- Tim Duncan won five championships.
- Karl Malone has the third-most points in NBA history.
- Bob Pettit was the first player to reach 20,000 points.
Power forwards provide versatile scoring and defensive skills to maximize their squad’s NBA odds of winning a title each season.
As the pace of play in the NBA has picked up, power forwards now usually provide more 3-point shooting and perimeter defence rather than being more of a force inside the paint.
Let’s take a look at some of the best power forwards in NBA history.
8 Best Power Forwards of All Time
| Rank | Player | Years Played |
| 1 | Tim Duncan | 1997-2016 |
| 2 | Karl Malone | 1985-2004 |
| 3 | Kevin Garnett | 1995-2016 |
| 4 | Dirk Nowitzki | 1998-2019 |
| 5 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 2013-Present |
| 6 | Charles Barkley | 1984-2000 |
| 7 | Bob Pettit | 1954-1965 |
| 8 | Elvin Hayes | 1968-1984 |
1. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan had a polished touch both in the paint and from midrange. The backboard was his best friend, hence the nickname “The Big Fundamental.”
No one had an answer for Tim Duncan 😤
Relive the incredible 19 years of Timmy's Hall of Fame career with the Spurs in the newest episode of The Ring of the Rowel, “The Big Fundamental” ➡️ https://t.co/jXhX1NaoZk pic.twitter.com/HiZfIHAoOz
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 20, 2023
Accomplishments: five championships, three Finals MVPs, two MVPs, 15 All-NBA Team selections, 15 All-Stars, 15 All-Defensive Team selections.
2. Karl Malone
Karl Malone was an elite post scorer who also filled the lane on fast breaks and possessed a solid midrange jumper, rendering him unstoppable.
Accomplishments: two MVPs, 14 All-NBA Team selections, 14 All-Stars, four All-Defensive Team selections.
3. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was a fierce competitor. He had an automatic midrange jump shot, incredible speed and power, and strong rim-protecting, perimeter-defensive, and ball-handling skills.
Accomplishments: one championship, one MVP, nine All-NBA Team selections, 15 All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, 12 All-Defensive Team selections.
4. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki was gifted with tremendous footwork and range. He was mostly known for his one-legged turnaround fadeaway jumper, breaking barriers as a 7-footer.
Accomplishments: one championship, one Finals MVP, one MVP, 12 All-NBA Team selections, 14 All-Stars.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a bulldozer who relentlessly attacks the rim, often posterizing his opponents. He has also mastered the art of the Eurostep.
Accomplishments: one championship, one Finals MVP, two MVPs, seven All-NBA Team selections, eight All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, five All-Defensive Team selections.
6. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was a tenacious scorer and rebounder largely due to his strength and explosiveness despite being undersized for his position.
Accomplishments: one MVP, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 11 All-Stars.
7. Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit was the first player to reach 20,000 points. He was dangerous in transition and the midrange
Accomplishments: one championship, two MVPs, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 11 All-Stars.
8. Elvin Hayes
Elvin Hayes was a strong presence in the post and also had a deadly turnaround fadeaway jumper.
Accomplishments: one championship, six All-NBA team selections, 12 All-Stars, two All-Defensive Team selections.
Who Are the Best Power Forwards in the NBA Right Now?
Anthony Davis
An elite 1-on-1 defender and rim protector, Anthony Davis’s quickness, shooting touch, and ball-handling make him a dangerous scorer, on and off the ball.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns is armed with the ability to hit the stepback 3-pointer and put the ball on the floor, a lethal combination for his size.
Zion Williamson
An explosive finisher at the rim, Zion Williamson can get you over 20 points per game on skyrocketing efficiency.
How Big Are Power Forwards in the NBA?
Power forwards in the NBA generally range from 6-foot-8 to 7 feet.
With the increased pace of play and emphasis on 3-point shooting and perimeter defence in the modern NBA, power forwards tend to be on the shorter side of that range.
