Top 5 Power Forwards of All-Time

Over the past decade, the game has completely evolved, becoming a three-point heavy league. Evidence to the evolution, is how the power forward position has changed a lot, as there is more stretch fours present in the league than ever before. While there are still a handful of old school power forwards in today’s league, having the ability to stretch the floor from the three as a big is more important than ever before. Here’s my current list of my top 5 power forwards of all-time.

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5. Charles Barkley

It was tough for me to place Charles Barkley here. I believe that Barkley was one of the most underrated players in the NBA. In terms of how good all of the players on this list were at their peak, in my opinion, Charles Barkley is arguably number two during his peak. However; it’s not just about their peak, it’s about their entire career and the players I have in front of him, had the longevity over him, and the fact that he didn’t win a ring hurts him. I know there’s no consolation prize for losing to Michael Jordan in the finals but can you really criticize him for losing to Michael Jordan? Despite not winning a ring, it’s easy to forget how dominant Charles Barkley was throughout his career. Barkley was an undersized power forward only (6’6), but that didn’t stop him nor that anyone could stop him. Known as the “Round Mound of Rebound”, he was a savvy all-around player and was infamous for grabbing the rebound and going coast-to-coast. He was so dominant in the paint, and was also one of the most efficient players inside the arc as he shot 58% from inside the arc. He was simply one of the greatest undersized bigs that the NBA had seen as his career stats and accolades showcased how great he was. Career stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, while shooting 54.1% from the field and 73.5% from the free throw line. Accolades: MVP, 11x All-Star, 11x All-NBA selection, Rebound Champ, All-Star Game MVP, and won two Olympic Gold Medals.

4. Dirk Nowitzki

No question, Dirk Nowitzki is the greatest European player ever. Nowitzki absolutely revolutionize the power forward position. Dirk broke the international barriers, as no international player had nearly the success that Dirk did and now you see how many international players are in the league today. The league had never seen a player at that size with a shooting touch & stroke like Dirk’s. He was one of the first power forwards to officially become a “stretch four”. A large part as to why he was very successful at being a stretch four, is due to his famous one-legged fadeaway jumper which is considered as one of the most unstoppable shots in the history of the game. Dirk’s greatest feat and moment during his career is without a doubt his title run during the 2010-11 season. Dirk’s Mavericks took down the Miami’s Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in the NBA Finals. The level that Dirk played at during that entire playoffs is one of the greatest individual playoff performances that the NBA has ever seen. Dirk is also one of the handful of players of who played for a single team throughout his entire career (20 years). He is only one of seven players to score over 30,000 career points. There's not much more you can ask for in a career like Dirk’s. Career stats: 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, while shooting 47.1% from the field and 87.9% from the free throw line. Accolades: MVP, 14x All-Star, 12x All-NBA selection, Finals MVP, and an NBA Champion.

3. Kevin Garnett

Known as “The Big Ticket”, Garnett was one of the most competitive and intense players that I have witnessed. Kevin Garnett is arguably the best all-around and the most versatile power forward in history. During his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Garnett was easily one of the best players in the NBA. Garnett was an absolute force in the paint both offensively and defensively as he was gifted with great versatility on the offensive side and was constantly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Garnett carried the Minnesota franchise for years and he had the burden of being their best scorer, rebounder, defender, playmaker, and being the voice and anchor of the team. If Garnett would have gotten the necessary help while he was in Minnesota or went to Boston earlier in his career, Garnett would most likely have more than one ring. Garnett may get criticize for his overall playoff record, but during his years in Boston, he proved to be a champion when he got the necessary help by being the anchor. Garnett being one of the best two-way players, his longevity and tenure in Boston is why I have Garnett at the three-spot on my list. Career stats: 17.8 PPG, 10 RPG, 3.7 APG, over a steal and block per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 78.9% from the free throw line. Accolades: MVP, 15x All-Star, 9x All-NBA selection, 12x All-Defensive, 4x Rebound Champ, Defensive Player of the Year, All-Star Game MVP, and an NBA Champion.

2. Karl Marlone

Known as “The Mailman”, he finished second in career points (36,928). One of the strongest and physical players in the game as he bullied and had his way in the paint. He could score it from anywhere but he was at his best scoring from the paint and from the elbow. Malone consistency was displayed as he made the All-NBA First Team 11 straight seasons. Malone was also a two-time MVP. Malone and Stockton elevated the pick & roll. Now look how popular and how much the pick & roll is used in the NBA today. The biggest drawback for making a real case on having Malone as the greatest power forward of all-time, is the fact he didn’t win a ring, despite having an all-time great point guard in John Stockton. However; the consistency and longevity are the reasons why I have Malone at the two-spot on my list. Accolades: 2x MVP, 14x All-Star, 14x All-NBA selection, 4x All-Defensive, 2x All-Star Game MVP, and won two Olympic Gold Medals.

1. Tim Duncan

I don’t think it’s a question that Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all-time. Tim Duncan career is the definition of consistency. The ultimate franchise player for two decades, as Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs never missed the playoffs (20 straight seasons). Duncan’s game was simple but he was so fundamentally sound that he made the game look extremely easy. Duncan’s defense is what set him apart as he was also so fundamentally sound on defense that he made no mistakes on the end of the floor. Although, he didn’t win Defensive Player of the Year, he was selected to the All-Defensive Team 15 times. His team-first mentality, how he always stayed composed, and how he always had an ego-less attitude on the court were pivotal to the Spurs success for two decades. Duncan always did what was best and needed for the team to win which led to him becoming one of the winningest players in NBA history. Without a doubt, Duncan’s success, longevity, and sustained dominance is the reason why he’s the undisputed number one power forward of all-time. Duncan’s accolades and speaks for itself on how great he was for such a long period of time. Career stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.2 BPG, 50.6% from the field and 69.6% from the free throw line. Accolades: 2x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 15x All-Star, 15x All-NBA selection, 15x All-Defensive, All-Star Game MVP, Rookie of the Year, and a 5x NBA Champion.