In every fantasy sport, sleepers are what takes a team over the top. These sleepers turn into stars for your fantasy team. Also, they become great trade assets for fantasy managers who are quick to jump at any sign of players exceeding their expectations. With that being said, let me tell you about three small forward sleepers for the 2023-24 fantasy basketball season.
2023-24 Fantasy Basketball: Small Forward Sleepers
Kyle Kuzma, ADP64.7, SF35
Kyle Kuzma has finished inside the top-10 small forwards each of the past two seasons. Yet, he is the SF35 in pre-season ADP. It gets better as Kristaps Porzingis is no longer a Washington Wizard as he was traded in the off-season. The good news is that besides the newly acquired Jordan Poole, Kuzma is the top option on the Wizards.
Between Poole and Kuzma, the majority of the scoring will go through these two players. This is fabulous news. Kuzma should be drafted as your starting small forward in fantasy basketball drafts. Kuzma is coming off the best season of his career with highs of total points, and two and three-pointers made. All in all, Kuzma needs to be drafted as a top-12 small forward. He was top 35 in total usage and it should be even higher with no Porzingis.
Harrison Barnes, ADP151.0, SF41
Harrison Barnes is my favorite small-forward sleeper. While everyone is focused on new names and “breakout” candidates, focus on Harrison Barnes. First, Barnes is a part of one of the best, fast-paced offenses in the entire NBA. Second, Barnes has been a top 31 small forward for the past four seasons with two top 20 finishes. Since Domantis Sabonis and D’Aaron Fox have emerged and taken leaps, Barnes has seen fewer shot attempts.
All in all, Barnes is the veteran presence on the Kings and is their starting small forward. With eyes on the other weapons, there is a world where Barnes finishes inside the top 20 small forwards for the first time since the 2021-2022 season. Target Harrison Barnes in the later rounds of drafts.
Quentin Grimes, ADP213.0, SF87
Quentin Grimes is entering year three of his NBA career and is slowly becoming one of the best “snipers” in the league. When it comes to three-point shooting on the Knicks, not many do it better than Grimes. With seeing an expanded role this past season, Grimes improved in practically all categories. He doubled his ppg total, improved his three-point percentage, and raised his free-throw percentage by 11.2%.
With that being said, Grimes finished as the SF42 last season and should see a similar role in the 2023-2024 season. With rumors circulating about Joel Embiid wanting to be a part of the New York Knicks, this can present a great position for Grimes to take another step forward. RJ Barrett will more than likely be included in a trade involving Embiid. All in all, if Barrett gets traded, more shots open up for the Knicks’ marksman. Draft Grimes in your fantasy basketball drafts and enjoy finding the sleepers to help you dominate.
Got a few small forward sleepers of your own? Don’t keep them to yourself! Drop some names in the comments below! In the meantime check out all the great analysis in our 2023 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!