There has been evolution throughout the history of the NBA, with few things remaining the same over the league’s 76-year history. Player positions are case and point. Today’s power forwards are more perimeter-oriented than their forerunners.
Instead of knocking down 18-footers and going to work in the low post like Hall of Fame greats like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, most fours now shoot more threes, few mid-range jumpers, and seldom post up.
That change in style of play might not appeal to old-school NBA fans, but the results have dramatically changed the league for the better. That adjustment has led to increased spacing and skill at the position.
Particularly with players who might otherwise have been small forwards playing the four instead. But who are the best power forwards in today’s NBA? Let’s go through and rank each of the 30 starting fours and place them into tiers.