Upon completion of the 2023-24 NBA season, we have named the 25 best power forwards in the world and divided them into five tiers. Some of the best power forwards in the NBA can occupy more than one position to the point that there isn’t a difference between them and other positions.
*Please note that the positions will be based on where the players played in the 2023-24 season according to Basketball Reference .
Tier 1 (The Best)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo , the reigning force of the Milwaukee Bucks , continues to dominate the NBA with his extraordinary blend of size, athleticism, and skill. In the 2023-24 season, Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Adding in an All-Star selection, a fourth-place MVP finish, and an All-NBA First Team appearance, Giannis is clearly the best power forward in the NBA.
Tier 2 (Bonafide Superstars)
Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, LeBron James
Jayson Tatum has solidified his status as a bonafide superstar for the Boston Celtics after guiding the team to the NBA championship. In the 2023-24 season, Tatum put up 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around game. His efficiency from the floor, shooting 47.1% overall and 37.6% from three, makes him a lethal scorer but his improved all-around game is what puts him over the top in Tier 2.
Even at 35 years old, Kevin Durant remains one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, now leading the charge for the Phoenix Suns. This season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while maintaining a remarkable shooting efficiency of 52.3% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. Despite his age, Durant's scoring ability means he is easily in Tier 2.
LeBron James , even in his 21st NBA season, continues to defy father time and perform at an elite level. With averages of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, LeBron is still a triple-double threat every night for the Los Angeles Lakers. As he approaches 40 years old, The King is still a Tier 2 talent which is beyond incredible.
Tier 3 (Franchise Stars)
Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, Lauri Markkanen, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero
Jimmy Butler , the heart and soul of the Miami Heat , remains a franchise star with his relentless work ethic and leadership. This season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while also contributing 1.7 steals per contest. His ability to elevate his game in the playoffs and his leadership on and off the court make him an indispensable player for the Heat even if he is dangled in trade rumors this summer.
Karl-Anthony Towns , the versatile big man for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting (39.8% from three) and his presence in the paint make him a valuable asset to a team that finished third in the Western Conference and a member of the Western Conference Finals.
Lauri Markkanen has emerged as a franchise star for the Utah Jazz, showcasing his offensive versatility and improved defensive capabilities. In the 2023-24 season, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, with a shooting split of 48.0% from the field and 39.9% from three. Looking ahead, Markkanen might be better suited to another NBA team.
When healthy, Zion Williamson is a dominant force for the New Orleans Pelicans. This season, he's averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while shooting an astounding 57.0% from the field. His explosive athleticism and ability to finish around the rim make him nearly unstoppable and he only needs to stay healthy to possibly prove he could grow into Tier 2.
Paolo Banchero, a budding superstar of the Orlando Magic, has quickly become a franchise cornerstone. Averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in his second season, Banchero shows maturity beyond his years. Banchero was one game away from leading the Magic to the second round and getting the team there could see him rise in the rankings among all power forwards in short order.
Tier 4 (All-Stars)
Pascal Siakam, Julius Randle, Paul George, Jalen Williams, Evan Mobley
Pascal Siakam continues to be one of the best power forwards in the NBA except for the fact that he is better suited to be a sidekick to another star as he is in Indiana alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam averaged 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this season. His all-around game, defensive versatility, and ability to score in a variety of ways keep him in the All-Star conversation.
Julius Randle , the driving force for the New York Knicks, put up 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His physical style of play, coupled with his ability to handle the ball and create for his teammates, makes him a unique and impactful player alongside superstar point guard Jalen Brunson. With Mikal Bridges now on the Knicks, Randle has enough help to lead the team to a very deep playoff run in 2024-25.
Paul George , though primarily known as a wing, has been playing significant minutes at power forward for the Los Angeles Clippers this past season. Averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, George remains a two-way threat and a perennial All-Star player who will start a new era with the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Jalen Williams, the rising star for the Oklahoma City Thunder , made a significant impact in his second season. Averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, Williams is showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. His defensive skills and growth potential make him a key player for the Thunder's future as arguably the third-best player on the team behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Evan Mobley, the defensive anchor for the Cleveland Cavaliers , continues to impress with his all-around game. This season, he's averaging 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. His defensive instincts and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset for a Cavaliers team that will be a threat in the East next year with Donovan Mitchell re-signed.
Tier 5 (Star Starters)
Draymond Green, Aaron Gordon, Kyle Kuzma, Tobias Harris, Jonathan Kuminga, Bobby Portis, Jabari Smith Jr., Cameron Johnson, P.J. Washington, Jeremy Sochan, Obi Toppin
Draymond Green, the defensive stalwart for the Golden State Warriors, remains a crucial piece of their success even if he is 34 years old and no longer at his apex. Averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, Green's impact goes beyond the stat sheet although the Warriors did not perform that well in 2023-24.
Aaron Gordon , a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets, averaged 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His athleticism, defensive capabilities, and improved shooting make him a valuable starter and indispensable when looking at what he did in the 2022-23 championship season.
Kyle Kuzma , a consistent scorer for the Washington Wizards, averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His scoring ability, both inside and outside, and his rebounding make him a reliable starter and his growth into a fringe All-Star since leaving the Los Angeles Lakers has been impressive.
Tobias Harris, now a member of the Detroit Pistons, averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with the Philadelphia 76ers this past season. His scoring efficiency and versatility make him a valuable starter even if he was grossly overpaid as a max player. Hopefully, Harris can prove his worth with the Pistons next year.
Jonathan Kuminga , the young forward for the Golden State Warriors, is showing promise with his athleticism and defensive potential. Averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Kuminga's growth is evident. His potential to become a key player for the Warriors makes him an intriguing starter now that Klay Thompson is gone.
Bobby Portis, the energetic forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor and his rebounding make him a valuable asset whether he starts alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup or comes off the bench as a valuable sixth man.
The 21-year-old Jabari Smith Jr., the young forward for the Houston Rockets, averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His potential as a two-way player and his shooting ability make him an exciting prospect alongside budding All-Star center Alperen Sengun.
The 28-year-old Cameron Johnson, a sharpshooter for the Brooklyn Nets, averaged 13.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His three-point shooting (39.1%) and defensive capabilities make him a valuable starter and one of the 25 best power forwards in the league.
P.J. Washington had an excellent season once he was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks, posting 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game with the team in the regular season and 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Going forward, Washington looks to be a key member of the Mavericks.
The 21-year-old Jeremy Sochan averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 74 appearances for the San Antonio Spurs. His athleticism and defensive skills make him a promising young starter who looks to develop alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Finally, Obi Toppin, contributing to the Indiana Pacers, averaged 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 40.3% from three. His athleticism and dunking ability provide excitement for the Pacers’ offense that seems to work well with the talented forward running up and down the court.
Related: The Best NBA Shooting Guards In 2023-24 By Tiers
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