Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 21. Marcus Morris Sr., Clippers
The Clippers have dealt with injuries galore this season, Marcus Morris included. That said, the injuries have also afforded him expanded opportunities when on the floor, to the tune of 16.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Morris is an efficient 3-point shooter and a crafty mid-range threat, with the footwork and strength to outclass certain matchups.
Morris also provides versatile defense and the competitive streak of a true Philly native. He and his bother have a certain flair for confrontation, making him a quick fan favorite for those in his home market. The Clippers are much better off with Morris as the fourth option, rather than the second option, but times are difficult. He can step up when called upon.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 20. Wendell Carter Jr., Magic
Wendell Carter Jr. has cemented his place in Orlando’s future, contributing across the board for one of the NBA’s youngest teams. He has spent considerable time next to another traditional “big” this season in Mo Bamba, which has forced Carter to push the boundaries of his game in exciting ways. He is taking more 3s per game than ever before (3.8) and hitting them at a decent 33.6 percent clip.
Carter is an impressive post defender, with the core strength and wingspan (7-foot-5) to consume large quantities of space in the paint. He is also light on his feet, which has been more essential than ever with Orlando’s two-big lineups. For the season, he’s averaging 13.3 points and 10.1 rebounds.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 19. Robert Covington, Trail Blazers
It has been a difficult season for Robert Covington, who has been maligned by fans and foes alike. His coach doesn’t really understand his game, and the Blazers are the basketball equivalent of a popsicle on a hot summer sidewalk. That said, Covington’s defensive brilliance lingers on, and sorry folks — I am willing to die on the “Covington is good and misunderstood” hill, even when this season has marked a clear step back for the 31-year-old.
Very few players can even aspire to Covington’s defensive instincts off the ball. He just has a sixth sense for deflections, steals, and weak-side blocks. Even in this notoriously “bad” year, Covington is nabbing 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He’s a disruptive force for the ages. The offense hasn’t been quite on that level (7.7 points on .398/.357/.808), but as long as Covington is defending at a high level and hitting 3s, he will provide value on a good team.