One of the most talent-demanding positions on the court is the power forward. The power forward position has hosted some of the best players in league history, while not always receiving praise for its flashiness.
Traditionally, power forwards are taller than small forwards and dominate the paint and the midcourt. The position’s rich history of legendary players ensures that it will always have a place in the NBA. Here is a list of the top 10 greatest power forwards of all time.
#10. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh is a two-time NBA champion winning power forward. He made huge contributions to the Miami Heat super team led by the famous LeBron James. Bosh’s tremendous brilliance was on full display when the Toronto Raptors used him as their first choice PF prior to his stint in Miami.
Bosh’s incredible play for the Raptors and Heat have helped him make his place as a Hall of Famer and his legacy will go on long after he retires. His career numbers speak for themselves where he averaged 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
Chris Bosh is a tremendous basketball talent who has been recognized for his efforts by eleven selections to the NBA All-Star Team and one selection to the NBA All-NBA Team. His name will forever be remembered as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
#9. Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale’s ability to play excellent low post made him a valuable power forward. McHale, endowed with a basketball-specific frame and remarkable talent, displayed a wide variety of innovative post moves while also excelling at rebounding and shot-blocking.
McHale consistently performed well and made big contributions to his team’s victories that won the NBA title in 1981, 1984, and 1986. He was an All-Star team seven times, testament of his on-court impact.
McHale was honored for his skills with a spot on the 1987 All-NBA First Team as well as three straight appearances (1986–1988) on the NBA All–Defensive First Team. He had a huge impact on the sport with an average of 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game during his career.
#8. Elvin Hayes
Elvin Hayes was a power forward with the ability of being unstoppable on both ends of the court. Hayes was a strong force in the paint due to his deadly turnaround jumper and fierce defensive abilities.
Throughout his stellar career, he was recognized by the NBA with 12 All-Star nods, six All-NBA nods, and two All-Defensive Team nods. He also won the scoring title once while averaging 21.0 points,12.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game during his career.
Hayes was incredibly consistent in the NBA for the first 12 years of his career, never missing more than nine games in any season. Elvin Hayes left behind a legendary career, which is a testament to his extraordinary skill and commitment to the sport.
#7. Pau Gasol
Two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol made an unforgettable impression on the sport with his extraordinary abilities and achievements. His time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant is what he is best known for, but his influence on the Memphis Grizzlies should not be forgotten.
Gasol was a monster in the paint thanks to his size and skill. Furthermore, his passing, especially for a large player, was excellent. He had a career average of 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest.
Gasol’s accomplishments as a six-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA pick, and 2002 Rookie of the Year attest to his excellence. His achievements were not limited to the domestic level. He also was a huge asset for the Spanish National Team in international competitions. Pau Gasol’s career as a power forward in the NBA is one for the ages.
#6. Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit’s stellar career and long list of honors saw him become an explosive power forward in the league. He was a formidable opponent on the floor and averaged 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his career. Pettit has been honored with 11 All-Star and All-NBA nods in addition to his two MVP awards. He made such an instant impression upon debut that in 1955, he was named the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Pettit played his whole 11-year NBA career for the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks. In 1956 he became the first player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player title and won it a second time in 1959.
Pettit’s consistency was unparalleled, since he never had a career scoring average lower than 20 points per game. Bob Pettit’s reputation as one of the game’s all-time great power forwards will live on in infamy thanks to his status as a Hall of Famer and genuine basketball hero.
#5. Kevin Garnett
Legendary power forward Kevin Garnett is remembered fondly by lifelong followers and is routinely included among the sport’s all-time greats. He had one of the longest NBA careers which comprised of 21 seasons, earning the nicknames “KG” and “Big Ticket.” Thess legendary monikers were given to Garnett because of his impressive athleticism and forceful dunking.
He was an intimidating presence on the court thanks to his ferocity, defensive prowess, and overall skill. Garnett averaged 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists over the course of his long and illustrious career.
To his credit, he is one of just five NBA players in history to have won both the NBA MVP and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award, to go along with his NBA title, MVP, 15 All-Star nods, 9 All-NBA nods, and 12 All-Defensive Team nods, firmly establish him as one of the best power forwards in the history of the league.
#4. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley has an outstanding basketball game and is one of the greatest NBA players despite never winning an NBA title. Barkley made an unforgettable impression on the game with his remarkable post scoring and rebounding ability, averaging 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game during his career.
Barkley had such a significant influence on the court that he was recognized for it with multiple awards, including the Most Valuable Player trophy and 11 All-Star nods.
Charles Barkley’s dynamic personality and skill set made him a powerful force on the floor. His leadership helped his team advance to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Chicago Bulls. Barkley’s popularity, in addition to his incredible basketball skills, have made him a legend in the NBA and a hero to fans of all ages.
#3. Dirk Nowitzki
The greatness of Dirk Nowitzki, one of the best European players of all-time, is well acknowledged. After a stellar two-decade career in the NBA, most notably with the Dallas Mavericks, he is now a special advisor to the team.
It was Nowitzki’s all-round coverage of the floor and spectacular athletic displays that made him one of the best power forwards in the team. In the 2010–11 season, Nowitzki led the Mavericks to Championship victory over the Miami Heat, who were considered to be one of the best teams during that period.
He’s widely regarded as one of the best shooters among power players, adding to his reputation as a fantastic power forward. Nowitzki’s effect on the game will be remembered for years to come and his remarkable career statistics of 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game remain testament of his consistency.
#2. Karl Malone
Karl “The Mailman” Malone, a legendary player in NBA history, left his mark as one of the game’s all-time great power forwards. Malone developed an unbreakable relationship with John Stockton during his 18 seasons (1985-2003) with the Utah Jazz, and the duo captivated basketball fans across the world.
Due to Malone’s physical style of play, he also amassed the most technical fouls in NBA history. However, his 25 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists average per game was evidence of his versatility. Despite never winning a Championship, Malone is a real basketball hero thanks to his two MVP awards, 14 All-Star appearances, and 11 All-NBA first-team choices.
During his time in the NBA, Karl Malone was widely hailed for his post presence and midrange shooting. Even today, Malone’s illustrious NBA career stands testament of his all-round prowess in the annals of basketball history.
#1. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan had a legendary tenure in the NBA that saw him clinch five titles and an impressive list of honors throughout his career. His effect was unparalleled on both sides of the floor, as seen by his career figures of 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocks per game.
His place among the greats is attested to by the fact that he has been named NBA MVP twice, Finals MVP three times, an All-Star 15 times, an All-NBA selection 15 times, an All-Defensive Team selection 15 times, and Rookie of the Year in 1998.
Duncan was the catalyst for the San Antonio Spurs’ success from his freshman year onward thanks to his outstanding basketball IQ, which allowed him to dominate on offense and defense. Even though Karl Malone and Charles Barkley were fantastic players, there can be no mistake that Duncan is the finest power forward in NBA history.
These legendary power forwards have etched their names into the history of basketball with extraordinary accomplishments, championship triumphs, and the admiration of fans. Who are your top 10 power forwards in NBA history? Share with us below.
