Power forwards have typically been bruising low post players that was able to roll effectively to the hoop after a good pick. This is changing and on today’s NBA, the greatest power forwards are expected to be versatile on both ends of the court and relatively fleet-footed.
Ranked are the 25 greatest power forwards in NBA history. Power forwards that played in the ABA are considered but their time in the ABA is not given considerable weight.
Though versatility is becoming an increasing requirement, it is still not considered an absolute must for the position, so less versatile power forwards are not punished in this ranking.
25. Rasheed Wallace
| Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game     |       Box Plus/Minus |
| 14.4 | 6.7 | Â Â Â Â Â Â 2.2 |
One of the original power forwards to be truly known as a stretch four. Lost in his reputation as a temperamental player that frequently collected technicals is the fact that Wallace was a talented and meaningful contributor.
24. Tom Chambers
| Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game     |       Box Plus/Minus |
| 18.1 | 6.1 | Â Â Â Â Â Â -0.6 |
Chambers was immediately impactful, leading his team in scoring as a rookie. Chambers would garner four All-Star selections, two All-NBA selections and once selection as MVP of the NBA All-Star game in the 1986-87 season.
23. Dave DeBusschere
| Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game     |       Box Plus/Minus |
| 16.1 | 11.0 | Â Â Â Â Â Â n/a |
An excellent athlete, DeBusschere was one of only thirteen players to play in both the NBA and MLB. Even as an undersized wing Dave was a top-notch rebounder and capable scorer.
22. LaMarcus Aldridge
| Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game     |       Box Plus/Minus |
| 19.5 | 8.3 | Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.7 |
Considered a relic in today’s NBA, Aldridge is an effective scorer from mid-range. Selected with the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Aldridge has seven All-Star selections, and five All-NBA selections to his name.
21. Kevin Love
| Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game     |       Box Plus/Minus |
| 18.2 | 11.1 | Â Â Â Â Â Â 3.4 |
Though Love has slowed somewhat due to age and injuries, the versatile big man made his name in the NBA as an elite rebounder (particularly on the offensive end) and is an excellent shooter. The five time All-Star is still a positive impact player in his early thirties.
Clint is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, and contributed to various sports publications prior to his work with Upside Hoops.
How can you have Chris bosh in the PF list and C list? He’s great but my personal bias is enjoying these lists only seeing a player on only one.