Here's a look at the Top 10 Small Forwards for the 2016-17 NBA season and don't forget to check out the rest of the Fantasy Basketball Player Rankings for this year.
1. Kevin Durant: It is no surprise that Durant enters this season as the top ranked SF. The Warrior’s broke the NBA’s record for regular season wins last season before losing in the finals, and the addition of Durant places them as the favorites to return to the finals for a third straight year. Last season, Durant averaged 28.2 points, 5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds with roughly a block and steal per game. Some may think it may take him a little while to become comfortable with his new team, but Durant went for over 20 points in his two preseason games in limited action already, and without teams being able to double team him, expect Durant to be in the MVP conversation at the end of the season.
2. Kawhi Leonard: The 25-year old is ready to lead a Spurs team without future hall of fame player Tim Duncan in their lineup. Leonard is expected to improve even more from his breakout last season in which he averaged a career high in 21.2 ppg as well as FGA and FTA. Do not expect to see 20 plus shot attempts for Leonard every game, but his ability to contribute on the defensive end with steals, blocks, and boards provides you with a player who can make up ground for you even with an off shooting night.
3. LeBron James: The reigning NBA Finals MVP is set to lead his team once again to a possible final’s rematch. Even though he now has 13 seasons under his legs, LeBron should continue hit his career average numbers of 27 points with 7 rebounds and assists per game. He has an ever improving Irving to help share the load again this year, but any team LeBron is on will still be his team, and expect to see a jump in his assist totals this year.
4. Jimmy Butler: Both of Butler’s new teammates in Wade and Rondo have both stated that this is Jimmy Butler’s team, and will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Butler has now recorded back to back 20 ppg seasons, and added 5 boards and assists per game last season. The Bulls are expected to run a more up-tempo offense, and Butler has not averaged less than 36.9 minutes per game since claiming his starting role back in 2013.
5. Paul George: George is coming off of a career best season of 23 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, and 2 steals per game. He also played in 81 games with an average of 34 min played per game. The Pacer’s will be expecting even more improvement from George this year, which can be a scary result if new head coach McMillan’s game plan works.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The “Greek Freak” has increased his production numbers in each of his first three seasons, posting career highs in points (16.9), rebounds (7.7), assists (4.3), blocks (1.4) and steals (1.2) per game. If you are looking for a player to help contribute in all categories, Giannis is one of your best options with great upside. The Bucks have not had an all-star since 2004, and believe that drought ends this season. Even though the Buck’s re-signed Giannis to a 4 year, $100 million deal, it does not go into effect until next season. The 21-year old is entering the final year of his rookie contract in which he is making just under $3 million this season.
7. Carmelo Anthony: If Anthony felt disrespected being listed as the 15th best player by SLAM, then he probably won’t like being 7th here. Even though Melo averaged 35 min in 72 games last season, his 21 ppg was the lowest since his second year in the league back in 2005. The additions of Rose and Noah will help the Knicks, but do not think it helps Anthony’s number increase. He is healthy, and coming off a third gold medal making him ready to go one day one.
8. Rudy Gay: Gay never looked comfortable last season as he had to play out of position many times, as due to this, had a drop in production. Gay averaged less than 2 assists last season, and his 17.2 ppg was tied for his lowest since his rookie season. This season looks to be different with the Kings not having Rondo or Karl. He’s averaging 4 assists per game through the first four preseason games, and new coach Joerger has moved Gay back into his comfort zone. Expect a nice bounce back year from Rudy Gay.
9. Tobias Harris: Harris was traded last year mid-season to the Pistons, and helped lead a second half surge to reach the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Harris looked much more at ease in Detroit, and increased his production from 13.7 to 16.6 ppg. Van Gundy has praised Harris, and after having a full training camp, Harris is in position to be one of the leaders of this team.
10. Danilo Gallinari: Danilo had career high numbers last season in FGA (13.2), FTA (8.2) and PPG (19.5), while also chipping in about 5 boards and 2.5 assists. Danilo’s problem was more about his health, as he played in only 53 games last season, and hasn’t played in more 59 in three of his four full season with Denver so far. When healthy, and able to drive to the basket, he is the best player on the Nugget’s, but does come with the health risk.