The power forward position is one of the most diverse positions in the NBA. Whether you’re looking for a pick & roll slasher, pick & pop shooter, or both, there are numerous names that come to mind. The diversity of this role made it fun to rank the top 30 power forwards in the NBA for the upcoming 2020-2021 season.
Sometimes a player’s impact on winning is just as important as their skill and production.
If you don’t see your favorite big man on this list, chances are they were mentioned in our top 30 centers list for the 2020-2021 NBA season.
Here are the top 30 power forwards in the NBA, ranked in the 2020-2021 NBA preseason:
30. Dario Saric- Phoenix Suns
Dario Saric is one of the many great diverse NBA players that come form Europe. Although he has been in a limited role with Phoenix, I believe he can provide some great value minutes, whether he comes off the bench of plays alongside Ayton.
This is one player that has great opportunity to climb up this list.
29. P.J. Washington- Charlotte Hornets
In a limited role with a losing team, it can be somewhat difficult to evaluate P.J. Washington’s impact at the power forward role.
He can score, rebound, and is a willing shooter. This young man has the potential to climb up this list, especially because he plays alongside many phenomenal passers.
28. Derrick Favors- Utah Jazz
The defensive minded veteran forward has been a decent fit in Utah for the past few seasons. He understands their system well and serves his purpose for the Jazz. He may not fill up the stats sheet, but his consistency makes him reliable.
27. Paul Milsap- Denver Nuggets
I was hoping the Nuggets wouldn’t fall into a situation where they had to re-sign Paul Milsap. Unfortunately, after losing two of their big men, they had to do just that. Milsap serves his purpose and compliments Jokic well. I just wish the Nuggets had someone younger and more active.
The veteran forward has lasted this long in the NBA for a reason. What he does, he does well and consistently.
26. P.J. Tucker – Houston Rockets
Perhaps very few player on this list deserve more of an honorable mention of the top centers list than P.J. Tucker. He is a very tough defensive forward who has been forced to play positions where he is undersized over the last few years.
Although he may not be as skilled as some of the players on this list, Tucker is a very valuable forward who plays more meaningful minutes than many on this list. He is also one of the best corner three point shooters in the NBA.
Hopefully, with the addition of Wood and Cousins, he won’t have to play the center position again this season.
25. Lauri Markannen- Chicago Bulls
This one is easy, when healthy, Lauri has top ten power forward potential. The reason I have him ranked this low is due to health, and playing for the Chicago Bulls.
Despite having a lot of talent, the Bulls have looked very mediocre over the last few seasons. For Markannen to climb up this list, we’re going to need to see him healthy and impacting winning.
24. Nemanja Bjelica- Sacramento Kings
There is no player in the NBA more misused than Nemanja Bjelica. He is a very talented big man who can shoot the deep ball. I would love to see him get moved from the Sacramento Kings, another let down team with a lot of talent.
23. Marvin Bagley III- Sacramento Kings
Bagley III is another top 30 power forward that fits the trend of struggling with health and playing for a let down franchise. Similar to Markannen, when healthy, this talented forward can sky rocket up this list.
Unfortunately, although I take potential into consideration, it is not enough to rank a player highly on any list.
22. Robert Covington- Portland Trail Blazers
Covington is the type of forward that every franchise needs. He brings great value on both sides of the floor. Many who have ranked the Trail Blazers as one of the best teams in the NBA, partially credit the addition of Covington to the Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers were a franchise that suffered with health issues. Covington adds much needed depth.
21. Montrezl Harrell- Los Angeles Lakers
I loved this signing for the Lakers because not only did it make the Lakers better, it made the Clippers worse. Harrell is a high motor forward that can play multiple positions for the Lakers.
As one of the best players coming off the bench over the last two seasons, Harrell Has averaged over 17 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
As long as he isn’t taunting Luka Doncic, he should continue to be one of the top power forwards in the NBA this season.
Ranking the top 20 power forwards in the NBA this season.
20. Zach Collins- Portland Trail Blazers
There are very few players I wish the Celtics could acquire, realistically, than Zach Collins. Collins’ high motor and defensive presence makes him an irreplaceable piece for the Portland Trail Blazers.
If the Trail Blazers are going to contend for an NBA championship, they are going to need Collins healthy and available.
19. Brandon Clarke- Memphis Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke is not only arguably the most underrated player in the NBA, he is one of the least talked about as well. In an era that over hypes incoming young players, Clarke has been a needed and welcomed addition to the Memphis Grizzlies.
In limited minutes, Clarke provides high energy on both ends of the court for Memphis. If Memphis is going to replicate their over achieving success from last season, Clarkes is going to need to develop and continue to be an important piece of this exciting young franchise.
18. Julius Randle- New York Knicks
I tried to rank him higher but he hit me with a spin move.
17. Serge Ibaka- Los Angeles Clippers
Although many expect Ibaka to fall off due to his age, he has continued to be one of the most productive forwards in the NBA. Whether the Clippers want to play him alongside Zubac, or play him at the center position in small ball line ups, Ibaka is a versatile player capable of fulfilling several roles on any given team.
His maturity and leadership is a much needed upgrade for the Los Angeles Clippers.
16. Rui Hachimura- Washington Wizards
Hachimura is one of the up and coming exciting young forwards in the NBA. He has brings high energy to both ends of the floor. He is mature for his age and has the advantage of getting international experience with team Japan.
After acquiring Westbrook, I believe the Wizards are finally serious about winning. With an engaged team and skilled teammates, there is no reason why the highly talented Hachimura cannot take the next step and continue to be productive for the Wizards.
15. Aaron Gordon- Orlando Magic
This off season, it was reported that at least ten franchises reached out to the Orlando Magic to inquire about Gordon’s availability. Gordon is received as a player with high potential, but has yet to have his break out season as a member of the Orlando Magic.
I believe that in order for Gordon to flourish, he is going to need to play alongside a talented backcourt, something he has yet to have during his tenure with the Orlando Magic.
14. Jerami Grant- Detroit Pistons
Grant wanted a bigger role than that available to him in Denver. He chose to join the Detroit Pistons, allegedly being promised a bigger role. I do not like or agree with this move for Grant.
However, you cannot deny Grant’s talent and what he can bring to both ends of the floor. I just hope the Pistons actually put him in a position to find continued success.
13. Kevin Durant- Brooklyn Nets
As many of you know, I am very down on players coming off an Achilles tendon injury. However, if anyone is going to find success after such a terrible injury, it has to be Durant, right?
From the bottom of my heart, I truly hope that Durant is healthy and back to being the second best player in the NBA. However, I believe that in order for Durant to find success this season, he cannot continue to play the small forward role.
Is it unfair to imagine Durant assuming an aging Dirk Nowitzki role for a season? I don’t think so. When healthy and at his best, Durant is the second best small forward in the NBA. Unfortunately, I believe that the best case scenario for Durant this season is being a shooting power forward for the Nets.
12. Jaren Jackson Jr.- Memphis Grizzlies
Jackson is the the second member of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise to enter the top 20 in my top 30 power forwards list. When healthy, Jackson is one of the most productive young players in the NBA. In order to climb up this list, he is going to need to be healthy. Nothing besides that is holding him back.
11. John Collins- Atlanta Hawks
I want to believe in Collins, but his suspension last season makes me question just how good he really is. When available, Collins has shown top ten potential. I’m going to need to see more of him in order to believe that he is worth building around.
Here are your top 10 power forwards.
10. Tobias Harris- Philadelphia 76ers
Although Harris hasn’t found the type of success Sixers fans wish they’d have with him, there is no denying his talent. Harris is a talented forward that is best utilized at the power forward position, alongside Joel Embiid.
His scoring versatility makes him a threat from anywhere on the court. The Sixers have their problems, I’d argue that Harris’ struggles at times are not one of them; His struggles are a product of the many struggles that affect that team.
9. LaMarcus Aldridge- San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge will go down as one of the best forwards of the 2010s. Although he may not be competing for a top power forward spot anymore, he is still one of the top ten power forwards in the game.
As I believe the Spurs need to retool their roster, hopefully this will lead Aldridge to be traded to a contendor.
8. Domantas Sabonis- Indiana Pacers
NBA fans were well aware that the Pacers got themselves a stud in Victor Oladipo. What many of them failed to acknowledge was that Domantas Sabonis was also a borderline all-star they managed to acquire.
Sabonis has improved every season he has been in the NBA since entering the league in 2016. Last season, he made his first all-star team and finished the year averaging 18.5 PTS, 12.4 REB, 5.0 AST, on .540 FG%.
Sabonis is one of the toughest young forwards in the NBA. He is also arguably the most underrated player in the NBA at this time. This season, the world is about to find out what Indiana Pacers fans already know.
7. Kevin Love- Cleveland Cavaliers
Love is one of the best rebounders and perimeter shooters in the league. Unfortunately, his value and impact on winning have diminished as he remains a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He joins LaMarcus Aldridge on the list of players I’d like to see traded before the trade deadline.
6. Blake Griffin- Detroit Pistons
As many of you Per Sources faithful know, Griffin was one of my favorite players in the NBA for years. Not only is he one of the most electrifying dunkers in NBA history, he is also one of the most gifted passing forwards we have ever seen.
Unfortunately for Griffin, the only thing holding him back from a top five spot on this list has been his health. When healthy, Griffin is one of the best players in the NBA.
As he ages, getting and staying healthy has gotten increasingly difficult for Griffin.
5. Zion Williamson- New Orleans Pelicans
The only thing holding back Zion from climbing up this list has been the New Orleans Pelicans’ medical staff. Zion has superstar written all over him. He is a highly talented power forward, capable of scoring in multiple ways. He is also a high motor player that is highly passionate about playing the game of basketball.
Hopefully for Pelicans and NBA fans, Zion will remain healthy this season. I am looking forward to watching this very entertaining and talented young man.
4. Pascal Siakam- Toronto Raptors
Although his performances were somewhat mediocre in the NBA bubble, there is no denying Siakam’s talent. Although Siakam has improved every season since he entered the NBA, there is still a lot of room for him to grow.
As his first season as the leader of the Toronto Raptors, Siakam averaged 22.9 PTS, 7.3 REB, and 3.5 AST. Although statistics do not tell the full story, he was not as impressive as Indiana’s Pacers for a major part of last season.
I’m willing to give him the benefit of doubt for last season. In order to remain as a top 5 power forward on our list, he is going to need to take another step in his development, as I expect he will.
3. Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors
There is a legitimate argument that if Green wasn’t in the Warriors system and surrounded by players like Steph Curry, he wouldn’t be a top power forward in the NBA.
For the time being, Green is indeed playing alongside Curry in Steve Kerr’s system as a member of the Warriors organization. Thus, he will continue to do what he does best, pass the basketball, space the floor, and defend at a high level.
He may not pack the stats sheet, but there is a reason why every GM in the NBA is searching for the next Draymond Green.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
Figuring out what position Antetokounmpo actually played was the hardest part when ranking him. Besides that, there is very little that Antetokounmpo does not do for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is their best player on both ends of the floor for them.
Antetokounmpo also leads the franchise in most meaningful statistics at any given time. Despite being the two time MVP, there is still a lot Antetokounmpo needs to add to his game to be considered the best player in the NBA. He knows that, the Bucks know that, and even Antetokounmpo fans know that deep down.
1.Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Any franchise lucky enough to have Antetokounmpo or Davis is a very lucky franchise. What separates Davis from Antetokounmpo is the fact that Davis virtually has no weaknesses in his offensive game as a big man in the NBA.
While both Antetokounmpo and Davis are capable of playing multiple roles, playing alongside LeBron James has put Davis in positions that bring the best out of him.
You can argue that Antetokounmpo can do more from a handling the ball perspective. I’d argue that the fact that Davis does not have to do that, has allowed him to focus on what he does best.
Davis can torture teams in multiple ways on both ends of the court. The Lakers enabled him to have so much success, many Lakers fans considered him the best player on their team.
Davis’ incredible talent, and situation, ranks him at the top of my top 30 power forwards list for the 2020-2021 NBA season.
Honorable mentions.
There were several forwards selected in the draft that have the potential to make it on to this list during the season. I’d also like to take a moment to once again mention Kevin Durant.
His low placement on this list is simply a product of my faith in players coming back from an Achilles injury, not talent.
Care to debate my list? Tweet me @TPRx11.