The definitions have blurred over the years with the advent of such amazing athleticism in the NBA. Size alone used to dictate position, not skill level. Not anymore. We’ll see 7-footers grab a rebound and drain pull-up 3-pointers.
That would be Dirk Nowitzki, of course, the 7-foot power forward for the Mavericks. Seeing him as often as we have over the past six years or so is enough to consider how the position has evolved. We’ll discuss the best power forwards over the years for their skills, ending with whom we believe to be the best.
But let’s begin with a little history.
It really began with Bob Pettit, the rookie of the year in 1955 and star of the World Championship St. Louis Hawks of 1958 to Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan of today. Pettit was a raw-boned, tough 6-9, 215 pounds – equally capable of taking it to the rim or draining the 17-foot jumper. He wasn’t a great athlete, but athletic enough to make every play in his day and finish his 11-year career averaging 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds – and with 12,851 boards, he’s still the all-time leading rebounder in Hawks history. Philadelphia’s Dolph Schayes was a similar player to Pettit, although his talent didn’t reach the same level.
But the position, which included superb defenders like Satch Sanders, changed dramatically from the likes of Pettit and Jerry Lucas as the 1960s gave way to the 1970s and players got bigger and stronger. There were always ‘tweeners like Dave DeBusschere – just as there were always enforcers like Rudy LaRusso, Tom Meschery, Gus Johnson, Bill Bridges and Luke Jackson, and they gave way to the likes of Maurice Lucas.
They spawned the spectacular play of Spencer Haywood and Elvin Hayes, and the earliest standard of all-around skills in George McGinnis.
But the prototype progressed from mostly defensive orientation to scoring as we got to the 1980s. Buck Williams was a throwback of raw toughness and defensive orientation, but he could also score. And as the Boston Celtics regained prowess, Kevin McHale became the new archetype, with extraordinary low-post moves and touch, plus long arms and hands that made him an exceptional defender. Shortly thereafter was the arrival of the powerful Karl Malone. Blessed with great hands and defensive instincts, he developed a mid-range jumper that would make him the second-most prolific scorer in NBA history. Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman were about the same size as Malone with far better natural skills – arguably the most talented power forwards ever – but they never had the heads to go along with their gifts.
That brought a flurry of new faces – beginning with the most unlikely of the power forward superstars – the 6-4 3/4 Charles Barkley, who could dominate the game with rebounds, running the floor or scoring in so many ways. He initially weighed nearly 300 pounds but eventually molded down below 260 and was at his best. Along that same path came Chris Webber, always teasing us with amazing skills, but never quite reaching the lofty expectations of coaches, the media and teammates. The same goes for Rasheed Wallace.
Nonetheless, it was Barkley who ushered us in to the new breed of today, led by the group of amazing 7-footers - Duncan, Garnett and Nowitzki – and the best youngsters of today, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh.
From all of that, we’ll pick the best at each power forward skill set:
Best scorer: Karl Malone Best rebounder: Charles Barkley Best shooter: Dirk Nowitzki Best passer: Chris Webber Best athleticism: Shawn Kemp Best low-post moves: Kevin McHale Best defender: Buck Williams Best ball-handler: Kevin Garnett
And that, of course, leaves us with Duncan as the best overall. He can do everything on both ends of the floor, including one of the most picturesque perimeter bank shots the NBA has ever seen. Granted, many people still refer to him as a center. But he came into the league as the forward to David Robinson on the Spurs. And from the time Robinson retired in 2003, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has always put a less-skilled ####er at center so Duncan could exhibit his exceptional ability away from the basket when needed.
And that’s why we’ll stick with Duncan and his four NBA championship rings as the standard for power forwards.
Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all-time. He has more rings than any of his contemporaries, past or present, but the thing that seperates him from the pack is his defense.
I have to agree on TD. It is close though. Right behind him in my book is McHale. The biggest differences being that Duncan was a star from day one(McHale made steady improvement every year until he peaked at year 5 or 6) and TD has been the focal point of his team every year. I give the edge to McHale in scoring ability,TD a better rebounder,defensively they were even,TD a better passer( not that Kevin wasn't capable, but he didn't get the nickname Blackhole for nothing)and leadership goes to TD as well. For a time though, there was a good case that McHale was the second best player in the league. Barkley is overrated,Malone and KG tie for 3rd.
Dirk has no game on the block. He is not a PF he is just a 7'0 SF.
As for best rebounder... ahem, Dennis Rodman.
Barkley imo was the better scorer or at least tied with Malone. Shoot Barkley played like a 2 he could handle the ball and create his own shot. You know what best scorer: Malone, best rebounder: Rodman, most versatile: Barkley.
i would say Duncan is the best but Karl Malone is right behind. he might not have any rings but he never had the supporting cast Duncan had(and TD never had to come across M.J with his SG being Hornecek) That Jazz team Malone was on never had any athletic players and the only plus for malone is he had the second best PG of all time. Stockton. Malone did great with the supporting cast he had. it just wasnt enough.
Personaly, I know Tim as an elder I convinced him to go to the pro's and he's going to a fine job and he calls me everyday. And been a big fan of Barkley he's second in command. I told him to watch some tapes of SIR CHARLES. D U N K = C A N
Last edited by Hypadawg on February 12th at 1:27 PM.
Barkley in his prime was the best rebounder period. Superior player IMO. NOT overrated, never got on a good enough team (to win a ring) but that wasn't his fault.
Duncan just keeps getting better, I found it funny that the comments above included calling him a center as well as a "big" small forward.
No argument with Duncan. Watching him play is a sight of beauty to behold. One area of his game I never hear mentioned is that he never seems to tire. His endurance is phenominal. Obviosly everyone talks about his "fundamental" skills. I am sad however that he currently seems on the down curve of his career (although I think he still has many productive years). I like Malone but am suprised how many people picked him before Barkley. IMO Barkely was definately far more dominant at his peak both offensively and defensively. No one could come close to handling him on the block which was even more amazing since he is 6'5" at best. He dominated rebounds at both ends of the floor. If not for MJ he would of even had a ring.
Nice to see TD get props in such excellent company. It goes unnoticed at times but beneath the cool exterior is the drive and determination of the likes of MJ...Magic...Russell...Bird.
I'd put rodman at about 5th best all-time power forwards and 2nd rebounder behind pettit. remember how much he got into malone's head when the bulls played them in the finals. malone looked like he was scared the whole time. Rodman= basketball genius
Uh...what was Larry Bird, if not a power foward? EVERYONE pales to Bird in his prime, much as I hated his guts and the Celtics at the time. True, defensively, he wasn't there with Duncan, but he was SO much better offensively and in the intangibles that it makes up for it. Rosen, as usual, is an ####. Malone? Best offensively? STUPID. Without Stockton take away 50% of his offense. In his prime, Barkley was FAR better offensively, as, of course, was Bird.
Just as Malone had Stockton, Bird had his supporting cast. I for one don't believe that Bird won it all by himself.
Malone deserves to be on this list, he is one of the greatest players of all time that hasn't actually won a ring.
Last edited by ThaBullDawg on February 12th at 6:35 PM.
For all the people who say Barkley before Malone just tell me what happened in the 98 western conference finals. Oh yeah Barkley had The greatest center of all time.(hakeem) and he had one of the best wing players to play the game Clyde Drexler. Lets not forget that Karl Malone supporting cast was stockton and a bunch of nobodies.(no disrespect to honercek but he wasnt athletic at all and no one off the bench was either) they center was Mark Eaton or Carr and Rusell was their so call lock down defender.
At that Karl Malone stayed with the same team and Barkley went from phila to phoenix to houston. went to the finals once while Malone went twice. Some say Duncan is first and Malone is a far second. But if Malone had two rings he would be over Duncan.(who really is a center)
Last edited by bassda1 on February 12th at 6:57 PM.
Where is D.Rodman. Barkley is best rebounder? Who the
F@#%& are kidding here. I assume 7 rebounding titles,
along with 5 rings is enough to make a list
This is all ridiculous. I watched in facination as these talented players made their reputations, and played with both Pip and Rodman. Rodman had talent, and could play mind games, but was as much a liability as an asset without his team leaders kicking his butt and making him conform. Ask Joe and Michael about the stress of distress. Charles was his own man, but never cost his team. Rodman cost Isiah his first title. PERIOD. Malone never had great support, but face it, the Houston 3 were ALL way past their prime and not the atheletes they once were when the Jazz kicked them to the curb. Hakeem was anemic! What revisionist history I see. The original Dream Team was LEAD by Barkley during the early rounds. He THRIVED in the Olympic format because of his versatility. Barkley could play in ANY era. Malone was good, but could not dominate a game like he could a fast break with a straight shot to the rim lead by the perfect pass from Stockton. The 80's teams were ALL great. I love the players, and think I'd be happy with any of the original Dream Team plus Timmy D. McHale when healthy could dominate ANY postman in ANY era at the offensive end, and with Bird and Chief make life HECK on ANYONE including TIM or Kareem (the best of all time)
Fair Sports....did you really play with Pippen and Rodman? What is your name? Sorry man, I have seen the most ridiculous statements made here and then proven wrong.
Hands down Tim Duncan is the BEST Power forward ever. Yes he was drafted as a center but he was molded into PF. Get over it he is a Power Forward! 4 rings, 4 rings!!! Any questions?
Last edited by spurfan97 on February 12th at 8:47 PM.
Along with McHale, Tim Duncan is the only 'superstar' forward to win the championship since the 80's. Other superstars like Malone, Barkeley, Dirk and KG have not won it yet. That's what makes Timmy so special
I suppose Kahn's just a Rodman hater... Chemistry problems he may have caused, but other than Wilt the Stilt and Bill Russell, Rodman is the best rebounder!! Definately a better rebounder than Charles Barkley ever was!
But yeh, overall Duncan no.1!!!!
Last edited by LakerLopez on February 12th at 10:17 PM.
Timmy is the best Power Foward hands down. He is all-around the most fundamentally sound player in that position,and he makes every one around him better. His defense has opponents looking over their shoulders when they are driving to the basket. And when posting up, his passes often find their mark, even through the arm-slapping double-teams that come at him every night. It almost seems as though the refs are being told to let a lot more go year after year when it comes to how other teams seem to man-handle Timmy.
Never been a Duncan fan, but I can't deny that he's great. How about "Best Decision Maker?" Seems to me that his effectiveness comes from being smarter, not more athletic, than his opponents.
I have to agree that Tim Duncan is the best PF of all time. He has such great skills that we some times forget just how hard his shots are. These days there are no other players that have a bank shot. To see TD use the backboard the way he does is sign of genius. It's genius, b/c no one else today can do it. If anyone else does it, it's called a fluke. When Tim hits his bank shots it's his shot. His defense is great too, because he's intimidating, but not overly aggressive. Let's no forget just how smart he is. His basketball IQ is so high, therefore he does not have to do more than he normally does to be an effect player. He plays smarter...not harder.
He may not give NBA fans flashy 360 dunks, but he does teach the high school and college kids how to play the game the proper way. He also teachs us how to win Championships. He's a champion on and off the court.
Duncan is the most complete PF ever…period. I think the fact that his basketball career started so late helps. He didn’t grow up watching And1 tapes, hence the nickname “the big fundamentals”. I actually think Shaq dubbed him that more out of spite than as a compliment. To say Malone or Barkley didn’t have the talent around them to win is plain stupid. The biggest reason Malone and Barkley don’t have rings is because o####uy named Jordan dominated the 90s. Bottom line….Duncan is the best PF ever. Everyone takes him for granted because he’s so automatic. It won’t be until he is gone that he will get the prop he deserves.
Oh, and tell me how Garnett can win the MVP when his team has won their last 4 without him?!?! Look at Duncan and Garnett’s numbers and you’ll see Duncan’s are better. I guess it doesn’t matter though. Garnett can have the regular season MVP. The one that matters is the Finals MVP!
Duncan. No doubt about it. As a San Antonio native, and obvious SPURS fanatic, I have personally seen Timmy grow tremendously as a player. The Spurs will win it once again. Come playoff time, they will come together like no team has ever done!
first of all, where is rodman? not even a mention, and second of all, dirk is a much better all around power forward than tim duncan could ever wish to be. period.
Your skill-set list looks pretty good to me, but I have to wonder about The Worm, Dennis Rodman. I probably would have given him rebounding because he won all of those consecutive titles and was probably the best rebounder the NBA has ever seen. He also deserved a look for best defender, but I cannot argue with Buck.
Also, while I know shot-blocking is more of a center specialty, it is a huge help when power forwards can do it, and I cannot think of anybody as consistent as Rasheed.
Last edited by VinceVega94 on February 13th at 1:32 PM.
Tim Duncan is the best power forward of all time because he won championships with all different teams. First, he did it with the Admiral, Next, he won it with Stephen Jackson, then the last two with Manu and Tony Parker. If you get him some more fresh legs, he will continue to win it.
What sets Duncan apart from all of the previously mentioned chumps is a lack of ego. he is not an "I" guy. He is a true team player, and none of the guys whose names are being thrown around in this conversation could carry his jock! He has never really been surrounded by that much talent. If you put NcHale on a team with Avery Johnson as the point guard, or Rodman on a team that did not have MJ and Pippen, neither would have brought home a championship! Tim Duncan is a class act! Other professional athletes can learn a thing or two about how to conduct themselves from him!
He's a great player but why does he have to wine over EVERY call. He hasn't committed a foul since he was at Wake Forest. That is my only problem with him, he is dominant on both ends of the court but the wining(which unfortunately gets him many calls to go his way each night) is tough to watch game in and game out.
