Power Forward Draft Tiers for the 2024–25 NBA Season

The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching, and with point totals dropping and fantasy basketball categories declining, it's time to take a closer look at my rankings by position. I've covered point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards, and next up are power forwards.

NOTE: Only some players will be analyzed if they are listed in the tiers below. Players with multi-position eligibility will only appear in the position tier in which they played the most minutes last season or are expected to play this season.

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The power forward landscape in fantasy basketball is loaded with talent in the first three rounds. Up-and-coming talents like Evan Mobley and Jalen Johnson are poised to break out, while Jonathan Kuminga could be the sleeping giant around pick 100. The PF position is fairly well-stocked, with many veterans in various categories that can add value to your roster. And for point leagues, players like Jerami Grant, Bobby Portis, and rookie Alex Sarr are later-round options to consider.

Level 1: The Elite PFs

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

• Giannis isn't just a top-four option in point leagues; he's a game-changer. While you'll have to strategize around his weak free throws in category formats, the consistent 30-10-5 performance you get from him as a first-round pick is a solid investment.

• A consistent first-round pick, Tatum offers the perfect blend of power and consistency. As the top option on the best basketball team, Tatum is a valuable player to build around in any format.

• There is some injury risk, but KD is as efficient as can be. A 50/40/90 threat who touches nearly every category, it's hard to ignore in any format. Durant has never finished worse than 12th in per-game value since his rookie season.

Level 2: All-Star caliber PFs

1. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

3. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

4. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

• Chet Holmgren slides into the PF with Isaiah Hartenstein in the building. Holmgren costs an early to mid-second round pick, which is justified given his performance with potential on blocks.

• Scottie Barnes is one of the most versatile wing players in fantasy basketball. Barnes brings the stats and counting skills that are valuable in any format; his breakout season last year was real.

• The departure of Paul George opens up more opportunities for Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi would be in the elite class if he didn't have such an availability issue. Therefore, Leonard's ADP in the third round is reasonable as he is one of the most efficient wing players who is secure on defense despite his injury history.

• The Grizzlies' season was ruined by injuries, but JJJ managed to play over 60 games for the third straight season. Jackson Jr.'s blocks were weak last season, so hopefully, at his more natural position as a defensive player, he can revive the defensive numbers that fantasy managers have come to expect from the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Stage 3: PFs in early rounds

1. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

2. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

3. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

4. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

• The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to put the ball back in play, and while that could be a concern, I'm more excited about Evan Mobley's prospects as he enters his fourth NBA season. We've seen his efficiency gradually improve, and with new head coach Kenny Atkinson in the build, we'll see Mobley's versatility showcased even more than under JB Bickerstaff.

• The Hawks are in a weird spot, but that doesn't affect how good Jalen Johnson will be. Johnson is a stat stuffer whose only weakness is his free throw shooting (and even that is getting better).

• I'm bullish on Paolo Banchero because his stats are strong. After earning his first All-Star title last season and the Magic clearly moving like contenders, he's in for a great third season. The lack of 3-pointers and turnovers is a challenge for nine-category leagues, but with the right build, he's a solid all-around player. In point leagues, he's a beast.

Stage 4: PFs in the middle of the round

1. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

2. Julius Randle, New York Knicks

3. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

4. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons

5. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

6. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

• In the case of Julius Randle, it's about how much he has to sacrifice or give up on offense, if anything. A sixth-round ADP is reasonable considering what we know of him as a rebounder and passer from the PF spot.

• The reports that Zion Williamson is in shape seem to be true. Considering Zion played in 70 games last year, that should bode well for his fantasy prospects. Few big men offer as much assist potential in the middle rounds of drafts as Zion.

• Playoff Tobias Harris should be mentioned in the same category as Playoff P (Paul George). Harris has obviously had enough of Philly and now lands in an ideal position as a second option in Detroit. He is a boringly consistent and durable mid-round pick.

Level 5: Young (or rather young) PFs with potential

1. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

2. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

3. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

4. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

5. Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz

6. Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs

• The arrival of DeMar DeRozan has curbed Keegan Murray's potential, but he remains a coveted three-point specialist who rarely loses the ball. You can grab Murray in the seventh round.

• Jabari Smith Jr. made huge strides in his sophomore season, increasing his shooting percentage as well as his FG and 3-point percentages. If he can pile up more stock, Smith could make the next leap.

• The Warriors are finally ready to let go of Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga's athleticism is unmatched and with his starting position secured, he is poised for a breakout season as the likely second option on the Warriors offense.

• Naz Reid won the Sixth Man of the Year award for a reason – he's nice. Reid will be a staple in the Wolves' rotation in the ninth and tenth rounds and a reliable bench player for any fantasy manager.

• Taylor Hendricks is gaining momentum as the Jazz' starting PF. In 23 starts over the final two months of his rookie year, Hendricks shot 61% (league average is 58%). Hendricks can shoot 3s, grab rebounds and is a crafty defender who comes late in drafts.

Level 6: Uninspiring but usable PFs

1. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

2. Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

3. PJ Washington Jr., Dallas Mavericks

4. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

5. Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers

6. Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls

7. Caleb Martin, Philadelphia 76ers

8. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic

• Jerami Grant is one of the few 20-point shooters near the ninth/tenth round of the draft. Grant doesn't fit the Blazers' schedule, so a move to a contender could be just what he needs to revamp his defensive and rebounding stats.

• Bobby Portis Jr. is part of Doc Rivers' circle of trust, so his playing time is assured. He's another 10th-round pick who provides points, rebounds and solid supporting performance despite coming off the bench.

Level 7: Young PF Watchlist

1. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets

2. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards

3. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

4. Nikola Jovic, Miami Heat

• Remember, the Nets are in rebuilding mode, so Noah Clowney is bound to get a healthy dose of minutes this season. Clowney finished in the 92nd percentile in points scored per shot attempt and the 96th percentile in blocks per minute in his rookie season – pretty strong numbers for a 20-year-old. With a 13th-round ADP, Clowney is worth a shot.

• Keep an eye out for Matas Buzelis. If Zach LaVine gets traded or Patrick Williams messes up, the rookie from Chicago could emerge as a fantasy asset. Buzelis is athletic, handles well, and possesses some playmaking and two-way skills. Don't sleep on him.

Level 8: PFs with bench depth

1. Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers

2. Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics

3. Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

4. Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles Clippers

5. Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks

6. Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs

7. Grant Williams, Charlotte Hornets

8. Dario Saric, Denver Nuggets

9. Xavier Tillman Sr., Boston Celtics

10. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

11. Jabari Walker, Portland Trail Blazers

12. Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets

13. Trey Lyles, Sacramento Kings