Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 6. Domantas Sabonis, Pacers
It has been another All-Star season from Domantas Sabonis, who unfortunately is not surrounded by the best group of teammates or coaches. The Pacers continue to self-destruct, but not for lack of trying on Sabonis’ part — 19.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists per game on .577/.327/.744 splits.
With graceful footwork, a thick 6-foot-11 frame, and endless craft, Sabonis can pick apart defenses any which way. He’s good enough on the perimeter to beat slow-footed centers that way. In the post, he is equal parts dominant scorer and top-shelf facilitator, with the vision and ambition to make just about every pass in the book. He’s probably better off as the center with four spacers and defenders around him, but even “out of position,” you won’t find many players better than Sabonis.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 5. Draymond Green, Warriors
It has been something of a renaissance season for Draymond Green, who had his fair share of doubters entering the year. Now, there are coaches willing to pitch Green as MVP. He is the heart and soul of arguably the NBA’s best team, filling the stat sheet to the tune of 7.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Green is the odds-on favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year right now. Even at 31 years old, he just moves and reads defenses better than anyone at his position. Green will single-handedly blow up entire offensive possessions, be it erupting into a passing lane, covering the lane from the weak side, or just handling his man one-on-one. That, and he’s again top-10 in the NBA in assists. Talk about a unique, special talent.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 4. Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Zion Williamson still hasn’t played this season, with lingering foot issues becoming more of a long-term panic than a short-term setback. We will see if he can get healthy sooner than later, but until then, we must appreciate Zion from afar. Going back to last season, however, it’s impossible not to respect Williamson’s sheer dominance when on the floor.
In just his second NBA season, Williamson made the All-Star team and averaged 27.0 points on 61.1 percent shooting. He is the most unstoppable at-rim scorer on the planet, zigging in and out of traffic and exploding to the rim in a manner completely unheard of for a 6-foot-6, 284-pound linebacker of a man. Williamson can’t shoot and teams are still completely hopeless when it comes to keeping him out of the paint. If the defense improves, Williamson is going to win MVPs (assuming health).