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NBA Power Ranking All 30 Starting Power Forwards

John FrielJun 7, 2018

It came as a surprise when I started doing this list that I noticed the league is overstocked on quality power forwards.

In fact, the first 22 power forwards listed are coming off of seasons where they averaged double-digits points and most of them averaging over 10 boards per game.

It's a relief for the NBA since the idea of big men scoring in the post was thought to be a thing of the past at least when it came to centers, where there are maybe 10 quality players at best playing the position.

Power forwards across the NBA have come to become the main scoring threat and even main rebounder in the middle.

Equipped with a number of future Hall of Famers and the most recent Finals MVP, power forwards serve a vital role on the lineup of an NBA team.

They are mostly utilized as quick post threats that can also shoot from the mid-range, with the occasional three-point shooter and can play quality defense in the post and within the perimeter.

The top power forwards ranked on this list are either some of the NBA's top scorers, rebounders and/or best defenders as well.

With the center position a dying breed, seeing post players at the power forward position is a nice complement to all the prolific slashers and shooters in the game today. The NBA world hasn't seen quality post work since the 1990s, and it comes as a surprise to see so many of the games best post players at the four spot.

We ranked the top centers and shooting guards, but ranking the 30 starting power forwards was by far the most difficult of the three. With all the talent playing at the 4, it was difficult to rank over 20 quality players that play at one position.

We gave it our best shot, and this is what we came up with.

You can follow John Friel on twitter @JohnFtheheatgod

30. Ben Wallace

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What a fall from grace. If you just started watching basketball over the past two seasons, you would never assume that Ben Wallace won Defensive Player of the Year five years ago and had actually won it three times prior to that.

At 36 years old, Wallace could be on the outs soon after having the worst statistical and overall season of his career. Wallace played in only 54 games, averaged 23 minutes per contest and had the lowest numbers of his career since his rookie year.

He managed to average three points, seven rebounds and a block per game, which was the lowest it's been since his rookie season when he was a seldom used 10th man.

Wallace has had a Hall of Fame career considering he was the top defensive force in the league for a number of years while also being the anchor to the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team, but for now, Wallace needs to call it quits and end his career with some pride and on some sort of high note before it gets any uglier.

29. Amir Johnson

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With no more Chris Bosh, the Toronto Raptors decided it would be best to invest in their potential power forward of the future.

It didn't matter that he hadn't averaged more than seven points or five rebounds per game since the Raptors really needed a player to play the part, but they probably shouldn't have shelled out $5 million last year for the results they got from Amir Johnson.

At 23 years old, Johnson is already in his sixth year in the league due to coming into the league as an 18-year-old and skipping out on any sort of college level basketball. He should have probably gone to school to hone his craft first because those six years that he has played have been extremely disappointing.

Last year was his first opportunity to prove himself, and he didn't do much aside from averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game.

His offense thrives mostly from inside as you can tell by his 57 percent shooting from last year.

He's becoming a quality defender, and his offense could use a lot of work, but the Raptors shouldn't expect him to become the team's next Chris Bosh.

28. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

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Aside from his quick feet and athleticism that he uses strictly for defensive purposes, Luc Mbah a Moute's career thus far has been a disappointing one.

He's only been in the league for three seasons, but it doesn't appear as if he's going to make any more signs of improvement on the offensive end where he recently averaged seven points per game for another season.

He has failed to match his career high of 7.2 points per game which came in his rookie season. His offensive game is limited to wide open mid-range jumpers and the occasional bucket from the inside.

It seems that the Milwaukee Bucks are utilizing Mbah a Moute solely for offensive purposes with any score on offense being regarded as a bonus.

Perhaps it's the Bucks methodical offensive system that's restricting Mbah a Moute's game, but as of now it seems as if he's already peaked and could probably do no better than being a possible 10-point and 10-rebound threat.

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27. Brandon Bass

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Sadly for the Orlando Magic, Brandon Bass is probably the next best thing to a post presence aside from Dwight Howard. It's facts like that one that would make a player of Howard's caliber contemplate taking their talents elsewhere.

I know it did for LeBron James when he found out that the best guard he played with over seven seasons with Cleveland was a toss up between Mo Williams or Larry Hughes.

It's not all bad for the Magic however since Bass actually just had the best season of his six-year career this past year after averaging 11 points and a little less than six rebounds per game.

Bass finds most of his offensive work coming by way of short mid-range jumpers or power moves in the middle by using his wide 6'8", 240-pound frame. Until this past year, Bass had never averaged more than nine points or five rebounds per night.

Orlando is already the third team that Bass has played for, and it's also the first team to actually give him a consistent starting job which makes the 11 points and six rebounds per game all the more disappointing considering that he was averaging nearly nine points and five rebounds per game off the bench in nearly half the time.

With Howard taking up most of the looks inside and the team relying mostly on three-point shooting otherwise, Bass finds himself in the middle as one of the teams sole mid-range threats.

26. Tyrus Thomas

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A poor man's Josh Smith, Tyrus Thomas is also a player that restricts his offense to within a few feet of the basket and basically utilizes his athleticism as his lone strength.

The problem with Thomas is that he can't score as well nor play the quality defense that Smith gives on a nightly basis. After four seasons, Thomas hasn't done much to prove that he was worth the No. 4 pick that was traded for LaMarcus Aldridge.

Instead of putting up the big numbers that Aldridge could be putting up with Chicago, Thomas was traded after three-and-a-half seasons by the Bulls after failing to average more than 11 points or seven rebounds per.

Thomas played his first full season with the Bobcats last season and showed signs of life by averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game off the bench.

It's still completely possible for Thomas to become a respectable power forward in this league, but until then, he will be declared a bust for the past four seasons of disappointment.

25. Tyler Hansbrough

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Deemed as a bust before even declaring for the draft, Tyler "Psycho T" Hansbrough might actually have a bright career ahead of him after an impressive sophomore year with the Indiana Pacers.

Given the start halfway though the 2010-'11 season, Hansbrough had an unbelievable stretch of games in March where he scored over 20 points six out of seven games including a game where he finished with a career high of 30 points.

It might not seem too impressive of a stretch for most power forwards, but it is for a player like Hansbrough who was basically an afterthought for most of his rookie year and for the majority of the first half of his sophomore season.

Hansbrough was even given the start in the post season and started off with 22 points on 10-of-19 shooting. He wouldn't have much of an impact from there aside from a 14-point and 11-rebound performance in the Pacers final game of the season.

Tyler averaged 11 points and five rebounds last season and could see his role on the team greatly increase after a very impressive second year.

24. Channing Frye

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If you want defense, you'll stay far away from Channing Frye. If you want the odd combination of a player that's 6'11", shoots three-pointers and unfortunately isn't Dirk Nowitzki, then you'll really covet Channing Frye.

Frye is basically a less effective Dirk Nowitzki or Andrea Bargnani as of now as he spends most of his time along the perimeter rather than posting up or rebounding or doing any of the sort of things that most power forwards or centers do.

Statistically for Frye, the past two seasons have been the best of his young career as he most recently averaged 13 points on 43 percent shooting to go along with seven rebounds as he also converted on two three-pointers per game.

He shot 39 percent from deep this season. A quality number that pales in comparison to the 44 percent he shot from beyond the arc the season before.

Frye is a perfect fit for a team like the Phoenix Suns, but it would be surprising to see him thrive anywhere else that doesn't find him the open looks that he gets on the team.

His career appeared to be on the outs after two disappointing seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers where he was reduced to playing as little as 11 minutes per game, while averaging four points and two rebounds per contest.

23. Kenyon Martin

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He talks a big game and certainly gets paid like a quality power forward, but Kenyon Martin can't back his words up nor can he be considered a quality power forward.

Last year, Martin averaged nine points and six rebounds per game, while only playing in 48 games, and still got paid $16 million to complete one of the worst travesties and robberies in the history of sports contracts.

It was the worst statistical season of Martin's disappointing career, and it could be a sign that his career is nearing its end. His numbers have been steadily declining over the past three seasons, and this past year was his worst by far.

Martin is utilized mostly for defensive purposes, but he's more of a liability than anything. His temper sometimes gets the best of him and costs his team, and he's certainly not worth the millions upon millions that the Nuggets organization is begrudgingly awarding him.

22. DeMarcus Cousins

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If this list ranked the top 30 starting power forwards and their classiness, DeMarcus Cousins would most likely end up dead last.

In only one year's worth of playing time, Cousins has already gotten into altercations with a teammate, team personnel and opposing teams.

At 20 years old, this is probably the last thing a team wants to see from who could be one of its best players within the next few seasons. Cousins could play the perfect complement to Tyreke Evans as well as being a terrific power forward judging by his performances during his rookie year.

Cousins averaged 14 points and nine rebounds in his first NBA season and showed great signs that he could be a quality big men in the very near future.

He's got a solid game around the basket coupled with a short mid-range jumper and decent defense for a player of his size, but the main problem with his game is his mentality on the court where he's also under the firm belief that he could run the point.

He was also tops in the league in fouls per game at over four.

DeMarcus is going to need a lot of discipline if the Sacramento Kings ever want to believe that he could actually benefit the team more than hurt it.

21. Kris Humphries

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Want success in the sporting world? Go date a Kardashian. It's been tested time and time again, and it always seems that athletes improve when they go out with a Kardashian with the only exception being Rashad McCants who dated Khloe for a little only to find his way out of the league within four seasons.

However, Lamar Odom won two titles upon dating Khloe, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush won a Super Bowl while dating Kim, and now Kris Humphries is coming off of the best season of his career which was coincidentally the same year he started dating Reggie's ex.

After disappointing run-ins with Utah, Toronto and Dallas, Humphries might have finally found his niche with the New Jersey Nets after the best statistical season of his career.

Kris averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds per, both career highs, as it appears that he was playing for a contract since his free agency period will start once the lockout is lifted.

It could be a flash in the pan type of year, but don't assume so since it actually seems as if Humphries does have the capability of being a consistent double-double threat.

Last season was the first real chance that Humphries saw legitimate playing time, and he took advantage by eventually becoming the team's starting power forward, also a first since he had only started in eight games prior to last season.

20. Antawn Jamison

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At 34 years old, Antawn Jamison is still finding ways to produce and is still adding aspects to his repertoire despite possibly being a few years from retirement.

Jamison only played in 56 games this season, the lowest since his rookie season, but still managed to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers with 18 points and seven rebounds per contest.

Antawn even improved his three-point shot by averaging nearly two three-pointers per game on 35 percent shooting. It was the second highest average of three-pointers made by Jamison over his 12-year career.

Antawn helped take over scoring duties for the Cavaliers since LeBron James left some big shoes to fill on both ends of the floor.

Jamison certainly can't match up with the impact James left in every game, but it's still commendable for a player of Antawn's age to continue producing at a rate that most power forwards his age could only dream of making if they're still even in the league.

19. Andray Blatche

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With the Washington Wizards struggling and looking for a voice, Andray Blatche has been quietly improving while the team has spent most of the past few years waiting in the basement of the Southeast Division for an opportunity to emerge once again.

That could happen as soon as next season with John Wall, JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche heading up an extremely impressive young starting lineup.

Blatche has played six seasons in the league thus far and has improved his offensive production every year from averaging two points in his rookie season to as much as 17 this past season.

He saw his role increase this season as he started a career high of 63 games while also playing a career high of 33 minutes per contest as the teams starting power forward. His rebounding greatly increased as well with the career high of eight per contest.

Set to be only be 25 years old next season, Blatche has the potential 20-10 type of player with his versatile offensive game and his ability to throw his size and weight around in the paint.

18. David Lee

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At $11 million per year, perhaps the Golden State Warriors got a little too hasty when signing David Lee.

Lee was highly coveted by many teams due to the high amount of double-doubles that he posted up after averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game in his final season with the New York Knicks.

While he is a quality rebounder and an above average around the basket game, Lee's defense is horrid and is among the worst when it comes to power forwards.

It's a huge liability but not too much of one when it comes to a team like Golden State that couldn't care less about that end of the floor.

Lee averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in his first season with the Warriors with the rebounding total being its lowest in three seasons.

He is a great player to have if you want a constant double-double threat that has a quality game around the basket, but don't expect too much if you sign Lee for defensive purposes.

17. Elton Brand

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Rejuvenation perhaps for Elton Brand? It certainly seems that way after an impressive post season return where he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game in the Philadelphia 76ers first-round series loss against the Miami Heat.

Last year was an extremely promising season for Brand and the entire 76ers organization as they hope that the contract they awarded Brand a few years back can actually begin to start paying off.

After two injury laden seasons, he was able to play in 81 games and would go on to average 15 points and eight rebounds per with no signs of letting up. Brand's health was intact all season long as he played the most amount of games that he has played since his rookie season.

Brand is supported by a quality offensive game that's equipped with post moves and a consistent mid-range jumper.

His defense and rebounding have suffered because of the constant injuries over the past three years, but it doesn't seem to have affected Brand too much as he still has the potential to be an 18-point and nine-rebound type of player for his remaining years in the NBA.

16. Serge Ibaka

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This is going to be a player that the Oklahoma City Thunder might want to hang on to.

Don't pay too much to his limited offense because the Thunder seem to want to utilize Serge Ibaka for solely defensive purposes.

At only 21 years old and in his second year, Ibaka would lead the league in total blocks at 198 for the season while finishing third in blocks per game at a little near two-and-a-half per contest. Aside from just shot blocking, Ibaka has the long arms, athleticism, and quickness to become one of the more difficult players to beat.

His offensive game is raw and could use some work, but it's still an impressive sign by Ibaka to show off that he can produce in some ways on the other end of the floor. He recently averaged 10 points per game a year after averaging only six points per in his rookie season.

Ibaka contains the obvious ability to score around the basket, mostly on alley-oops but also contains a mid-range jumper as well that the team can only hope to begin getting consistent.

Last year was the first season that Ibaka was given the start, and it seems that it might remain that way for awhile.

15. Tim Duncan

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I felt like I was getting to get my head chewed off for placing Tim Duncan this low, but please bear with me.

If this list were judged on overall careers, Duncan would be a hands down choice for No. 1 considering that he has won four championships, two MVP's and has averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds for his career.

Unfortunately for Duncan, this list was based on performances from last season, and his production dropped to its lowest ever.

After going 13 consecutive seasons with averaging a double-double, Duncan only averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game.

Last season could be a sign of what's to come for Duncan as he also played in a career low of 28 minutes per due to the fact that he is obviously getting older and his health and durability need to be a concern for a Spurs team that can't afford to lose him quite yet.

Timmy is still a valuable team on and off the floor as he provides the clutch shots and leadership necessary for the Spurs to be a successful team.

He still remains as one of the top power forwards in the game, but it seems that Duncan's career is now taking a potential turn for the worse.

14. Paul Millsap

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As a Heat fan, I would rank Paul Millsap No. 1 solely for his Nov. 9th performance against the team where he hit three consecutive three-pointers at the end of regulation capped off with a game tying lay up at the buzzer to finish with a career high of 46 points on 19-of-28 shooting.

He made a third of his three-pointers for the entire season in that one game.

Don't think of Millsap as any type of flash in the pan either because he has the potential to become a 20-point and 10-rebound threat on any given night.

It certainly seemed that way last season as he had a career season statistically where he averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game as the teams newest starting power forward attempting to fill in the shoes left behind by Carlos Boozer.

Millsap's defense could use some work and he could be a lot more aggressive when rebounding, but his offense is solid and is going to be needed by a team like the Jazz who could use all the offense they can currently get.

Millsap offers plenty of help with a solid post game to go along with a steady mid-range game and the capability to go off at any given time.

Or maybe just against the Heat.

13. Carlos Boozer

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It was going so well until when it actually mattered to start doing well.

After a successful first season with the Chicago Bulls where he managed to recover from an injury that kept him out the first few weeks of the season, Carlos Boozer managed to average 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.

It was a promising sign for the Bulls considering that it was believed Boozer would struggle without Deron Williams finding him, but he managed to overcome the odds by playing with a shoot-first floor general.

Then the post season came around and Boozer got exposed. He was absolutely abysmal averaging 13 points and 10 rebounds per and doing little to nothing during the Chicago Bulls playoff run.

In fact, he ran his mouth by criticizing Chris Bosh prior to the start of their conference finals series against the Miami Heat. Bosh would go off and have his best series of the playoffs with multiple 30-point games, while Boozer had two games where he scored over 20 and two games where he scored less than eight.

Boozer's stock greatly declined after the disappointing postseason and was being considered as a top-10 caliber power forward prior.

12. Kevin Garnett

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Today's Kevin Garnett certainly isn't the same one that was leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals year after year.

However, the Garnett of today is still the legitimate team leader of a Boston Celtics squad that has been a perennial championship contender over the past four seasons.

Garnett's role has been reduced since joining the Celtics as he no longer had to be the number one option when it came to scoring, rebounding, and playing defense. With Ray Allen and Paul Pierce by his side, Garnett has spent the past four seasons pushing his team to the championship year after year.

Since he arrived, the team has made it to two Finals with a championship to show for it in 2008.

Kevin's career is obviously on its downside, but it doesn't seem as if it has caught up to his psyche as he still plays with the same intensity that he's been playing with since joining the league in 1995.

In fact, his numbers improved from last the season before as he averaged 15 points per game on 53 percent shooting to go along with nine rebounds per.

At 34, Garnett probably only has a few more years left in him. However, don't expect Garnett to change his game and his mentality in anyway.

11. Josh Smith

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One of the greatest athletes in the NBA today alongside LeBron James and Andre Iguodala, Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith utilizes his athleticism and strength to his advantage at every aspect of the game.

Smith is terrific in the paint and does the majority of his work on offense and defense within 10 feet of the rim. When it comes to offense, Smith finds most of his points coming around the basket by means of either layup's, alley-oops or the occasional put-back dunk.

He has somewhat of a jump shot that can be hit from within 10 feet as well but is restricted to nowhere beyond the paint.

Josh's greatest fault is his lack of a jump shot and an even greater fault of his is that he doesn't know when to stop shooting. He shot 33 percent from deep last season and still managed to take two three-pointers per game.

Smith needs to continue utilizing his greatest strengths in his athleticism rather than forcing the issue with jumpers from 15 feet or farther.

Defense is Smith's greatest feature as he is always among the leaders when it comes to shot blocking despite only being 6'9".

For a three-year stretch, Smith was nearly averaging three blocks per contest. However, it was at 1.6 last season, which was tied for the lowest of his career.

10. Luis Scola

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One of the most underrated players in the game today, Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola truly does not get the credit that he deserves.

Scola has been keeping the team afloat over the past few seasons and has played a vital role for the Rockets as a post threat, mid-range threat and rebounder.

He has some of the best post moves in the league, and it comes in handy against the power forwards of today who are not familiar or comfortable with defending players that have a wide array of moves around the basket.

Scola is coming off of a season where he averaged a career high 18 points per game, while providing teammate Kevin Martin with some needed offensive support. With no Yao Ming, we can expect Scola's role to increase as the offensive and defensive load begins to weigh heavy on his shoulders.

The fanbase of Houston will hope that Scola and his teammates make a triumphant return to the post season after missing it for two consecutive seasons.

9. David West

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It would be a shame to see the inside-outside combination of Chris Paul and David West break up. It's a high possibility however with West opting for free agency and the New Orleans Hornets still not looking for anyways to improve as a team.

West has been the teams most consistent player at just about every aspect of the game from his mid-range jump shot to his solid rebounding. He easily possesses the league's best mid-range game as he finds the majority of his points from CP3 kick out's as he seems to nail every 15- to 20-foot jumper that he has ever attempted over his eight year career.

It has translated to West averaging 19 points or better over the past four seasons.

West most recently averaged 19 points and eight rebounds per before being forced to sit out the remainder of the regular and post season due to an injury.

It's going to be an interesting offseason for the Hornets as they either decide on shelling out more money for West or possibly going with backup Carl Landry.

If the Hornets were wise, they'd stick with the more consistent and proven player in West.

8. Chris Bosh

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Criticize him all you want, just don't say or believe that Chris Bosh isn't a quality power forward.

Bosh suffered the verbal lashing from everyone across the NBA world dealing with his struggles to adjust to his role as a third option on a team with two other superstars, but it didn't affect his performance as he still went on to average 19 points and eight rebounds per game despite playing with two players who averaged over 25 points per game.

His interior presence was greatly needed for a team that didn't have any centers or other power forwards to rely on in the post.

Chris had his struggles throughout the season with his passive play and his tendency to shy away from contact, but he did manage to overcome and step up at points in the season where the team greatly needed him.

He was easily the team's second best player in their NBA Finals series and was one of the key reasons as to why the Heat beat the No. 1-seeded Chicago Bulls in five games with two games where he scored over 30 points and four games overall where he scored over 20.

With the team adjusting to their niches, perhaps the Heat can actually look towards Bosh as more of an offensive threat than they did in his first year with the team.

7. LaMarcus Aldridge

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With no Brandon Roy, the weight of an entire city was suddenly thrust upon the shoulders of fifth-year power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

It still helps to have the deepest and most complete roster in the NBA by your side as well.

Aldridge was obviously ready for this type of situation as he went on to average career high's with the increased role and minutes. He averaged 22 points and nine rebounds per contest last season as he perfected a Kevin Garnett type mid-range game to go along with an already impressive post game.

Aldridge could be averaging as much as 25 points per game for the next few seasons if he can continue to improve his offensive game by scoring more from the inside and getting to the line on more occasions.

LaMarcus is a gem for the Portland Trail Blazers and they need to make sure that they hold on to him for as long as they can since he has the high possibility of being a perennial All-Star.

It's also a necessity for the Blazers to keep Aldridge considering all the competition from other power forwards in the Western Conference.

6. Zach Randolph

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Zach Randolph had only been to the postseason on two occasions before last season. He made sure to take advantage this time around after only playing in eight playoff games over the first nine years of his career.

Randolph was the second best power forward in last year's postseason as he went on to average 22 points and 11 rebounds per game while also leading the Memphis Grizzlies to their very first semifinal appearance in postseason history.

Coupled with Marc Gasol, Randolph led a frontcourt that the No. 1-seeded San Antonio Spurs had no answer for that would eventually lead to one of the NBA's greatest postseason upsets.

He then pushed the No. 4-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink before falling in seven games.

Randolph certainly doesn't have the athletic ability of a Josh Smith or Tyrus Thomas, but he does have the body type that most power forwards don't possess. He's an extremely smart player because of his ability to throw his body around against matchup's that usually have two or three inches on him.

Randolph's wide frame allows him to be one of the league's top offensive rebounders despite only being 6'9" and dunking on seldom occasions.

5. Pau Gasol

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After three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Pau Gasol may have gained himself a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol has helped the Lakers to two championships while emerging as one of the top power forwards in the game. Gasol is coming off of another impressive season where he averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game, while also helping the Lakers obtain a No. 2 seed.

Unfortunately, his postseason performance will be most remembered as it was one of the worst series that he's played in during his tenure as a member of the Lakers.

In 10 games, Gasol averaged a dismal 13 points and eight rebounds per game. The Lakers didn't stand a chance against the Dallas Mavericks since Bryant was the only player on the team providing any support or playing with any purpose.

Gasol didn't score more than 17 points for the entire postseason and looked more like the soft-Pau in Memphis rather than the hard-nosed player he had become under the tutelage of coach Phil Jackson.

The postseason lowered his stock, but Gasol should still be recognized as one of the league's top power forwards for his exceptional post game and rebounding.

4. Kevin Love

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Dwight Howard's reign at the top of rebounding was short like leprachauns thanks to the efforts of third year power forward Kevin Love.

Love was an absolute beast last season on the boards as he averaged 15 boards per game, the highest an individual has averaged since Ben Wallace did so by the end of the 2002-'03 campaign.

The difference between Love and Wallace however is that Love is set to only be 23 years old and has the potential to average 15 boards or better for the next few seasons if he continues throwing his weight around the way he did last season.

Love shares a similar complex that Zach Randolph also possesses with both players not being too athletic but being smart enough players to recognize their biggest strengths in their body and using that to their advantage.

Kevin led the league in offensive rebounds as well due to the effort that he puts on every possession under the basket as he uses his size to move around players on the ground and in the air.

His offense is a force to be reckoned with as well since he not only can score on put-backs and anywhere else within the basket but can also shoot from deep too. Love recently converted on over a three-pointer per game while maintaining a 42 percent average from beyond the arc.

3. Blake Griffin

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He's only played one year, suffered a serious knee injury prior to the start of what was supposed to be his rookie season and has no jump shot yet Blake Griffin already finds himself among the elite power forwards and even the elite players of the league.

Griffin won a deserved Rookie of the Year award after averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game while also showing some glimmer of hope for the Los Angeles Clippers franchise and a potential postseason visit in the near future.

Blake is emerging as the team leader of the Clippers after one year and has become so because of the fact that he is an absolute athletic juggernaut.

Blake didn't get the majority of his points from dunking, but they were certainly the most emphatic and memorable.

Whether it was dunking on Timofey Mozgov's family or slamming on Danilo Gallinari's life, Griffin is one of the league's most noted players because of his exceptional vertical leap and his ability to throw down some of the most vicious dunks the NBA world has ever seen.

2. Amar'e Stoudemire

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It turns out that Steve Nash wasn't the reason for Amar'e Stoudemire's success.

Stoudemire was actually being regarded as an MVP candidate for the majority of the first half of the season before his New York Knicks began to come back down to earth.

Even though the team only finished a few games above .500, it was still quite the improvement from years before when the team couldn't come within less than five games of the eighth spot during a postseason race.

The postseason appearance was the first in over a decade for the Knicks, and it all came thanks to Stoudemire.

"Stat' averaged 25 points and eight rebounds per game while supplying the non-existent defense that he provided as a member of the Phoenix Suns.

He managed to improve his offensive game even more by adding a more consistent mid-range game that only adds to an already volatile offensive repertoire that Stoudemire has built a career on.

With Carmelo Anthony now by his side, it'll be a true test to see just how well Amar'e can play alongside another superstar that thrives mostly on offense.

1. Dirk Nowitzki

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In a league overstocked with quality power forwards, Dirk Nowitzki is by and far the No. 1 power forward in the league after the performance he put on in this year's NBA Finals.

With the championship win, Nowtziki proves to every one of his critics that he and his Dallas Mavericks team are completely capable of taking home a title after a decades worth of disappointment.

Dirk was always at the center of attention of all these short comings, and it shows great resilience on his part to overcome the odds, prove his critics wrong and beat one of the greatest trios ever assembled in LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Nowitzki took home a very well deserved Finals MVP for his outstanding performances in all six games.

This came after Nowitzki posted up some of the lowest numbers of his career. The 23 points per game was his lowest since 2003-'04 and the seven rebounds per is his lowest since the 1999-'00 campaign, Dirk's second year in the league.

However, he did shoot a career high of 52 percent from the field and played three less minutes per than he did the previous season.

Dirk is by and far the best power forward in the league, and it's not even close after the Finals he had.

BRAWL IN NUGGETS WOLVES GAME 6 😡

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