The NBA has been blessed with numerous excellent power-forward players over its 75-year history. To mention a few, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and the Curry brothers. However, some players stand out from the crowd owing to their exceptional performance and achievements during their playing careers.
This article compiles the top ten best power forwards ever to play in the NBA, according to trustworthy and prominent internet sources such as ESPN, Clutch Points, and NBA. Let’s take a look at the players who made it onto our list right away.
10. Bob Pettitte
- Hawks of St. Louis
- 1 NBA title and 2 NBA MVPs
Centers and guards were the team’s key scorers in his 60s, while power forwards were the rebounders. Bob Pettit, on the other hand, excelled on both ends of the court. Pettit never had a season with lower than 24.6 PPG and 12.4 RPG. He averaged a double-double in each of his seasons.
That’s why, during his career, Pettit crushed every power forward duel. First to accumulate 20,000 points Pettit scored a playoff-high 50 points against the Celtics in the series-clinching game 6 of the NBA Finals in 1958 to win his first ring.
Furthermore, Bob Pettit was the first player to be named NBA MVP in 1956. Later, in 1959, he was named MVP for the second time. Pettit was an NBA All-Star every season throughout his 11-year career, capturing four All-Star MVP awards. He has also been named to the All-NBA First Team ten times.
Similarly, Bob Pettit is the first NBA player to score more than 20,000 points. Similarly, his career averages of 26.4 PPG and 16.2 RPG rank eighth and third all-time.
He was later elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970. So, without a doubt, Bob is one of the best power forwards to ever grace the NBA court.
9. Anthony Davis
- 1x NBA champions: New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis is a one-of-a-kind player who has the potential to become the best power forward by the time he retires. AD is already a superstar for the squad, making a significant difference on both the defensive and offensive ends of the floor.
Davis, while being a large player, is a major offensive danger who can punish you from midrange, three-point range, or the paint. He also contributes significantly on defense, serving as a rim protector and rebounder.
Davis, now in his ninth season, has been named to the NBA All-Star team eight times, with the exception of his rookie season. Similarly, his resume of four All-NBA First Team selections and two All-NBA All-Defensive First Team selections demonstrates that he is a complete player.
Davis earned his first NBA title in 2020, shortly after joining the Lakers. He has already won the Olympic Games in 2012 and the World Cup in 2014. There is still a long way to go. Anthony Davis, 28, has a lot more to do in his career.
8. Elvin Hayes
- 1x NBA Championship: Washington Bullets, Houston Rockets
Elvin Hayes is a gifted forward who, may we say, is the best power forward in the game. Despite playing during the Kareem Abdul Jabbar era, the Big E left his mark in the NBA.
In 1969, he set the NBA record for the youngest player to win the scoring title, with 28.4 points per game in his rookie season. Furthermore, in his 12 years as a player, he never missed more than two games in a season.
Furthermore, Hayes is the all-time best scorer for the Washington Wizards, with 27,313 points. Despite having MVP stats, Hayes never won a league award in his career. Elvin, on the other hand, won his sole NBA championship in 1978.
Elvin Hayes, a 12-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA First Team selection, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
7. McHale, Kevin
- Boston Celtics have won three NBA championships
Kevin McHale is really one of the top ten best power forwards of all time, despite coming off the bench for nearly half of his career. He only started 400 games in 971 NBA games, but his willingness to sacrifice team success for individual numbers is admirable.
Mc Hale, together with Larry Bird and Robert Parish, led the Celtics to three NBA championships in five finals appearances. Charles Barkley, a Hall of Famer, describes Mc Hale as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced in his career.
His post moves and footwork were unstoppable, making him difficult to guard. He was also a good defender, making the All-Time Defensive First Team three times.
Kevin McHale, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee, spent his entire 13-year professional career with the Boston Celtics. During his first five seasons, Hayes mostly came off the bench and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1984 and 1985.
He is also a one-time All-NBA First Team selection and a seven-time NBA All-Star.
6. Charles Barkley
- 1x NBA MVP, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets
Charles Barkley, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, is unquestionably the best undersized big man in NBA history. Throughout his career, he dominated the low post with his talents and strength, as well as his aggressiveness, speed, and outstanding positioning.
He’d go coast to coast with anyone, jump higher than bigger guys for rebounds, and smash a monster dunk after dominating on the inside. Barkey is an all-around athlete who has a career total of 23,757 points, 12,546 rebounds, and 4,215 assists.
He is also an 11-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA first-team selection. Not to mention that Barley has been inducted into the Hall of Fame twice, once for his individual career and once as a part of the Dream Team.
However, like many other great players from the 1990s, his failure to earn NBA championship rings is his main weakness. Aside from his playing prowess, Barkley was known for his controversy and battles throughout his 80s and 90s.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Milwaukee Bucks two-time NBA MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s accomplishments in the NBA are already enough to place him among the top five best power forwards of all time. In 2020, Greek Freak will join Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players to win NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season.
Giannis has established himself as one of the best players in NBA history with two consecutive MVP awards. Furthermore, Antetokounmpo is the youngest player in NBA history to win two MVP awards before the age of 26.
Despite being labeled as a power forward, Antetokounpo is a versatile player who can play all five positions. He is also known as the Greek Freak because of his stature, speed, athleticism, and ball handling abilities. His physical characteristics allow him to get past defenders and slash for a slam.
Despite the fact that he has yet to win an NBA championship, Giannis is still in his prime and has a long future ahead of him. Similarly, he is a five-time NBA All-Star who has been selected captain twice and MVP once.
Giannis Antetokounpo has also been named to the All-NBA first and second teams thrice.
4. Kevin Garnett
- 1 NBA title and 1 NBA MVP
Only a few players in NBA history can equal 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett’s intensity, versatility, athleticism, and defensive ability. KG entered the NBA draft directly out of high school in 1995, transforming the Minnesota Timberwolves into a title contender.
Prior to Garnett, the Wolves had never made the playoffs or won more than 29 games in a season. However, “The Big Ticket” Kevin Garnett handled the load and led the team to victory, becoming the club’s leading scorer, rebounder, facilitator, and defender.
From 1997 to 2004, the Wolves earned eight consecutive playoff appearances under Garnett. Later that year, the Celtics won the NBA championship. Garnett demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his postseason career.
Furthermore, Garnett’s honors as NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year demonstrate his two-way versatility. In addition, he has 4x All-NBA First Team and 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team honors on his career.
Later, in 2021, KG was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the best power forwards of all time.
3. Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks have won one NBA championship and one NBA MVP award. Dirk Nowitzki should be credited with popularizing the power forward position. He elevated the number four position to that of a skillful big man capable of shooting, dribbling, and passing.
The German icon is without a doubt the best European player to ever play in the NBA. His famous one-legged fadeaway is one of the most difficult moves to defend. He is well recognized for his scoring ability and variety.
Furthermore, Nowitzki is the first and only NBA player to play for the same team for 21 seasons. Nowitzki received his only NBA MVP award in 2007. Later, in the 2010-11 season, he led Dallas to their lone NBA title.
On the way to greatness, he won playoff series over Portland, the defending champion Lakers, OKC, and the Heat Big Three. He is the sixth-highest scoring player in NBA history, with 31,560 points.
Furthermore, Nowitzki is the first international player and the second power forward to reach 30k points. In addition to his numerous NBA and Dallas records, Mavericks Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA First Team selection.
2. Karl Malone
- Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers both have two NBA MVPs.
- All-Star 14 times
Karl Malone is one of the best power forwards in the NBA; unfortunately, he only has one NBA championship to his name. Malone was dubbed “Mailman” for his regular performance. With 36,928 points, he is the NBA’s second all-time leader in scoring.
Malone, likewise, is the all-time leader in free throw attempts and compiled a list. Malone was a strong defender and rebounder. He became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double and start in the NBA Finals at the age of 40.
Similarly, two-time NBA MVP Malone is the only NBA player to be named to the All-NBA first team for 11 consecutive seasons. He was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 for his individual career and as a member of the 1992 Dream Team.
1. Timothy Duncan
- Spurs of San Antonio
- 5 NBA championships and 3 NBA MVPs
Nobody other than Tim Duncan is deserving of the title of greatest power forward of all time. Furthermore, his resume would rank him among the greatest players in NBA history.
Duncan is the quintessential franchise player, having spent two decades with the Spurs and guiding them to five NBA championships. He earned two league MVP honors in addition to his three finals MVPs.
With his simple, effective textbook talents, he was dubbed “The Big Fundamental” and would make his presence felt on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.
During his 20 seasons in the NBA, he scored 26,496 points, placing him 14th all-time. Furthermore, his famous bank shot proved unstoppable.
Throughout his career, he was a reliable scorer, rebounder, and rim protector. That is why he has been named to the All-NBA First Team ten times and the All-NBA Defensive First Team eight times. Duncan is also a 15-time NBA All-Star and a one-time All-Star MVP.
Tim Duncan was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, alongside Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant.
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