The ideal NBA power forward would be have a solid post-up game, the ability to step out and hit shots from mid-range, and tenacity on both the boards and on defense. While no player in the league has every skill, there are a number of very talented power forwards playing today.

With almost 20 players having a strong case to make this list, it was very difficult to compile the top 10 power forwards in the NBA. But here, without further ado, is that list.

* (A quick note: espn.go.com position rankings were used, which list Al Jefferson, Al Horford, and Rasheed Wallace as centers).

10. Antawn Jamison (WAS)

Troy Murphy, Kenyon Martin, Zach Randolph, Rashard Lewis, and LaMarcus Aldridge all were also up for this spot, but Jamison gets it because of his versatility. At 6'9", the Wizards All-Star possesses the body of a forward but the game of a perimeter player.

Although he averages 9.6 rebounds per game and is very creative with his back to the basket, Jamison does much of his scoring either shooting from long range or attacking with his dribble.

He has made more than one three-pointer per game each of the last five seasons, and while his shooting percentage from deep leaves something to be desired, it is hard to argue against a player who has scored over 19 PPG every season since 1999-2000 except one, when he came off the bench for Dallas.

Jamison and teammate Caron Butler are two of the top forwards in the game, even if the Wizards are struggling.

9. David West (NOH)

West plays the role of silent assassin for the Hornets, allowing teammates to steal the headlines while he dominates teams from 15 feet and in. He has steadily improved every year, and finally displayed his true potential last season by averaging 20.6 PPG and 8.9 RPG.

His numbers are very similar this season while his efficiency has improved, shooting 50 percent from the field and 92 percent from the free-throw line. Expect the Hornets to be contenders every year that they are able to keep Chris Paul and West together and healthy.

8. Elton Brand (PHI)

Brand has been a slight disappointment since signing with Philadelphia, where his numbers have dipped for a sub .500 76ers squad. That being said, Brand is still one of the dominant forwards in the league, as evidenced by his career averages of 20.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 2.1 blocks per game.

Brand is deadly from mid-range and with his back to the basket, and since his days at Duke has been solid on the boards at both ends of the court and on defense. He has to prove that he can be part of a championship contender, but it is hard to that Brand is one of the most talented power forwards in the NBA. 

7. Pau Gasol (LAL)

Gasol's placement at number seven on this list speaks to the strength and depth of this class. At 7'0" feet tall Gasol has played center in the past, but with Andrew Bynum starting for the Lakers, the Spaniard has made a smooth transition to the power forward position for Los Angeles.

Gasol uses his size and quickness to exploit most match-ups, and has shot over 50 percent from the field every year but one in his career.

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