One could argue that the Philadelphia 76ers’ weakest starting position is at the power forward spot with P.J. Tucker. Seeing how he ranks to his contemporaries at the position during the offseason is important. If you’d like to see the other positions written about thus far then check out the point guard rankings, shooting guard rankings, and small forward rankings.
30. Kevin Love, Heat
Unless a trade or free agent signing changes things, it appears that Kevin Love will start for the Miami Heat next season. The 6-foot-8 stretch big man is well past his prime, but he provides size and rebounding that the Heat need more of. There’s a chance that the undersized Caleb Martin steals this spot from Love if the former All-Star’s play declines too much.
29. P.J. Tucker, 76ers
Like the Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers will have to rely on a veteran well past his prime in P.J. Tucker. There’s no arguing that the undersized 6-foot-5 power forward provided solid defense and leadership for the Sixers last season. If Tucker continues to decline, expect Tobias Harris to slide back to the power forward spot and the 76ers to start someone else at small forward.
28. Keita Bates-Diop, Suns
If the Phoenix Suns plan to start Kevin Durant at the small forward spot, then starting Keita Bates-Diop at the four spot makes sense. The 6-foot-8 forward played well at the position last season and started 42 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season. He’s an excellent 3-and-D player that the Suns stole in free agency.
27. Nicolas Batum, Clippers
Marcus Morris would normally be on this list for the Los Angeles Clippers, but he was suddenly yanked out of the rotation last season so it seems unlikely he returns as a starter. Nicolas Batum was once an elite 3-and-D wing with above-average playmaking skills. However, the 6-foot-8 veteran is now an elite glue player for the Clippers.
26. Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets
If Jabari Smith Jr. can replicate what he did during Summer League in the regular season, then this will be way too low of a spot for him. However, the 6-foot-10 forward was widely inconsistent last season. Hopefully, with the Houston Rockets bringing in a new head coach in Ime Udoka, Smith Jr. can reach his full potential.