We have taken our HoopsHype 79 list and split it into five positions: point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers.
Today, we keep it going with who we consider being the best power forwards who ever played basketball, led off by the legendary Tim Duncan.
Let’s get into it.
1. Tim Duncan
Top accolades: Five NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, two MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, eight All-Defensive 1st Team selections
Regular season ranking: 5th in blocks, 6th in rebounds, 17th in points, 110th in assists, 172nd in steals
Playoffs ranking: 1st in blocks, 3rd in rebounds, 6th in points, 33rd in assists, 48th in steals
The rare low-maintenance superstar, Tim Duncan was impactful and successful team-wise from the get-go through the end of his career. Duncan anchored the winningest team of the century and did so in a low-key manner, without enough acclaim for his greatness or accomplishments. Don’t believe us? How about the fact that he never won Defensive Player of the Year despite being selected to eight 1st Team All-Defenses, making that slight a major travesty, one that shows how underrated he was even in his prime. There’s even a chance Duncan would be ranked higher in many GOAT lists with a more entertaining off-court persona, but either way, he’s the greatest power forward ever.
2. Karl Malone
Top accolades: Two MVPs, 11 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 14 All-Stars, three All-Defensive 1st Team selections, two Olympic gold medals, one World Cup gold medal
Regular season ranking: 3rd in points, 7th in rebounds, 12th in steals, 63rd in assists, 74th in blocks
Playoffs ranking: 7th in rebounds, 8th in points, 17th in steals, 45th in assists, 50th in blocks
A model of consistency through the years, Karl Malone had a 17-year stretch, just discounting his first and last seasons, where he averaged at least 20 points per game. In that span, he put up 26.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest, numbers that most players would love to average for one season, let alone 17. Malone did have some shortcomings in the playoffs, however, at least compared to fellow megastars, and that put him a little lower on the totem pole than he could have been with a ring or two on his resume.
3. Kevin Garnett
Top accolades: One NBA title, one MVP, nine All-NBA Teams, 15 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, nine All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic gold medal, one World Cup gold medal
Regular season ranking: 9th in rebounds, 19th in steals and blocks, 21st in points, 56th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 17th in rebounds, 25th in blocks, 37th in steals, 43rd in points, 67th in assists
One of the first unicorns in the NBA, Kevin Garnett had the size of a center and all-around skills of a guard, even bringing the ball down before big men were really allowed to do that. Garnett took run-of-the-mill Wolves teams to the playoffs consistently while scoring, rebounding, distributing and defending at an elite level. One could even argue Garnett sacrificed offensive numbers to put all-out effort on defense. Fun fact (except if you’re a Wolves fan): Minnesota made the playoffs in eight of 14 Garnett seasons and only five in the 22 years without him. That’s the kind of impact he had. His championship ring with the Celtics came late, but it was beyond deserved.
4. Dirk Nowitzki
Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, one MVP, 12 All-NBA selections, 14 All-Stars
Regular season ranking: 6th in points, 27th in rebounds, 55th in blocks, 95th in steals, 160th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 18th in points, 24th in rebounds, 53rd in blocks, 55th in steals, 105th in assists
The highest-ranking European player on the GOAT list, Dirk Nowitzki was another revolutionary player thanks to his three-point and off-the-dribble prowess in a 7-foot-tall body. Nowitzki’s elite skill level made the common thinking go from being that big men need to stay in the paint to: If your big men don’t space the floor, you’re at a disadvantage. Nowitzki made a contender, and eventually, a champion, out of the Mavericks without star sidekicks for the most part of his career, hoisting the trophy in 2011 and winning Finals MVP for his efforts, one of the most legendary playoff runs by a star ever.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, two MVPs, seven All-NBA 1st Team selections, nine All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, four All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one NBA Cup, one NBA Cup MVP
Regular season ranking: 48th in points, 69th in rebounds, 93rd in blocks, 106th in assists, 201st in steals
Playoffs ranking: 50th in rebounds, 52nd in points, 65th in blocks, 77th in assists, 151st in steals
A rags-to-riches story if there ever was one, Giannis Antetokounmpo went from playing in a semi-professional league to being a 15th-overall pick in the draft to winning multiple league MVP awards in just a few years.
The Greek forward boasts freakish length and athleticism plus a massive work ethic and motor, which help him absolutely dominate despite lacking an outside jumper.
It does get very difficult to move much higher up this list once you reach this part of the rankings, as the players still ahead of Antetokounmpo are all all-timers but Antetokounmpo is still in his prime, a dominant two-way player and definitely will add more accolades to his mantle in the coming years, so we don’t think Antetokounmpo has peaked here.
6. Charles Barkley
Top accolades: One MVP, 11 All-NBA selections, 11 All-Stars, two Olympic gold medals
Regular season ranking: 19th in rebounds, 28th in steals, 31st in points, 111th in assists, 129th in blocks
Playoffs ranking: 15th in rebounds, 35th in steals, 36th in points, 63rd in assists, 68th in blocks
The Round Mound of Rebound, Charles Barkley was extremely unique not just for his outspoken personality but for his dominance down low despite being generously listed at 6-foot-6. He was a beast on the glass and as a scorer thanks to his absurd strength and explosiveness in his prime. Barkley never got the ever-elusive ring, but he’s still one of the all-time greats at power forward with his dominant face-up and post-up games, along with his monstrous abilities on the glass.
7. Bob Pettit
Top accolades: One NBA title, two MVPs, 10 All-NBA 1st Team selections, 11 All-Stars
Regular season ranking: 18th in rebounds, 44th in points, 369th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 30th in rebounds, 54th in points, 196th in assists
The first player to reach 20,000 career points, Bob Pettit was a smooth power forward, especially for his era, who would do a ton of damage in transition and as a mid-range scorer. He won Finals MVP in 1958 after exploding for 50 points and 25 rebounds in the deciding game.
8. Elvin Hayes
Top accolades: One NBA title, six All-NBA selections, 12 All-Stars, two All-Defensive 2nd Team selections
Regular season ranking: 4th in rebounds, 13th in points, 26th in blocks, 267th in steals, 361st in assists
Playoffs ranking: 21st in blocks, 36th in rebounds, 57th in points, 122nd in steals, 288th in assists
An old-fashioned big man who was really strong and aggressive, especially on defense. Elvin Hayes also had a masterful post game with a trademark turnaround jumper that he’d go to when he was defended by taller players. Hayes was called the Bionic Man because he was relentless, rarely missing a game until he was 38.
9. Anthony Davis
Top accolades: One NBA title, four All-NBA 1st Team selections, 10 All-Stars, five All-Defensive selections, one NBA Cup, two Olympic gold medals, one World Cup gold medal
Regular season ranking: 25th in blocks, 66th in points, 70th in rebounds
Playoffs ranking: 53rd in blocks, 109th in rebounds, 118th in points
Anthony Davis already has Hall-of-Fame credentials despite having some of his prime still to go. Davis is extremely skilled for his size, able to shoot and dribble, as well as being ridiculously mobile, which, coupled with his otherworldly length, makes him an elite defender. Davis has the skill set and freakish physical attributes to make a run up this list, especially with the quite healthy run he’s been on the last few years.
10. Kevin McHale
Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one All-NBA 1st Team selection, seven All-Stars, six All-Defensive selections, two Sixth Man of the Year awards
Regular season ranking: 32nd in blocks, 97th in points, 114th in rebounds
Playoffs ranking: 10th in blocks, 22nd in points, 34th in rebounds, 164th in assists, 226th in steals
Celtics legend Kevin McHale was known for putting opponents in something called the torture chamber, which basically meant when McHale would post up, it was torture for foes to defend due to his sharp elbows, long arms and ridiculous array of moves in the paint. Few historically can match McHale’s mix of post-up moves, including up-and-unders, step-throughs and drop-steps galore. He was a winner, too, playing a great partner role to Bird for those legendary Celtics teams.
11. Pau Gasol
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, four All-NBA selections, six All-Stars, two silver Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, three Eurobasket gold medals
Regular season ranking: 22nd in blocks, 29th in rebounds, 43rd in points, 133rd in assists, 485th in steals
Playoffs ranking: 16th in blocks, 35th in rebounds, 61st in points, 78th in assists, 200th in steals
One of the greatest international NBA players of all time, Pau Gasol was a menace in his heyday, a supremely skilled big man who could shoot, dribble a bit, pass and create for teammates, and use his long limbs well when tasked with rebounding and protecting the rim. Despite being a well-liked figure around the NBA, winning two rings and having such a well-rounded skill set, Gasol was one of the most glaring omissions of the NBA75 list.
12. Dolph Schayes
Top accolades: One NBA title, six All-NBA 1st Team selections, 12 All-Stars
Regular season ranking: 30th in rebounds, 75th in points, 228th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 49th in rebounds, 81st in points, 179th in assists
A big man far ahead of his time, Dolph Schayes was one of the first power forwards who would space the floor and shoot jumpers from the deep mid-range, something he did quite well in the late ’40s, ’50s and early ’60s. Schayes could also dribble past opponents and drive to the hoop on hard closeouts. Schayes paved the way for the modern stretch-4.
13. Chris Bosh
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one All-NBA 2nd Team selection, 11 All-Stars, one Olympic gold medal
Regular season ranking: 92nd in rebounds, 103rd in points, 117th in blocks, 362nd in steals
Playoffs ranking: 77th in blocks, 122nd in rebounds, 154th in points, 189th in steals, 460th in assists
Chris Bosh’s accolades are impressive enough, and that’s with his career tragically being cut short due to issues with blood clotting. Bosh went from being a No. 1 option with the Raptors to willingly playing third fiddle to James and Wade in the Big 3 era in Miami, and did so as an excellent safety valve, one who could hit open jumpers at a high level, as well as attack in isolation when needed. It’s a shame he went down when he did, as he was set to be Miami’s best player after James’ departure before his own career ended. Bosh spacing the floor from the frontcourt as a No. 1 option would have been a whole lot of fun to watch.
14. Dennis Rodman
Top accolades: Five NBA titles, two All-NBA 3rd Team selections, two All-Stars, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, seven All-Defensive 1st Team selections
Regular season ranking: 23rd in rebounds, 268th in blocks, 478th in steals
Playoffs ranking: 12th in rebounds, 86th in blocks, 105th in steals, 225th in points, 247th in assists
Dennis Rodman didn’t just have a great nose for knowing where a ball was going to go after hitting the rim, he was also absolutely relentless, refusing to let anyone get in his way to secure a board. Rodman was also an elite defender of multiple positions using absurd strength to bully opponents trying to body him. An underrated passer, his mind games destabilized many a team… including his own sometimes. A member of two all-time teams – the Bad Boys Pistons and Jordan’s Bulls – Rodman was one of the best role players the game has ever seen.
15. Draymond Green
Top accolades: Four NBA titles, two All-NBA Team selections, four All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year, five All-Defensive 1st Team selections
Regular season ranking: 74th in assists, 104th in steals, 129th in blocks, 188th in rebounds, 604th in points
Playoffs ranking: 14th in assists, 17th in blocks, 18th in steals, 21sth in rebounds, 71st in points
His raw numbers historically won’t blow anyone away, but Draymond Green is likely headed to a Hall-of-Fame selection thanks to his unreal defensive impact to four Warriors championships and unique playmaking abilities at the power-forward spot. One of the most versatile defenders of all time.
16. Chris Webber
Top accolades: Five All-NBA Team selections, five All-Stars, Rookie of the Year
Regular season ranking: 64th in blocks, 77th in rebounds, 100th in steals, 104th in points, 177th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 93rd in blocks, 112th in rebounds, 130th in points, 133rd in steals, 153rd in assists
An explosive, skilled scorer and rebounder in his prime, Chris Webber was an absolute force at the power-forward position in his heyday, a big man capable of facing up and shooting from the midrange or bullying foes down low. Was also known for throwing down monster dunks in transition – just ask Charles Barkley.
17. Jerry Lucas
Top accolades: One NBA title, three 1st Team All-NBA selections, two 2nd Team All-NBA selections, seven All-Stars, Rookie of the Year
Regular season ranking: 17th in rebounds, 193rd in points, 288th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 103rd in rebounds, 232nd in assists, 286th in points
One of the most tenacious and energetic rebounders in NBA history, Jerry Lucas had two career seasons where he averaged over 20 rebounds and two more where he averaged over 19. Excelled as a scorer on mostly put-backs, though he was a solid finisher in general around the rim.
18. Bobby Jones
Top accolades: One NBA title, four All-Stars, eight All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Sixth Man of the Year award
Regular season ranking: 108th in blocks, 159th in steals, 377th in rebounds, 485th in points, 506th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 140th in points, 140th in rebounds, 157th in assists, 72nd in steals, 35th in blocks
One of the first multi-positional wing/big defenders who has become so popular in today’s game, Bobby Jones could legitimately defend any position on the floor at a high level, from guards to fellow bigs. Not much of a scorer, but did well as a slasher and as a garbageman around the basket.
19. Dave DeBusschere
Top accolades: Two NBA titles, one All-NBA 2nd Team selection, eight All-Stars, six All-Defensive 1st Team selections
Regular season ranking: 48th in rebounds, 193rd in points, 336th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 39th in rebounds, 125th in points, 181st in assists
A steady, reliable presence at the power-forward spot for years, Dave DeBusschere was a double-double machine throughout his career, averaging at least 10-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in 10 of his 12 career NBA campaigns.
20. LaMarcus Aldridge
Top accolades: Five All-NBA Team selections, seven All-Stars
Regular season ranking: 47th in points, 61st in rebounds, 67th in blocks, 388th in steals, 450th in assists
Playoffs ranking: 81st in blocks, 132nd in points, 140th in rebounds, 329th in steals, 460th in assists
The model of consistency for many years, LaMarcus Aldridge could roll out of his bed in his heyday and give you 20 points and nine rebounds without breaking a sweat. His specialty was his face-up game, as the former Texas standout was capable of using his size to knock down jumpers over smaller defenders and his savvy post-up game to get buckets down low.