12 Projections: 18.6 PPG, 3.3 APG, 10.3 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG
The 7-foot Spaniard started last season on an absolute tear. In fact, for the first quarter of the year many considered him an early MVP candidate. However, Gasol’s season ended in disappointment as he performed a disappearing act in the post-season. To cap that off he spent most of the off-season at the center of trade rumors, and was even traded to Houston before the league vetoed the trade. Still, when he’s on his game Gasol is one of the most productive fantasy players in the league. Gasol is a strong scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. He’s also one of the most efficient big men in the NBA.
———————————————–
Join our $500 Fantasy Basketball Tournament – It’s FREE
———————————————–
3. Dirk Nowitzki: PF, Dallas Mavericks
2011-12 Projections: 23.3 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.2 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Dirk’s unbelievable tear through the post-season helped erase the memory of his worst fantasy season in nine years. While Dirk’s numbers probably will be very similar this year, he is still one of the best PF options in the game. His ability to put up 25-30 points on any given night is hard to match at this position. Another strong feature of Dirk’s is his ability to stay on the court. In his 12 seasons as a member of the NBA, Nowitzki has missed a total of just 38 games due to injury.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire: PF, C, New York Knicks
2011-12 Projections: 25.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 8.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG
Entering his second season as a member of the New York Knicks, Amar’e Stoudemire is looking to have another solid statistical season. This will also be the first full season he will play with teammate Carmelo Anthony. Now, generally it is not ideal for fantasy production to have two superstar players on the same team. But, Stoudemire and Anthony seem to play well off one another. Stoudemire should still see strong offensive numbers in 2011-12, and may even see an increase in his blocks as well under head coach Mike D’Antoni’s defensive scheme.
1. Kevin Love: PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
2011-12 Projections: 20.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 15.3 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Last season Kevin Love had one of the most impressive fantasy seasons in recent history. It culminated in a 30-30 performance that was the first such accomplishment in 28 years. Love’s numbers should continue to impress this season as he is once again the best player on a not-so-great team. Love is a rebounding machine that thrives in the paint, making him the perfect power forward pick. While Love isn’t the best defensive option at power forward, his offensive production more than makes up for his lacking numbers on the defensive end.
Make sure you’re prepared for your fantasy draft with our complete fantasy rankings. Check out the top fantasy point guards, shooting guards, fantasy small forwards and centers as well.