The NBA’s evolution is nothing short of explosive. Once upon a time, power forwards were the ‘tweener’ position – not quite as towering as centers but beefier than small forwards. Over time, they transformed, becoming versatile floor spacers who could dominate the paint and launch threes. So, who truly deserves the crown as one of the greatest power forwards ever? Let’s delve into the 20 best power forwards in NBA history and break them into five provocative tiers.
20 greatest power forwards in NBA history
Tier 5 – The Stars
20. Draymond Green: A four-time NBA champion, Green is a beast on defense and an exceptional passer. His controversial antics often steal the spotlight, but let’s not forget: he’s an elite player who helped shape the Warriors’ dynasty.
19. Tom Chambers: Underrated throughout his career, Chambers still managed to score over 20,000 points in over 1,000 games. Yet, shockingly, he’s never been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
18. Dan Issel: A beast in both the ABA and NBA, Issel made his mark with his scoring prowess and tenacity, cementing his legacy despite not being a household name.
17. Blake Griffin: At his peak, Griffin was a dominant force. Though his career was marred by injuries, he posted solid numbers, including 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds during his Clippers’ stint.
Tier 4 – Superstars
16. LaMarcus Aldridge: Aldridge didn’t get the attention he deserved, but his numbers speak volumes: over 20,000 points and 9,000 rebounds. A Hall of Fame-worthy career, albeit underappreciated.
15. Dennis Rodman: A figure surrounded by drama, Rodman’s rebounding skills and defense were untouchable. Yet, his legacy remains overshadowed by his off-court antics, making him both revered and controversial.
14. Chris Bosh: A versatile big man with two NBA titles, Bosh’s career was cut short. Still, his 11 All-Star appearances and championship rings cement his status as one of the game’s greats.
13. Anthony Davis: A modern-day monster, Davis has been a nightmare on both ends of the floor, constantly flirting with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 2,000 blocks. But will his health allow him to reach his full potential?
12. Pau Gasol: Often underrated, Gasol’s skill set was unmatched. He didn’t just score; he made plays with his passing and defense, winning two titles along the way.
Tier 3 – MVP Level
11. Chris Webber: The talent was there, but injuries cut Webber’s peak short. Had he remained healthy, he could’ve been a top-tier power forward, with his 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game being a glimpse of his potential.
10. Dolph Schayes: One of the first superstars of the NBA, Schayes was a consistent double-double machine, leaving his mark on both the Syracuse Nationals and the league itself.
9. Elvin Hayes: Despite being overlooked, Hayes is the third all-time leading scorer among power forwards with over 27,000 points and 16,000 rebounds. That kind of consistency is worth noting.
8. Kevin McHale: Known for his post moves and exceptional footwork, McHale played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ 1980s dynasty. His dominance in the paint earned him a reputation as one of the best post players in history.
Tier 2 – All-Time Greats
7. Bob Pettit: A two-time MVP, Pettit’s 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game set the standard for future power forwards. A champion in every sense of the word.
6. Charles Barkley: At 6’6”, Barkley was a rebounding machine and one of the most unique players in NBA history. His offensive and defensive brilliance, despite not securing a championship, made him a force to be reckoned with.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The ‘Greek Freak’ is on an unstoppable path. With nearly 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, Giannis’ impact is undeniable. His 2021 title further solidified his place in NBA history.
4. Karl Malone: Malone’s durability and scoring ability made him the highest-scoring power forward of all time. With over 36,000 career points, his longevity is unmatched, though his lack of a championship remains his biggest blemish.
3. Dirk Nowitzki: One of the most iconic and beloved players in NBA history, Nowitzki led the Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011, cementing his legacy as a dominant force. His career, filled with over 30,000 points, is one for the history books.
2. Kevin Garnett: One of the most versatile forwards ever, Garnett’s defensive prowess and leadership earned him a championship with the Celtics. He redefined the power forward position with his relentless play and raw intensity.
Tier 1 – The GOAT
1. Tim Duncan: No surprise here. Duncan is the greatest power forward ever. His five championships, MVPs, and unparalleled consistency make him the gold standard. Duncan was the foundation of the San Antonio Spurs for nearly two decades, and his career performances were nothing short of legendary.
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