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NBA: Ranking The League’s Top 10 Power Forwards For 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. LaMarcus Aldridge

2015-16 Stats:  18.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG, .513/—/.858 shooting, 22.4 PER

LaMarcus Aldridge no longer has the superstar numbers to qualify for a spot this high up the list, but you don’t just ignore the production of the second-best player on a 67-win team. The trade rumors are a little concerning, but in terms of pure on-court talent, it doesn’t get much better than Aldridge.

He’s dialed back his three-point shot under Gregg Popovich, but LA’s midrange stroke is as strong as ever. His heat checks are still among the most formidable in the league, as the Oklahoma City Thunder learned firsthand during the first few games of their second round playoff matchup.

This is Kawhi Leonard‘s team, and between that and the San Antonio Spurs‘ system that prioritizes balance and making the right play over individual stats, Aldridge’s numbers are going to look kind of tame compared to his prime years with the Portland Trail Blazers.

But as long as San Antonio gets off to another strong start and those trade whispers prove to be ungrounded, Aldridge is going to be a key component on a title contender. Considering his skill set, that’s more than enough to make up for the stats lost to more restricted playing time and team balance.