15 Best Fantasy Power Forwards for 2011-12

Daniel Buerge
15 Min Read

With the NBA season just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the best fantasy players for this season. With most fantasy drafts set to take place this week it’s important to dissect the players and break down the pre-season rankings for each position.

This particular article will explore the top power forwards that can help your fantasy team out this season. There’s no doubt that some of the best players in the entire NBA are on our power forward list, so landing one of these top players could be the difference between winning and losing for your fantasy team this season.

Productive big men are hard to find in the NBA these days, so having one of the most productive power forwards on your team can have a major impact on your success this season. Make sure you take the time to check out the whole list to prepare yourself for your draft.

15. DeMarcus Cousins: PF, C, Sacramento Kings

2011-12 Projections: 16.1 PPG, 2.9 APG, 9.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 BPG

The biggest concern for Cousins when he came into the league was his attitude. While he has had a few problems with that during his young career it does seem that he is beginning to get control of his emotions on the court. Still, Cousins is an aggressive player that plays with plenty of emotion. With Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton and now Jimmer Fredette drawing a lot of the defensive attention, Cousins should see an increase in his numbers this season.

14. Gerald Wallace: PF, SF, Portland Trail Blazers

2011-12 Projections: 16.1 PPG, 2.3 APG, 8.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Gerald Wallace is one of those players that never has plays drawn up for him but always manages to get his numbers anyways. Wallace has struggled with injuries in the past, but has managed to remain healthy over the last few seasons. This will be his first full season in Portland, and he could certainly benefit from the talent he has around him. With the defense focused on players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Jamal Crawford, Wallace will find plenty of opportunities to crash the boards and get easy buckets. If he can stay healthy again this season, Wallace has the potential to be an elite fantasy forward.

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13. David Lee: PF, C, Golden State Warriors

2011-12 Projections: 17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG, 10.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

After several productive seasons with the New York Knicks Lee saw his numbers take a dip during his first year in Golden State. While part of that was due to an early-season elbow injury, Lee ended up having trouble living up to his draft position in many leagues. However, he finished the season strong and is looking to continue his high level of play this year. With Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis running the backcourt Lee should get plenty of rebound opportunities, which can result in easy buckets.

12. Joakim Noah: PF, C, Chicago Bulls

2011-12 Projections: 14.4 PPG, 2.0 APG, 10.7 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Noah has been a frustrating fantasy player for many of his owners over the course of his career. He has plenty of potential, but always seems to get hurt at the most inopportune time. Plus, when Carlos Boozer arrived in Chicago last season Noah’s numbers decreased as well. If Noah is able to stay healthy in 2011-12 he should produce solid fantasy numbers that will make him a productive reserve forward or center.

11. Zach Randolph: PF, Memphis Grizzlies

2011-12 Projections: 20.3 PPG, 2.1 APG, 11.8 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Following Memphis’ run to the Western Conference Semi-Finals last season Randolph is being looked at as one of the players with the most fantasy potential in 2011-12. Randolph was a major offensive catalyst for the Grizzlies during the post-season, and many fantasy players are looking for him to sustain those numbers for this season. While Randolph should have a solid season, it will be tough for him to match the production he put up against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round last April.

Next Page: Top 5 Fantasy Power Forwards

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Daniel is the former Managing Editor of LakersNation. He has also written for SLAM, ESPN and other various publications. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielbuergeLA