Our player ranking by position continues from the power forwards to the small forwards. Very similar to the depth around the league at the center position, the small forward spot is dearth of quality players outside of the top ten.
The production from this bunch is going to be relatively similar; however, if you can find yourself a player in a good situation and who might just bust out, then you could make some real headway in your fantasy league.
The way I see it, there are a couple players that could really generate some fantasy points this season. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to use a late-round pick on Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio or Michael Beasley from Phoenix. Both will see an increase in playing time and scoring opportunities.
Here are the Edraft rankings for small forwards 11- 25:
11- Danilo Gallinari – Denver Nuggets
The last three seasons are fairly indicative of what to expect out Gallinari. Similar like averages of 14.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.5 apg should be within reach again. Unfortunately along with the consistency in terms of fantasy production; you also get the repetitive injuries. Already complaining of a sore back this early in the preseason is not a good sign for Gallinari or the Nuggets. Still a very viable fantasy option, at least you know what you’re going to get.
12- Andrei Kirilenko – Minnesota Timberwolves
The previous four season for Kirilenko have almost been mirror images of one another. Now with a fresh start in Minnesota, he will be called upon to contribute like he did while in Utah. Signed to a two year contract for $20 million, he will not be languishing on the bench; expect him to start and get around 30 minutes a night. Paired with his Russian running-mate in Alexey Shved, the comfort level for Kirilenko should be high. Expect solid fantasy production out of Kirilenko this season.
13- Gordon Hayward – Utah Jazz
A player better suited for the shooting guard position; however, has been playing small forward for the Utah Jazz. Coming off a descent year that saw 11.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.1 apg. Not a prolific scorer as he posted ten games with twenty or more points while only having one game with double digit rebounds. Hayward was consistent in his play, but he lacks that potential to get you a huge fantasy night. The Jazz also brought in Marvin Williams this off-season, and the duo will likely share playing time at the forward spots.
14- Kawhi Leonard – San Antonio Spurs
Gregg Popovich is touting this player as the next great thing and who are we to argue. Leonard has all the characteristics of greatness and a coach that recognizes his potential. With Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan still commanding the ball, Leonard will have to capitalize on his chances when they come his way. Last season saw Leonard get 24 minutes of court time a night, and with that he did make the most of his chances as he shot nearly .500 from the field and averaged 7.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Look for an increase in playing time and an increase in fantasy value.
15- Michael Beasley – Phoenix Suns
This year could be a coming out party for Michael Beasley in Phoenix. The Suns roster is thin on talent and scorers. Beasley is the most explosive scorer on the team, and should get plenty of reps at the small forward spot. Last season in Minnesota, Beasley only started seven games and posted averages of 11.5 ppg and 4.4 rpg. The season before that saw him start 73 games and post averages of 19.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.2 apg. Beasley will be the starting small forward and the Suns are hoping for a return to his starter-like averages. I really like Beasley as a late round pickup.
16- Shawn Marion – Dallas Mavericks
Still a very productive player at 34 years of age, Marion started all 63 games last season and logged over 30 minutes per game. Still averaging over 10 ppg and close to 7.5 rpg make Marion a viable fantasy option. Don’t draft off name recognition, Marion scored over 20 points in a game only three times, but still managed to get 12 double-doubles on the year. No longer a prolific scorer or a great rebounder; Marion knows his place on the team and still contributes within those limitations.
17- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Charlotte Bobcats
The second overall selection in the NBA Entry draft; the Bobcats will let this versatile player be himself and learn from experience. Kidd-Gilchrist will get plenty of minutes and lots of room to create in the offence. No reason to put the reins on this young man, they will cut him loose and see what they kind of player they got. Not a bad gamble at the small forward spot due to the incredible lack of depth league wide.
18- Trevor Ariza – Washington Wizards
Entering his first season in Washington, Ariza is looking to contribute for the up-start Wizards squad. A descent scoring option on the wing, Ariza manages to get about 10-12 ppg, his rebounding is average with about 5 per contest. Downfall for Ariza is his shooting percentages from the field; where he chucks them up at a 40% clip. Ariza figures to be in the starting rotation; however, with Bradley Beal, John Wall, Nene and Emeka Okafor, it would seem that Ariza is the odd-man out when it comes to scoring options. I’m not high on Ariza having a good year.
19- Corey Maggette – Detroit Pistons
This 13 year NBA veteran is still contributing nicely to fantasy rosters. Maggette was acquired by the Detroit Pistons in the off-season, and is slated to be the starting small forward for them. So long as Maggette is getting starter’s minutes, he is a nice option. I prefer to draft guys who are going to start rather than someone who gets 25 minutes off the bench, as the flow and rhythm for a starter can equate to more minutes in the game and thusly better production. Not a bad late round pickup.
20- Tayshaun Prince – Detroit Pistons
Tayshaun’s fantasy value has been very consistent over the previous few seasons as his ppg, rpg and apg haven’t changed much at all. This season they might take a bit of a hit with the emergence of Brandon Knight and Greg Munroe likely becoming the offensive centrepieces. It seems highly unlikely that coach Lawrence Frank is going to be taking Prince out of the starting lineup in so much as Prince has started every game he’s played in but for two since the 2003-04 season. Even with Corey Maggette on the roster, Prince should see minutes at both the small forward and power forward spots.
21- Terrence Ross – Toronto Raptors
Ross was selected in the first round of the NBA Entry draft by the Raptors this past season. A very skilled player coming out of University of Washington, he should be the team’s starter right from the beginning. The Raptors don’t have much roster depth at the position, so Ross should get quite a bit of leeway as the season progresses. A little under-sized for small forward, Ross might also see minutes at the shooting guard spot which could increase his fantasy value.
22- Hedo Turkoglu – Orlando Magic
I’m not keen on Turkoglu this season. His shooting touch seems to have vacated him and his unwillingness to bang bodies for rebounds hurts his fantasy value. Without an inside presence to draw defenders; Turkoglu’s shots will be contested. If a NBA player is going to make his livelihood as a shooter, one better shoot better than average from the field and beyond the arc. Turkoglu is an average shooter who packages himself as a sharpshooter. Until that shooting rhythm is found I would stay away.
23- Harrison Barnes – Golden State Warriors
Another rookie looking to make a mark is the seventh overall selection, Harrison Barnes. Currently looking at a platoon role with Richard Jefferson, he will not be getting the same offensive latitude as Kidd-Gilchrist will in Charlotte. Again not a bad gamble and should Barnes win out on the starting spot then he should produce some solid fantasy numbers.
24- Chandler Parsons – Houston Rockets
Parsons was in a platoon-like situation last year as he shared minutes with the now departed Chase Budinger. Parsons was likely looking forward to getting a chance as the starter this season and then the Rockets went out and acquired Carlos Delfino. I have to figure that Delfino is going to the starter here. Not a terribly effective player, nor a great fantasy option at the small forward spot. Couple with the uncertainty with the Rockets and their lineup configurations, I would avoid Parsons.
25- Lamar Odom – Los Angeles Clippers
Last season was a complete write off for Lamar Odom, so we should discount the stats greatly. A fresh start back in LA, this time with the Clippers should reinvigorate Odom. I don’t see him getting 30 minutes of court time a night though, as he will be in a platoon role behind Blake Griffin, Caron Butler and Grant Hill. Based on his role in the offense, I envision averages around 9 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Those numbers hardly equate to top notch fantasy production out your small forward.
Best of the Rest – Potential waiver wire pickups:
Richard Jefferson – Golden State Warriors
Grant Hill – LA Clippers
Caron Butler – LA Clippers
James Johnson – Sacramento Kings
Marvin Williams – Utah Jazz
Carlos Delfino – Houston Rockets
Alonzo Gee – Cleveland Cavaliers
Dorell Wright – Philadelphia 76ers