The power forward position was probably my favorite position to watch growing up. I still remember Kevin Garnett dropping 40+ on the Lakers, while also dominating on the defensive end. Although the position has changed due to the small ball era, there are still many all-time great power forwards currently in the NBA.
As always, the criteria to evaluate these players include past & present performances, future projections, and my overall opinion of the players.
If you don’t see one of the great power forwards on this list, chances are he was listed in my top 10 NBA centers April 2019 list.
Here are my rankings for the top 10 NBA power forwards as of April 2019:
10. Serge Ibaka- Toronto Raptors
Serge Ibaka has had himself somewhat of a bounce back year. There were whispers among NBA GMs last year about Ibaka’s real age due to his declining performances late in the season. However, it would seem as Ibaka has found his consistent stride for the last couple of seasons.
Ibaka is having one of his best scoring and rebounding seasons, while also defending at a high level.
Would I choose him over James Harden? No. But he’s still a good power forward.
9. Kristaps Porzingis- Dallas Mavericks
If it weren’t for his knee injury, Porzingis would have a top power forward argument. Sitting out the entire year was a good decision. Usually, I’m harder on players with big injuries. However, he is young and extremely talented.
I also believe the Mavericks organization is a great fit for Porzingis. There is a lot of potential for the young star to move up this list.
8. Julius Randle- New Orleans Pelicans
Considering all the drama New Orleans went through this season, the one constant they had was Julius Randle. I was a big fan of him in Los Angeles and will continue to be a fan wherever he goes.
Randle is a hard working player who has continued to improve year after year. From 11, 13, 16, to now 21.4 points per game on 52.4 FG%. He can be a high caliber piece for a team looking to take the next step. Would love to see him in Brooklyn at some point.
7. Tobias Harris- Philadelphia 76ers
This is where it starts to get tricky in the small ball era. Historically, I had ranked Harris among the small forwards. For his last two teams, he has found himself playing the power forward position.
Harris has a great attitude and fits in any locker room he goes. He has the ability to be a point forward and can score in several different ways. He’s not a great defender. However, he is a very gifted offensive player.
6. Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors
This is the first time in years that Draymond Green has slipped out of my top 5. The reason he slipped out is because of how Golden State has been using him.
Kevin Durant ended the year trying to be a facilitator. I am not a fan of Durant’s initiative because it’s a skillset that far better suits Draymond Green. In addition to that, Green’s 3P% efficiency has slipped a little this season.
However, Green is still an elite defender and one of the best passing big men in NBA history. He is a also the emotional leader of one of the best dynasties in NBA history. Whether or not he could do what he does with other teams is up for debate. To me personally, it’s irrelevant. Green is great at what he’s asked to do.
Every GM is looking for the next Draymond Green.
5. Paul Milsap- Denver Nuggets
Statistically speaking, Milsap is not the player he was with Atlanta. However, he is just what the Nuggets have needed him to be. Milsap has been a solid defensive presence that can stretch the floor on the offensive end. He compliments Jokic relatively well.
Milsap almost doubled his games played this season from last season and the Nuggets have improved from a 9th seed to a 2nd seed. A lot like Horford in Boston, Milsap often finds himself the unsung hero of the Nuggets.
Milsap provides any coach he plays for flexibility on the offensive end and the ability to guard the pick & roll on the defensive end. That’s something every coach needs.
4. Kevin Love- Cleveland Cavaliers
Unfortunately for NBA fans, we did not get to see what Love could do as the sole all-star on his team this season. However, I’m confident that Love still has a lot left in him. Love has always had a diverse offensive skillset in the NBA.
He is one of the best out let passers in the game, if not the best. He is also a very strong, solid rebounder. Love’s ability to shoot the 3, post up, and push the tempo make him an ideal offensive power forward for any team. Although he does struggle guarding the pick & roll, he’s not as bad of a defender as people make him out to be.
Very excited to see what he and the Cavaliers can put together next season.
3. Blake Griffin- Detroit Pistons
Although Griffin has mostly been known for his highlight dunks, I’ve also been mesmerized by his ability to push the tempo and pass the basketball. At his best, Blake Griffin might be the best passing big man to ever play the power forward position.
The best thing about Griffin? He has added something to his game every year since 2011. He has the ability to take over games on the offensive end. He’s finally back to being relatively healthy, in comparison to the last two years. He’s an all-star again and helped made the Pistons get back to the playoffs.
For Griffin to take the next step, I think the Pistons need to move Drummond and improve at the point guard position.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge- San Antonio Spurs
After a mediocre first season with the Spurs, Aldridge has returned to being a dominant staple at the power forward position over the last two years. All things considered, there was no better power forward than LaMarcus Aldridge during the 2018-2019 NBA season.
Aldridge played and started 81 games for the 7th seed San Antonio Spurs. Despite dealing with numerous injuries and trades and multiple positions, Aldridge remained consistently reliable all year for the Spurs. He averaged 21.3 PTS, 8.4 REB, 2.4 AST, on 51.9 FG% and 84.5 FT%. He also finished 20th in PER.
Aldridge brings a lot to the table that aren’t recorded in the score sheets. However, his presence makes the Spurs a lot better. Personally, I’d love to see him return to Portland though.
1.Anthony Davis- New Orleans Pelicans
As much as I want to knock Davis for his agents’ antics and his health last season, I cannot deny his talent as a player. When available, Davis is one of the best players in the NBA. Several NBA analysts considered him to be the best player in the NBA last season.
The two seasons before last, Davis played 75 games each, averaged 28+ PTS, 11+ REB, and was a threat on the defensive end. Although I believe he will most likely be playing for the Lakers next season, I’m sure he’ll be dominant no matter where he goes.
Summarizing my thoughts on the top 10 NBA power forwards as of April 2019:
The Power Forward position is changing as teams transition into the modern fast paced NBA. There are also several players who deserve honorable mentions like Siakam, Kuzma, Mirotic, and Aaron Gordon, who might have been small forwards ten years back. Another player I want to give an honorable mention to is Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis.
Who is on your list of top 10 NBA power forwards? Tweet me @TPRx11