The hardest part about ranking forwards at their respective positions is to figure out what position they actually play. If your favorite player isn’t found on my top 15 NBA power forwards list, chances are you can find them on my top 15 NBA centers list.
This top 15 NBA power forwards list will include veterans, players in their prime, and even rookies.
Before beginning to rank these my top 15 NBA power forwards, I would like to give an honorable mention to Brandon Clarke and Nemanja Bjelica. Both of these players provide value to their respective teams and almost cracked my top 15. Players were ranked using numerous factors including availability, skill, recent performances, potential, and projected near future performances.
15. Lauri Markkanen- Chicago Bulls
If it weren’t for injuries, we would probably be talking about Markkanen as a top ten power forward at this point. He has the talent to become that.
14. Julius Randle- New York Knicks
13. Al Horford- Philadelphia 76ers
This lower ranking more of an indication of his usage in Philadelphia than how I actually view him as a player. He is clearly more fit to play the center position.
12. Jarren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies
11. Zion Williamson- New Orleans Pelicans
Judging by what I’ve already seen from Williamson, I almost felt comfortable enough to place Williamson in my top 10. His potential is through the roof. The ten names above him are simply more proven at this point. I fully expect this ranking to change before next season.
10. Blake Griffin- Detroit Pistons
As many Per Sources followers know, Blake Griffin is one of my favorite players in the NBA. When you combine his skillset and athleticism, very few players in the NBA can match what Griffin can bring to your team. Unfortunately for Griffin, staying healthy as been a difficulty for him over the last few years. When healthy, Griffin is easily a top five power forward. Do not forget that Griffin has technically accomplished more than Anthony Davis has in the NBA up until this point of their respective careers.
9. Bojan Bogdanović- Utah Jazz
Bogdanović was arguably the most underrated signing of the summer. Bogdanović’s ability to slide into the power forward position has helped him excel in today’s NBA. He is one of the league’s most clutch shooters and helps bail Utah out in numerous occasions when Mitchell is struggling offensively. Not only is Bojan Bogdanović a top 10 NBA power forward, he is also one of the most slept on players in the NBA.
8. John Collins- Atlanta Hawks
Collins is one of the bright young stars in the NBA. He has continued to improve year after year. Before his suspension earlier in the year, the Hawks were off to a hot start. Collins is quietly averaging 20.6 PTS, 10.2 REB, .572 FG%, and .814 FT%. I am curious if playing next to Clint Capela will elevate his game, or hurt his production.
7. Kevin Love- Cleveland Cavaliers
I am not prepared to give up on Kevin Love just yet. He is a former NBA all-star with a lot to like. He is an elite rebounder, with a keen eye and ability to initiate a successful fast break with his passing ability. He is also one of the few players with a post game that can also take a few steps back and hit a deep shot. Like some of the other players on the list, I believe Love is struggling due to his team’s current situation.
6. LaMarcus Aldridge- San Antonio Spurs
Aldridge is arguably an all-time great NBA powerfoward. He has consistently ranked in my top 5 for years. However, the NBA has changed rather quickly over the last few years. Midrange jump shots are not appreciated the way they used to be. In addition to that, the Spurs are not doing well this season. While Aldridge, 34 years old, does still has a lot left in the tank, I don’t think he can still be the best player on a team looking to compete in the western conference anymore.
5. Domantas Sabonis- Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are competing for the fourth spot in the eastern conference playoffs, despite being written off in the pre-season. A huge part of their success can be attributed to Sabonis. Sabonis has been the best player on the Indiana Pacers all season. When healthy, they are a nightmare matchup for most teams in the Eastern Conference. While he may not be as skilled as Love or Griffin, his availability and impact on winning earned him the 5th spot on my top 15 NBA power forwards list.
Huge respect to Sabonis for taking that massive leap forward. He did not make my top 10 NBA power forwards list last year.
4. Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green haters have had a ton of fun this season. Without Curry and Thompson, Green hasn’t looked anything close to the all-star dual threat that we are accustomed to. However, I am not giving up on Green just yet. It’s pretty clear that the Warriors are taking a gap year. Do not be surprised if Draymond looks like his old self this time next year.
3. Pascal Siakam- Toronto Raptors
Gone goes Kawhi, in comes Pascal Siakam. Siakam has quickly emerged as an NBA all-star during the 2019-2020 season. His versatility, ability to play either forward position, and passion for the game have all helped contribute to Siakam’s success in the NBA. Siakam is only 25, with room to further improve. While he may not have Anthony Davis talent or potential, he is good enough to punish opponents on a nightly basis.
2. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis has drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett as early as his rookie season, for good reason. On the offensive end, his versatility and shooting ability makes him virtually unguardable by any individual defender. Perhaps the only knock on Davis over the years has been his availability due to health reasons. Now playing alongside James, we are seeing some of the best of Davis. However, as talented as Davis is, there are still numerous questions about his ability to stay healthy and dominate.
1.Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
For the first time ever, Antetokounmpo has ranked higher on my list than Anthony Davis. Perhaps no player has impacted winning over the last two seasons as much as Antetokounmpo has. Not only is he a runaway favorite for the NBA’s MVP award, he is the leader on a number one ranked Bucks team. Antetokounmpo’s impact on both ends of the floor is a big reason why the Bucks rank so highly in numerous categories.
Have any thoughts on my top 15 NBA power forward list? Tweet me @TPRx11