The power forward position is deep. It’s not the deepest position in the NBA, but it’s pretty darn close. There are quite a few star power forwards in the league. Ranging from back to the basket post up players to stretch 4s who can knock down the three ball, the power forward position has evolved. We’ve seen some of the best players to play the game at this position, and now we’re in a transition period. We’re going from Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki to Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge. It’s going to be real exciting watching this position all season. With that said, let’s see who tops our list.
Honorable Mentions
–Kenneth Faried
-Dirk Nowitzki
Kenneth Faried might very well be the best player on the Denver Nuggets. But that’s not really saying much now. This Nuggets team is going to struggle this season. Faried has the potential to be a bright spot though. He’s a hustle and energy type of player who loves to get after it. When he’s on the court, you can feel his intensity. He averaged 13 and 9 last season on 50% shooting for a Nuggets team that had a hard time winning games. Kenneth Faried is a great talent, but don’t be surprised if you see him get traded this season as the Nuggets enter rebuilding mode.
Dirk Nowitzki (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Dirk Nowitzki is still a great player, but age has to be getting to him. He still has one of the sweetest fadeaway shots in the league. In fact, he’s one of the best shooters in history. He’s coming off a season where he posted his lowest rebounding average since his rookie year, his lowest scoring average since his rookie year, his lowest field goal percentage since his rookie year (although still a very respectable 46%), but also his lowest turnover average in his career. Dirk’s been in the league since 1998, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts to decline. But he remains one of the best shooters in the league, whether it’s mid range, three, or getting to the rim. Dirk is still the man in Dallas.
10. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
Many people would say Paul Millsap is the go to guy in Atlanta. And that wouldn’t be wrong. The beauty of Atlanta is that they don’t have a superstar on their team. They are as balanced as it gets. Millsap is a great talent. He can play in the paint, drive the ball, hit the mid range shot, rebound, pass. He averaged 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 steals, 1 block, 47.6% field goals, 35.6% three point field goals, and 75.7% free throws. The guy can do it all for the Hawks offensively, but he does lack as rim protector. If he can improve in that area, the Hawks could be just as good as they were a season ago.
09. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
Derrick Favors has turned into a pleasant surprise for the Utah Jazz. He’s part of the best defensive front courts in basketball playing alongside Rudy Gobert. The former 3rd overall pick is a tremendous shot blocker and rim protector. Last season he averaged 1.7 blocks a game and allowed 43.8% at the rim. On top of that, he’s a tremendous offensive player. He averaged 16 points on 52.5% shooting last season, including 74.5% at the rim. Derrick Favors is no doubt the second option on this team, and he’s going to be a major reason the Jazz make a playoff push. With his all around game, he’s a valuable player for this young team.
08. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph is a monster. He’s intimidating. He’s scary. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds, shooting nearly 49%. Randolph and Gasol are arguably the best front court duo in the NBA today and Randolph benefits greatly from Gasol’s passing. The veteran has a big body and uses it to his advantage in the paint, whether it’s rebounding or backing down to the basket for an easy score. The way he uses his body to get position for the board is phenomenal. His timing on offensive rebounds is a strength of his as well. He’s not a great shooter, but he is excellent in the paint, specifically around the rim. Zach Randolph isn’t the best rim protector, allowing over 52% at the rim, so that’s an area he needs to improve. However, he’s powerful on the offensive end, and is a valuable part of the Grizzlies offense.
How long has Pau Gasol been in the league now? It feels like he’s been around forever. He doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Gasol was great as a member of the Lakers and he’s continuing that with his time with Chicago. He’s coming off a season where he averaged 18.5 points and a career high 11.8 rebounds on 50% shooting. Gasol also dished out nearly 3 assists a game, which is an underappreciated aspect of his game. The 14 year veteran is a good shooter, hitting 45.5% from mid range and nearly 53% in the paint. Gasol could see some time at center this season with Joakim Noah reportedly coming off the bench, so he could see a bigger role than last season. If he continues his double double play, along with the rest of the Bulls stepping up, this could be the season Chicago overtakes Miami. Pau Gasol would be a major reason for that.
06. Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love is back after a disappoint finish for him in the playoffs. There’s no doubt he would have loved to have played in the Finals in his first playoff appearance. He went from being the number 1 option in Minnesota to the number 3 option in Cleveland. Because of that he saw his scoring average drop from 26.1 in 2013-2014 to 16.4 in 2014-2015. He also had his lowest rebounding average since his rookie year. But he contributed nicely to the Cavaliers and adjusted well to his new role. Love is excellent at moving without the ball. He can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. The former Bruin can also knock down the three point shot. He’s back and healthy and ready to help the Cavaliers get back to the Finals for the second straight year.
05. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
English: Serge Ibaka, basketball player from Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Serge Ibaka is the third option for the Oklahoma City Thunder and plays his role perfectly. He’s a defensive powerhouse and improving offensive player. He averaged 14.3 points last season and shot 48% overall. Ibaka has developed a three point shot, hitting 37% a season ago and is improving. Expect to see more threes from his this upcoming season. He can also hit the mid range shot, shooting 45% a season ago. But his defense is where he excels. He can block shots, alter shots and protect the rim. Ibaka blocked 2.4 shots a season ago and allowed 40.8% at the rim. That should continue this season. Serge Ibaka could very well be the X factor for the Thunder as they start their pursuit of a championship.
04. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Chris Bosh is back and the Miami Heat look like a contender to come out of the East. His season was cut short and he was held to 44 games last season before being shut down. Before he went down he was playing great basketball averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, shooting the ball at 46%, including nearly 38% at three. He’s once again the number 1 option offensively, something he hasn’t been since his time with Toronto. Some would argue that Dwyane Wade is, but Bosh is the go to guy. He can put the ball on the floor, hit the mid range shot, attack the rim, and hit the three. He took a career high 17 shots per game last season, which shows that he’s comfortable being the leader of this team, which is something he needs to do. The Heat are looking to be one of the most improved teams in the league this upcoming season, and Bosh’s play will be key.
03. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge has found a new home playing alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in San Antonio. He’ll be playing for Gregg Popovich, who can do wonders for his game. Playing alongside the greatest power forward in the game isn’t so bad either. Aldridge is another 4 who can space the floor, so he’ll allow Tim Duncan to still be Tim Duncan in the paint and around the mid range. Aldridge loves to catch and shoot, hitting 43% of such attempts last season. He also shot 66.3% when he got the ball in the post, and 64% when he got the ball in the paint. The former Trail Blazer can put the ball on the ball on the floor and score. He shot 45% when he took 3-6 dribbles. LaMarcus Aldridge is a double double threat nightly and should enjoy his new role in the Spurs offense as he helps them make a deep playoff run.
02. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
The gap between 3, 2 and 1 is very slim. Blake Griffin could easily be number 1, but number 2 is where he lands. Blake Griffin is a great athlete and phenomenal basketball player. He used to be referred to as only a dunker, but has developed a good shot. It’s still improving, but it’s getting there. Griffin can also rebound and pass, and is arguably the best passing big man in the game today. Last season saw him average 22 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and he shot the ball at 50%. Those numbers went up in the playoffs as he averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1 steal , 1 block, and shot 51%. Griffin is the Clippers best player. He knows how to score, he knows how to rebound, he knows how to get his teammates involved and he isn’t afraid to get on the floor. He can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. From 0-3 feet, he shot 72% a season ago. Griffin just knows how to play basketball and is going to continue to be an MVP candidate.
01. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
It’s scary to think that Anthony Davis can get even better than he was last season. He’s only 22 years old and is already considered one of the best players in the game today. Last season he averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds. 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.9 blocks, and shot 53.5% from the field. Only Shaquille O’Neal has posted a stat line like that before. Davis is a great defender, although he does allow 48.5% at the rim, but he can still improve in that area. He shoots over 70% at the rim, nearly 44% from mid range, and is going to be developing a three point shot this upcoming season. We are truly witnessing greatness and should cherish the time we get to see Anthony Davis on a basketball court. He’s only been in the league three years, and it might be premature, but Anthony Davis has the ability and potential to be one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court. He’s only 22 and isn’t even in his prime yet. Expect his scoring average to go up. This is his team. Let’s enjoy the ride.
