The power forward position remains one of the evolving positions in the NBA with a list of top players that looks much different than the list of the best players from even two years ago. Traditionally, the top power forwards in the game were your prototypical back-to-the-basket type of players. Teams would throw the ball into the post to them and then they’d go to work, either try to score or draw double-teams and move the ball around. Things have changed quite a bit since then.
Nowadays, Draymond Green has come out of nowhere to becomes one of the league’s most complete players and he’s not in that Tim Duncan/Kevin Garnett type of mold. However, health might be the only thing holding back Blake Griffin near the top of this list. Here is a look at the top five power forwards in the NBA right now.
1. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Green’s status as one of the most underrated players in the NBA is in trouble as he is now clearly considered the best player at his position due to his incredible all-around ability. Green has averaged 10.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, which is absolutely incredible. Dwyane Wade is the only other player in the past decade that has averaged at least two steals and one block per game while only Michael Jordan, Fat Lever and Magic Johnson have averaged at least 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The 6’7’’ forward is an elite rim protector and a quality perimeter defender that can do it all at both ends of the floor.
2. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Griffin’s incredible start to the year took a hit when he was injured for the second year in a row but he still deserves to be right here at the top behind only Green in our power forward rankings. Griffin has averaged 21.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game this season and perhaps the most interesting aspect of his ability is the fact that Los Angeles has been so bad without him. The Clippers went 19-7 with Grffin in the lineup to start the year but have a 7-7 record since to fall to 26-14 on the season. That is a testament to what Griffin has brought to the table and if he was able to stay healthy, he could challenge Green for the top spot on this list. The Clippers would be wise to sign him to a long-term extension and keep him in the fold for the next handful of years.
3. Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Love has found his comfort zone in Cleveland this season while performing at a high level as the third option behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Love has averaged 21.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists and his 24.0 PER is easily his best mark with the Cavaliers. Love has room to continue to improve and ultimately he will need to be at his best when it matters the most for Cleveland in the postseason.
4. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Porzingis has really come in to his own in his second NBA season while averaging 20.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 assists per game. The fact that he is still just 21-years-old is a clear indication that his best is yet to come and he has all of the tools to climb to this top of this list. A talented scorer that can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, Porzingis can create mismatches all over the court. Already one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, Porzingis is clearly trending upwards.
5. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
Paul Millsap and Jabari Parker earned honorable mention nods for this position but ultimately Aldridge is the most deserving of the power forward options here. Aldridge has averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 block while continuing to learn a complex system in San Antonio this season. The five-time All-Star has all of the tools to put up big numbers at both ends of the floor and while he is no longer the centerpiece of his team’s offense he is still one of the top power forwards in the game right now.
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