NBA Top 5- Power Forwards

NBA Top 5

Hello all, the Power Forward position has experienced an interesting evolution throughout the years. From the traditional back to the basket guys to “stretch 4s” and everything in between, PFs vary in versatility and abilities more than any other position in the NBA. With that being said let’s get into the top five.

1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans- The Bayou Brow is not just, in my eyes, the best PF in the league, but a top 3 player in the league. Davis is the epitome of versatility at the 4 spot. It starts on the defensive side of the ball, where he is a legit stopper and has been since he entered the league. He has immensely improved on offense from having his PPG jump up each year and working on a nice 15ft+ game combined with putting in work in the post. He also brings a mix of good ball handling and has flirting with a consistent outside jumpshot. AD is the best PF in the league by a long shot, and will look to lead the Pelicans past the first round of the playoffs this year.

2. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs- A perennial all-star and elite player at his position, Aldridge is in this spot and not lower simply due to his chances of winning it all. I believe that San Antonio could win it all without him—with him, their chances are probably the best ever. I really like this move for LMA who is in his first year to play for a serious contender. He needs to show up and show out this year to bring a title to San Antone.

3. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers- Doc Rivers has taken Griffin and honed his talents to the highest potential in LA. Everyone knows that Blake gets by with his athleticism, but he has been working on passing and scoring outside of the paint throughout the last few years. He is always noticeable in stepping up for his team when players like Chris Paul are injured. I believe he is their best player. Now it is up to him and the rest of the best team in LA (yeah I said it DYS,) to progress to get over the hump and get through the West.

4. Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls- When the Bulls lost the Carmelo Anthony lottery, the consolation prize was Pau Gasol. I think Bulls fans all over are happy with this. Gone is the notion that Gasol was past his prime and done for. His last few years in Los Angeles were a clusterfuck, but he came right back to form in his new home of Chicago. The leader in double-doubles (while shooting just under 50%!), Gasol fit very well with my favorite team. Expect Gasol to play well again coming off a nice Summer with the Spain National Team.

5. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat- South Beach Bosh looked to be getting over the post-LeBron hangover well until his season was suddenly stopped by a near-death condition where he had blood clots in his lungs. He will return this year with a Heat squad who actually should be fun to watch if health is on par. With Hassan Whiteside playing the Center position, Bosh is able to focus strictly on the 4 spot and can play the stretch 4 role that he has assimilated to throughout the years.

Honorable Mention

Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz- Easily could have been in the top 5. Favors is an athletic freak and has worked on his outside game. People are high on Rudy Gobert and if he pans out, Favors will benefit from playing alongside him down low and continue to improve.

Paul Milsap, Atlanta Hawks- After a great regular season, Milsap and the Hawks were who we thought they were (word to Denny Green) as they bowed out quietly in the playoffs. Milsap’s game and the Hawks’ style mesh well as Milsap is able to step outside and help stretch the floor, which the team’s success rely on.

Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors- Barack Obama’s favorite player, Green is one of those guys that does the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. You have to WATCH him play to understand his value. A champion now, Green will continue to improve with Golden State for years to come.

Let’s debate! Hit me on my Twitter, @mikeyvick_ and check out the weekly Good Podcast

Next up, Centers.