NBA Player Power Rankings: Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA
4. David Lee, Golden State Warriors
April 09, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) tries to keep the ball in play ahead of power forward Carl Landry (7) against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-89 to clinch a playoff berth. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most polarizing players in the entire NBA, David Lee finally legitimately made the All-Star team in 2013 (his All Star appearance for the Knicks in 2010 was due to no good bigs in the entire East).
Although his defense has slightly improved over the last year, he is still one of the weaker defenders in the whole league. It is his lethal offensive game that makes him so dangerous. Lee put up more double-doubles than anyone in the NBA last season. It is this brand of consistency that makes him an elite player, as he is one of the better passing big men in the league and arguably the most ambidextrous.
Lee’s ability to put shots up with either hand from eight feet in makes his nearly impossible to guard. Look for Lee to continue his dominant play with an even better cast around him next year.
3. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Apr 30, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Although his game hasn’t evolved much since his rookie year, Blake Griffin demands so much attention on the offensive end. He has forced himself into the top three on this list.
Griffin’s high-flying dunks and alley-oops are more than just two points. They electrify the crowd and either begin the swing momentum the Clippers way or can just completely shut down any chance the opponent had of coming back into a game.
Griffin’s detractors claim that he doesn’t use his freakish athleticism for rebounds or blocking shots, but he is still very young and has time to develop other aspects of his game. He has one of the best work ethics of any player in the league, and his freakish athleticism is only matched by his insane offseason workouts. Expect Griffin and the Clippers to be championship contenders next year.
2. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Dec 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) against the Phoenix Suns at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The rebounding machine. If only Love could consistently stay on the floor, he could claim the top spot on this list, but with coming back from injuries too soon comes major setbacks.
Love is the first player since Moses Malone to record a 30-30 game and is a threat to drop 20 points and 20 rebounds on any given night. He is by far the least athletic player on this list, but uses his size and clever positioning to reel in rebounds at an alarmingly elite rate.
Love may end up being the best rebounder of our generation and we shouldn’t overlook the importance of that. From his humble days playing up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to his one great season at UCLA, Love has instantly commanded the glass where ever he’s played.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
April 17, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots over Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) in the first half at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
People argue that because the Portland Trail Blazers haven’t had much team success in LaMarcus Aldridge’s tenure, so he cannot be considered for the top spot on any power forward list. But can you really blame Aldridge for Brandon Roy or Greg Oden’s career-ending injuries? The trio was in place and ready to be the next power trio in the Western Conference.
Aldridge does it all. The rap on him used to be that he doesn’t posses one sole elite skill, but that he does every aspect of the game pretty well. This has changed over the last year. He is truly an elite player. He has the best low-post moves of anyone in the whole league and consistently hits the 17 footer.
Although his defense isn’t spectacular, that’s not what he’s getting paid to do. He is the Blazers’ offense. Everything runs through him. Aldridge was arguably the biggest All-Star snub in the history of the NBA last year when he wasn’t even named as a reserve to the Western Conference team.
With Lillard asserting himself on the national stage, look for the Blazers to make noise next year and possibly capture a playoff spot.