NBA Power Forwards: Since the start of the millennium, the NBA landscape has changed drastically as the biggest names in basketball rise and fall in popularity. There have been many dominant players in the power forward position who have contributed significantly to the history of the league. The power forward position has changed, but its significance has not, from the post-up period of the early 2000s to the current, positionless game we witness today.
In this thorough piece, we travel back in time to remember the outstanding NBA power forwards that have graced the hardwood every year since the year 2000. Since 2000, we have examined the best small forwards in each season as well as the point guards and even shooting guards who dominated their positions.
Which NBA Power Forwards Are The Best Since 2000?
Here is the list of the top NBA power forwards in the world, updated annually since the 1999–2000 NBA season.
2000-2003: Tim Duncan
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG
From 2000 through 2003, Tim Duncan held the title of best NBA power forward thanks to his unrivalled consistency, leadership, and skill set. He was a complete player who excelled on both ends of the court, not just as a scorer.
Duncan has an extremely high basketball IQ. He possessed a thorough comprehension of the game, which helped him make wise choices under duress. Duncan’s basketball IQ was a major contributor to his supremacy, whether it was his capacity to read the game defensively, create screens, or make accurate passes.
Duncan achieved a lot during this time, including winning back-to-back MVP titles in 2002 and 2003 and one NBA championship in 2003 against the New Jersey Nets. His finest effort occurred in Game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals when Duncan had a stat line of 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks—two blocks shy of a quadruple-double—to seal the victory and claim the title. His flexibility and capacity to have an influence on the game in many areas were demonstrated by this performance.
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2004: Kevin Garnett
Career Stats: 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG
Incredibly, Kevin Garnett dominated the NBA in the 2003–04 season. In addition to winning MVP, he took the Minnesota Timberwolves on the longest playoff run in the team’s history at the time, taking them all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
Because of his versatility and unique skill set, Garnett was one of the remarkable NBA power forwards. He could score from wherever on the court, including the post, the centre, and sporadically even stepping outside to convert three-point goals. He was a nightmare for opponents because of his unmatched defensive abilities and adaptability in guarding different positions.
Garnett stood out because of his drive and charisma. He set the tone for the Timberwolves with his work ethic, defensive grit, and selflessness. He was the team’s heart and soul. The 2003–04 Garnett MVP season set a new standard. With 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, he averaged a double-double. His all-around ability and leadership played a big part in his winning MVP.
2005-2007: Dirk Nowitzki
Career Stats: 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Dirk Nowitzki’s ability to score was amazing between 2005 and 2007. He had incredible precision while scoring from wherever on the court. It was nearly difficult to defend against his one-legged fadeaway since he was just as dangerous from beyond the arc. He was essential to the Dallas Mavericks’ success because they were able to run their offensive via him thanks to the variety of goals he scored.
Amazingly, the German averaged 25.7 points per game while shooting 48.0% from the field, 40.6% from three, and 89.0% from the line. He was a finesse player. 9.2 rebounds per game were also delivered by him. Nowitzki’s leadership abilities were crucial to the team’s success during this time period in addition to his stats since the Mavericks made the NBA Finals in 2006 but lost to the Miami Heat.
Later, in 2007, Nowitzki won league MVP after posting a legendary 50-40-90 season with averages of 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 50.2% from the field, 41.6% from three, and 90.4% from the line. Even though the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round, Nowitzki was the guy in the NBA Power forwards position.
2008: Kevin Garnett
Career Stats: 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG
The NBA season of 2007–2008 was a pivotal year for Kevin Garnett. When Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined forces in Boston, the Celtics immediately rose to the top of the Eastern Conference. They defeated the LeBron James-led Cavaliers in seven games, the Atlanta Hawks in seven games, and the Detroit Pistons in six games during their amazing postseason run. The Celtics defeated Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the Finals in six games.
The foundation of Garnett’s influence this season was his defence. His defensive tenacity and basketball IQ improved the performance of the entire squad. The Celtics became one of the league’s top defensive teams thanks to his versatility in guarding various spots, obstructing passing lanes, and defending the rim.
The Big Ticket finished the season averaging 18.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, which helped him earn Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to being an outstanding post defender, Garnett’s outspoken leadership played a significant role in the Boston Celtics’ 66 regular-season victories and ultimate title.
2009-10: Tim Duncan
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG
By the time the 2009 season arrived around, Tim Duncan had already won four NBA titles, but he was unquestionably the greatest at his position both in that season and in 2010. The fact that Duncan was able to play at a high level far into his 30s was what made his seasons in 2009 and 2010 so exceptional. He demonstrated his toughness, talent, and basketball intelligence, all of which allowed him to keep playing at the top level.
With the San Antonio Spurs, The Big Fundamental averaged 18.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks a game. While his stats were impressive, the power forward was also a force on the defensive end. He was smothering in the position, yet in 2009 and 2010, the Spurs achieved 54 victories and 50 victories, respectively. Even though Duncan would afterwards lose a stride, his influence was immense.
2011: Dirk Nowitzki
Career Stats: 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
The 2010–11 NBA season was a turning point for Dirk Nowitzki both personally and professionally. Few players have ever achieved the degree of personal perfection he did in winning his first NBA title.
This season, Nowitzki’s ability to score was the key to his success. He averaged 23.3 points per game during the regular season and 27.7 points per game during the playoffs. He had a propensity for shooting clutch baskets in critical situations and his one-legged fadeaway was nearly difficult to stop. His leadership skills and capacity to support the Mavericks throughout the playoffs were outstanding.
Nowitzki had tough competition in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. However, he excelled and proved that he could play on the highest platform. His tenacity and fortitude served as an example to both his colleagues and the audience as he won the Finals MVP award.
2012: Kevin Love
Career Stats: 16.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Kevin Love was selected for the NBA All-Star squad for the second consecutive year in the 2011–12 season, confirming his status as the league’s best power forward after winning Most Improved Player the year before. During the 2011–12 season, Kevin Love started an unprecedented run of 53 games in which he had double-digit points and rebounds.
This accomplishment demonstrated his proficiency and dependability in rebounding. Love’s ability to score both inside and outside the paint demonstrated his flexibility as a power forward. He demonstrated both his ability to score and his domination on the boards with an average of 26.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
He was a capable offensive threat because of his 37.2% three-point shooting ability to open up the floor. He had the ability to penetrate the defence, make mid-range jump shots, and tyre it out by making 3-pointers. He finished second in the league behind Dwight Howard thanks to his rebounding toughness and versatile scoring style.
2013-2014: Tim Duncan
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG
Even though he wasn’t at the top of his game, Tim Duncan led all players in his position for the dynasty San Antonio Spurs in 2013 and 2014. Over the course of these seasons, Duncan’s excellent leadership significantly assisted the San Antonio Spurs’ title runs.
He set the tone for the team with his basketball IQ, selflessness, and determination to win. When it counted most, he scored and made critical defensive stops to display his clutch performance. The big guy was the uncontested team captain in 2013, as the Spurs won 58 games while making an unsuccessful run to the NBA Finals.
Kawhi Leonard was the team’s top performer in 2014, but Duncan was the NBA’s finest power forward and the team’s captain. Duncan helped the Spurs go to the NBA Finals once more thanks to his playmaking in the post and strong defence. The Spurs then thrashed the Miami Heat in five games to earn Duncan’s fifth NBA title and cement his status as the finest power forward of all time.
2015: Anthony Davis
Career Stats: 24.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG
Throughout his career, Anthony Davis alternated between the power forward and centre positions, but when he played power forward, he was the best on the court. In the 2014–15 NBA season, Anthony Davis was selected for the second time, emphasising his prominence as one of the league’s young stars at the age of 21.
With game averages of 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 1.5 steals, Davis had a stellar statistical season in 2014–15. He was a force on both sides of the court because of his versatility as a big man and led the league in blocks per game. It was fascinating to watch a guy as talented as Tim Duncan develop throughout the course of his career.
Without a doubt, Davis’ 2015 season was his breakthrough season as a real superstar because of his exceptional ability to do every task on the court at a high level. The New Orleans Pelicans also reached the playoffs by winning 45 games.
2016-2017: Draymond Green
Career Stats: 8.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The Golden State Warriors Draymond Green’s 2015–16 season was distinguished by his remarkable defensive skills, adaptability, and leadership. Although he didn’t have the eye-popping scoring totals of some other NBA power forwards, he still had a significant effect on the game and was selected to his first All-Star Team.
Green was the cornerstone of the Warriors’ defence on defence. He was a special and priceless asset because of his capacity to switch onto guards and defend the rim. His triple-doubles of 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game were evidence of his all-around value. With the team’s success during their unprecedented 73-win season, Green’s leadership and intangibles may have been his most important contributions.
Green was the finest defender in the world in 2016–17, leading the NBA in steals per game, and he ultimately won Defensive Player of the Year. Green had outstanding seasons in 2016 and 2017 and was the major defensive anchor for the Golden State Warriors that welcomed Kevin Durant. Green was also the team’s undeniable leader both on and off the court.
2018: Anthony Davis
Career Stats: 24.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG
The 2017–18 season was another example of Anthony Davis’ impressive two-way skills and adaptability as a power forward. He was one of the league’s finest all-around players since he was not only a powerful scorer but also a top-notch defender.
Davis was a formidable weapon offensively. His scoring repertoire was wide, encompassing post moves, mid-range jumpers, and three-point shooting. He averaged 28.1 points per game on 53.4% from the field, 34.0% from three, and 82.8% from the line because of his ability to stretch the floor as a big man.
Davis led the NBA in shot blocks per game (2.6), and his rim protection and shot blocking were exceptional. He was a game-changer on that end because of his ability to block shots and disrupt opponents’ attempts to get to the rim. The 24-year-old’s defensive skill was further enhanced by his fast hands and capacity for generating steals, and it was becoming unnerving how excellent he was.
2019-2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Career Stats: 22.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.3 BPG
From 2019 until 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo held the title of top power forward in the NBA because of his extraordinary blend of athleticism, talent, and basketball IQ. The “Greek Freak” moniker came about because he is largely recognised as one of the most dominant and adaptable players in league history.
Giannis is a force in the paint offensively with his ability to drive to the hoop and finish despite contact. During this time, he averaged 29.2 points per game while shooting 56.1% from the field. As a forward, he had great playmaking skills since he frequently started the Bucks’ offence and produced scoring opportunities for his teammates (5.8).
Giannis has also been a problem for rivals defensively. He is a top rim protector thanks to his length, quickness, and shot-blocking skills. He can also guard a variety of spots on the perimeter. The Greek Freak earned Defensive Player of the Year in the 2020 campaign, which was also the campaign in which he took home his second consecutive MVP award.
Giannis’ championship win in the 2020–21 season, during which he also won the Finals MVP award, is the main reason why he is regarded as the best at his position. The Milwaukee Bucks player will continue to be the greatest in his position for the foreseeable future because he is only 28 years old.
These are the NBA Power Forwards that are the best since 2000. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
