How to Draft a Winning Fantasy Basketball Small Forward

Small forward is one of the highest scoring positions in basketball. Drafting a winning small forward is imperative because most other teams in the league are going to have small forwards that amass some impressive stats lines. Miss on this position, and the fantasy championship is lost before the season begins.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the scoring system for the fantasy league. Fantasy leagues generally use a traditional scoring system based on points, rebounds, assists and blocks. Some leagues, however, choose a system with unconventional scoring categories such as plus/minus, field percentage and free throw percentage.
2. Pay attention to any rule changes during the off-season that could benefit a particular player or position. For instance, years ago a rule change made the three-pointer a staple of the game.
3. Research any changes on the small forward's team. If there was a coaching change in the off-season, then a player's statistics can change dramatically if the new coach changes the team's style of play. In addition, if the team drafts a younger player in the first round at the small forward position, then the starting small forward could have their minutes drastically reduced.
4. Assemble a list of available small forwards and compare the list to the other four positions in the draft. In most years, there is an abundance of talent at particular position. This will affect an owner's draft strategy, because if only a few good centers are available then it may be prudent to draft a decent center ahead of a good small forward.
5. Examine the small forwards' season schedules and determine each one's relative strength. Some teams play in weaker divisions, and their players will score more against these weaker opponents.
6. Rank the small forwards based on the previous steps. At the same time rank each positions strength in the draft. Ranking each position can tell an owner which position is a better pick based on the available numbers of players at the position.