NBA Draft 2012: Best Power Forwards Available

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The 2012 NBA draft is expected to have one of the most talented classes in recent memory, and the power forward prospects are a big reason why.

With playmakers available in both rounds, the league is going to see a number of players at this position who can step in and make a difference right away.

Not everyone will be drafted, which truly shows just how deep this year's draft is.

Here is a look at the best remaining power forwards in the 2012 NBA draft.

Power Forward Draft Results

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Player, Team, Pick

1. Anthony Davis, Hornets, No. 1

2. Thomas Robinson, Kings, No. 5

3. John Henson, Bucks, No. 14

4. Andrew Nicholson, Magic, No. 19

5. Jared Sullinger, Celtics, No. 21

6. Arnett Moultrie, 76ers (via Heat), No. 27 

7. Perry Jones III, Thunder, No. 28

8. Quincy Acy, Raptors, No. 37 

9. Mike Scott, Hawks, No. 43

10. Kyle O'Quinn, Magic, No. 49 

11. Furkan Aldemir, Clippers, No. 53

12. Tornike Shengelia, Nets, No. 54

Kevin Jones, West Virginia

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Height: 6'8"

Weight: 251 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 19.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.0 blocks

Kevin Jones was always good at West Virginia, but his senior season was a breakout year.

Averaging career highs in virtually every major statistical category, Jones put his rebounding and shooting abilities on display night in and night out.

He will enter the league as a power forward, but an undersized one at that.

He’s not an exceptional athlete, which could go against him at the next level; but a fantastic motor and fearless style of play could get him where he wants to be.

Drew Gordon, New Mexico

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Height: 6'9"

Weight: 239 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.0 blocks

Drew Gordon turned into a rebounding machine after transferring from UCLA to New Mexico during his sophomore season.

Averaging a career-high 11.1 rebounds, Gordon displayed his leaping ability and long athleticism as a senior last year.

The reason he transferred could be concerning, as ESPN’s Andy Katz reported that Gordon was not a good locker room presence and that he displayed conduct that was “detrimental to the team.”

There are certainly more question marks with Gordon, but his mid-range game and ability to run the floor might be enough to make up for poor footwork and his current lack of a post game.

JaMychal Green, Alabama

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Height: 6'9"

Weight: 217 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

Despite averaging 14 points per game last season, JaMychal Green’s offense is what needs the most work.

A four-year player from Alabama, Green was never able to consistently produce, and his jumper doesn’t look as if it’s going to be a tool he can rely on at the next level.

His defensive presence is where he’ll make his mark.

If he’s able to make a roster next season, he will provide good shot blocking, as he’s able to run the floor well at 6’9”. 

Eric Griffin, Campbell

Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 190 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks

Eric Griffin plays like he’s much bigger than he actually is.

A high-flying, athletic prospect, Griffin had his fair share of highlight dunks during his short time at Campbell. 

Griffin’s game is still growing, as he didn’t make his high school basketball team until his senior year.

Not many players can make it in the NBA on athleticism alone. Griffin might be close, but he’s going to need to hone his skills in the post as he adjusts to a new level of competition next season.

Leon Radosevic, Croatia (EA7 Milano)

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Height: 6'10"

Weight: 235 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 3.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 blocks

Leon Radosevic’s numbers are underwhelming at best, but they don’t tell the whole story.

The 6’10” power forward averaged 13 points and six rebounds, but after accepting a smaller role on a more talented Armani Milano team last year, he saw a significant statistical drop-off.

The big man from Croatia isn’t going to impress many people with his athleticism, but a solid offensive game is what he will bring with him to the NBA.

His basketball IQ is high, which is evident by his passing game.

With his skill set more aimed toward the mid-range game, Radosevic should be able to help spread the floor on whichever roster he lands moving forward.

Mitchell Watt, Buffalo

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Height: 6'9"

Weight: 221 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks

Mitchell Watt had somewhat of a breakout season last year at Buffalo.

Although always known as a good shot-blocker, Watt was able to double his point production, increase his rebounding by two per contest and establish a small semblance of a three-point shot.

His raw offensive game will make him a bit of a project, but a willingness to attack the rim and fantastic leaping ability could be his go-to weapons as he grows as a low-post player.

Josh Owens, Stanford

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Height: 6'9"

Weight: 240 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.7 blocks

Josh Owens’ numbers at Stanford aren’t going to wow anybody, but his extreme athleticism just might catch your eye.

A long, athletic forward, Owens has the jumping ability to make plays at the rim.

Outside of his athleticism, though, you have to wonder what exactly he brings to the table.

He’s a decent defender, but without posting great rebounding or shot blocking numbers in college, his transition to the next level could be a difficult one at best.

Herb Pope, Seton Hall

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Height: 6'8"

Weight: 235 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 15.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks

Herb Pope originally declared for the 2010 NBA draft, but after he collapsed and discovered his existing heart condition, he returned to Seton Hall to finish his college career.

He is long and athletic and excels in the paint.

He lacks the big, physical physique that you would like to see from someone at his position, but a great post presence with great work ethic, he’s a guy who you know is going to fight if he gets his chance at the NBA level.

John Shurna, Northwestern

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Height: 6'8"

Weight: 222 pounds

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 20.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks

Out of Northwestern, John Shurna isn’t exactly a household name.

That being said, the forward was one of the best shooters and scorers in all of college basketball last year.

Having shot 44 percent from the three-point line, Shuna has incredible shooting ability and a high basketball IQ to go with it.

What’s against him at this point in his career is his mechanics.

His shot isn’t the prettiest, and quite frankly, it could get blocked fairly easily against the right competition.

Take away his shot, and you take away his success.

If Shurna ever truly gets his chance at the NBA level, he could prove to be more of a small forward; but as a solid rebounder, he should come in as a bit of a tweener.

Ricardo Ratliffe, Missouri

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Height: 6'8"

Weight: 240 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 13.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 69.3 field-goal percentage

If Ricardo Ratliffe gets his chance in the NBA, he's going to make a living by playing around the basket.

Without any perimeter game to speak of, he uses his high Basketball IQ to stay where he finds success, which is at the rim.

Having shot an incredibly high percentage at Missouri last year, Ratliffe was one of college basketball's most efficient players despite being just 6'8" at the power forward position.

Cameron Moore, Alabama-Birmingham

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Height: 6'10"

Weight: 227 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 16.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks

Cameron Moore really broke out of his shell when he went from playing 12.8 minutes a game his sophomore year to more than 33 minutes a game his junior and senior seasons.

His 6'10", 227-pound frame helps him excel athletically.

He is a very good shot blocker and rebounder, but he needs to add strength if he's going to bang down low against the bigs of the NBA.

Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State

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Height: 6'10"

Weight: 304 lbs.

2011-12 Per-Game Stats: 9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 40.5 three-point percentage

Renardo Sidney is the only player on this list to crack the 300-pound mark.

At 6'10", 304 pounds, Sidney truly does have a lot of talent, but too many negatives in his game will likely cause him to go undrafted.

Despite playing the power forward position, Sidney prefers playing on the perimeter and his efforts have come into question throughout his entire collegiate career.

He can hit the jump shot out to the three-point line, which is a major plus for someone without much of a post game; but with poor conditioning plaguing him throughout his college career, you have to wonder if he'll ever reach his ceiling.