The evolution of power forward has helped to revolutionize the NBA. Previously, power forwards were bigger than small forwards but smaller than centers and often played a similar role to centers. They have slowly developed into floor spacers on offense, in addition to scoring in the post, first stepping out and knocking down midrange jumpers.
Then, out to the three-point line as the game has evolved. That has made them an increasingly big part of the game but who are the greatest power forwards of all time? Let's take a look at the 20 greatest power forwards ever and place them into five tiers based on their greatness.
Tier 5) Stars
20) Draymond Green
19) Tom Chambers
18) Dan Issel
17) Blake Griffin
Four-time NBA champion and four-time all-star Draymond Green is a uniquely all-time great player. He is an elite defender and passer who previously won Defensive Player of the Year and ranks second all-time in assists per game for power forward. He served as the spark for one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
Former NBA player Tom Chambers was underrated throughout his career, averaging more than 18 points over 1,000 games. That resulted in him being one of 55 players to score 20,000 points but one of only two players to never make the Hall of Fame.
Former Denver Nuggets great Dan Issel actually spent his best years in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels, making 5 straight ABA all-star games. Even so, he played nine seasons in the NBA, averaging a strong 20.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, guaranteeing him a spot here.
At his best, Blake Griffin was one of the best players in the NBA, including posting 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds over his eight seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. His play in the post, ability to finish at the rim, and pass made him a terrific offensive player who made six all-star teams during his injury-plagued 13-year career.