No position better indicates the evolving nature of NBA basketball than the power forward position. It’s an interesting blend of more traditional bigs and what are essentially jumbo-sized (or even regular-sized) wings. Some power forwards dominate in the post, while others skirt around the 3-point line and defend in space.
With the offseason upon us, it’s time to rank the 30 best players at the power forward position. You can read our mid-season rankings here, but this list is different. Rather than focus only on starters, the list will encompass the 30 best players at the position regardless of rotational status. That means some teams are represented more than once.
Let’s get the ball rolling…
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 30. Royce O’Neale, Nets
The Jazz continue to flunk out of the playoffs, so change feels inevitable. Is Royce O’Neale the long-term answer next to Bojan Bogdanovic on the wing? Does Bogie even stick around? Who knows. That said, Utah has also been consistently great in the regular season, and O’Neale has been a real part of that success. He’s the most reliable perimeter defender on the team (if not big enough and versatile enough to plug every hole) and he’s a useful complementary piece on offense.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 29. P.J. Washington, Hornets
P.J. Washington consistently fills up the stat sheet for Charlotte off the bench. He can toggle between small-ball five or wing, with enough mobility to guard wings and enough offensive punch to fit into any number of lineup configurations. He hasn’t quite had the breakout many people expected, but his two-way output is essential to Charlotte’s team — especially when you consider the dearth of quality defenders around him on that roster.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 28. Nicolas Batum, Clippers
The 33-year-old Nicolas Batum has aged out of his borderline stardom, but he remains one of the absolute best complementary pieces in the NBA. Batum is so smart and selfless, with a skill set designed to get the most out of the players around him. Smart playmaking, reliable perimeter defense, excellent communication skills — Batum does the dirty work and has the veteran savvy to elevate his younger teammates. He also hits 40 percent of his 3s.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 27. Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke was a quiet revelation during the Grizzlies’ postseason run. The former Gonzaga star was always billed as NBA-ready and hyper-efficient coming out of college. The draft analysts were right. Despite his small frame, Clarke is an absurdly gifted finisher at the rim. He’s also a smart passer off the short roll and a generally aware, well-rounded contributor on the offensive end. He plays his role at a very high level and provides useful versatility in the frontcourt defensively.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 26. Patrick Williams, Bulls
Injuries have made it difficult to lay eyes on Patrick Williams for an extended time period. Even so, what we have seen from the former top-four pick suggests a promising NBA future. He’s built like a truck and can defend all over the court. On offense, he can bulldoze his way to the paint or slay the defense with his polished mid-range game. He needs to put together a full season of development, but Williams is already very good.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 25. Jarred Vanderbilt, Jazz
Jarred Vanderbilt should have been more seriously considered in the All-Defense conversation. He’s an absolute menace on that side of the ball — a tornado of length and energy. His relentless motor and penchant for mucking up possessions was an important part of Minnesota’s transition from mediocrity to postseason threat. The Wolves needed that dog mentality and Vanderbilt brings it in spades every night.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 24. Grant Williams, Celtics
Grant Williams has been essential during Boston’s run to the NBA Finals. After entering the league as a 3-point liability, Williams has turned himself into a corner specialist. On defense, his strength and mobility gave Giannis Antetokounmpo real issues in the second round. His high basketball I.Q. shines through on both sides of the ball, and his unselfish nature makes it very easy to fit in with Boston’s more ball-dominant stars.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 23. Marcus Morris, Clippers
Marcus Morris continues to provide the Clippers with steadfast production at the four spot. He has a tendency to do too much every now and then, but generally speaking, Morris has played his role well. He hits spot-up 3s, he punishes mismatches in the post, and he defends multiple positions. With the arrival of Norm Powell, we could see extended small-ball five minutes for Morris next season. He gives the Clippers that kind of optionality.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 22. Kevin Love, Cavaliers
Kevin Love should’ve won Sixth Man of the Year in my humble opinion. That award should award more than the highest points total (not that Tyler Herro was undeserving), and Love did a little bit of everything for the Cavs. He spent time as a spot-up shooter, he spent time as a playmaking hub out of the post, he took over stretches with his scoring, and he was his typically elite self on the glass. Love managed to stand out and provide essential minutes despite the glut of bigs on Cleveland’s roster. It was a special season for Love, who desperately needed to redefine his role and find a way to age gracefully into the next stage of his career. Mission accomplished.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 21. Jonathan Isaac, Magic
It has been a long time since Jonathan Isaac last played NBA basketball. When we last saw him, Isaac was on the verge of perennial All-Defense contention. His size, versatility, and instincts are hard to match. At 6-foot-11, he can play the role of ball-stopper or rim protector. That said, who knows how Isaac will look once he gets back. He will have a lot to prove, especially with Orlando likely about to draft a player at his position while the likes of Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, and Mo Bamba all progress in the frontcourt hierarchy.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 20. P.J. Tucker, Sixers
P.J. Tucker fits right in with the ‘Heat Culture’ mandate in Miami. He competes his tail off every night, he understands his role, and he’s never out of shape. Even at 36 years old, Tucker is able to chase around the NBA’s most dynamic perimeter scorers on a nightly basis. He checked KD last postseason — this year, it was James Harden and Jayson Tatum. On offense, he’s the corner specialist poster child. Get him a good look in the corner and it’s basically a foregone conclusion.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 19. Kyle Kuzma, Wizards
Kyle Kuzma embraced the bigger role afforded to him in Washington. Never the most consistent role player, Kuzma was always better suited to real offensive responsibility. The Wizards needed him to create his own offense and provide that secondary punch behind Bradley Beal, and Kuzma obliged. He also improved as a passer and defender, rounding out the rough edges of his game and becoming a legitimately reliable starter.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 18. Jae Crowder, Suns
Jae Crowder was once again the unsung hero of the best regular season team in basketball. He has been doing this for a long time now. He plays with a cockiness and spunk that is hard to deny. Teams need an enforcer every now and then, and it’s clear Crowder’s teammates feed off of his energy. He defends, he hits 3s, and he plays his role. The Suns have been a machine in recent years, and Crowder is an important cog.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 17. Harrison Barnes, Kings
Harrison Barnes never got the credit he deserved in Golden State, then his talents were stretched to the breaking point in Dallas. He has found the happy medium in Sacramento — excellent 3-and-D wing who can (albeit not consistently) create his own offense when called upon. A lot of Sacramento fans would actually prefer if Barnes was more aggressive, but he complements the Kings’ primary offensive engines and he’s an excellent leader of men (for a team that desperately needs one).
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 16. Aaron Gordon, Nuggets
Aaron Gordon’s rocky season can be largely attributed to the slew of injuries Denver faced. Gordon is just not a reliable offensive fulcrum, but when he’s the fourth or fifth option, you’re golden. Gordon was still mostly productive for the Nuggets. He’s well-suited to playing off of Nikola Jokic: he can hit spot-up 3s or finish lobs at the rim. Gordon has developed fast chemistry with Jokic, and he’s easily the team’s best defender. Not many players are better equipped than Gordon to guard the league’s big, strong scoring wings.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 15. Tobias Harris, Sixers
Tobias Harris spent most of last season indulging in bad habits while the Sixers tried to overcome Ben Simmons’ absence. Then James Harden arrived, and Harris underwent the single most important transformation of his career. At long last, he embraced the 3-and-D role. He took more spot-up 3s than ever before, he made more decisive plays off the dribble, and he elevated his defensive presence. Less is more with Harris; he’s a great role player, but a mediocre star. Hopefully this version of Harris is the new normal and not a flash in the pan.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 14. OG Anunoby, Raptors
Injuries prevented OG Anunoby from having the full-on breakout many people expected coming into the season. Now, his future with the Raptors is in doubt. Whether he stays in Toronto or not, we should expect big things from Anunoby next season. He’s a talented individual scorer who can abuse smaller defenders in isolation. On defense, he can absolutely smother the point of attack. He’s due for his breakout.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 13. Dorian Finney-Smith, Mavericks
Dorian Finney-Smith is one of the singular defensive talents in the NBA. The list of superior wing-stoppers is slim to none. Finney-Smith has the size, lateral quickness, and instincts to swallow opponents whole on the perimeter. He’s a monster on the defensive end, and he’s not too shabby on offense. His shot-making took another step forward last season and he’s perfectly suited to feeding off of Luka Doncic’s brilliance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 6. Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. had one of the more credible cases for Defensive Player of the Year. His per-minute numbers are insane, from simple blocked shots all the way through his advanced analytics. Jackson completely changes the shape of the game with his defensive activity, flying around the court and forcing guards to think twice before hoisting shots at the rim. On offense, he’s an absolute bomber from 3-point range who is slowly but surely becoming more adept at punishing errant closeouts.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 5. Ben Simmons, Nets
Let’s just assume Ben Simmons is still Ben Simmons when he returns: supremely gifted and unbearably flawed. Even if he doesn’t get the 3-pointer going, even if he doesn’t ratchet up the aggressiveness in the halfcourt, and even if he remains completely helpless at the free throw line, Simmons projects as a game-changing star presence for the wayward Nets. Lest we forget, he was many people’s choice for Defensive Player of the Year not long ago — almost beating Marcus Smart to the honor of first guard to win in decades. He’s listed as a “forward” in these rankings for obvious reasons, but Simmons will still defend the perimeter and spend a lot of time playmaking for Brooklyn. He’s a special talent, albeit quite flawed.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 4. Draymond Green, Warriors
Draymond Green (much like the Warriors) reminded folks of his greatness this season. He rocketed right back to the top of the hierarchy of great defenders. He continued to playmaking barrage, but this time in the context of the league’s deadliest offense. He is the true heart and soul of that Golden State team, tethered to Stephen Curry as half of one of the most unique and deadly star duos in modern NBA history. No player plays like Draymond. A lot of teams wish players could play like Draymond, but no one has fully pulled it off.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 3. Pascal Siakam, Raptors
Pascal Siakam continues to elevate his star status in the shadows. He doesn’t get a ton of credit — in fact, he’s often lampooned for his “predictable” style of play — but the simple fact is, Siakam is one of the more challenging players to defend at his position. Not many players can match Siakam’s blend of size, speed, coordination moving downhill. His spin move is a thing of beauty more often than not, and he’s one heck of a defender on the other end.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 2. Zion Williamson, Pelicans
Zion Williamson, in just his second NBA season, emerged as the league’s most dominant interior scorer. Despite being 6-foot-6, and despite being no remote threat behind the 3-point line, Williamson always managed to knife his way to the rim for easy points. He’s too strong and too fast for just about every defender in the NBA. Next the the man listed ahead of him at No. 1, Zion is the example of a singular, unrivaled athletic force. He needs to try on defense, and he needs to return to form after a long injury-related absence, but Williamson is already a superstar when he’s right.
Top 30 NBA power forwards — 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the consensus best player in the world right now. There’s not much else to say. He’s the most unstoppable offensive force on the planet, and he’s also a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. No mega-star gives consistent effort on the level Giannis does, and no NBA player is so singularly difficult to stop. Giannis even made significant strides last season, improving on his jumper and adding more touch to his floaters. The sky is the limit. He might get better again. He’s amazing.