Most Surprising Fantasy Small Forwards of the NBA's First Half

By Vincent Frank on Tuesday, February 14th 2017
Most Surprising Fantasy Small Forwards of the NBA's First Half

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Position Ranking: 2nd

Preseason Small Forward ADP: 4th

It's not that the Greek Freak is actually ranked higher than his preseason ADP. Anyone who has followed the career of this young man knows full well just how good he is going to be. Heck, already was prior to this season. Instead, it's all about the fact that he's currently ranked higher than LeBron James. Let that sink in for a second before concluding what Antetokounmpo has done isn't surprising. 

Thus far this season, the youngster is averaging 23.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. My word. He also ranks third among all forwards in fantasy consistency, having put up 30-plus fantasy points in 91 percent of his game this season. That's just absurd. 

 

Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz

Position Ranking: 8th

Preseason Small Forward ADP: 13th

Hayward has been so good this season that he should definitely be mentioned as an under-the-radar MVP candidate. No, really. Here's a dude that is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Those numbers all rank within the top seven of small forwards thus far on the season. That's just tremendous all-around play. 

What really makes Hayward's fantasy relevance seem even more ridiculous than first imagined is the fact that he ranks in the top five among his position in consistency. With a preseason ADP outside of the top-12 small forwards, these are all just simply tremendous. They also lead us to believe Hayward will continue to be relevant following the All-Star break. 

 

Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks

Position Ranking: 8th

Preseason Small Forward ADP: 18th

Not many people figured Barnes would be able to live up to the max contract he earned after the Golden State Warriors replaced him with Kevin Durant. And while the Mavericks have been just horrible this season, Barnes surely has proven his worth. 

Considered a backup option at best heading into the season, Barnes is currently the NBA's eighth-best fantasy small forward. He's averaging 20.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting at a stellar 48 percent from the field. Not only has this made him a surprise fantasy performer, it's enabled the still young wing to perform at a consistent clip. In fact, he ranks eighth in fantasy consistency as well. Not too shabby, Harrison. 

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Scores

Suns
88
Lakers
86
Jazz
88
Pelicans
107
Clippers
33
Timberwolves
38
Nets
110
Spurs
126
Pacers
109
Hornets
133
76ers
124
Heat
117
Bulls
112
Trail Blazers
121
Magic
108
Rockets
113
Mavericks
121
Kings
130
Hawks
126
Wizards
96
Pistons
124
Thunder
116
Raptors
107
Spurs
110
Grizzlies
112
Warriors
133
Rockets
128
Kings
97
Bucks
118
Cavaliers
116
Nuggets
103
Celtics
84
7:00 PM ET
Pistons
-
Cavaliers
-
7:30 PM ET
Celtics
-
Nets
-
8:00 PM ET
Bucks
-
Knicks
-
8:30 PM ET
Mavericks
-
Grizzlies
-
9:30 PM ET
Thunder
-
Nuggets
-