Part two in the series Top 10 Power Forwards in the NSL This list is based on a combination of 2k23 rating, Projected positional fit in the NSL, and my own flawless impeccable opinion. Don’t hate, appreciate.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – Hands down the best PF in the league, even as a joke I could not put another name here. Arguably the best player in the league Giannis is a 6’11” 240lbs version of a prime Scottie Pippen except he traded his jumper for elite-level defensive rebounding. Giannis’s speed, strength, length, and overall athleticism make him a terror to deal with on both sides of the ball. Size and strength to deal with bigs and speed and length to deal with perimeter players. Offensively he has a decent midrange jumper and when that isn’t falling he can slash to the cup and turn pretty much any defender into a poster. Antetokounmpo is an underrated passer and ballhandler because he doesn’t overdo either one and that kind of careful decision-making just improves the overall look of his efficiency. At 27 years old Giannis is smack dab in the middle of his prime and will be terrorizing teams for the foreseeable future.
- Anthony Davis – In seasons past. “The Brow” could have been argued as a potential best player in the league candidate. Injury concerns and a perceived lack of fire and assertiveness make that claim a bit ill-advised. However, AD is still a beast of a talent in regards to NBA basketball. At 6’11” he can pass dribble and occasionally shoot like a wing player and has the size, strength, and footwork to scorch defenders in the paint. Pair that with the ability to lock down offensive players on the perimeter and the post you have one of the most versatile 2-way players in the game at any position.
- Jayson Tatum – J-Taters is an elite scorer that is really more stretch 4 than a true power forward. Equally comfortable at both forward spots. He can really use his athleticism and game IQ to his best advantage as a KG, Chris Bosh hybrid where his speed and quickness really shine. Though not really a banger per se he can really utilize those wing-like skills to expose slow-footed defenders and punish them from the outside in. JT is a cerebral defender who can direct his teammates and still manage to be in the right place at the right time for a closeout or dive into the passing lane. Although not much of a shot blocker and only an average rebounder for the position he can still turn the tables on the defensive end of the floor when needed.
- Edrice Adebayo – Bam Bam Bigelow, oops I mean Bam Adebayo is the rare Big Man that is equally comfortable as a Power Forward, Center, or Small Forward. A modern-day version of Antonio McDyess. He has bounce, better than average speed for his position, and could arguably be called a poor man’s Giannis depending on who you talk to. Bam can score and defend in the post as well as on the perimeter. But the area where he sets himself apart is as a playmaker. He can grab the rebound and start the break or bring it up himself and get straight down into the post where he can collapse the defense and then find an open teammate. Bam
- Pascal Siakim – Pascal is pretty much the Scottie Pippen of stretch 4’s. Can do pretty much everything well even though he may not blow you completely away. But being a semi-complete 2-way player is always a plus. Pascal is a savvy post-player that utilizes his quickness and footwork to beat defenders. He is a capable midrange shooter with range out to the 3-point line. Defensively he has the quickness and IQ to stay in front of his man and slide into a help position when needed. Although he is not likely to get double digits in boards or block many shots. He makes up for those deficiencies with some moderate playmaking ability.
- Domantas Sabonis – Sabonis is the archetype of a player that just doesn’t get the credit he deserves. A near-guaranteed double-double each night, Domantas has the strength and footwork to bully his way around inside the post as well as the boxout and instincts to clean up on the glass. He can make a shot here and there from 3-point range but not much happening from the midrange area. He is also a solid playmaker that makes few mistakes. Only a lack of defensive commitment keeps him out of the top 5.
- Zion Williamson – Man Child is the only way to describe Zion. Although slightly undersized in height for a power forward at 6’6” Williamson routinely tips the scales at or near 300lbs on the regular. Despite his weight, he has insane up-and-down-the-court speed with pogo-stick verticality. Zion’s literal strength is attacking the rim with vigorous gusto. Something of an overrated jump-shooter, his insane athleticism makes him impossible to deal with in transition and in most face-up situations. Something of an average rebounder. With his athleticism, he could do a little more in that area. Zion’s primary flaw is he is a non-factor on defense. With just a little bit of effort on that end and Zion would be a clear top 5 Forward in the game.
- Draymond Green – Underrated as much as he is overrated. Dray is the ultimate utility player. In another era, Draymond would have been considered a tweener without a position. But with junkyard dog tenacity on defense and a high IQ on both ends of the floor Green has carved out a niche for himself as an enforcer on defense, a playmaker on offense, and overall team emotional spark plug. At 6’6” he is more of a Shooting Guard in size. But as a defender he is able to defend guards as well as post players and turn his lack of bulk into an asset with quickness, strength, and superior game instincts. He isn’t going to score you very many points but he makes smart plays on offense and normally plays within his limited offensive skillset.
- Evan Mobley – A favorite amongst Basketball purest. Evan Mobley has the foundation for the total package. Often compared to Kevin Garnet, he is really closer to Chris Bosh. With a lean athletic build and plenty of bounce. Mobley can get up and down the court. Finish alley-oops and beat his man off the dribble with a quick first step. Great help defensive instincts that allow him to come swooping in for weak-side blocks. With a little more strength and weight he could become more of a threat on the glass. With a couple more years of experience and Evan could see himself as a top 5 player on this list.
- Jaren Jackson Sr. – Triple J is an above-average athlete that has the tools to be a top 5 big in the league but hasn’t quite put it together yet. A younger more athletic version of the current-day Brook Lopez. JJJ can dance in the post and hit midrange jumpers off the elbow all day. A crafty defender who finds a myriad of ways to impact the game. Inconsistent health and a lack fo desire on rebounding slightly limit his ceiling but even with that he is one of the best in the game at his position and his 2-way ability makes him a must-have for any team needing a versatile power forward.