Get your fantasy basketball cheat sheets ready. David Kay breaks down the top NBA power forward prospects. In case you missed them, check out David’s Point Guard, Shooting Guard, and Small Forward rankings.
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs
Nowitzki is not the three-point threat he once was and will probably see less rebounds this season with Brendan Haywood and Tyson Chandler around for an entire year. Still, Dirk is the best power forward option and worthy of a mid-first round pick.
Projected 2010-11 Fantasy Basketball Stats: 24.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 70 3PTM, 48.5 FG%, 90.0 FT%
2. Chris Bosh, Heat
Bosh is clearly the third option of the Big 3. But when defenses are collapsing on Wade and LeBron as they drive to the basket, isn’t that going to leave Bosh open for jumper after jumper? Still, his numbers will not be as high as they were when he was the alpha dog in Toronto.
Projected 2010-11 Fantasy Basketball Stats: 21.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, .75 spg, 1.0 bpg, 10 3PTM, 52.5 FG%, 81.0 FT%
3. Pau Gasol, Lakers
Gasol is still a highly rated fantasy pick and is coming off a career-high year in rebounds. Andrew Bynum’s health will directly effect Gasol’s productivity. If Bynum cannot stay healthy, Pau’s worth increases. If you go guard early in the first round, I would be okay with taking Gasol in the second round.
Projected 2010-11 Fantasy Basketball Stats: 18.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, .50 spg, 1.75 bpg, 0 3PTM, 54.5 FG%, 77.5 FT%
4. Amare Stoudemire, Knicks
Amare reunites with Mike D’Antoni and his up-tempo style in the Big Apple. I cannot help but wonder how not playing alongside Steve Nash might have a negative effect on his numbers. Then again, he is the top option in New York but that could easily change if the Knicks swing a deal for ‘Melo.
Projected 2010-11 Fantasy Basketball Stats: 23.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, .75 spg, 1.0 bpg, 5 3PTM, 54.0 FG%, 78.5 FT%
5. Josh Smith, Hawks
Smith is coming off a terrific all-around season in which he was productive in all non-shooting related categories. Since the Hawks have pretty much the same make-up as last season, expect similar numbers that could even go up a little bit if Smith can continue to mature as a player.
Projected 2010-11 Fantasy Basketball Stats: 16.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.50 spg, 2.00 bpg, 5 3PTM, 49.0 FG%, 63.5 FT%
Click here for the rest of David’s Power Forward Rankings.
Check out David’s NBA Season Preivews.