There are many ways to gain an edge in fantasy basketball but none is more obvious than selecting a player that is eligible at multiple positions. The combo forward is certainly one of the most unique. The small forward position is one of the most challenging to fill with quality production – especially when you consider that a guy like Carmelo Anthony missed most of the season – but if you can get a power forward that can fill both roles, that can help ease the burden. There’s usually a wealth of talent at power forward, so this is often a way to get an edge on your opponents.
With that in mind, here’s a list of the best power forward-small forward hybrids from this past season:
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
It’s interesting to note that Green might not be a member of the Warriors by the time next year’s NBA fantasy drafts get underway but regardless of where he ends up, he will be an excellent SF/PF. Green was one of the biggest value finds in drafts this past year.
We heard general manager Bob Myers talk about starting him off with a 12-minute average but Green ended up being one of the key cogs on the championship team. He averaged just 11.7 points per game this season but it was his ability to stuff the stat sheet in different areas that made him such a fantasy stud as he also averaged 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 threes per game in 79 regular season outings. Green’s ability to contribute across the board and consistently contribute in so many different areas is what makes him so special. He won’t be a bargain-basement steal next year, though.
[related_post_one]
Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
Middleton is another pending free agent, although he is expected to be back in Milwaukee next season since the team has a ton of cap space to spend this summer. Middleton averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 three-point shots per game in 79 regular season games. Those are great numbers for someone who flies under the radar are most draft boars. That production put him right behind Green in terms of fantasy points per game for a SF/PF. Middleton is still just 23 years old and is on the rise. Considering his importance on a young Bucks team, he could very well improve his regular season averages and take another step forward next season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The second Milwaukee player to land on this list is Antetokounmpo. The 20-year-old wing that took a major step forward with the Bucks this past season. The Greek Freak averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals per game in 81 contests during the regular season. He’s already been working on his outside shot this offseason, so if he starts adding threes to the mix, he’s going to be of great value at the power forward position as that’s a luxury. Like Middleton, he will have every opportunity to showcase his skills as a key starter on an improving young Milwaukee team next season.
Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic
Harris finally figured out how to shoot the ball from beyond the arc last season and his ability to hit threes really helped his development from a fantasy perspective. Harris averaged 17.1points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 three-point shots in 68 games for a young Magic team. He’s only 23 years old and should be on the rise but keep an eye on his relationship with new head coach Scott Skiles. The two have clashed previously.
Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
Speaking of young players eligible at both the SF and PF positions, Covington is another name to keep a close eye on following his performance this past year. Covington averaged 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.4 three-point shots per game and like the other names on this list, his eligibility at multiple positions on fantasy rosters helped set him apart. Covington is still just 24 years old and will have every opportunity to showcase his skills in Philadelphia again next year as they have tons of playing time available.
