We continue to rank every starter at every position in the NBA. With point guards and shooting guards and small forwards already complete, it’s time to shift focus to the power forward position. For the Sixers, that means deciphering Tobias Harris’ place among his positional peers.
It has been a difficult season for Harris, who is receiving more boos than ever at the Wells Fargo Center due to his poor play. Injuries and COVID have no doubt played a factor, but with Ben Simmons out of the picture, there has been more focus than ever on Harris’ performance next to Joel Embiid.
That said, where does he stand at the power forward position?
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 30. Aaron Wiggins, Thunder
A general lack of proven NBA track record keeps Aaron Wiggins at the No. 30 spot, even if he has flashed promising two-way potential for the young Thunder. The 6-foot-6 Wiggins is essentially another wing for OKC, with a projectable 3-point shot, athletic pop, and strong awareness operating off-ball. He should stick around for a while. Not many second-round picks are year-one starters, even on the most fervently rebuilding teams.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 29. Marvin Bagley III, Kings
The Kings have moved Marvin Bagley into the starting five. The longevity of that decision is unknown, but as Bagley’s career hangs on an unbearably thin thread, he’s beginning to get more opportunities. For the season, he’s averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds on 46.0 percent shooting. The raw athletic talent is still there, but the question remains — can Bagley defend well enough to carve out a niche in the NBA?
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 28. Doug McDermott, Spurs
Doug McDermott’s place in San Antonio’s future is uncertain, but he has provided the Spurs with exactly what he was signed to provide: perimeter shooting. The 30-year-old boasts one of the NBA’s purest 3-point strokes. He thrives gunning around screens Redick-style, hitting off-balance jumpers and punishing lapses in the defense. He’s averaging 11.2 points and hitting 41.6 percent of his 3s this season.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 27. Maxi Kleber, Mavericks
Maxi Kleber has traversed the Mavs’ rather crowded frontcourt to assert his value on a regular basis. He’s far from perfect, but Kleber’s switchable defensive presence and strong spot-up shooting makes him a comparable frontcourt partner for Kristaps Porzingis.
Kleber’s production doesn’t leap off the page — 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds on .404/.359/.750 splits — but he does the little things to keep him on the map in Dallas. His defense is legitimately underrated, and he’s impressively mobile for a 6-foot-10 big.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 26. Jae’Sean Tate, Rockets
Jae’Sean Tate burst onto the scene last season and earned All-Rookie honors at 25 years old. Now even older, he’s central to the product Houston is currently putting on the floor — if not the most essential member of its “young core.” Tate can defend all over the court, he rebounds at a high level, and he’s a perceptive off-ball player.
With no shortage of opportunities for such a young, unformed team, Tate has the numbers to back up his confidence on the court. He’s averaging 12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on .503/.303/.701 splits. He will stick in the league for a while.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 25. Patrick Williams, Bulls
After starting in all 71 appearances as a rookie, Patrick Williams underwent season-ending surgery just five games into 2021-22. It’s an unfortunate setback, but when healthy, Williams already has the tools to impact winning for a contender like Chicago. At 6-foot-7, his thick thighs and board shoulders make him easy to locate on screen. He’s an impressive athlete, with the strength to bully smaller wings on offense and the versatility to guard multiple positions defensively.
Last season was muted to some degree, but Williams averaged 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds on extremely efficient .483/.391/.728 splits. He has some real wiggle scoring off the bounce, and he has no trouble playing off of Zach LaVine and Chicago’s other playmakers. The upside is tremendous still. He’s a real third-year breakout candidate.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 24. Al Horford, Celtics
It has been another turbulent season for Al Horford, who hasn’t looked the same ever since leaving Boston the first time around. He’s getting old — 35 years old — so it’s hardly a surprise. Age catches every player eventually. Horford still brings a lot to the table. He’s one of the most intelligent bigs in the NBA and his intangibles never waver. It’s simply a matter of him slowing down.
Once a perennial All-Defense candidate, Horford is no longer that dominant, multi-position stopper. He can still move his feet and he’s not a bad defender, but he’s getting beaten more frequently than in years past. Offensively, he’s just not quite right either. The averages are respectable (10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists), but he’s not scoring with the same efficiency he once did (.449/.285/.862).
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 23. Jarred Vanderbilt, Timberwolves
Jarred Vanderbilt has carved out a real spot in Minnesota’s future, doing all the dirty work to keep him prominent in the rotation next to Karl-Anthony Towns. Vanderbilt doesn’t provide a ton offensively, but he doesn’t really need to. The Wolves aren’t short on scoring, so Vanderbilt’s finishing ability and well-timed cuts are more than enough to sustain him.
Along with 6.8 points per game, Vanderbilt is inhaling 9.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He’s Minnesota’s best defender and one of the NBA’s more prominent rebounders at his position. Vanderbilt hustles. He makes his presence felt, whether it’s getting in his man’s grill defensively, hitting the deck for loose balls, or committing real energy to crashing the glass.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 22. Jae Crowder, Suns
Jae Crowder fulfills his role expertly for Phoenix, where he’s blessed to play with two elite playmakers, a dominant roll man at center, and one of the best coaching minds in the NBA. Crowder’s job is simple — hit spot-up 3s, take the occasional dribble pull-up, and defend his tail off.
For the season, Crowder is averaging 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds on .407/.363/.804 splits. He’s probably a bit overrated at this stage in his career, but Crowder plays with the wisdom of a champion and the competitive fire of a true difference-maker. He leaves his mark on games.
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.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 18. P.J. Tucker, Heat
P.J. Tucker is 36 years old and still really freakin’ good. Milwaukee’s decision to let him walk for tax reasons after winning a championship remains mystifying, bordering on unacceptable. Now, he’s the starting four for a team that could challenge the Bucks in the playoffs. Tucker doesn’t have quite the same pep in his step from his prime years in Houston, but you’d struggle to find a more impactful defender when the lights shine brightest. Just ask Kevin Durant.
This season has been a very typical Tucker season. He’s a key part of Miami’s elite defense, and on offense, he’s hitting a bunch of spot-up 3s and an extremely efficient rate (45.4 percent). He’s averaging 8.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 17. Kyle Kuzma, Wizards
Kyle Kuzma has really come into his own with Washington, emerging as not only a starting caliber forward, but a fringe Most Improved Player candidate. Any questions about his future in Lakerland have been strongly answered in D.C. — he’s averaging 15.7 points and 8.8 rebounds on .454/.323/.690 splits. He’s a nightly double-double threat and one of Washington’s core offensive weapons.
While others around him have struggled, Kuzma has been a persistent bright spot for a Wizards team desperately yearning for more bright spots. Kuzma can defend multiple positions, he crashes the glass exceptionally well, and he can do a lot of interesting things offensively — scoring off the dribble, spotting up for 3s, cutting off ball.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 16. Scottie Barnes, Raptors
I was skeptical of Scottie Barnes as the No. 4 pick, and that skepticism has looked pretty silly so far. He’s an important part of Toronto’s starting five already, and the Raptors are on track to make the playoffs. Barnes is not only the versatile defender and advanced passer he was billed as out of college either. He’s a genuinely dynamic scorer, with the strength to bully smaller wings in the paint and the shooting touch, ball-handling combination to scorch slow-footed bigs on the perimeter.
Barnes is averaging 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steal on .477/.310/.720 splits, which is pretty absurd for a 6-foot-9, 227-pound 20-year-old who played point guard at Florida State and who wasn’t much of a halfcourt scorer in college. He has already improved drastically and will only get better moving forward.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 15. Aaron Gordon, Nuggets
Aaron Gordon is one of the few healthy starters in Denver this season. He continues to fly under the radar, in part because of his market size and in part because his offensive numbers don’t leap off the page. He’s averaging 14.5 points and 5.6 rebounds on .524/.341/.720 splits, but it’s the defense that bumps Gordon so high on this list.
Gordon can defend all over the floor. He’s one of the best wing defenders in the NBA — a real answer to the likes of LeBron James and Jayson Tatum, which is uncommon enough. He’s also 6-foot-8, with the size to defend in the post and the hops to challenge anyone at the rim. That, combined with efficient off-ball scoring make Gordon one of the more underrated role players in the NBA.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 14. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. has rounded back into form after some turbulence in his third season. The fourth-year forward is doing exactly what was advertised out of college — hitting 3s and blocking shots. The Grizzlies have made the leap to legitimate contender this season, with Jackson’s ascent an often under-recognized part of Memphis’ sudden rise.
With one of the NBA’s best facilitators and slashers helming the offense, Jackson’s skill set is essential. He stretches the floor and he doesn’t domineer possessions. The next step is becoming a more varied scorer inside the arc, but for now, Jackson’s blend of shooting, elite shot-blocking instincts, and mobility are hard to knock.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 13. Miles Bridges, Hornets
Miles Bridges is as strong a candidate as any to win Most Improved Player this season. After spending 2020-21 as part of the second unit, Bridges is suddenly the Hornets’ No. 2 scorer and potentially the future of the frontcourt in Charlotte. Once famed for his highlight reel dunks, Bridges is now far more than an entertainer. He’s a legitimate on-court leader.
For the season, Bridges is supplying 20.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on efficient .482/.325/.770 splits. He can score from the perimeter, or use his quick first step and explosive athleticism to slash to the basket and score through, around, or over traffic.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 12. Tobias Harris, Sixers
Last season, fans were lobbying for Tobias Harris to make the All-Star team. Now, fans are lobbying for him to get traded alongside Ben Simmons. Not the best change of circumstances for 29-year-old, who unfortunately (for his reputation, if not for his bank account) is saddled with one of the NBA’s most egregious contracts.
Harris has struggled through COVID and shoulder pain this season, which makes it difficult to lay blanket criticism at his feet. Some of it is understandable rust and discomfort. That said, Harris has long been a flawed player, and his most characteristic shortcomings (hesitant shooting, slow processing speed, lack of defensive awareness) have been more prominent than ever with Ben Simmons sitting at home and half the Sixers on the bench due to injury seemingly every night. Even so, he’s still averaging 18.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists (a career high) on .461/.316/.844 splits.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 11. Bojan Bogdanovic, Jazz
It has been something of a theme with these lists: Utah players who aren’t named Donovan Mitchell tend to get shafted in the sphere of public opinion, if only due to lack of exposure. Bojan Bogdanovic is a tremendously talented player and an important cog of the league’s most consistently dominant offense. He deserves his flowers.
Utah has been an absolute buzzsaw for two years now, in no small part due to Bogdanovic’s contributions in the frontcourt. He’s the perfect complement to the Robert-Mitchell tandem — a dynamic deep-range shooter with some secondary playmaking skills and a nice competitive streak. For the season, he’s averaging 18.1 points and 4.1 rebounds on .469/.393/.858 splits.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 10. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Evan Mobley is the odds-on favorite to win Rookie of the Year as he helps elevate Cleveland back toward relevancy in the Eastern Conference. What a rookie season it has been for the reigning No. 3 pick, who from day one established his presence not only a capable and versatile offensive big, but one of the best all-around defenders on planet earth. Mobley should probably make the All-Defense team as a rookie, which is exceedingly rare.
One of three 7-footers in the Cleveland starting five, Mobley has spent much of this season guarding the perimeter. He can roam around space and generate turnovers, flat-out check guards off the dribble, or protect the rim in a more traditional sense. He is an incredible defender to watch. On offense, he’s not half bad either, averaging 15.0 points and 7.8 rebounds on .511/.296/.706 splits.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 9. John Collins, Hawks
The bubbling turmoil in Atlanta has overshadowed another strong season from John Collins, who continues to thrive and expand his game in a role he is not-so-secretly unpleased with. Collins is an elite play finisher, often playing the role of roll man (haha, get it) next to Trae Young, who has thrown many a lob to Collins. He’s also pretty crafty in his own right, however, getting to his spots off the dribble and using his elastic 6-foot-9 frame to bully mismatches in the post.
Collins’ defensive improvements have been steady too. He is mobile enough to defend on the perimeter and his improved shot-blocking instincts have made him a dangerous combination with Clint Capela, forcing offenses to think twice about driving the lane. For the season, Collins is averaging 17.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 8. Jerami Grant, Pistons
Jerami Grant has taken on the mantle of No. 1 scorer in Detroit with admirable success. Once considered a role player with a strong defensive inclination, Grant is now a proven isolation scorer. At 6-foot-9, his blend of speed, length, and touch make him a real handful on straight-line drives. He can finish with finesse at the rim, or stretch the floor and hit pull-up 3s.
Even so, there are still a lot of nights where Grant does make his name most prominently on defense. He’s an elite wing defender, with the mobility to check the NBA’s most dangerous super-sized initiators off the dribble. He covers a lot of ground (1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks per game), then turns around and gives Detroit 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 7. Julius Randle, Knicks
Julius Randle appears from the outside to being going through some type of midlife crisis on the court every night. The Knicks are struggling to replicate last season’s success, and Randle’s own struggles are the primary reason for that. After making second team All-NBA last season, Randle’s numbers leave a lot to be desired.
That said, Randle does still have several unique attributes for a big-bodied, bruising 6-foot-8 forward. He can dominate in the post, or stretch out to the perimeter, where his 3-point shot, slick handles, and excellent court vision make him a difficult defensive assignment. He needs to bump the efficiency back up, but with season averages of 18.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on .411/.308/.757 splits, Randle is still stuffing the stat sheet.
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).
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 3. LeBron James, Lakers
There isn’t a 37-year-old on the planet who can claim to be able to do what LeBron James is currently doing. Arguably the greatest player in NBA history (and at worst the second-best player in NBA history), it feels strange to slot LeBron outside the top-1. That said, the NBA is full of talent right now, and James has gotten older (if not much slower).
The Lakers are struggled, but not because of James. He’s averaging 28.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on .517/.362/.758, which stacks up on-paper with just about any other LeBron season. He’s doing it all for a team not exactly tailored to his admittedly malleable skill set, and he will probably drag LA to the brink of contention even if his co-stars aren’t willing to help.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo practically lives in the MVP race at this point. He won the championship last season, and looks plenty prepared to defend that crown in 2022. Despite injuries all around the roster, Antetokounmpo has kept the Bucks’ ship steady. It hasn’t been a dominant season for Milwaukee, but taking the long view, very few teams look better on paper.
For the season, Giannis is averaging 28.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 blocks on .531/.282/.714 splits. He’s still not much of a shooter, but Giannis does everything else, defenders can’t really keep him from getting to the rim, and he’s possibly the best defender on the planet, to top things off.
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 1. Kevin Durant, Nets
Kevin Durant continues to transcend simple explanation. He’s just so — freakin — good. The Nets have been something of a mess in 2022, but no player has eclipsed a healthy Durant. He has had to drag Brooklyn to victory on multiple occasions this season, and there’s still no real answer for him defensively. His jumper touches the stars, his speed is uncommon at 6-foot-9 (he’s really a 7-footer), and Durant’s now a better passer than ever. He processes the game at every level, and is an absolute genius-level scorer with a deep bag of tricks to complement his outright unguardable jump shot.
For the season, Durant is supplying 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on .520/.372/.894 splits. The man is one of the greatest shooters ever (again, as a 7-footer) and will go down ultimately as one of the best players ever. He can do no wrong right now, and the Nets are title favorites — pretty much because they have Durant.