Unlike previous NBA eras, when the power forward essentially acted like a second center on the floor, their game has evolved into a much more perimeter-oriented style.
Gone are the days when you had to be at least 6 foot 9 to be considered for the power forward role. The new breed of players who play this spot in today’s game must be able to shoot the three, be a decent rebounder, and switch for multiple positions defensively.
This is arguably one of the most coveted positions in the modern game. Some of the best players in the league currently play this spot for their respective teams.
Who are the top power forwards in the NBA today?
30. Taylor Hendricks (Utah Jazz)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 13: Taylor Hendricks #0 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait during the 2023 NBA rookie photo shoot at UNLV on July 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Hendricks was a revelation for the Jazz during his rookie year. Even though he missed half of the season due to injuries, expect him to step up his game now that he’s healthy for his sophomore campaign.
29. Dorian Finney-Smith (Brooklyn Nets)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 05: Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center on March 05, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
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Finney-Smith’s game has suffered a minor setback since arriving in Brooklyn, as the team currently lacks a floor general who can easily distribute the ball on offense. He does not need the ball in his hands to be effective at his role.
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28. Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 01: Nikola Jovic #5 of the Miami Heat takes a shot against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Coach Spoelstra sees something in Jovic’s game that’s easily hard to spot with the untrained eye. His numbers don’t pop up, but he is a very good complementary piece for a team with championship aspirations.
27. Caleb Martin (Philadelphia 76ers)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 07: Caleb Martin #16 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up court during the first half of a preseason exhibition game against the New Zealand Breakers at the Wells Fargo Center on October 7, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
After years in a Heat uniform, Martin chased a bigger role(albeit for lesser money) during the offseason and signed with the Sixers. At just 6 feet 5 inches, Martin can play both forward spots on the floor and should become a good role player for this team for years to come.
26. Patrick Williams (Chicago Bulls)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 21: Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at the United Center on December 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It’s hard to fathom that Williams is now entering his 5th with the Bulls. The former 2020 lottery pick’s improvement has been rather slow. He’s good but not exceptionally great as an NBA power forward. Is there another ceiling to his game that he could reach?
25. Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 11: Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a preseason game at Capital One Arena on October 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Even with Jonas Valanciunas on the roster, it’s quite surprising that the Wizards will opt to start Alex Sarr at the four rather than come off the bench in his rookie campaign. As a result, the Wizards now have two 7-footers in their starting lineup. Sarr could either be a boom or bust type of player.
24. Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio Spurs)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Terry Rozier #2 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter of a preseason game at Kaseya Center on October 15, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
It was really odd to see Sochan running the point for the Spurs last season. It was disastrous. Glad he’s back at the power forward spot for his once-proud NBA franchise.
23. Tobias Harris (Detroit Pistons)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 30: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during media day at Little Caesars Arena on September 30, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Harris is back with the lowly Pistons again after failing to become an integral part of several contenders over the last half-decade. He now gets to shoot a ton for this young team without repercussions.
22. Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 15: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs back on the court after dunking against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 111-97. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
At this point, this might be the peak for Hachimura as an NBA power forward. What he does is run the floor, cut to the basket, and shoot the ball whenever he’s open. Some of us aren’t meant to shine, but hey, at least he’s a superstar in his native Japan.
21. PJ Washington (Dallas Mavericks)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Washington’s game was a delightful surprise for Mavs fans in last season’s surprising Finals run. His defense and three-point shot drastically improved when he was thrust into a bigger role in Dallas.
20. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of their preseason game at Chase Center on October 11, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The biggest knock on Kuminga’s game is his basketball IQ, which often leads to frustration rather than being in awe at his raw talents. He’s super athletic and runs the floor well, but he consistently makes bad basketball decisions whenever he has the ball.
19. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 08: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
With Dejounte Murray gone, Johnson now becomes the second offensive option for this Hawks team. His improvement was evident on the floor for Atlanta last season, and they are optimistic about what he could do in a bigger role moving forward.
18. Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets)
PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 12: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass away from Rayan Rupert #72 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on April 12, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
Smith Jr. drastically improved his shooting percentages from year one to year two. While he sometimes tends to shy away from contact and just settle for a jump shot, Smith Jr. is still extremely young, giving him a ton of time to further improve his game for this up-and-coming Rockets team.
17. Jerami Grant (Portland Trail Blazers)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 06: Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers gestures during the fourth quarter of the game V at the Moda Center on March 06, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 128-120. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
You might think that this ranking is rather low for a talent like Grant. Perhaps you are right. However, despite having the green light to shoot the ball for the Blazers last season, the team went nowhere. There’s no doubt that he’s one of the best-scoring power forwards in the NBA today, but can he make an impact at winning?
16. Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 31: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers guards Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on March 31, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
After sitting out for a year due to off-the-court issues, Bridges showed no rust and continued his scoring ways for the Hornets last season. He was asked to carry the offensive load for the team with LaMelo Ball out due to an injury. This should be a good year to gauge his potential as an NBA power forward.
15. Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their preseason game at Chase Center on October 11, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Murray balled out for the Kings last season and showed everybody that he’s one of the best two-way players in the league. Kings fans are probably salivating at his potential as he enters year three.
14. OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks in action against the Indiana Pacers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
We told you this would be a deep list. Anunoby is great at what he does: shooting the ball and pestering opposing teams with his defense. While he’ll inevitably have a reduced role for the Knicks with the arrival of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, we’re confident that coach Thibs will find a way to maximize his talents on the court.
13. Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball while defended by Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Some pundits are high on Barnes’ potential. Some even likened him to Scottie Pippen. That seems a far reach, but a quick look at his numbers would have you thinking that it’s not far-fetched. He’s undoubtedly Toronto’s franchise player today.
12. Aaron Gordon (Denver Nuggets)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 04: Aaron Gordon of Denver Nuggets looks on during the NBA match between Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics at Etihad Arena on October 04, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Gordon had a down year for the Nuggets last season, which contributed to their shocking exit in the playoffs at the hands of the Timberwolves. His three-point percentage was abysmal, and he needs to get back to the drawing board to work on his mechanics. If he proves that he’s a viable threat on offense again, Denver would be dangerous this year.
11. Julius Randle (Minnesota Timberwolves)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 03: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks on during warm ups before the game against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 03, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
This ranking is a bit low for an all-star like Randle, but after sitting out the Knicks’ playoff run due to a foot injury, the 11th spot seems fair. Now, with the Wolves, it is still a mystery to everybody on how he’ll fit alongside Rudy Gobert at the paint.
10. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 13: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
In all honesty, we think Mobley is better suited as a center than as an NBA power forward. While his pairing with Jarrett Allen has worked and will continue to work for the Cavs for the regular season games, the playoffs are just a different animal. Both of their games are too similar, with none of them having an offensive game beyond fifteen feet. A bold prediction: if Allen gets traded, Mobley will become a top-five power forward in the league.
9. Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
DALLAS, TEXAS – MAY 13: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 13, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
At just 6 foot 5, Williams is proving to everybody that you don’t need much height to become an effective NBA power forward. He can basically play all the positions on the floor except for the center spot. His growth as a player will largely determine the future of this young OKC squad.
8. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 06: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 06, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
When both Desmond Bane and Ja Morant were mostly out last season, Jackson Jr. had no choice but to carry the offensive load for the Grizzlies. He’s done an admirable job in that department, if we may add. The only flaw in his game is his tendency to fall in love with the three-point shot rather than taking the ball to the rack.
7. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
We might get a ton of flak for ranking Leonard outside the top five, but the truth is, he needs to stay healthy to be effective on the court. While he’s still one of the league’s most talented players, all of that goes to naught if he can’t play. With another offseason injury to add to his name, it’s a mystery on how many games he’ll suit up this season.
6. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball during the second period of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 15, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The same rule applies to Kawhi and Zion, and that’s staying healthy, which is the key to a better rank in this list. Even though Zion played 70 games last season, which was his personal high for any regular season games throughout his career, he still was not able to suit up in the playoffs due to an injury. Will this be the year for him? Perhaps it’s because he’s looked trimmed this offseason. But, sadly, his injury history tells us a different story.
5. Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers drives past Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
After being the forgotten man in Toronto, Siakam had a career resurrection when he was traded to the Pacers in the February trade deadline. His fit with this young squad was seamless, almost looking like a match made in heaven. With a full training camp under his belt with Tyrese Haliburton and company, expect him to have a bigger role for this team this season.
4. Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 30: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates during the fourth quarter of game five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 104-103. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Banchero looks like a star, and rightfully so. He’s arguably the main reason why the Magic made a surprising appearance in the playoffs last season. Gone are the days when fans of this franchise lamented that they are often overlooked when it comes to success. The all-star power forward wants to steer his club to greater heights this NBA season, and we are all for it.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks backcourt during a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on October 14, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis was a behemoth last year, and there’s little doubt that he’ll slow down anytime soon. While he’s suffered some minor setbacks due to injuries, especially in the playoffs, it’s hard to question his talent whenever he’s healthy and dominating. Expect him to be on a redemption tour this year after the Bucks’ underwhelming 2023-2024 season.
2. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a jump ball during the first half of game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center on April 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
We’ll have to give props to KD for staying an effective scorer after the devastating ACL injury he had a few years ago. At 36 and still averaging 27 PPG, that’s some serious hooping! And playing 75 regular season games while staying at the top of his game? No doubt that KD has the talent to do a LeBron and continue all of this until he’s 40.
1. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Boston Celtics’ forward #0 Jayson Tatum jumps to shoot during the NBA Preseason game between the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 6, 2024. (Photo by Fadel Senna / AFP) (Photo by FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Tatum’s scoring took a dip last season, but it really did not matter one bit, as the Celtics had the most talented roster across the league. His name is regularly mentioned in the MVP rankings, and he’ll continue to do so as he enters his basketball prime. After his odd tenure with the Olympic roster this past summer, we can all expect him to wreak havoc this season and prove to every single living organism on earth that he’s one of basketball’s finest players today.
