Top 5 Power Forwards in the NBA

The NBA is fast becoming a position-less league. That means that coaches are always looking for players who can switch positions on both ends of the floor. The Power Forward position has evolved over the years. We have seen Power Forwards attack from the elbow for so long and now we’re seeing them shoot threes and defend point guards. These power forwards can always find the hoop even if they come from pro basketball troops. Here are the projections for the top 5 Power Forwards for the 2018-19 NBA season.

1. Kevin Durant

The 2x Finals MVP didn’t need to do a lot last season to make it to this list. He averaged 25+ points per game last season and led his Warriors to a second straight NBA title. Coming to the ability to switch positions, KD has got it all. He can guard all positions 1 to 5. Come to think of it, he’s even a top 5 Small Forward or even a top 5 Shooting Guard. One man can’t guard him, two guys, may be. Durant has one of the most reliable jumpers in the entire league and he can rain it from anywhere on the floor. It’s safe to say he’s not stopping anytime soon.

2. Anthony Davis

You won’t see a more traditional Power Forward than Anthony Davis in the league. However, he is a forward equipped with the skills of a lethal guard. As a Power Forward, he can score with his back to the basket as well as face up his man. As a guard, his floater is one of the best, even better than a lot of all star guards. Last season, he averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds sharing the court with DeMarcus Cousins. This season, he’s all alone and has his task cut out.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Going away from traditional basketball for a while, Giannis Antetokounmpo has got to be featured on this list. In the five seasons that he has played in the NBA, no other player has taken bigger strides of improvement than the Greek Freak. He went from averaging 7 points in his first NBA season to dropping 27 a game this past season. Above all, this might be the year of the Greek Freak. The Milwaukee Bucks have made some coaching changes and we can finally expect a system which is built around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Most importantly, the kind of basketball NBA teams want to play right now maximizes his potential.

4. LaMarcus Aldridge

Back to tradition again. One of the last remaining traditional Power Forwards in the league, LaMarcus Aldridge is still doing it the old way. The Spurs Forward averaged 23 points per game last season. The major points on the court where Aldridge makes a living are the elbow and top of the key area while occasionally stepping out for a three. Playing for San Antonio really helps his cause because of their heavy reliance on the mid range game. He’s been a little under the radar these last two seasons but he’s still getting it done.

5. Al Horford

On paper, Al Horford might seem to be just your average NBA player but look between the lines and he’s everything a coach wants. He averaged only 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists last season but take him out of the game and the eye test tells you otherwise. Al Hordord is the player the modern NBA not only wants but requires. He can defend all positions, can give defenses a headache in the pick and roll, shoot from outside and control the game. He’s probably the most important player in the entire Celtics roster. This might be the year the Celtics make an appearance in the NBA Finals. Watch out for Big Al!