The small forward position remains a valuable aspect of the NBA landscape as the 2025-26 season approaches. Despite the spotlight often shining on flashy guards and versatile centers, there is a wealth of talent among small forwards that shouldn’t be overlooked. Below, we delve into the fantasy tiers for the leading small forwards ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

Tier 1

LeBron James, at 41 years old, continues to be a model of excellence and endurance. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he is expected to shine once again. This will mark the start of his record-setting 23rd NBA season. Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds across 70 games.

“LeBron James remains an elite player at the position even as the team shifts toward Luka Doncic.” “LeBron James maintain’s his status as a premier player despite a changing team dynamic.”

Jalen Williams played a pivotal role in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory last season, proving himself as a do-it-all forward with All-Star potential. His averages for the 2024-25 season were robust, with 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

Jaylen Brown is positioned to capitalize on increased opportunities following roster shifts within the Boston Celtics, potentially leading to a career-best season.

Tier 2

This tier includes players who may be All-Stars but are also plagued by some concerns. Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant are examples of former stars who are now hindered due to injuries but can still contribute significantly when fit.

Tier 3

Tier 3 players like Josh Hart offer good value picks across different formats. Hart is renowned as a versatile player in the league, excelling as a strong rebounder.

Tier 4

Trey Murphy is a solid option to roster, providing stable contributions in various scoring categories. Players such as Andrew Wiggins are also recommended for pickup due to their consistent scoring abilities.

Tier 5

Finally, players like Jaden McDaniels have made significant improvements, and scouting reports indicate they could be worthwhile selections in later rounds of drafts.

Throughout this breakdown, we see the solid foundation and depth that the small forward position holds as we gear up for another exciting NBA season.