5 Dynasty Power Forwards to Watch - NBA Fantasy Basketball by Noah Rubin

Today, we’re talking about power forwards as our dynasty positional series continues!

Jalen Johnson

After taking a huge leap during the 2023-24 season, Johnson was on his way to taking another one this year. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cut that short, and he only played 36 games. During those games, he averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 block,s and 1.2 threes per game. Johnson has been limited by injuries in each of his first two seasons as a starter, but he has taken major strides when he’s on the floor. At only 23 years old, he still has plenty of room to grow. He definitely should be considered among the elite assets in every format moving forward.

Toumani Camara

After being drafted 52nd overall by Phoenix and traded to Portland as part of the Deandre Ayton deal ahead of last season, Camara was solid as a rookie. However, he was able to take another step forward in year two. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 1.5 steals and 1.7 threes per game. Most of his impact will come on the defensive end, which is why he received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, but he also made improvements on the offensive end. He is arguably the best player to come out of the Ayton trade, and he is an integral piece for Portland moving forward. I’m expecting the 25-year-old to continue to improve.

Keegan Murray

Year three was a disappointing one for Murray. The addition of DeMar DeRozan over the summer made him less of a priority on offense, and the trade that sent out De’Aaron Fox and brought back Zach LaVine didn’t help that. He averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.0 threes per game. Sacramento has a new GM who will implement his vision for this team, but with the way the roster is currently constructed, Murray may end up left on the back burner once again. He has the ability to continue to produce solid value for a long time, but this situation isn’t ideal for him.

Naz Reid

Reid actually improved his production from the 2023-24 season, which was when he was named Sixth Man of the Year. However, he didn’t even end up as a finalist for the award this season. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 threes per game, all of which were career highs. Both Reid and Julius Randle have a player option this summer, and Reid will certainly decline his in order to get a larger contract. While he could certainly remain in Minnesota, Reid will have a chance to start and shine with other teams. If Reid chooses to depart (don’t hate me Minnesota fans), he’ll quickly become a fantasy stud.

Zion Williamson

Williamson was only available for 30 games, but he was fantastic when he was on the floor. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks in just 28.6 minutes per game. Williamson has taken real strides as a playmaker and a defender; the assists, steals and blocks were all career highs despite his minutes being the second-lowest of his career. He has made genuine improvements, and now there is a new front office to decide whether or not to continue building this team around him. Situation matters way less for Zion than health. He played 70 games during the 2023-24 season. If he can get back to that, he’ll see his value skyrocket.

Check back next week as we wrap up this series with centers!

Noah Rubin - NBC Sports Rotoworld

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Robbin Marx

NBA Fantasy Analyst

Experience: NBC Sports - Rotoworld, HashTag Basketball, Bleav Network