The 2016-17 NBA season is close to wrapping up but from an NBA fantasy perspective, the preparations have begun for next year. We’re already taking a look at what moves will play out in free agency and what will happen at the 2017 NBA Draft.
It’s never too early to begin assessing the talent at each position and in particularly the difference between players that could be on their way up and players that could be on the decline. Here is a look at the biggest NBA fantasy risers and fallers at the small forward position.
Risers
Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
Julius Randle is a definite breakout candidate at the power forward position for the Lakers and it shouldn’t be a surprise that Ingram is on this list as well. The second-overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft really took a major step forward after the All-Star break in his rookie season when he put up some impressive numbers. Ingram averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 32.1 minutes per game in 21 contests following the All-Star break. He also shot an impressive 47.5-percent form the field. Ingram is only beginning to tap in to his immense potential so don’t sleep on him as an obvious riser at the small forward position looking forward to next season. It should also help that the Lakers will get another key piece in the draft (aka Lonzo Ball).
Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
The process of the 76ers becoming a legitimate playoff contender once again is almost complete and it will be very interesting to see how things come together this season. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid will be expected to lead the way for Philadelphia but it’s important not to sleep on Covington and the important role he will play. Covington averaged 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.0 block and 2.0 three-point shots per game last season while shooting 40-percent from the field. His defensive ability combined with his three-point shooting will be major assets for the 76ers with so many young pieces in key roles. There will be a lot of talk about the high ceilings of Embiid and Simmons heading in to next season but don’t sleep on Covington as a riser at the small forward position.
Fallers
Chandler Parsons, Memphis Grizzlies
Parsons has the potential to be a star in Memphis. The problem is that he can’t stay on the floor. Injuries completely blew up the Parsons experiment for the Grizzlies this past year and there are no guarantees things will get much better in year two. Parsons has dealt with major knee injuries and he will turn 29-years-old in October. He isn’t the same player he was a couple of years ago and it’s important not to overvalue him in terms of his fantasy potential for 2017-18.
DeMarre Carroll, Toronto Raptors
Carroll was expected to be one of the key pieces that helped put Toronto over the top the past couple of years. Instead, he has been a major bust. Carroll managed to appear in 72 games for the Raptors last season but he averaged only 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Carroll is set to turn 31 years old this summer, so it’s hard to imagine him bouncing back with better numbers next season. There is a good chance Carroll will be on “do not draft” lists moving forward as he is clearly past his prime. His NBA fantasy value is virtually nil at this point.
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
A lot NBA fantasy general managers were excited about Tobias Harris heading into the regular season season but he never panned out. Remember, this is a guy who was drafted ahead of Goran Dragic, Marc Gasol and Brad Beal in many drafts. Harris did OK, but many people were expecting a breakout. He still scored 16.1 points per game but only offered 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 three-pointers. It’s hard to really bank on Harris to do any more going forward. Remember, he’s basically the third option on a team that has Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond. Don’t overpay for him in NBA fantasy next season like many people did last season.
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