NBA Power Rankings: Blake Griffin and the Top Power Forwards From Each Team
With the NBA season nearing its halfway point, it's that time of year in which it is our job to evaluate the best and worst players at each respective starting position.
This week's edition of position power rankings will evaluate the top power forwards in the league.
In order to properly evaluate these power forwards, I have brought back the Bob Evans Player Ranking Formula that has been used in past articles.
If you are a consistent follower/reader of my work, then you are already familiar with this formula, but for those of you who are not, allow me to explain.
After selecting the top power forward from each of the NBA's 30 teams, I selected five statistical categories for the players to be rated on.
The five categories for this piece were points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.
After selecting the categories, I complied all of the season statistics for each of the players to this point in the season, and then ranked each player on a scale of 1-30. A player receiving a score of 30 would be the best statistically at his position, and a player receiving 1 would be the worst.
After ranking each player in the categories, their total was complied, and obviously the person with the highest score is the best power forward to this point in the season.
The great thing about this system is that it takes personal bias and emotions out of the process (that's what the comment section on each slide is for).
So when you are reading, remember that this is based on the statistical performance of each player to this point in the season.
And as always, don't forget to comment so we can get the debate going!
Players' Statistics Coming Into Monday Night's Games
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The statistics above going into Monday night's games were used in this analysis.
The Rankings
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Above are the final rankings after ranking each player from 1-30, with 30 being the highest in each individual tally.
30. Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana Pacers
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It comes as no surprise to me that Hansbrough came in at No. 30 on this list.
He is averaging just 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, .6 assists, .25 blocks and .41 steals on the season while his Indiana Pacers have been performing very poorly as well.
The good thing for him is he is young, which means that he has time to grow with the youngsters that the Pacers have around him.
The bad thing is that I am not the only person that has noticed this stat line, especially the pitiful 4.2 rebounds per game that he is dragging in from the power forward position.
The fact of the matter is that if Hansbrough is going to continue to be the starting power forward for the Pacers, he is going to have to perform better statistically on the glass, and demonstrate some of that scoring ability that he had in college.
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29. Derrick Favors, New Jersey Nets
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Don't worry, Nets fans, this ranking won't last for a long time.
Now that Favors is getting his chance to play regular minutes, I fully expect him to move his way up this board over the next two seasons.
He is young, raw and just learning the NBA game after a solid freshman season at Georgia Tech.
Personally, I felt that he would have benefited greatly from another season in college, but when a weak draft class comes knocking, it's time to bolt for the NBA.
Favors has proven to be decent on the glass, averaging five rebounds per game in his rookie season, but his scoring numbers will need to drastically improve if he wishes to keep the starting position in New Jersey.
After all, they didn't want to part with him in order to get Carmelo Anthony.
28. Brandon Bass, Orlando Magic
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I'm not going to hate on Brandon Bass too much here. After the trades of Marcin Gortat and Rashard Lewis, starter's playing time just opened up for him.
He has done well in the scoring department, averaging 11.1 points per game this season, and he has even managed to grab 5.7 rebounds per game next to the rebound-happy Dwight Howard.
However, I'm not completely sure that the Magic are convinced Bass can be their starter of the future.
When you look up and down the Magic's lineup, his name as a starter seems to be one of the team's biggest weaknesses moving forward.
I like Bass as an energy guy off the bench, which is why I feel that the Magic will make a move for one of the other starting power forwards on this list before the trading deadline.
Antawn Jamison anyone?
27. Carl Landry, Sacramento Kings
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Alright, so I don't know if you have noticed, but Landry isn't exactly starting for the Kings right now.
But he should be.
Landry came over to the Kings last season in the deal for one of the team's most prolific scorers, Kevin Martin.
I thought when Landry came to Sacramento it would be a coming out party for the young, athletic big man.
I'm not sure whether it is the poor play of the team or the cluster of power forwards and centers being rotated out of the lineup, but it seems as if Landry has lost something in Sacramento.
Chances are he will be on the trade market in the next month because of his ability to score and play decent defense.
I would project Landry going to a contender in need of a real starting power forward, someone like Orlando.
26. Al Harrington, Denver Nuggets
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In one of this offseason's biggest surprise moves, the Denver Nuggets threw big money at Al Harrington.
At the time of the move, people all over the NBA didn't understand why he got so much money, especially from a team with Kenyon Martin as the starting power forward.
Fast-forward a few months, and it seems like the move was a good one—for now.
Harrington is averaging 12 points and five rebounds per game for the Nuggets, but most importantly he has filled in for the often-injured Kenyon Martin.
I still think the team will be looking to unload the big contract of Harrington along with, or right after, they trade Carmelo Anthony and enter rebuild mode.
But for now, Harrington has been a breath of fresh air in the Mile High City.
25. Charlie Villanueva, Detroit Pistons
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I laugh every time I look at the Pistons depth chart.
Remember last season when the Pistons opened up the checkbook to sign Ben Gordon and Villanueva as their starting shooting guard and power forward of the future?
Well, as of yesterday neither one of them are in the starting lineup, and Villanueva is playing behind Chris Wilcox of all people.
Despite the fact he is coming off the bench, Villanueva is still the Pistons' best power forward.
He is averaging 12.5 points per game as the "stretch four" for the Pistons this season, but still shows he is afraid to mix it up inside with his 4.6 rebound per game average.
Villanueva is just one of many contracts the Pistons should get rid of, but the biggest problem right now is that nobody wants to take on his contract.
Guess that one good season really worked out for him.
24. Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee Bucks
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There's not really much to say about Ersan Ilyasova.
He is currently a temporary stopgap until first-round draft pick Larry Sanders is ready to take over at the starting power forward position.
That time might be sooner rather than later thanks to Milwaukee's disappointing season to this point.
If you don't believe me on Ilyasova's status, take a look at who the Bucks signed in the offseason to make sure they had enough depth at power forward.
Oh yeah, I'm talking about Drew Gooden.
Ilyasova is averaging 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this year, and not really doing much more than that.
If the Bucks can return to playoff contention, they may want to improve that position moving forward.
23. Danilo Gallinari, New York Knicks
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It's kind of sad that Gallinari is the starting power forward for the New York Knicks.
Every time I watch them I can't help but think that he would be better suited for the shooting guard position, if he wasn't 6'10".
Gallinari is averaging 15.9 points per game in the Knicks' points-happy offense, but he doesn't do much in terms of passing the ball, which is why I think he is a perfect fit for shooting guard.
Think about this for a second.
Imagine if the Knicks got a real starting center and could move Amar'e to power forward, and put Gallinari at shooting guard alongside Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler.
Can you imagine the matchup problems that teams would have attempting to cover that team?
Think of the Orlando Magic from two years ago with their lengthy lineup.
22. Amir Johnson, Toronto Raptors
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I remember shaking my head in the offseason.
The free-agent signings were rolling in, and the Toronto Raptors gave Amir Johnson a $30 million contract.
When draft day rolled around I shook my head and said, "huh, didn't they just draft a power forward"?
The answer to that question was yes, they drafted Ed Davis out of North Carolina, but Amir Johnson has been doing his best Chris Bosh impression in order to earn that money.
Okay, well he's not Chris Bosh, as he is averaging 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
But he has added a defensive presence to the Raptors as he is averaging a block a game, and it seems as though he will hold down that starting position for a while.
21. Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns
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It's hard to project the type of player that Channing Frye could be.
Many people label him as the "stretch four" because of his excellent three-point shooting abilities, but there are also times he isn't afraid to mix it up inside.
Watching him, I always thought he was a small forward in a power forward body because of his scoring ability, but nonetheless, he is a power forward.
As for the power rankings, he is right where he should be.
Frye is averaging 11.3 points and six rebounds per game this season, and these numbers could be higher if he wasn't sharing minutes with two other players.
Frye will always be a role player on a playoff contender, and I couldn't pick a better person to find me for an open three than Steve Nash.
20. Tyrus Thomas, Charlotte Bobcats
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Tyrus Thomas is one of the players that will make you scratch your head.
He shows all the upside in the world with his athletic ability and once in a great while breakout games.
But then he just seems to lose mental focus and gets lost in the game.
That loss of mental focus has led to him being shifted in and out of the starting lineup during this season, and for good reason.
He is only averaging 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Those aren't the numbers the Bobcats expected when they gave him a five-year, $40 million deal in the offseason.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they are stuck with that contract and are attempting to rebuild.
One suggestion for Thomas: Either put up big numbers, or expect to get traded very soon.
19. Jeff Green, Oklahoma City
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Jeff Green is often the forgotten man in Oklahoma City.
He has been the starting power forward for a couple of seasons now, and for good reason.
He is averaging 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and may just be the team's third-best player.
Green would benefit from a couple more touches per game in order to get his confidence level up, but those touches are probably going to be hard to come by with Durant and Westbrook controlling the tempo.
Despite the rumors that the Thunder have been looking for an upgrade at power forward, I feel that Green is the perfect power forward for the team.
18. Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers
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If this was not statistically based, I probably would have had Jamison lower than this.
Many people in the NBA feel that Jamison is a great addition to any team, but I think he is a detriment to the team.
Jamison is a veteran scorer, and will always be known as instant offense for any team that acquires him.
But buyers beware!
Jamison's trick shots and poor defense often leave his team unbalanced and undermanned on both ends of the court, which is one of many problems I feel that he has brought to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jamison is averaging 17 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers this season, which are just around his career averages.
My only hope is that the Cavaliers trade him soon so that this team can begin their rebuilding process without the 34-year-old veteran.
17. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
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I was actually very surprised to find Randolph so low on this list.
He averages 20.2 points and 13.3 rebound per game, but his deficiencies in assists, steals and blocks are what hold him back.
Randolph is one of the premier low-post scorers and rebounders in the game at power forward, and ever since he got rid of the "head case" label, he has been a consistent starter in the NBA.
He anchors the Memphis rebuilding project, and I can only hope that they give him the extension that he has earned.
16. Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
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Yes Chris Bosh, you are No. 16 on this list.
I know you are going through the emotional trauma of being called one of the league's softest big men by Kevin Durant, but your stats do the talking.
Bosh is averaging 18.7 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, but his anemic passing abilities and defensive skills are what keep him down our list.
In the past, Bosh would have been in the top 10, but it was all about sacrifice for him and LeBron when they teamed up with D-Wade in Miami, so he got his wish.
Bosh will never again be considered an elite player in the NBA, as he was in Toronto.
Teams are realizing his weaknesses with every game he camps outside waiting for LeBron or Wade to pass him the ball.
15. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Kevin Love has put up some remarkable games this season.
He had a 30/30 game earlier in the season, and has had over 40 double-doubles thus far.
But if you take away his few big games this season, his statistics reflect exactly where he is on this list—average.
Love is averaging 21.6 points and 15.6 rebounds per game, but he is not showing anything in the terms of assists, steals and blocks.
Until he improves his defensive statistics, I'm afraid Love will always be in the middle of the pack as an all-around power forward in the league.
If this was based on projection and personal feelings, I would probably rate Kevin Love around No. 9.
14. Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers
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Look out 76ers fans, there has been an Elton Brand sighting this season!
After spending the last two years injured and ineffective, Brand has regained his form from a couple of seasons ago.
He is averaging 14.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, one block and 1.2 steals per game.
He has been a breath of fresh air in the Sixers organization, and I'm sure that they are happy he is playing at all.
If they fall out of playoff contention anytime soon, the play of Brand should help the 76ers when they attempt to clean out the veterans on their roster and acquire some draft picks.
13. Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls
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Carlos Boozer will go down as the biggest offseason acquisition in the summer of 2010.
If he could stay healthy for a whole season, someone else out there might actually agree with me.
During the rise of the Bulls this season, Boozer has provided veteran leadership and a spark in the absence of Joakim Noah.
He is currently averaging 19.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, which is exactly why the Bulls gave him all of that money in the offseason.
I have been saying for months that the Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets both screwed up big-time by not going after Boozer, and I think both teams are realizing that every day.
I can only imagine how much higher up this list Boozer would have been if he wouldn't have been hurt for the beginning of the season.
I am looking forward to seeing how far the Rose-Noah-Boozer trio can go this season.
12. David Lee, Golden State Warriors
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David Lee is another player whose numbers have been affected by injuries this season.
With that in mind, he is still putting up 16 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for the Warriors.
Watching the Warriors over the past few seasons, there was always a "toughness" factor missing down low; well, that isn't missing any longer.
Once Lee remains healthy, he will provide a deadly low-post scoring complement for the duo of Monta Ellis and Steph Curry.
11. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
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Dear Dirk,
There is no need to cry because you didn't make the top 10 on this list, it is more about your defensive numbers than anything.
Dirk has never been known for his defensive statistics, which is why his numbers are skewed in this analysis.
He is averaging 23 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season, but it is his .73 blocks and .68 steals that really hurt him in the power forward category.
Just a few percentage points higher in either of those categories and Dirk could have been as high as number six in these rankings.
So as we enter the top 10, keep in mind that these players were all just a few points away from each other.
10. Luis Scola, Houston Rockets
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Luis Scola finds himself breaking into the top 10 on this list, and I think that he will find himself even higher by the end of the season.
Scola is a high-energy player who is willing to give up his body for the game.
He is averaging 19.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the Rockets this season.
It is impressive to think that his averages are that high with the lack of frontcourt scoring that the Rockets have.
Imagine how much more he would be freed up to score if the Rockets had Yao back this season drawing double-teams.
The future is bright for Scola, and I think he will emerge as one of the game's better power forwards in the next two seasons.
9. Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards
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Hey Wizards fans, pass this article along to your general manager before he trades one of the league's better power forwards away.
When I first heard the rumors that Blatche was going to be traded, I immediately volunteered the Cleveland Cavaliers as a landing spot.
Mainly it was because the Cavaliers are my favorite team, but it was also because I have seen something in Blatche over the last two seasons.
Blatche can play inside and out, he is athletic and is under 25 years old.
Not to mention he has an affordable contract for the next five seasons.
Not only should Blatche NOT be traded, but the Wizards need to start thinking about building around the duo of John Wall and Andray Blatche for years to come.
8. Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz
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When the Utah Jazz let Carlos Boozer go in free agency, they awoke a sleeping giant in Paul Millsap.
I remember watching him come off the bench last season thinking he should be starting.
Well, Millsap won the job and hasn't looked back.
He is averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 assists and 1.47 blocks per game this season for the Jazz.
Those numbers show that he is a complete power forward, and also the perfect complement to Al Jefferson.
The Jazz actually improved with the addition of Jefferson and the emergence of Millsap, even after losing a double-double machine like Carlos Boozer.
7. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
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This was the most surprising placement in the entire power rankings.
Tim Duncan is playing less minutes this season, which I thought would lead to a lower spot statistically for him.
However, while his points per game are down, Duncan's other numbers have maintained.
He is averaging 13.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.98 blocks and .7 steals per game this season.
His 1.98 blocks per game leads all power forwards on this list.
Duncan has settled in nicely to his less minutes per game role, which is eerily similar to the role that David Robinson assumed late in his career.
Whatever it is, Duncan has the Spurs out to a franchise-best start and the No. 1 overall seed in the NBA at this point in the season.
6. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
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Kevin Garnett is one of the most feared power forwards in the game.
And even in his older age, he has found a way to maintain his effectiveness for the Boston Celtics.
Garnett is averaging 15.1 points, nine rebounds and 1.63 blocks this season for the Celtics, and is one of the main reasons why Boston was able to weather the defensive storm this year with Kendrick Perkins injured.
Garnett's veteran leadership and defensive prowess are the main reason why the Boston Celtics are a championship contender year in and year out.
And now that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the worst team in the NBA, I can sit back and watch the great play of the veteran Celtics go to work.
5. David West, New Orleans Hornets
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If you look at the emergence of the New Orleans Hornets this season, people will have you believe it is because of the return of Chris Paul, and Chris Paul alone.
But that statement is untrue, and I will show you why.
First, let me say that David West is the most underrated, unappreciated player in the NBA. I would take David West on my team in a heartbeat.
Why, you ask?
Well, he is averaging 19 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, .96 steals and .96 blocks per game.
He doesn't just work on the offensive end of the court, he is working hard on the defensive end as well.
Some people will say he is undersized for a power forward, but I think he has proven that to be incorrect.
And I think that David West makes the Hornets just as good as Chris Paul does. Chris Paul distributes the ball, but David West draws double-teams that create open shots for the rest of the team.
And this is why David West is the No. 5 power forward in the league.
4. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
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Blake Griffin is having one of the most impressive rookie seasons that the NBA has seen in a long time.
Not only is he providing the league with highlight reel material every time he takes the floor, but he is putting up pretty solid numbers all around.
Griffin is averaging 22.6 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this season as a rookie.
The 3.5 assists are second among all power forwards on this list, which shows that he is not only a scorer, but he knows when to push the ball back out to the open guard.
Griffin has certainly shown that the injury that kept him out all last season is completely healed, and that the Clippers just might have got things right this time around in the NBA draft.
3. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
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Pau Gasol is the premier big man in the NBA.
He can play both the power forward and center position for the Lakers, and he truly is the glue that holds the Los Angeles frontcourt together.
Gasol is having one of the better seasons of his career, averaging 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.88 blocks per game for the Lakers.
The 3.8 assists are the best for all of the power forwards on the list, and the 1.88 blocks second.
Gasol's play this season has been one of the few bright spots for the Lakers, who are currently amidst some trade rumors and identity problems.
Whatever is wrong with the Lakers, it certainly has nothing to do with the play of Gasol.
2. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
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I know it's surprising that Al Horford is up this high on the list, but if you look at his statistics you really wouldn't be that surprised.
Horford has been one of the most consistent power forwards throughout his young career, and leads a young cast of up-and-coming players in Atlanta.
Horford is averaging 16.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.11 blocks this season for the Hawks.
Al Horford is one of the best power forwards in the NBA, and it is nice to see that the statistics show it.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
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No Brandon Roy, no problem.
LaMarcus Aldridge has assumed the leadership and scoring role for the Portland Trail Blazers this season.
It has been happening for quite a few years, but the rest of the league couldn't see it.
Well, now they have no choice but to see Aldridge turning into one of the premier power forwards in the league.
He is averaging 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, 1.17 blocks and 1.06 steals per game this season.
Those numbers show fans, media and anyone else who is watching that Aldridge has developed into the complete package.
He can score from the inside, he can shoot the jumper and he can play defense.
If the Trail Blazers continue to win, it will be on the back of one of the league's budding new stars: LaMarcus Aldridge.
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