Top 10 power forwards in NBA history
10.
Dennis Rodman
Has anyone ever gone after missed
shots with more relish than Rodman? Despite below-average size
(6-foot-8, 220) for a power forward, he led the league in rebounds seven
straight years, usually by wide margins. He also was one of the best
defenders in NBA history, able to hound and annoy players at all five
positions. His increasingly outrageous antics obscured the fact that he
had a tremendous basketball IQ. The dude understood his role and played
it to perfection on five championship teams — two in Detroit, three in
Chicago.
9.
Dave DeBusschere
Rugged and physical at both ends
of the floor, DeBusschere averaged 16.1 points and 11.0 rebounds while
making six All-NBA Defensive first teams. He helped the Knicks win
titles in 1970 and 1973 and eventually joined teammates Walt Frazier,
Bill Bradley and Willis Reed in the Hall of Fame.
8.
Kevin McHale
When McHale received an entry
pass in the low post — the area he called his "torture chamber" — pity
his poor defender. What would McHale do? Jump hook? Short fadeaway? Spin
right? Spin left? Up and under? He abused countless opponents with an
arsenal of moves unmatched by any big man in history other than Hakeem
Olajuwon. He was also an outstanding defender and a terrific complement
to Larry Bird. Together they battled the Lakers throughout the '80s and
won three championships.
7.
Bob Pettit
Pettit and Dolph Schayes were the
premier power forwards in the early years of the NBA, with Pettit
getting the nod for his dominant play during that era. In 11 seasons,
all with the Hawks, he made the All-NBA team 10 times, won two MVP
awards and averaged 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds. Though his career
came during the heart of the Celtics dynasty, he did beat Boston and
Bill Russell in the 1958 Finals, scoring 50 points in Game 6.
6.
Elvin Hayes
The "Big E" had the ideal
physique of a power forward, plus a sweet turnaround jumper that helped
him lead the league in scoring as a rookie in 1968, something that
hasn't been done since. Hayes was a force of nature throughout his
16-year career and still ranks among the league's top 10 scorers and
rebounders. Along with center Wes Unseld, he led the Bullets to three
NBA Finals, including the 1978 title over the SuperSonics.
5.
Kevin Garnett
Garnett nearly wasted his whole
career in Minnesota, which would have made it difficult to evaluate his
place in history. After all, what do you say about someone who did
nothing but put up big numbers on mediocre teams? That's why the 2007
trade to Boston was a godsend for KG. It allowed him to show that his
versatile offensive skills, defensive tenacity and intense leadership
were indeed championship-quality all along. Like any NBA star, he just
needed a few talented teammates to prove it.
4.
Dirk Nowitzki
He's the best shooter and one of
the top scorers among power forwards in NBA history, but we already knew
that. What we found out this year is that Nowitzki could will his team
to a championship as well. In our eyes, that amazing postseason run, in
which he utterly outplayed the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and
LeBron James, allows him to leapfrog Hayes and Garnett, who have similar
career credentials and also won one title each.
3.
Charles Barkley
There may never be another NBA
player like Barkley, who measured in at just under 6-foot-5, yet had all
of the power you'd want in a power forward, plus the speed, agility and
skill of a guard. How many times did Barkley rip down a rebound,
dribble the length of the court and finish with a ferocious dunk? For 10
straight seasons in Philadelphia and Phoenix, he made the All-NBA first
or second team, winning the MVP in 1993. Though he never won a title,
thanks mainly to Michael Jordan, Barkley remains ahead of Nowitzki due
to superior rebounding, defense and all-around impact.
2.
Karl Malone
Like Barkley, "The Mailman" never
delivered a championship. (Again, thanks Mike!) But that only slightly
diminishes the 18 incredible seasons he played with John Stockton for
the Utah Jazz. A devastating finisher in transition and on pick-and-roll
plays, Malone made 11 All-NBA first teams, won two MVPs and even made
three All-Defensive first teams. No NBA player has shot and made more
free throws, none have pulled down more defensive rebounds and only
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored more points.
1.
Tim Duncan
Several power forwards have been
better rebounders than Duncan. A few have been more prolific scorers.
Others have won multiple championships and been as good on defense. But
no player at his position has provided the complete package of Duncan,
whose understated demeanor and playing style can't obscure an amazing
body of work: four titles, two MVPs, nine All-NBA first teams, eight
All-Defensive first teams and three NBA Finals MVPs. He was never the
flashiest or loudest power forward. He was simply the best.