The Fierce Five: NBA’s Top 5 Power Forwards

Over the last two decades, the position of power forward has been dominated by one man, the great Tim Duncan. Though many will put his position in question, labeling him as a center, most will consider Duncan as the greatest power-forward of all time. But Duncan has now passed the torch on his own team to LaMarcus Aldridge, and it’s time to pass the label of best power forward in the league to the next young talent. We’re going to look at the best power forwards in the league today.

1. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis came out of Kentucky with as much hype as anyone in the last decade. The Brow possessed an uncanny ability to defend not only the paint, but also at the perimeter. He was a human highlight reel with freakish athleticism. When he got to the NBA, he retained those skills, but learned to play in the post, and put on 20 pounds of muscle. At 22 years of age, Davis is going to be at the top of this list for years to come.

2. LaMarcus Aldridge

Aldridge came to San Antonio to replace the aging Tim Duncan, and he fit that role as well as anyone could hope. The 7 foot Aldridge has good rebounding ability and is a skilled mid-range shooter. Aldridge has also taken his game behind the 3 point line this season, in an attempt to play a stretch four position that will open up the lane for Tony Parker.

3. Draymond Green

Unlike Anthony Davis, Green was an overlooked prospect coming from Michigan State. Although nobody doubted his ability to play basketball, Green was looked at as “too small to play power forward.” Draymond has proved doubters wrong and been an extremely effective player on both sides of the ball. Draymond has done it all with the record-breaking Golden State Warriors and was a key member of their 2015 Finals run, where they defeated LeBron, to earn the city’s first title since 1975.

4. Blake Griffin

Aside from some anger issues, Griffin has been a coach’s (but not equipment manager’s) dream. He can rebound, score and defend. Griffin has as more highlight reel dunks than anyone since coming into the league. His problem is what he does offensively when he’s not in dunking range. Although he’s improved, he is still not a good mid-range shooter. If Blake can put in the work, and improve this aspect of his game, there will be no stopping this man.

5. Kevin Love

Since going to Cleveland, Kevin Love’s stats have dipped drastically. This does not indicate a drop-off in talent. This dip is due to his lack of usage, and being surrounded with talented players. In Minnesota, Love was the guy, he was expected to do it all. Now he does not have to. When needed, Love can still give the Cavs 30 and 10, but it is just fewer and farther between. Love is a perfect fit for Cleveland and will help them win a ring or two before all is said and done.

Power forward is currently one of the deepest positions in the league. Along with being deep, it is versatile. Every player at the position plays it differently. Some are shooters, some rebounders, and some post players. Nonetheless, every player on this list is on their way to greatness, and are just taking different paths.

–Michael Hersey