Power forwards in the modern era can score, rebound, and now playmakers, making them extremely versatile. A power forward is essential to the smooth operation of a basketball team. Because they aren’t usually the focal point of defense, power forwards must be able to hit open shots. They must be a spark who can make a big play for the team.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 PF going into the 2022-23 season:-
1) Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The Greek Freak has been one of the top-3 players in the league in the last 4 years. He has been exceptional on offense and at the same time tremendously good in defense also. Just one season ago, he delivered a championship to Milwaukee and also won the Finals MVP. He also had just another fantastic year, last season. He also finished third in the MVP voting this past campaign. He would be hoping to get Khris Middleton back quickly, who was injured during the last post-season, and try for another NBA title.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=67, PPG=29.9, AST/gm= 5.8, RBD/gm=11.6, 3-pt%= 29.3%
Also read: Atlanta Hawks trading Kevin Huerter to Sacramento Kings: Reports
2) Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant, when healthy, is easily a top-3 player in the league. He is one of the all-time greatest offensive talents the league has ever seen. Although the Nets superstar has requested for a trade, any team that will land him will be heavy favorites to win the title. One can easily argue that KD hit one of the all-time best clutch shots against the Bucks two seasons ago. Some say, if he wore a size smaller on his foot, the Nets would have won the 2021 NBA Championship. It will be interesting to see where Durant lands this summer, but it is no doubt that he will still perform at the highest standard basketball has seen.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=55, PPG=29.9, AST/gm= 6.4, RBD/gm=7.4, 3-pt%= 38.3%
Also read: Boston Celtics get Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon, improve backcourt depth: Report
3) Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Injuries have marred this man from reaching his optimum potential. He was very influential for the Lakers when they won the NBA Championship in 2020 in the bubble. But since then, he has suffered multiple injuries that hindered him to play healthy for an extended period of time. Over the last 2 seasons, he has only played in 76 combined. He would be hoping to remain injury-free in the upcoming season and be as dominant as he was pre-injuries.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=40, PPG=23.2, AST/gm= 3.1, RBD/gm=9.9, 3-pt%= 18.3%
Also read: AP source: Jokic, Nuggets agree on record $264M extension
4) Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
With a max-contract extension under his grasp, Zion Williamson would be hoping to be able to take the next step i.e take the Pelicans to the Playoffs. He did not play a single game last season because of an injured right foot for which he went for surgery. The Pelicans have a nice squad with two consistent scorers in Brandon Ingram and C.J McCollum. If Zion performs as he did in his 2nd year, then there is no stopping this athlete.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=0, PPG=0, AST/gm= 0, RBD/gm=0, 3-pt%= 0%
Also read: Why Kevin Durant trade request from Brooklyn Nets has NBA teams scrambling
5) Kristaps Porzingis, Washington Wizards
The Latvian star has been a consistent performer for any team that he plays, but like some of the players mentioned in this list, he is also injury prone. He is considered a top-20 player in the league because he can easily dominate on both sides of the court. When on the court, he is an exceptional shot blocker and an efficient 3-point shooter, when taking into account that he is a seven-foot guy. He would be hoping to support Bradley Beal in scoring and he would also be looking to take the below-average Wizards squad to the post-season.
2021-22 Season Stats:-
M=51, PPG=20.7, AST/gm= 2.45, RBD/gm=8.4, 3-pt%= 32.5%
Honorable Mention:-
1) Julius Randle
2) Domantas Sabonis
3) John Collins
