As each passing day inches us closer to the greatest spectacle in basketball, the excitement just continues to build towards the NBA season opener. For fans and wannabe GM's that also means that the excitement of fantasy basketball season will be upon us. Before fantasy teams go head-to-head and get locked-and-loaded in their leagues, let us get a clear picture of who are the top dogs in the fantasy small forward position for this season.

Moving forward, due to the switchability of the positionless modern NBA, players on the list may have the possibility of playing more than the small forward position. With that said, just to be fair, players who are currently injured will not be included in the listing.

Putting any more delays aside here is the list for the top 10 fantasy small forwards in the league.

Jimmy Butler

10. Jimmy Butler (SF, SG)

You might be wondering why one of the best-two way wingmen in the league gets ranked this high. Two words to the answer, Trade Drama. Until the four-time All-star finally puts the final nail on that coffin regarding staying with the Minnesota Timberwolves or being traded, his production will definitely be affected by the scenario. He may be one of the best without any distractions, but as is I would not build my fantasy roster around him.

9. Tobias Harris (SF, PF)

Had his best season so far with the Los Angeles Clippers, and did not sign the long-term offer of the team. A person with the confidence of betting on himself spells breakout season. In his contract year, Harris will definitely put that to good use so he can justify the hefty price tag that he wants for the summer of 2019. He may not be a 20-10 player, but bursts of scoring and efficiency will surely make that up.

8. DeMar DeRozan (SF, SG)

Nobody performs better than a player with a chip on his shoulder going on a redemption tour. The four-time All-star clearly fits the bill in that category. Heavy-lifting the renowned San Antonio Spurs franchise with LaMarcus Aldridge will definitely boost his numbers up. If there is someone who can milk every ounce of talent from a player, it will definitely be head coach Gregg Popovich.

DeMar DeRozan

7. Ben Simmons (SF, PG)

The reigning Rookie of the Year is definitely a triple-double machine in the making, just make sure that you make up his lack of shooting for your team. Aside from that chink in his armor, the Philadelphia Sixers franchise cornerstone can definitely get you a bit of everything.

6. Khris Middleton (SF, SG)

Behind the likes of Giannis Antetekounmpo, it is hard for the Milwaukee Bucks wingman to make some real noise on the court compared to his teammate. Granted that may be true, another truth is his emergence for the Bucks being their second best player in the team. While getting efficient scoring done from any distance on the floor, he also gets the tough assignment of locking down the opposing team's best player. Without Jabari Parker and Eric Bledsoe not finding his footing yet, Middleton will be on another level.

5. Paul George (SF, SG)

It was a clear surprise that the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to retain the five-time All-star, with all signs pointing to a Hollywood migration. Now back in the fold to form a dynamic duo with former MVP Russell Westbrook, his highly proficient perimeter scoring and bulldog-like defense in the passing lanes are a welcome staple for years to come.

4. Kevin Durant (SF, PF)

kevin durant

It is nearly irritating that a player of Durant's caliber can manage to put up elite numbers efficiently while playing with three other All-stars on the same team. It is either he is playing like a living video game glitch or he is just one-of-a-kind, he just seems to get even better with more All-stars surrounding him. The volume, the shots, and the scoring is always going to be there, but his growing defense is coming into full circle, making him an elite all-around player.

3. Kawhi Leonard (SF, SG)

Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan are nearly on the same boat. The only difference is that the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year needs to prove to the whole league that he is the same Kawhi Leonard in the midst of recovering from a quad injury and the controversy surrounding him. A top five player if healthy and engaged, Leonard is on a mission to raise his stock in line for a massive payday for the summer of 2019.

2. LeBron James (SF, PF)

The best player in the world might go beyond his usual heavy-lifting with a young Los Angeles Lakers core paired with a solid bunch of veterans. The hodgepodge of talent will definitely be put in odd situations in the early stages of the Laker rodeo. Expect James to be more than superhuman with tallying and stuffing each stat category as his body allows. He is expected to put in more in his first year with the franchise to justify his move to Hollywood. Bottom line, he will definitely be beastly this upcoming season, a top five first-round pick without a doubt.

LeBron James

1. Giannis Antetekounmpo (SF, PF)

If there is someone who is expected to above and beyond arguably the greatest player in the NBA it is the limitless potential of Giannis Antetekounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks star is expected to take it to another level this upcoming season. With a mission to be the season MVP, he needs to outperform his All-star production of 26.9 points, 10 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting a remarkable 52 percent from the field.

The good news for Antetokounmpo owners is that the Greek Freak gets better every season. Snatching him when available is of the utmost priority for any fantasy owner. He is the ideal fantasy building block for any kind of league you are in.