Ranking the top 30 power forwards in the NBA
34. . PF. Portland Trail Blazers. Jerami Grant. 12. player
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 12. Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers
Jerami Grant’s star turn has not been seamless. He’s probably better suited to the complementary role he once played in Denver, but Grant has proven he can reliably score 20+ per night. He can do that for a winning team? Maybe or maybe not, but he’s a gifted slasher with the capacity to meaningfully improve the defensive DNA of a contender. With his future in Detroit so uncertain, teams who are looking to win games and take the next step should be intently monitoring Grant’s status.
11. player. 170. . PF. Charlotte Hornets. Miles Bridges
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 11. Miles Bridges, Hornets
Miles Bridges has made the transition from highlight reel MVP to actual star. He’s kind of perfect for Charlotte — high-flying lob catcher and slasher to play next to LaMelo, but fittingly uncommitted to the defensive end. The latter will have to change in order for Charlotte to take the next step toward contention, but Bridges’ absurd athleticism and improved shot-making has cemented him as a long-term staple in Charlotte. If the Hornets pay him, that is.
10. player. 27. . PF. New York Knicks. Julius Randle
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 10. Julius Randle, Knicks
Julius Randle was named to second team All-NBA in 2021. Then, last season was a complete disaster. His production fell off, the Knicks immediately returned to mediocrity, and the entire New York fanbase turned against Randle (after he turned against them). He is deeply flawed and by no means the superstar meant to lift the Knicks out of purgatory… but, he’s also insanely talented. He’s a big who can operate as the team’s primary playmaker. His passing talent and ability to hit tough shots (even if he attempts way too many of them) makes it hard to drop Randle too far.