NBA: Ranking The League's Top 10 Power Forwards For 2016-17

Heading into the 2016-17 NBA season, here’s a look at player rankings for the top 10 power forwards in the league.

Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2016-17 NBA season one day away, all the summer chatter about the draft, free agency, trades and preseason expectations are ready to give way to actual basketball. Once the new season tips off Tuesday evening, the players get to do all the talking.

With another day or so to speculate, however, there’s still plenty to evaluate after another summer full of player movement. From offseason grades to season previews, there’s been plenty to analyze, but what about some good old fashioned player rankings?

Player rankings are always objective, and that makes them subject to an awful lot of scrutiny, debate and differing opinions.

There are a ton of factors to take into account, including stats, advanced stats, individual skills, defense, team success, value to a team, upside, injury history, projections for the upcoming season, how they’ll fit in a new role or on a new team…the list goes on and on.

In an attempt to make sense of that myriad of judging standards, it’s time to take a look at the 10 best players in the NBA at each position. Today, we move on to the 10 best power forwards in the league. (For our purposes, we tried to not include small forwards like Carmelo Anthony or Danilo Gallinari who sometimes function as small-ball 4s).

Honorable Mentions:  Serge Ibaka, Jabari Parker, Tobias Harris, Ryan Anderson, Aaron Gordon, Nerlens Noel, Julius Randle, Zach Randolph

Oct 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

10. Kristaps Porzingis

2015-16 Stats:  14.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.3 APG, .421/.333/.838 shooting, 17.8 PER

Ideally, Kristaps Porzingis will be logging his minutes at the center spot when he reaches his prime. But for the time being, Joakim Noah will be occupying the starting job at the 5, so we’re going to lump the Zinger in at the 4 as the New York Knicks will this year.

No matter his position, Porzingis is one of the NBA’s most exciting youngsters and already one of its best frontcourt players. After putting up a 14-7-2 stat line as a rookie, it’s scary to think what kind of numbers he might put up with a whole season under his belt and more weapons around him.

Playing alongside guys like Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and even Brandon Jennings means there will only be so many looks to go around on offense, but the Zinger’s development is central to the Knicks eventually becoming a title contender. He’s going to get his looks.

If Porzingis can improve his perimeter shooting a little bit, log some developmental minutes at the 5 and avoid hitting that same late-season wall he hit last year, he’ll live up to this seemingly premature ranking.

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

9. Dirk Nowitzki

2015-16 Stats:  18.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, .448/.368/.893 shooting, 19.0 PER

Just a few years ago, having Dirk Nowitzki this low on a list of the league’s top power forwards would’ve been blasphemous. Entering his age-38 season, however, it’s reasonable to wonder how much more this future Hall of Famer has left in the tank.

That being said, Dirk is still the best player on the Dallas Mavericks, and along with head coach Rick Carlisle, represents the biggest reason you can never count this team out of the playoff hunt. Don’t forget, Nowitzki was in 50-40-90 territory for the first month of the season last year until some aggressive regression to the mean.

He’s a major liability on the defensive end and he’s certainly lost a step, but Dirk is just going to keep chugging away, putting up 18-6 stat lines while draining one-legged fadeaways until the day he retires.

Dirk is no longer what he once was, but he’s still one of the best 4s in the league. If the Mavs once again manage to return to the playoffs, it’ll either be because Harrison Barnes made an unexpected, exponential leap, or because Nowitzki once again postponed his meeting with Father Time.

Oct 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) looks to pass in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

8. Kevin Love

2015-16 Stats:  16.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, .419/.360/.822 shooting, 19.0 PER

Kevin Love is no longer the same player who put up a 26-12-4 stat line in his last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his role as the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ third fiddle shouldn’t fool anyone: This guy is still good.

Though he hasn’t been the ideal fit for the Cavs at times, there are only a few matchups that really expose him (the Warriors, for example). The perimeter shooting and rebounding he brings to the table is part of the reason the Cleveland is usually able to breeze through the regular season.

His defensive deficiencies have taken him off the floor late in a few close games, and his fluctuation between being a stretch-4 and a guy who needs touches on the block has been frustrating at times over the last two years.

But as plays like “The Stop” in Game 7 of the NBA Finals showed us, he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion — even in a reduced role — when his team needs it most. Between that and simple double-double production, what’s not to like?

Oct 15, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks against Miami Heat forward Willie Reed (35) during the second quarter at KFC! YUM Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

7. Karl-Anthony Towns

2015-16 Stats:  18.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 BPG, .542/.341/.811 shooting, 22.5 PER

Like Porzingis, perhaps it feels a little premature to put a 20-year-old sophomore this high up the list. But Karl-Anthony Towns already had an All-NBA caliber season as a rookie with that 18-10-2-2 stat line of his, and in his first season under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the sky is the limit.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a trendy pick to make the leap back to playoff contention in 2016-17, and while that might be a stretch, an Anthony Davis-like leap in Towns’ second season isn’t out of the question.

As a seven-footer who will one day take over the starting job at center, Towns and the unbelievable skill set he brings to the 4-spot were always going to be formidable. Putting all that moldable potential in Thibodeau’s hands ensures he’ll become an absolute monster on both ends of the floor.

The Wolves still feel like something of a long shot to make the postseason, but KAT was already one of the league’s best big men as a rookie. Give him another year under his belt and we could be rethinking his spot on this list when we see something truly spectacular from him in 2016-17.

Oct 3, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) and forward Ed Davis (17) during the third quarter at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

6. Derrick Favors

2015-16 Stats:  16.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, .515/—/.709 shooting, 21.7 PER

It’s only fitting that the Utah Jazz‘s successor to Paul Millsap is perhaps just as overlooked as Millsap was. Despite being one of the league’s steadiest two-way power forwards, Derrick Favors continues to be underrated.

Maybe it’s because he plays in Utah. Maybe it’s because Gordon Hayward has become far better than a lot of people expected. Or maybe it’s that the Jazz still need to make the playoffs with their young core leading the way. In any case, Utah has an outside shot at a top-four seed in the West this season, which means Favors may actually get the appreciation he deserves.

Unlike a lot of power forwards in the modern pace-and-space era, Favors does not stretch the floor. However, he’s got a very refined game on the interior, and while Rudy Gobert gets most of the credit on the defensive end, Favors is an excellent defender and underrated rim protector in his own right.

It might not be long before a youngster like KAT passes him by, but for the time being, Favors gets the nod at No. 6. Hopefully a breakthrough — and just as important, healthy — season for the Jazz will help people realize just how good he really is.

Oct 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. The Hawks won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Paul Millsap

2015-16 Stats:  17.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.7 BPG, .470/.319/.757 shooting, 21.3 PER

The Atlanta Hawks could be due for some regression with Jeff Teague and Al Horford gone, but there’s no question that Paul Millsap is going to do everything in his power to make sure that doesn’t happen.

As the only player in the NBA to average at least 1.7 blocks and 1.7 steals per game last season, Millsap is one of the league’s most versatile defenders. He has the speed to stay with wings, the rim protection and strength to handle prototypical bigs, and he and Horford regularly trapped ball handlers in the pick-and-roll out on the perimeter.

He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well from three-point range last year, but this stretch-4 is intrinsic to what head coach Mike Budenholzer is trying to do on both ends of the floor. That won’t change with Dennis Schroder and Dwight Howard stepping in to fill some big shoes.

If the losses start piling up, the Hawks may consider a full-scale rebuild, which would start with trading Millsap. But in the event Atlanta exceeds expectations — or even if they don’t — make sure to remember that even at age 31, Millsap’s value will not go unnoticed.

Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. LaMarcus Aldridge

2015-16 Stats:  18.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG, .513/—/.858 shooting, 22.4 PER

LaMarcus Aldridge no longer has the superstar numbers to qualify for a spot this high up the list, but you don’t just ignore the production of the second-best player on a 67-win team. The trade rumors are a little concerning, but in terms of pure on-court talent, it doesn’t get much better than Aldridge.

He’s dialed back his three-point shot under Gregg Popovich, but LA’s midrange stroke is as strong as ever. His heat checks are still among the most formidable in the league, as the Oklahoma City Thunder learned firsthand during the first few games of their second round playoff matchup.

This is Kawhi Leonard‘s team, and between that and the San Antonio Spurs‘ system that prioritizes balance and making the right play over individual stats, Aldridge’s numbers are going to look kind of tame compared to his prime years with the Portland Trail Blazers.

But as long as San Antonio gets off to another strong start and those trade whispers prove to be ungrounded, Aldridge is going to be a key component on a title contender. Considering his skill set, that’s more than enough to make up for the stats lost to more restricted playing time and team balance.

Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

3. Blake Griffin

2015-16 Stats:  21.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, .499/.333/.727 shooting, 22.2 PER

Blake Griffin‘s 2015-16 campaign was quite a disappointing one. Not only did his Los Angeles Clippers bow out in the first round under the burden of his and Chris Paul‘s season-ending injuries, but he also missed a huge chunk of the season because of other injuries — one of which he inflicted upon himself after punching a team equipment manager.

No one should forget how tremendous and well-rounded a player Griffin is when healthy though, which is why the 2016-17 season represents a great opportunity for a bounce-back year. After all, it wasn’t that long ago he put up 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in the playoffs as some kind of Magic Johnson–Kevin Garnett–LeBron James hybrid.

There’s a ton of pressure on this team in 2016-17, since both Griffin and CP3 can opt out and join free agency next summer. This year has a title or bust mentality, and if the Clippers fail to make their first ever conference finals appearance — or win a title —  it could be the end of the best era of Clippers basketball.

The Warriors are still the cream of the crop out West, but the No. 2 seed could be up for grabs. If Griffin stays healthy and leads the Clippers to the second seed, he could very well be a dark horse MVP candidate.

September 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) addresses the media in a press conference during media day at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Draymond Green

2015-16 Stats:  14.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG, .490/.388/.696 shooting, 19.3 PER

There should be no qualms about it: Last season, Draymond Green was the best power forward in the NBA. Individually, there’s no putting anyone ahead of Anthony Davis. But factoring in fit and team success, Green had the best season of any 4 in the league.

Leading the team in rebounding and assists despite being an undersized power forward, Green’s versatility is what makes the Golden State Warriors so dangerous. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson supply the main scoring punch, but Green’s playmaking, elite defensive repertoire, emerging three-point shot and love-it-or-hate-it brand of cocky leadership is what makes this team tick.

For Green, everything came undone in the Finals, when his costly groin shot on LeBron James resulted in a one-game suspension that completely changed the series. He has a lot to prove in 2016-17 despite his undeniable stardom, and his summer hasn’t been very reassuring.

But if Steve Kerr and company can rein him back in, the Warriors are going to be another well-oiled machine destined for a championship. With more of the defensive and playmaking duties being passed on to Kevin Durant — not to mention how another power forward should have a bounce-back year in 2016-17 — it’s hard to put Green in the No. 1 spot, however.

Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

1. Anthony Davis

2015-16 Stats:  24.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, .493/.324/.758 shooting, 25.1 PER

Draymond Green was the best power forward in the NBA last year, but that’s easier to say when you consider that Anthony Davis failed to play 70 games for the fourth consecutive season and that his New Orleans Pelicans only won 30 games. In 2016-17, a healthy, bounce-back year will easily launch him back into the No. 1 spot among all power forwards.

It’s almost funny to suggest that the Brow even needs a bounce-back season, since he just averaged 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game on 49.3 percent shooting from the floor and a career-high 32.4 percent from three-point range.

However, it’s worth noting that his team finished way outside the picture and that Davis missed a career-high 21 games. None of that can really be pinned squarely on him, and the Pellies still don’t appear to be a playoff team in 2016-17, but it’s time for this 23-year-old to get things back on track.

After making such substantial leaps between each of his first three seasons, Davis’ Year 4 featured very little progress. If he can just stay healthy and reach that 70-game plateau for the first time in his career, perhaps we’ll go back to worshipping at the altar of the Brow and hold off on anointing Karl-Anthony Towns as the next NBA alpha for another year or so.

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