Top 30 NBA power forwards — 9. Al Horford, Celtics
Remember when Al Horford was old and faded? Not so fast! He’s a renaissance man, and he’s a huge part of Boston’s run to the NBA Finals. With a year to get healthy and recuperate in OKC, Horford seems to have unearthed some of his old magic. He’s just so smart, so crafty, and so darn good on defense. His versatility on both sides of the ball is the glue that holds Boston together, while his leadership is constantly cited by all of Boston’s young stars.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 8. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Evan Mobley should have won Rookie of the Year in my humble opinion. Before injuries uprooted their season, the Cavs looked like real contenders in the East. Mobley was a big reason why — he anchored the defense in every possible way, be it as a weak-side rim protector, the “wing” at the top of the zone, or switching on to the perimeter. Mobley’s all-consuming defensive talent is downright special, and he is going to be one of the NBA’s most impactful two-way bigs for a long time. He’s also pretty talented offensively, even if he’s still learning how to best put his many tools to work.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 7. John Collins, Hawks
John Collins continues to expand his offensive skill set to new heights. Once primarily used as a lob target, Collins can now bury 3s, face up and attack off the dribble, or use his nimble footwork to carve out space in the post. He’s one of the more versatile scoring bigs the league has to offer, and his defense has made big strides too. It was a bumpy season in Atlanta, and there have been plenty of rumblings about Collins’ future with the franchise, but the Hawks would be wise to hold on tight.