Giannis Antetokounmpo can enjoy one last season at the top.
Ranking the best power forwards in the NBA is an easier task than at some positions, at least once the positions are defined and a plethora of star forwards are sorted into small forward. There are only a couple of locked-in perennial All-Star players, and from there it's a handful of really good impact players to sort through.
A clear understanding that Paolo Banchero is not a star helps things out as well.
While Jalen Johnson, Deni Avdija, Kevin Durant and others are ranked among the top small forwards in the league, we do include a couple of combo bigs here who play the vast majority of their minutes at power forward. While a few veteran names show up, there is a real swell of young talent ready to take over the position.
Looking at their impact on winning right now, here are the five best power forwards in the NBA.
Top point guards l Top shooting guards l Top small forwards
No. 5: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Everyone in Indiana took the year off except for Pascal Siakam, who just kept chugging along as an All-Star power forward. He has a relentless motor fighting to get into the paint, following the ball as a rebounder, or going right at the rim in transition. He remains a stout defender as well even if he isn't blocking a high volume of shots. If he had a better outside shot, he would be even higher on this list.
No. 4: Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder fans should genuinely be worried about Chet Holmgren disappearing when Victor Wembanyama is on the court. At the same time, if Wembanyama didn't exist, Holmgren would be a marvel of a player. He is an elite rim protector, a confident shooter and a solid finisher. He is a unicorn and unlocks the ceiling for the Thunder, having already been a Top-3 player on a title team.
No. 3: Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley just beats out Holmgren on this list, but it would be very reasonable to reverse their order. Mobley is such a dominant defensive force and a better interior player than Holmgren on offense that he nudges him out. Cavaliers fans would love for Mobley to add a 3-point shot, but his strength and power inside has grown over the last couple of seasons and turned him into an interior beast. He transforms Cleveland's defense despite playing with multiple no-defense guards at nearly all times.
No. 2: Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
After Rookie of the Year went narrowly to Scottie Barnes, he and Evan Mobley have been linked together - and they are on this list as well. Barnes is an incredible defensive player, truly only a small step down from Mobley and Holmgren. On offense, however, he has become a point forward who can initiate offense, create separation and finish through and over defenders. His playmaking and rebounding are top notch. Other than shooting, Barnes can do everything - and do it all very well.
No. 1: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the best power forward in the NBA for something approaching a decade, and he remains in place for this list - but perhaps for the last time. Antetokounmpo will turn 32 this season, and his game, especially on defense, is showing signs of decline. He remains a freight train in transition and an unstoppable force on the glass and finishing inside. Another step down, however, and the young bucks behind him will pounce.
Honorable Mentions 6-10 (in alphabetical order): Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic; Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets; Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz; Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz; Naz Reid, Charlotte Hornets
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