Position Rankings: Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA
Nov 20, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots as Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Even though rankings month has concluded at SDS, we continue on with our position rankings series. Today, we rank the NBA power forwards.
The forgotten position of basketball.
In the small-ball era of the NBA, many teams are running with one big man and four guards/wings. The power forward position has become one that many are dismissing.
But this is one of the deepest positions in the game today.
While all of the players may not be as flashy as point guards are, the skill level is just as high. We will see players on this list that are true inside-outside forces that can take teams to completely different levels.
We will see a variety of personalities on this list as well. Some timid players who let their play do the talking, and some brash, outspoken players who always attract the spotlight.
And let’s not forget injuries. Power forward is a position that has seem its upper tier savaged by the injury bug, making these guys even harder to place.
But nonetheless, we will. Let’s get into it!
May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
10. Serge Ibaka
Age: 26
2015-2016 Season Averages: 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.9 blocks, 0.5 steals
Shooting Percentages: .476/.326/.752
It’s hard to believe that Serge Ibaka is only 26 years old.
The big man in the young nucleus of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ibaka was a very steady inside presence for the team for many years. Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Ibaka was never going to get the chance to be an offensive force.
But he still found a way to stand out.
Ibaka made his name as being a defensive monster in the paint. While he isn’t as elite in the middle as he was early on, he is still a great stopper on the inside. His rim protection was vital for the Thunder’s status as a championship contender and it will absolutely be missed. As he moves on to an odd position in Orlando, Ibaka should be the veteran leader of a tremendous young core of defensive-minded players.
Ibaka’s athleticism and mobility also allow him to guard the perimeter and pick-and-roll game as well, while he has the size at 6-10 to play the center spot in small-ball lineups also.
Defensive strengths aside, Ibaka is also a very solid offensive player. While he was strictly a dunker when he first enteres the league, Serge has expanded his shooting range tremendously. He has become a great mid-range shooter and has range out to the 3-point line, where he shot 33% this season. Ibaka is a nice stretch big, who can also bang on the inside.
His rebounding is also very solid. Ibaka has great length and leaping ability and is capable of earning extra possessions on the offensive glass. His rebounding numbers were a bit down this season, but he retains the ability to average 7-9 boards per game at this stage of his career.
Overall, Ibaka is not an All-Star caliber big man. But he is definitely very skilled and versatile. Regardless of your thoughts of the Magic, they acquired a good player this summer. Serge Ibaka has the skill set to succeed and make an impact in any situation, making him one of the top 10 players at his position.
Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots a three point basket in overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Trail Blazers 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
9. Dirk Nowitzki
Age: 38
2015-2016 Season Averages: 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.7 steals
Shooting Percentages: .448/.368/.893
What a career it has been for Dirk Nowitzki.
13 All-Star teams, 12 All-NBA teams, one MVP award, one NBA Championship, and a Finals MVP award. Dirk has done it all in his time in Dallas, and he is still a good player. Just not the superstar that he was in his prime.
Offensively, Nowitzki is still as dangerous as ever. His perimeter shooting paired with his 7-0 size, Dirk has revolutionized what it means to be an NBA big man. Dirk’s shooting range goes well beyond the arc, where he still knocks down shots at a 37 percetn clip. His jump shot is lethal in the mid-range as well, but his post work really makes him unique. Dirk is the post is perhaps him at his most dangerous, where he has the skill to take you to the rim or knock down his signature turnaround, fadeaway jumper (off of one leg). The man is still a legitimate offensive threat on a Western Conference playoff team at age 38. Just let that sink in.
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Defensively though, Dirk is a liability. The small-ball era has not helped that notion on this side of the ball. He is not the fastest guy, and is vulnerable to athletic big men. His defense is shaky at this stage, but the Mavericks have done a good job of patching that up with the acquisition of Andrew Bogut. Dallas has been great at getting Dirk defensive help.
Rebounding has degraded over time for Nowitzki as well. His average is down to 6.5 boards, which is not great for a seven footer. But as players age, that is a trait that tends to go.
But regardless of defensive and rebounding issues, Dirk’s offensive impact still makes him a top 10 power forward. He is still the best offensive player on his team and can take over big games, as he has always been able to do. The future hall-of-famer is still worthy of the no. 9 spot on this list.
Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) backs down Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
8. Kevin Love
Age: 27
2015-2016 Season Averages: 16.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals. 0.5 blocks
Shooting Percentages: .419/.360/.822
It was not long ago that Kevin Love would have claimed the no.1 spot on this list. But as the NBA evolves, these things happen.
Love is absolutely still a very good basketball player. But his fit in Cleveland has limited his production and thus, effected his status among other NBA power forwards.
Playing with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Love’s opportunities on offense are much more limited than they were in Minnesota. He has been relegated to a role that has him on the perimeter much more. While Love is a solid outside shooter, it is not his game to sit behind the line and chuck up 3-pointers all game. In the post, Love’s strength still makes him dangerous. He is also a good passer out of the post. Love’s offensive game has deteriorated slightly in Cleveland, but he is still an effective offensive player when used correctly. His efficiency is just harmed by taking so many perimeter shots.
Love catches a lot of his criticism for his deficiencies on defense. While he did step up big in defending Steph Curry in crunch time of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, his defense is average at best. While he uses his strength in the post, he is vulnerable to being beaten by athletic bigs off of the drive. His motor is there, but his athleticism holds back his potential on that end of the floor.
Rebounding, though, is still a calling card for Love. He is still an excellent rebounder, despite not being the otherworldly one that he was in Minnesota. Love hits the glass hard and is always capable of creating extra possessions and preventing them for opposing teams. His physicality on the inside helps make Cleveland as good as they are.
Kevin Love is no longer a superstar player and hasn’t made an All-Star team with the Cavs. But, Love is still a double-double machine that can torch opposing teams when he gets hot.
Jan 4, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) is pressured by Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
7. Chris Bosh
Age: 32
2015-2016 Season Averages: 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 blocks, 0.7 steals
Shooting Percentages: .467/.365/.795
is in a very unfortunate situation with his blood clot issues, and we all wish him the best. Regardless of that, he is still among the best power forwards in the NBA.
Bosh was often overlooked when playing alongside LeBron and D-Wade, but he was, and is, still a perennial All-Star player.
Bosh’s offensive skill set is top-notch. He has a terrific mid-range shot, a great post game, and the ability to knock down threes as well. Bosh’s skill makes him deadly in the pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop, because he is so versatile that he keeps defenders guessing. Bosh is smooth with the ball in his hands, his handle makes him lethal in face-up situations. He can blow by big men off of the dribble of knock down that left-handed jumper right in their face. When Bosh is the focal point of an offense, he is very dangerous. There are not many big men with the offensive versatility of Bosh.
Bosh’s defense is often overlooked as well. His high basketball IQ makes him a great defender of the pick-and-roll, which is an essential element of defense in today’s NBA. Bosh is also a good interior defender, even though he does not block a lot of shots. His ability to disrupt shooters in the paint makes him a more than adequate defensive presence.
As far as rebounding goes, Bosh is an average rebounder. He averaged a respectable 7.4 boards per game last season and is definitely not going to be a liability on that end. He is capable of coming up with big boards when his team needs them, just ask the Spurs.
If not for his unfortunate health situation, Bosh would be higher on this list. But as many people say, the most important ability is availability. Nonetheless, Bosh is still a terrific player and surefire All-Star when healthy.
Feb 25, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) defends against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 96-78. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
6. Derrick Favors
Age: 25
2015-2016 Season Averages: 16.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.2 steals
Shooting Percentages: .515/.000/.709
The Utah Jazz have built a roster that appears ready to make some noise in the Western Conference. Derrick Favors is a big reason for that.
The Atlanta native was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Deron Williams to the Nets, and the Jazz have to be happy with their return. Favors has quietly become one of the best young big men in the NBA, steadily getting better every season.
Favors has an old-school skill set with new-school athleticism. His ability to finish off of the pick-and-roll is among the best in the NBA, as his shooting in traffic is exceptional. Favors also has a solid handle in the post that allows him to get to the basket, particularly with his spin move. His strength on the block is also key in his attack, as he is capable of bullying opposing bigs until he gets under the rim for a dunk. He is still developing his jumper, but his inside game is as good as it gets.
The defensive ability is also very solid for Favors. He is a terrific athlete at 6’10”, 265 pounds and can guard bigs on the inside and on the perimeter. His leaping ability allows him to be a solid shot blocker while also being able to disrupt shots at a high level. Favors’ size and athleticism combo make him capable of guarding either power forwards or centers.
Favors’ strength really bodes well for him on the glass. He can grab boards in hurry, as he is capable of pushing around anyone in order to get to the glass. His 2.7 offensive rebounds per game for Utah was good, and he can grow even more as he continues to develop.
Favors is among the most underrated players in the NBA, largely due to his place on a small-market team. But market size does not dictate a player’s skills, as the young Favors certainly deserves to be this high on this list. And with more time, could climb even higher.
Dec 14, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) react after scoring late in the fourth quarter during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-103 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
5. Blake Griffin
Age: 27
2015-2016 Season Averages: 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.5 blocks, 0.8 steals
Shooting Percentages: .499/.333/.727
Blake Griffin is another player who is seeing his placement suffer due to injury.
Griffin is a legitimate offensive superstar, but played in only 35 games last season. When healthy, Griffin is one of the top 15-20 players in the league overall. But again, the most important ability is availability.
Injuries aside, Griffin has a complete offensive game. His ball handling allows him to take anyone off of the dribble and his freakish athleticism helps out with his poster dunks and acrobatic finishes in the paint. Griffin is also a terrific passer out of the post, making his skills even more dangerous with his back to the basket or facing up. His court vision is great, and his ability to find the open man makes his teammates much better. Griffin has also developed a solid jumper as his career has gone on. He has 3-point range and a very solid mid-range game, but has had inconsistencies in that area at times.
Defense has been a question for Griffin throughout his career. He is an average defender that benefits from playing alongside DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul, but many expect more from him due to his incredible athleticism. His defense is adequate, but he is vulnerable to getting beaten at times due to occasional lack of effort.
Griffin has been a very good rebounder ever since he has entered the league. His great leaping ability allows him to grab a lot of boards, even though his numbers have gone down in that department since the emergence of Jordan inside. Nonetheless, he is still very effective on the glass and can rebound with the best of them.
Blake Griffin is one of the best play-making forwards in the NBA. He can do it all on the offensive end and can carry the Clippers when they need buckets. If h were coming off of a healthy year, Griffin would be higher on this list. But until then, he must settle in at no. 5.
Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) makes a move against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
4. Paul Millsap
Age: 31
2015-2016 Season Averages: 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, 1.8 steals
Shooting Percentages: .470/.319/.757
Paul Millsap is one of the most complete players in the NBA.
His game is without holes or weaknesses, making him one of the top 15 players in the league. But being in Atlanta and being a quiet guy, he does not get the nationwide recognition that he deserves.
Millsap, like Griffin, is one of the best play-making forwards in the NBA. He can do anything asked of him on offense. Pick-and-roll, pick-and-pop, post-up, drive to the hoop, pull up for a jumper, whatever you can draw up. His jump shot is money from mid-range and is solid from 3-point range, even though he was a bit inconsistent form deep this season. He also has a great handle and can hurt you in the post driving, passing, or pulling up. Millsap can create for himself or others and can take the ball when you are in desperate need of a basket. Millsap plays perfectly within the free-flowing system of the Hawks, and is going to be an All-Star for several more years if he stays in that system.
Defensively, Millsap is among the best in the NBA. He can guard anyone from small forwards to centers and do it well. His quickness and IQ always have him in great position and he is capable of jumping passing lanes for steals as well. His paint defense is gritty and tough, smothering anyone that he can in the paint. Millsap is an incredible defender that was left off of the First-Team All-Defensive team because he was competing with Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green.
MIllsap’s rebounding is also very good. Averaging nine boards per game, he is a double-double candidate on any night. Now paired with Dwight Howard, the Hawks should have much better success on the glass with two great rebounders.
Overall, Millsap is one of the best and most underrated players in the game today. He is a perennial All-Star with a great all-around skill set. He is, without a doubt, a top five power forward in the NBA.
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first quarter at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
3. LaMarcus Aldridge
Age: 31
2015-2016 Season Averages: 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, 0.5 steals
Shooting Percentages: .513/.000/.858
While he is not Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge is certainly a top-flight NBA player and a great fit for the Spurs.
Aldridge is an old-school big man who thrives with great fundamentals, like the man who came before him in San Antonio. His post game is a work of art. Aldridge has a full arsenal of post moves that allow him to score over anyone down low, and I mean anyone. His inside game might b the best in the NBA and if you foul him, then he’s almost automatic at the line. His mid-range shot is also elite for a big man. He can step out to 18 feet and knock down a sot whether he is being guarded heavily or not. His passing ability in the post looked better with the Spurs, who emphasize ball movement. Aldridge might not have the flashiest offensive game, but he may be the best post player in the league.
Defensively, Aldridge plays tough and gritty on the inside. He is not a big shot blocker, but can certainly guard the guy in front of him successfully. the Spurs are one of the best defensive teams in the league and Aldridge is no slouch in that department. He is an above average defender whose toughness and smarts carry him on defense.
Aldridge is also one of the toughest rebounders in the league, and has been good at it for the entire length of his career. His awareness in regards to positioning and tough, rugged style allow him to out-rebound most players in the league today. His IQ and toughness is perfect for what the Spurs want to do.
LaMarcus Aldridge does not often get the credit he deserves as a great player, perhaps due to his lack of flashy play. But his fundamentals, smarts, and toughness make him among the best at his position. He is a perennial All-Star in the West.
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts in the second quarter in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
2. Draymond Green
Age: 26
2015-2016 Season Averages: 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 blocks, 1.5 steals
Shooting Percentages: .490/.388/.696
Draymond Green, like him or hate him, is one of the best all-around players in the NBA.
We saw his value to his team when he was suspended for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, and it is substantial. Not many players can do so many things to help his team win like Green can.
Green is one of the best point forwards in the league, regularly handling the ball and playing the distributor. His court vision is elite and he can always find an open shooter. Green’s ability to create for others is impeccable. His own ability to stretch the floor makes him that much more of a threat. We know that Green is a physical body inside that can finish in the paint, but when you take him outside he is that much more dynamic. Green’s play-making ability from the forward spot can be matched only by LeBron James. What a creator Draymond Green is.
Green has, arguably, been robbed out of the Defensive Player of the Year award for two years in a row. An All-NBA Defensive First Team member, Green is always tasked with guards the best player on the other team that is not a guard. He versatility to in guarding centers allows him to play center in small lineups, making the Warriors the most dangerous team in the league. Green is an absolutely lock-down defender, and can make plays on that end and in transition as well.
Draymond loses no luster when we talk about rebounding either. He is so strong in the paint and always out-wills his opponents to the ball. Not many can match the fire and intensity of Green and it really shows on the interior when hitting the glass.
What else could one want in a forward? A versatile play-maker that can lock down any opposing team’s best player. Draymond Green is here to stay, ladies and gentlemen.
Mar 7, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
1. Anthony Davis
Age: 23
2015-2016 Season Averages: 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 steals
Shooting Percentages: .493/.324/.758
Anthony Davis is a transcendent NBA talent. When healthy, he is the best big man in the NBA.
While he plays on a sub-par roster in New Orleans, Davis has been able to put this team on his back, at times, and make special things happen. If he gets a little more help, the Pelicans could be dangerous.
Davis’ offensive ability is simply amazing. He is a force on the interior, as he is able to finish against anyone, probably with a dunk. In the post, he is also nearly unstoppable. His face-up ability makes him dangerous, he can go around you or through you. His handle gets him to the rack at will and if not, he can knock down a mid-range jump shot right in your face. As if he wasn’t unstoppable enough, Davis is working to add a more consistent 3-point shot. What a nightmare that would be for the NBA. If you want to see a big man scoring bonanza, go to New Orleans and watch this man.
On defense, he is just as dominant. An elite shot blocker, Davis’ paint defense is incredible. His tenacity on that end makes him so special, as there are very few players that can score on him in the paint. His quickness is also top notch. Meaning that he can guard the pick-and-roll to perfection, with the ability to switch onto guards if needed in that situation. Davis is an elite stopper and it is hard to imagine that he won’t win a Defensive Player of the Year award some day.
Tenacity on the glass further advances his offense, as he is always a threat to create another possession for his team. Davis plays so mean on the inside that it is so difficult to out-rebound him. His elite athleticism coupled with his ferocity makes him a force on the glass.
At only age 23, Davis is already an elite player on both ends of the floor. The only thing standing between him and utter domination, is injury. If he is healthy, he is bound for the Hall of Fame. Don’t be surprised if in four years, Davis is the best player in the NBA. But for now, he is just the best at his position.