SCIC Position Rankings: Power Forwards

Sir Charles In Charge writers Michael Saenz, Andrew Melnick, Jalen Bishop and Hardeep Sahota rank the top players at each position in the NBA for the 2013-2014 season. This week long series will also include ranking the top sixth men and head coaches.  

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Duncan continues to lead the group of power forwards in the league. Even at his age, there seems to be no slowing him down because of the way Gregg Popovich keeps his minutes down during the season. Duncan averaged nearly 18 points a game and pulled down 10 rebounds a game – all this at the age of 37. His simple game and the way he studies the game has put him in the discussions of arguably the greatest power forward to ever play the game. Barring any injury, he will continue to lead this group.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Love had a quiet year last year with injuries, but let’s take a look at his statistics from the previous year. In the 2011-2012 season, Love averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds. Those numbers are impressive, seeing that he lacks a lot of athleticism. However, he makes up for it with his tremendous knowledge of the game and the fundamentals. Love is one of the best passers for his size. If you’ve ever seen one of his full-court chest passes, you will understand what I mean about his skill level.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

There’s a lot of room for improvement here, but Griffin has already shown flashes of greatness. Many will hear his name and think of the flashy dunks he’s had, but that’s not the only part of his game. He has a career average of 10 rebounds a game, which is an area that can improve. His numbers have decreased every year he has been in the league, but that can be attributed to adding more players who are capable of producing. Once Griffin develops a consistent jumper, he will be difficult to handle.

Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

I know I could have put anyone here, but I’m rolling with Randolph. His physicality, his smooth jumper, and his decent free throw shooting make him a lock for one of the best power forwards in the game. He averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds a game last year, which is no easy task in this league. Marc Gasol takes a lot of pressure off of Randolph’s game. The Grizzlies count on Randolph to deliver, and he hasn’t let them down so far. All of his off the court troubles seem to be way behind him now.

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

This one may be a surprise to a lot. There are many power forwards to choose from, but Horford plays on a team not many people follow. Not even the city of Atlanta follows the team. Had to say that with the pathetic attendance during last year’s playoffs. Horford is a beast. He averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds last year, and his numbers continue to improve. He will have to carry more of the load with Josh Smith gone.

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Kevin Garnett (Brooklyn Nets) is still a threat at power forward, but he has shown his age in the last two years. Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) has great size and can rebound and block like the best, but he needs to improve his offensive game. David West (Indiana Pacers) was the Pacers best go-to option when they needed a bucket in the playoffs last year. He has an old school game and can play with any power forward out there.