Ranking The Best NBA Power Forwards of All Time
The National Basketball Association, the NBA, is the best basketball league in the world. With its popularity, high salaries, and intense game schedule, being part of an NBA club is the most prestigious place to be for any basketball player in the world.
Throughout history, more than 4,500 players have been part of the NBA. As of 2024, 436 players, referees, coaches, and other basketball professionals are part of the NBA’s Hall of Fame. These are the best among the best, and every player’s dream is to be part of this elite company.
Some of the most notable names there are, of course, Michael Jordan, Koby Bryant, Lary Bird, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, etc. Among them are playmakers, shooting guards, centers, and forwards. The last ones are the types of players we’re focusing on here. What are some of the most notable power forwards in the NBA of all time?
Who is the best power forward of all time?
The list of power forwards that left their mark in the league is not a short one. Too many of them impacted the game tremendously, and some of them changed the face of the league forever. The debate of who are the best power forwards of all time in the NBA is a never-ending one, but we will try to create a list of players that seems like the true answer.
Here’s the list:
10. Dennis Rodman
The face of the NBA rebounds – Dennis Rodman was the key piece of the Bulls puzzle that won six titles in the ’90s, averaging 13.1 rebounds throughout the career and being a defensive player of the league two times while dominating opponents with his physique is enough to get him on the list.
9. Elvin Heyes
During his career, Elvin Heyes played for the Bullets and the Rockets and scored 27,313 points in 16 seasons with 16,279 rebounds, which is fourth all time. He was a 12-time all-star and has one championship ring.
8. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett was best known for his athleticism and energy. He has built a legacy of his name playing for the Celtics and the Timberwolf, averaging 17.8 points and 10 rebounds in his career. He also won one ring with the Celtics and appeared in the All-Star an impressive 15 times.
7. Bob Pettit
Pettit was a power figure in the 50s and the 60s. He dominated the league with his scoring abilities and rebounding. He’s still on top of the all time record list for the Hawks with an average of 20.3 boards in the 60-61 season and 35 rebounds in one game. He also averaged a stunning 26.4 points throughout his career.
6. Kevin McHale
One of the best-known faces of the legendary ’80s Celtics team that won three championships. McHale averaged 17.9 points throughout his career, but his presence on the court was unmatched due to his defensive abilities, efficiency in the paint, and outstanding post-game appearance.
5. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley is often considered one of the best NBA players who never won a ring. Sir Charles was an 11-time All-star, won the league’s MVP, and was dominating his opponents, although relatively short for a power forward with his 6`6. He’s still one of the most notable faces of the NBA.
4. Dirk Nowitzki
The great German was underrated when first appeared but has won anything he could throughout his career. Dirk reshaped the power forward position with his iconic shooting abilities and overall presence on the court. Averaged 20.7 points and 7.5 boards. Spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, where he won the championship in 2011.
3. Karl Malone
Alongside Barkley, Karl Malone is another power forward who dominated the league but never won a championship. “The Postman” always delivered when needed and often played the center position, but has never managed to get the ring with the Jazz, where he spent most of his career. Malone averaged more than 20 points per game for 17 seasons, and 25.0 with 10 rebounds altogether—a true Jazz icon.
2. Tim Dunkan
Like Nowitzki or Malone, who were loyal to their team colors, Duncan spent his entire career with the Spurs. Together with Robinson, they were called the Twin Towers as both had more than 6`11. With or without Robinson, Duncan won five NBA rings. His attitude toward the game was on a different level – his calmness and professionality made the difference together with the average of 19 career points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
1. Larry Bird
Larry Bird is the number one power forward of all time on our list although he’s often considered a small forward as well. His duels with Magic Johnson in the `80s were legendary, but Bird’s unmatched efficiency and positive arrogance are what matters for this title. His 13 seasons in the NBA were filled with injuries and health trouble, but that didn’t stop Larry from averaging more than 20 points as a rookie and in his last season. He also has 10 rebounds per game, and his field goal percentage is outstanding at 49.7%. Bird won three championships in the `80s with the Celtics, where he spent his entire career.
Who is the best-scoring power forward of all time?
What matters the most in the sport of basketball is scoring. Baskets win games, so it’s normal to think about this when talking about the best power forward of all time. In this category, Karl Malone dominates the stats. Karl Malone scored 36,928 points during his 20 years in the NBA.
However, the best power forward in the NBA by PPG is none other than the Milwaukee Bucks’ current superstar – Giannis Antetokoumpo. He’s currently averaging 29.2 points per game, but we’re yet to see where his career will go and whether he will improve his numbers. If we look at history, there’s Bob Pettit with 26.4 and Karl Malone with 25.0.