NBA: 5 Best Power Forwards To Start A Franchise

Kevin Love might just be the best power forward in the NBA. (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)

Lost in the shuffle between point guards, 3-point shooters, athletic wingmen and shot-blocking centers, power forwards don’t get enough respect in the NBA.

The 4 position may not be the spot that immediately comes to mind when building an NBA franchise, but if you’ve watched basketball over the course of the past 15 years, Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs may have something to say about that.

That said, I’m highlighting the five best power forwards to start an NBA franchise with. Because I can only choose five, I’ve listed a few honorable mentions that could definitely help a team get its feet off the ground.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Anderson, Paul Millsap and Serge Ibaka.

5. Tristan Thompson (22)

Coming off an excellent season, Tristan Thompson is one of the best power forwards to build around. (Photo by Erik Drost/Flickr.com)

Second-year man Tristan Thompson had a breakout season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 11.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game to go with 31 double-doubles, which ranked sixth among all NBA power forwards during the 2012-13 campaign.

While the 22-year-old could use some work on his free-throw shooting and post game, his ability to finish around the basket makes up for it.

The strongest aspect of Thompson’s game though is his rebounding. He has a great motor, especially on the offensive glass, where he ranked second among NBA power forwards with 3.7 offensive rebounds per game.

As he continues to develop and gets more experience under his belt, I believe Thompson will emerge as one of the best power forwards in the NBA, and the Cavs are lucky to have a talent like Thompson to pair with Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters.

4. Anthony Davis (20)

Rookie Anthony Davis proved to be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick this season. (Photo Credit: Mark Allison, Flickr.com)

Rookie Anthony Davis’ first NBA season proved that he’s the perfect power forward to build an NBA franchise around.

The 6’10” PF was named to the All-Rookie first team, as he averaged 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Davis’ 20 double-doubles ranked eighth among all power forwards during the 2012-13 NBA season.

What makes Davis special is his ability to defend at the rim and to run the floor on fast breaks. The big man averaged nearly five blocks per contest in his sole season at Kentucky, so we know the type of defender Davis is capable of being.

Unlike most power forwards, Davis can hit the outside jumper and is one of the best ball handlers at the 4 position.

If Davis works on his post game, he’ll be a star for the New Orleans Pelicans for years to come.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge (27)

LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the few bright spots for the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo/Flickr.com)

Just beginning to hit his prime, two-time all-star LaMarcus Aldridge is the staple of the Portland Trail Blazer’s offense.

The 6’11” big man again led Portland in scoring again this season, averaging 21.1 points per game—the most of any power forward in the NBA—to go with 9.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. His 38 double-doubles ranked fourth among power forwards this season.

Like Davis, Aldridge runs the floor extremely well and has shown the ability to knock down jumpers outside of the paint, but Aldridge’s offense usually comes from around the rim. He possesses excellent post moves and is no stranger to the alley-oop.

Aldridge is a force on defense and his presence in the paint can’t be overlooked, which is why he’s one of the top five power forwards to start a franchise with.

2. Blake Griffin (24)

Blake Griffin’s explosiveness makes him one of the best dunkers in the NBA. (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)

When Blake Griffin is right, it’s hard to argue with his finishing abilities around the rim.

He’s a human highlight reel when it comes to dunks and alley-oops, partly making him an excellent player to start a franchise with, because he’s a crowd pleaser.

Griffin averaged 18 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season and posted 28 double-doubles, which ranked seventh among all power forwards.

There’s still a lot of room to improve on defense for the 6’10” forward, but his rebounding skills make him an asset to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Griffin has made the All-Star team in all three of his NBA seasons and is easily one of the most explosive players in the entire league.

1. Kevin Love (24)

Kevin Love is by far the best power forward to build an NBA franchise around. (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)

Kevin Love is undoubtedly the best power forward in the NBA to build a franchise around.

Where else are you going to find a double-double machine who can also stretch the defense by knocking down 3s?

Love has been a dominant PF since coming into the NBA in 2008-09, averaging a double-double the past four consecutive seasons and sporting a career 3-point shooting mark of .352.

The only question with Love is his durability—he’s only played in at least 73 games in a season twice in his five-year career—but at the mere age of 24, Love has a ton of upside.

The two-time All-Star has room to improve defensively, but he’s an excellent scorer, passer and rebounder for a 6’10” big man.

If I were given the chance to start an NBA franchise, Love would easily be my selection at the power forward position.

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