Tim Duncan or Larry Bird? Ranking The NBA’s Greatest Forwards Ever

Welcome back with the "Greatest Ever" series featuring the top forwards to play in the NBA

The depth of the both forward positions(power/small) is really deep and it has Hall Of Famers,notable and known names in the league's history and some of the best ever

Some of the first pioneers of basketball during the 50's like Dolph Schayes and Bob Pettit made their marks.Their work has been continued and developed by the likes of Baylor,Lucas in the 60's.

Then,in the 70's,with the arrival Hayes and Barry,they picked where the previous stood.The next decade offered Bird, McHale who were the great
forwards of that time

The 90's saw the arrival of Malone ,Barkley, Pippen,Hill, the 00's had the likes of Duncan, Garnett, LeBron and so on.

Here are the greatest Forwards in the NBA History!

10.Bob Pettit

Regarded as one of the best players ever, Bob Pettit was easily one of the greatest power forwards ever.

The consistent, hustling Pettit was the first great power forward and overall player that the NBA had. He was a prolific scorer and rebounder with a nice skill set to back that up.

He recorded the most points in Hawks franchise history (Saint Louis now Atlanta) and delivered in the clutch in path to their only title performing brilliantly in that series with 50 points and 22 rebounds in the deciding Game Six.

In his prime he totally stunned everyone with a fantastic 27.9 ppg and 20.3 rpg, which makes him one of the four players in the NBA ever to do so.

He has tailed 20,880 points (26.4 ppg),grabbed 12,849 rebounds (16.2 rpg) and dished out 2,369 assists (3.0 apg) in the regular season.

In the playoffs he has recorded 2,240 points (25.4 ppg),grabbed 1,304 rebounds (14.8 rpg) and dished out 246 assists (2.9 apg).

Honors

Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1970); NBA champion (1958); NBA MVP (1956, '59); 10-time All-NBA First Team (1955-64); All-NBA second team (1965); Rookie of the Year (1955); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

9.Charles Barkley

Regarded as one of the best power forwards, Charles Barkley, was one of the greatest ever.

He was a dominate scorer, rebounder, and blocker, a play maker which made him arguable the best all-around power forward in NBA history.

He was undersized compared to the players at his position and from the center spot such as the likes of Malone, Robinson, Hakeem, and Shaq, but he still fought hard with them.

He led the league in rebounding once with a fantastic 14.6 rpg and at least three times in total offensive rebounds which made him one of the game's top rebounders. He also got to the line scoring most of the points there.

He tailed 23,757 points (22.1 ppg),grabbed 12,546 rebounds (11.7 rpg) and dished out 4,215 assists (3.9 apg) which makes him one of the couple of players ever to have these stats.

In the playoffs, Barkley recorded 2,833 points (23.0 ppg),grabbed 1,582 rebounds (12.9 rpg) and dished out 482 assists (3.9 apg).

Honors

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2006); NBA MVP (1993); All-NBA First Team (1988, '89, '90, '91, '93); All-NBA Second Team (1986, '97, '92, '94, '95); All-NBA Third Team (1996); 11-time All-Star; All-Star MVP ('91); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History ('96); Olympic gold medalist (1992, '96).

8.Scottie Pippen

One of the league's greatest defenders, top forwards, and overall best players of all time, Scottie Pippen ranks among the near top.

He's the most versatile defender in the history of the NBA who could defend anything from a PG-PF thanks to his footwork and hands. He was also great play maker and a good scorer.

He teamed up with Michael Jordan and formed one of the most powerful duos on both ends of the court and helped the Chicago Bulls win six championship rings

The Bulls never needed a point guard because Pippen was their play maker and distributed it to everyone. He and Grant Hill revolutionized the "point forward" spot and made it easy for the likes of LeBron, Odom, Hedo and so on.

He has recorded 18,940 points(16,1), grabbed 7,494 rebounds and dished out 6,135 assists (5,2). He's also top 5 in total steals (2,307) and holds records for most steals and assists for any forward during the playoffs.

Did I forgot to mention the fact that he's the all time leader in steals during the post season? I have...

His resume:

Honors: Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98); Three-time All-NBA First Team (1994-96); All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1997); Eight-time All-Defensive First Team (1992-99); 1994 NBA All-Star MVP; Seven-time All-Star (1990, '92-97); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1992, '96).

7.Elvin Hayes

One of the greatest players in the NBA history, Elvin Hayes is one of the best power forwards of all time.

Hayes didn't wait long to make a spark in the league, doing so from the start when he became the only rookie ever to lead the league in scoring.

He had a fantastic post game, a nice shot, was a prolific rebounder, and incredible defender. He was one of the most dominating big men and top defensive power forwards.

He was active among the leaders in dozens of categories and has won a scoring title (28.4 ppg), two rebound titles (16.9 rpg and 18.1 rpg in those seasons), twice in total rebounds and once in both offensive and defensive boards.

He has tailed 27,313 points, grabbed 16,279 rebounds, and blocked 1,771 shots (2.0 bpg) in the regular season. Keep in mind his number of blocks, which for most of his career, were not tallied.

In the playoffs, he has recorded 2,194 points (22.9 ppg), grabbed 1,244 rebounds (13.0 rpg) and dished out 185 assists (1.9 apg)

Honors

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1990); NBA champion (1978); All-NBA First Team (1975, '77, '79); All-NBA Second Team (1973, '74, '76); All-Defensive Second Team (1974, '75); All-Rookie Team (1969); 12-time All-Star (1969-80); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History ('96).

6.Karl Malone

One of the greatest NBA players to ever play, Karl Malone is regarded as one of the top power forwards in the history of the league.

He had fantastic strength and was excellent finisher inside. Malone's deadly mid-range jump was terrific for rebounding and being a physical defender. He was also productive in the low post.

He played along side John Stockton and formed one of the most dominate duos ever. This guy also had the most amazing work ethic and was among the league leaders in points, boards, and free throws.

He has tailed 36,928 points (25.1 ppg),grabbed 14,968 rebounds (10.1 rpg) and dished out 5,248 assists (3.6 apg) in his 18 year career in the regular season.

In the playoffs, he has recorded 4,761 points (24.7 ppg), grabbed 2,062 rebounds (10.7 rpg), and dished out 610 assists (3.2 apg)

His total of career points is second best on the all time list, but his number of total free throws attempted and defensive rebounds grabbed tops anyone else and is a top five in playoff points scored as well.

He had some of the best stats for a power forward which would be the primary thing used to make a case for him as the greatest power forward in league history.

Honors

NBA MVP (1997, '99); 11-time All-NBA First Team (1988-1999); All-NBA Second Team (1988, 2000); All-Defensive First Team (1997-99); All-Defensive Second Team (1988); 14-time All-Star (1988-98, 2000-02); NBA All-Rookie Team (1985); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1992, '96).

5.John Havlicek

One of the most finest all around small forwards, John Havlicek is one of the best players in the league's history.

He was a terrific offensive player, a smart defender who was excellent at handling the ball and a great decision maker. He started from as a sixth man but was even more productive as a starter.

His versatility made him the finest all around player according to Sports Illustrated. He and Russell formed one of the best duos of all time in the 60's when they won lots of championship rings.

Of course, in the later part of his career, Havlicek led the youthful 70's Celtics team to another success! He was known for his clutch performances in big games and no one in the history of the NBA made better baseline plays then the almost tireless Hondo.

In 1,270 regular-season games he scored 26,395 points and averaged 20.8 points to rank as the Celtics' all-time leading scorer and top scorer in NBA history. He also grabbed 8,007 rebounds, recorded 6,114 assists, and played on eight Boston championship teams

He appeared in 13 consecutive NBA All-Star Games, earned 11 selections to the All-NBA First or Second Team and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First or Second Team eight times.

His resume:

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1984); NBA champion (1963, '64, '65, '66, '68, '69, '74, '76); NBA Finals MVP (1974); All-NBA First Team (1971-74); All-NBA Second Team (1964, '66, '68, '69, '70, '75, '76); All-Defensive First Team (1972-76); All-Defensive Second Team (1969-71); 13-time All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

4.Julius Erving

One of the greatest small forwards and players in NBA History, Julius Erving was a brilliant ambassador of basketball.

He was a wizard and did moves that no one else has ever seen before and ranks at the near top of all time. He was given the nicknames: The Doctor and Dr J.

Erving was the league's most fantastic finisher at the rim and was excellent in other areas such as rebounding, defense etc. He had big hands which made his dunk attempts nearly impossible to block.

He was also the first one to ever dunk from the free throw line and won the first Dunk Contest that was held by the ABA. He made an impact and made the NBA popular.

He recorded 18,364 points (22,0), grabbed 5,601 rebounds (6,7) and dished out 3,224 assists(3,9).

His resume:

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993); NBA champion (1983); NBA MVP (1981); All-NBA First Team (1978, '80, '81, '82, '83); All-NBA Second Team (1977, '84); 11-time All-Star (1977-87); All-Star MVP (1977, '83); J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1983); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

3.Elgin Baylor

Widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards and best players in the NBA History, Elgin Baylor is a legend and was the first one to score in some tough ways.

He had dozens of ways to score and shoot near the basket, had incredible strength and was capable of posting up like Bill Russell, pass like Magic Johnson and dribble with the best point guards in the league.

To add to that, he was a fantastic defender. That was Baylor's playing style that made him one of the most dominate ever.

He averaged fantastic 27.4 points per game in his career, had near 30 points and 17 rebounds in his first 7 years and fantastic career averages to prove how great he was.

But in his career, he didn't have a title so that's the biggest reason why he's often left out of the discussion of the best players of all time.

His impact on the Lakers was memorable and any true fan of this legendary franchise should show respect. When healthy, he led his team in rebounding and scoring!

Elgin was also known for posting 61 points and 22 rebounds in a NBA Finals game which is an all time great performance!

He recorded 23,149 points (27,4), grabbed 11,463 rebounds (13,5) and dished out 3,650 assists (4,3).

Here are his accomplishments:

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1977); All-NBA First Team (1959, '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '67, '68, '69); Rookie of the Year (1959); 11-time NBA All-Star; All-Star co-MVP (1959)

2.Tim Duncan

Although many others make strong cases, Tim Duncan stands above the rest and is regarded as one of the best players in NBA History.

He's the most consistent player and one of the top defenders in the league's history who is always a double-double threat, possesses high basketball IQ, and is one of the biggest winners ever during the regular season rivaling Magic Johnson as the winningest player in the game.

He's the only player ever to record eight straight All NBA First Defensive Team Selections, has an excellent post game, is a prolific rebounder, and shot blocker who's good at passing and is a undeniable leader of his team. He has also led the league once in total rebounds and offensive boards too.

So far, he has tailed 20,641 points (21.1 ppg),grabbed 11,335 rebounds and blocked 2,235 shots (2.3 bpg) during the regular season

In the post season 3,914 points (23.0 ppg),grabbed 2,114 rebounds (12.4 rpg) and dished out 587 assists (3.5 apg) and blocked 438 shots.

Honors

* 4× NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
* 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
* 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002–2003)
* NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
* 12× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2010)
* 9× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007)
* 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008–2009)
* All-NBA Third Team (2010)
* 8× All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007–2008)
* 5× All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009–2010)
* NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998)
* NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000)
* USBWA College Player of the Year (1997)
* Naismith College Player of the Year (1997)
* John Wooden Award (1997)
* 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996–1997)

1.Larry Bird

Regarded as one of the best players in the NBA History, Larry Bird could be argued as the Greatest Of All Time too.

He has the highest basketball IQ and is the biggest trash talker, greatest sharp shooter and one of the most complete players of all time who used his brain to be a force in rebounding, passing, defense etc.

He's the best clutch performer in the league's history thanks to his triple double performances in the years when he won his only 3 titles with the Boston Celtics, where he's one of the biggest legends ever.

He made his teammates better and is arguable the most fearless shooter in the playoffs, especially during the last seconds of the game. He has proven that against classy defensive teams.

He has tailed 21,791 points (24.3),grabbed 8,974 rebounds (10.0) and dished out 5,695 assists (6.3).

His resume:

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1998); NBA champion (1981, '84, '86); NBA Finals MVP (1984, '86); NBA MVP (1984, '85, '86); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1980-88); All-NBA Second Team (1990); All-Defensive Second Team (1982, '83, '84); NBA Rookie of the Year (1980); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1992).

He might be the most unique player of all time...

Honorable Mention

LeBron James, Rick Barry, Dominique Wilkins, Kevin McHale, Kevin Garnett, and so on.