Greatest NBA Power Forwards of All Time
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What makes the perfect power forward? It depends on which basketball skills you value most. Rebounding? Defense? Elite scoring ability? Championships?
More than that, does a great power forward have to be a certain size? Of all the five positions, power forward is the hardest and the easiest to define. Hard because of the importance placed on different abilities. Easy because there's one undeniable trait all great power forwards have, toughness.
These are the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
50. Otis Thorpe
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Born: Aug. 5, 1962 (Boynton Beach, Florida)
High school: Lake Worth Community High School (Lake Worth, Florida)
College: Providence
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 250 pounds
Career: 17 seasons (1984-2001)
Teams: Kansas City/Sacramento Kings (1984-88, 1998), Houston Rockets (1988-95), Portland Trail Blazers (1995), Detroit Pistons (1995-97), Vancouver Grizzlies (1997-98), Washington Wizards (1999), Miami Heat (1999-2000), Charlotte Hornets (2000-01)
Stats: 1,257 G, 14.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 54.6 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1994), NBA All-Star (1992)
(Note: All stats are through the end of the 2022-2023 regular season)
Bottom Line: Otis Thorpe
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Otis Thorpe played for eight teams over 17 seasons but is best known for his seven-year stretch with the Houston Rockets and winning an NBA title with them in 1994.
Thorpe was the perfect complement for the Rockets next to Hakeem Olajuwon in the frontcourt and set the Rockets' single-season field-goal percentage record at 55.9 percent in the championship season.
With Thorpe and Olajuwon, the Rockets had two players who could instantaneously switch between the two frontcourt positions.
49. Larry Johnson
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Born: March 14, 1969 (Tyler, Texas)
High school: Skyline High School (Dallas, Texas)
College: UNLV
Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 235 pounds
Career: 10 seasons (1991-2001)
Teams: Charlotte Hornets (1991-1996), New York Knicks (1996-2001)
Stats: 707 G, 16.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 48.4 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA All-Star (1993, 1995), All-NBA Team (1993), NBA Rookie of the Year (1992)
Bottom Line: Larry Johnson
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At one point in NBA history, there was no player tougher or more intimidating than Larry Johnson, the No. 1 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991 out of UNLV.
Johnson, a two-time All-Star, signed the richest contract in NBA history in 1993 when the Hornets got him for 12 years, $84 million.
His size, 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, was more NFL defensive end than power forward but may have also been the cause of back problems that ended his career.
48. David West
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Born: Aug. 29, 1980 (Teaneck, New Jersey)
High school: Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Virginia)
College: Xavier
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 250 pounds
Career: 15 seasons (2003-18)
Teams: New Orleans Hornets (2003-11), Indiana Pacers (2011-15), San Antonio Spurs (2015-16), Golden State Warriors (2016-18)
Stats: 1,034 G, 13.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 49.5 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA champion (2017, 2018), two-time NBA All-Star (2008, 2009)
Bottom Line: David West
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It's easy to forget how dominant David West was in the post for the New Orleans Hornets for the first eight seasons of his career — he made back-to-back All-Star teams in 2008 and 2009.
In those two seasons, West averaged over 20 points per game for the only times in his career and had the two best years of his career rebounding the ball, averaging 8.9 and 8.1 rebounds.
West's improvement was easy for all to see. He started just nine games over his first two seasons, then started every game he played with New Orleans over the next six seasons.
47. Connie Hawkins
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Born: July 17, 1942 (Brooklyn, New York)
Died: Oct. 6, 2017 (age 75, Phoenix, Arizona)
High school: Boys High School (Brooklyn, New York)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 210 pounds
Career: 15 seasons (1961-76)
Teams: Pittsburgh Rens (1961-63), Harlem Globetrotters (1963-67), Pittsburgh/Minnesota Pipers (1967-69), Phoenix Suns (1969-73), Los Angeles Lakers (1973-75), Atlanta Hawks (1975-76)
NBA Stats: 616 G, 18.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 47.1 FG%
Career highlights: ABA champion (1968), ABA Playoffs MVP (1968), ABA MVP (1968), ABA All-Star (1968), two-time All-ABA Team (1968, 1969), three-time All-NBA Team (1968-70), four-time NBA All-Star (1970-73), ABA All-Time Team
Bottom Line: Connie Hawkins
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Few athletes in history have experienced the railroading Connie Hawkins got early in his basketball career, when he was expelled from the University of Iowa and blackballed from the NCAA and NAIA levels before he could even play a college game.
The crime? His involvement in a point-shaving scandal ... that occurred before Hawkins was even at Iowa.
He bounced back and crafted a career as one of the greatest power forwards of all time, making All-Star games in three different professional leagues — the ABL, ABA and finally, the NBA.
46. Elton Brand
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Born: March 11, 1979 (Cortlandt Manor, New York)
High school: Peekskill High School (Peekskill, New York)
College: Duke
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 254 pounds
Career: 17 seasons (1999-2016)
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1999-2001), Los Angeles Clippers (2001-08), Philadelphia 76ers (2008-12, 2016), Dallas Mavericks (2012-13), Atlanta Hawks (2013-15),
Stats: 1,058, 15.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 50.0 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA All-Star (2002, 2006), All-NBA Team (2006), NBA Co-Rookie of the Year (2000)
Bottom Line: Elton Brand
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Elton Brand was drafted No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1999 and lasted two seasons before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in one of the more head-scratching front-office decisions of all time.
Through no fault of his own, Brand was surrounded by less-than-stellar talent through his first seven seasons in the NBA on the Bulls and Clippers. He didn't even make the playoffs for the first time until 2006.
A ruptured Achilles tendon changed Brand in 2007, but he was always one of the more dominant power forwards in the league in his prime.
45. Anthony Davis
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Born: March 11, 1993 (Chicago, Illinois)
High school: Perspectives Charter Schools (Chicago, Illinois)
College: Kentucky
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 253 pounds
Career: 11 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: New Orleans Pelicans (2012-2019), Los Angeles Lakers (2019-present)
Stats: 660 G, 24.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 51.9 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2020), eight-time NBA All-Star (2014-21), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2017), four-time All-NBA Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), four-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), NBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
Bottom Line: Anthony Davis
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It pains us to put Anthony Davis on this list, but here we are.
Davis has insisted on playing power forward throughout the majority of his career and been pretty good at it, even though it's not his natural position. With the New Orleans Pelicans, he made six All-Star teams and was a three-time All-NBA pick, along with being named All-Star Most Valuable Player in 2017.
When Davis was finally forced into playing center, we saw the results. He helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020 and back to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Davis had already established himself as one of the best shot blockers in NBA history in seven seasons with the Pelicans, averaging 2.4 blocks for his career and leading the league in blocks three seasons.
44. Blake Griffin
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Born: March 16, 1989 (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
High school: Oklahoma Christian School (Edmond, Oklahoma)
College: Oklahoma
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 250 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (2009-present)
Teams: Los Angeles Clippers (2009-2018), Detroit Pistons (2018-21), Brooklyn Nets (2021-22), Boston Celtics (2022-present)
Stats: 765 G, 19.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 49.3 FG%
Career highlights: Six-time NBA All-Star (2011-15, 2019), five-time All-NBA Team (2012-15, 2019), NBA Rookie of the Year (2011), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2011)
Bottom Line: Blake Griffin
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Selected No. 1 overall in the 2009 NBA draft out of the University of Oklahoma, Blake Griffin helped define an era for the Los Angeles Clippers in which the franchise was consistently competitive for an extended period for the first time. Ever.
He also helped define that same stretch by injuries and questionable decisions off the court, including injuring his hand when he punched a member of the team’s equipment staff.
Still, Griffin's contributions to the success of the Clippers in the "Lob City" era alongside Chris Paul can't be overlooked. Griffin made four consecutive All-NBA teams from 2012-15, when he averaged over 20 points and almost 10 rebounds, along with a more-than-impressive 4.2 assists.
Griffin is spending the last part of his career as a reliable journeyman and was on his third team in three seasons with the Boston Celtics in 2022-23.
43. LaMarcus Aldridge
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Born: July 19, 1985 (Dallas, Texas)
High school: Seagoville High School (Dallas, Texas)
College: Texas
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 250 pounds
Career: 17 seasons (2006-present)
Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (2006-15), San Antonio Spurs (2015-21), Brooklyn Nets (2021-22)
Stats: 1,076 G, 19.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 49.3 FG%
Career highlights: Five-time All-NBA Team (2011, 2014-16, 2018), seven-time NBA All-Star (2012-16, 2018, 2019)
Bottom Line: LaMarcus Aldridge
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There's no reason LaMarcus Aldridge shouldn't be ranked higher, which we can credit directly to his inability to share the spotlight with guard Damian Lillard when both were with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Aldridge is supremely talented — as evidenced by his 19.3 points and 8.2 rebounds average for his career. He's just not a winner. He made it past the first round of the playoffs three times in 17 seasons and never played in the NBA Finals. That's the biggest part of his legacy.
42. Terry Cummings
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Born: March 15, 1961 (Chicago, Illinois)
High school: Carver High School (Chicago, Illinois)
College: DePaul
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Career: 18 seasons (1982-2000)
Teams: San Diego Clippers (1982-84), Milwaukee Bucks (1984-89, 1995-96), San Antonio Spurs (1989-95), Seattle SuperSonics (1996-97), Philadelphia 76ers (1997-98), New York Knicks (1998), Golden State Warriors (1999-2000)
Stats: 1,183 G, 16.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 48.4 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time All-NBA Team (1985, 1989), two-time NBA All-Star (1985, 1989), NBA Rookie of the Year (1983)
Bottom Line: Terry Cummings
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Terry Cummings was one of the more feared players in NBA history — a talented, 6-foot-9, 220-pound power forward who made it through the rough-and-tumble NBA of the 1980s intact.
That was on brand for Cummings, who wanted to be a professional hockey player before an unexpected growth spurt in high school.
Cummings was a big-time scorer in the first half of his career. He averaged over 20 points in eight of his first 10 seasons but never averaged in double digits for his last eight seasons.
41. Rashard Lewis
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Born: Aug. 8, 1979 (Pineville, Louisiana)
High school: Elsik High School (Houston, Texas)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 235 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1998-2014)
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics (1998-2007), Orlando Magic (2007-10), Washington Wizards (2010-12), Miami Heat (2012-14)
Stats: 1,049 G, 14.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 45.2 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2013), two-time NBA All-Star (2005, 2009)
Bottom Line: Rashard Lewis
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Rashard Lewis established himself as one of the dominant small forwards in the NBA during the first eight seasons of his career with the Seattle SuperSonics and signed a six-year, $118 million contract with the Orlando Magic in 2007.
The Magic, smartly, moved Lewis to power forward, and he began to shoot 3-pointers at an astounding clip and helped lead the team to the 2009 NBA Finals.
Lewis only spent three seasons with the Magic but was aces in his time there, averaging 16.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in that stretch before he was traded to the Washington Wizards following a suspension for violating the NBA's substance abuse policy.
40. Amar'e Stoudemire
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Born: Nov. 16, 1982 (Lake Wales, Florida)
High school: Cypress Creek High School (Orlando, Florida)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 245 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (2002-16)
Teams: Phoenix Suns (2002-10), New York Knicks (2010-15), Dallas Mavericks (2015), Miami Heat (2015-16)
Stats: 846 G, 18.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 53.7 FG%
Career highlights: Five-time All-NBA Team (2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011), six-time NBA All-Star (2005, 2007-11), NBA Rookie of the Year (2003)
Bottom Line: Amar'e Stoudemire
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Amar'e Stoudemire was one of the biggest stars in the NBA in the early 2000s. You can also make an argument he changed the game for the worst as he incessantly argued with refs in his heyday.
Stoudemire was a freak on the court. An athletic miracle at 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, he was at his best in the NBA when he was paired with two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash on the Phoenix Suns.
39. Jermaine O'Neal
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Born: Oct. 13, 1978 (Columbia, South Carolina)
High school: Eau Claire High School (Columbia, South Carolina)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 255 pounds
Career: 18 seasons (1996-2014)
Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (1996-2000), Indiana Pacers (2000-08), Toronto Raptors (2008-09), Miami Heat (2009-10), Boston Celtics (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Golden State Warriors (2013-14)
Stats: 1,011 G, 13.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 46.7 FG%
Career highlights: Six-time NBA All-Star (2002-07), three-time All-NBA Team (2002-04), NBA Most Improved Player (2002)
Bottom Line: Jermaine O'Neal
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Jermaine O'Neal went directly to the NBA out of high school and languished on the Portland Trail Blazers' bench for the first four seasons of his career before he was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
With the Pacers, O'Neal became one of the best post players in the NBA, making six consecutive All-Star teams, three consecutive All-NBA teams and earning NBA Most Improved Player honors in 2002.
Unfortunately for O'Neal, his time with the team will most likely be remembered for his role in the "Malice at the Palace" in 2004 — one of the worst incidents in NBA history.
38. Rasheed Wallace
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Born: Sept. 17, 1974 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
High school: Simon Gratz High School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
College: North Carolina
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 255 pounds
Career: 18 seasons (1995-2013)
Teams: Washington Bullets (1995-96), Portland Trail Blazers (1996-2004), Atlanta Hawks (2004), Detroit Pistons (2004-09), Boston Celtics (2009-10), New York Knicks (2012-13)
Career highlights: NBA champion (2004), four-time NBA All-Star (2000, 2001, 2006, 2008), NBA All-Rookie Team (1996)
Bottom Line: Rasheed Wallace
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Rasheed Wallace might be one of the more misunderstood NBA stars of all time. But like it or not, he spent his career carving out a reputation built more on his propensity for receiving technical fouls than winning games.
Wallace set the NBA single-season record with technical fouls when he received 41 in 2001-02 and is No. 3 on the NBA career list with 317 technicals, although he's No. 1 with 26 career ejections.
It should be pointed out that Wallace is also among the NBA's career leaders in blocks, playoff games and career games.
37. George McGinnis
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Born: Aug. 12, 1950 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
High school: George Washington High School (Indianapolis, Indiana)
College: Indiana
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 235 pounds
Career: 11 seasons (1971-82)
Teams: Indiana Pacers (1971-75, 1982), Philadelphia 76ers (1975-78), Denver Nuggets (1978-80),
Stats: 842 G, 20.2 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 45.8 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time ABA champion (1972, 1973), ABA Playoffs MVP (1973), ABA MVP (1975), three-time ABA All-Star (1973-75), three-time All-ABA Team (1973-75), ABA All-Time Team, three-time NBA All-Star (1976, 1977, 1979), two-time All-NBA Team (1976, 1977)
Bottom Line: George McGinnis
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George McGinnis is a player whose career has been mostly lost to the ages — thanks in no small part to having all of his best seasons with the Indiana Pacers when they were still in the ABA.
McGinnis led the Pacers to two ABA championships and had as big of a role in the team being selected to join the NBA than perhaps any player in its history.
McGinnis was a monster in the post. He averaged 20.2 points and 11.0 rebounds for his career, along with an eye-popping 3.7 assists. The big man could really dish.
36. Buck Williams
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Born: March 8, 1960 (Rocky Mount, North Carolina)
High school: Rocky Mount High School (Rocky Mount, North Carolina)
College: Maryland
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 215 pounds
Career: 17 (1981-1998)
Teams: New Jersey Nets (1981-1989), Portland Trail Blazers (1989-1996), New York Knicks (1996-1998)
Stats: 1,307 G, 12.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 54.9 FG%
Career highlights: Three-time NBA All-Star (1982, 1983, 1986), All-NBA Team (1983), four-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1988, 1990-92), NBA Rookie of the Year (1982)
Bottom Line: Buck Williams
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Buck Williams was the definition of an NBA player bringing his lunch pail to work. The 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year earned a reputation for toughness and rebounding on the way to three All-Star game selections and four NBA All-Defensive Team nods.
Williams spent his first eight seasons with the Nets but became a household name during his seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. That’s when America got to know his trademark goggles (and beard) on the way to NBA Finals losses to the Bulls and Pistons.
For 1990s video-game kids, he was also one of three players on the original "NBA Jam" who could consistently rebound. But it was in those first eight seasons with the Nets that Williams established himself as a player to be reckoned with.
35. Dan Issel
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Born: Oct. 25, 1948 (Batavia, Illinois)
High school: Batavia High School (Batavia, Illinois)
College: Kentucky
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Career: 9 seasons (1976-85)
Teams: Denver Nuggets
Stats: 1,218 G, 22.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 49.9 FG%
Career highlights: NBA All-Star (1977)
Bottom Line: Dan Issel
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The street Dan Issel grew up in Batavia, Illinois, was home to not just one, but two future sports superstars in Issel and future NFL Most Valuable Player Ken Anderson, who played quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unfortunately for Issel, he spent the prime of his career playing in the ABA with the Kentucky Colonels before the Denver Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976, where Issel still dominated to the tune of 22.6 points and 9.1 rebounds for his nine seasons there.
Growing up on the same block as Issel and Anderson in Batavia was another future star — just this one on the sports broadcasting side, the late Craig Sager.
34. Spencer Haywood
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Born: April 22, 1949 (Silver City, Mississippi)
High school: Pershing High School (Detroit, Michigan)
College: Detroit Mercy
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 225 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (1969-83)
Teams: Denver Rockets (1969-70), Seattle SuperSonics (1970-75), New York Knicks (1975-79), New Orleans Jazz (1979), Los Angeles Lakers (1979-80), Washington Bullets (1981-83)
Stats: 844 G, 20.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 46.9 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1980), ABA MVP (1970), four-time NBA All-Star (1972-75), ABA All-Star (1970), ABA All-Star Game MVP (1970), four-time All-NBA Team (1972-75), All-ABA Team (1970), ABA All-Time Team
Bottom Line: Spencer Haywood
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Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood was drafted by the Buffalo Braves at No. 30 overall despite already playing for another NBA team at the time, the Seattle SuperSonics. Haywood had started his pro career before he was draft-eligible to earn money. The NBA sued the Sonics and Haywood to make him play for the Braves and lost.
Haywood was as good as any NBA power forward in the league during most of the 1970s, but his career came undone due to a crippling cocaine addiction. He won his only NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980 but was kicked off the team during the NBA Finals when he fell asleep during practice.
33. Tom Chambers
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Born: June 21, 1959 (Ogden, Utah)
High school: Fairview High School (Boulder, Colorado)
College: Utah
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 230 pounds
Career: 15 seasons (1981-95, 1997)
Teams: San Diego Clippers (1981-83), Seattle SuperSonics (1983-88), Phoenix Suns (1988-93), Utah Jazz (1993-95), Charlotte Hornets (1997), Philadelphia 76ers (1997)
Stats: 1,107 G, 18.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 46.8 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time All-NBA Team (1989, 1990), four-time NBA All-Star (1987, 1989-91), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1987)
Bottom Line: Tom Chambers
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Fine, we'll say it. Tom Chambers was one of the most underrated players in NBA history. Not just power forwards.
An electric dunker with a penchant for high-flying plays, Chambers made two All-NBA Teams in his career and was also the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in 1997.
Chambers had great shooting range and is a player who was probably born about 20 years too soon. He would have thrived in today's NBA.
32. Antawn Jamison
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Born: June 12, 1976 (Shreveport, Louisiana)
High school: Providence High School (Charlotte, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1998-2014)
Teams: Golden State Warriors (1998-2003), Dallas Mavericks (2003-04), Washington Wizards (2004-10), Cleveland Cavaliers (2010-12), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13), Los Angeles Clippers (2013-14)
Stats: 1,083 G, 18.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 45.1 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA All-Star (2005, 2008), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2004), NBA All-Rookie Team (1999)
Bottom Line: Antawn Jamison
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Some players just have the bad luck of playing on truly horrendous teams throughout their career through no fault of their own. Count Antawn Jamison among those.
Jamison was one of the best power forwards in the NBA for 14 out of his 16 seasons but only went past the first round of the playoffs twice in his career.
It would have been interesting to see what Jamison could have done on a team surrounded by uniquely capable talents in his prime.
31. Dolph Schayes
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Born: May 18, 1928 (The Bronx, New York)
Died: Dec. 10, 2015 (age 87, Syracuse, New York)
High school: DeWitt Clinton High School (The Bronx, New York)
College: NYU
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1948-64)
Teams: Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers
Stats: 996 G, 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 38.0 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1955), 12-time NBA All-Star (1951-62), 12-time All-NBA Team (1950-61), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Dolph Schayes
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Bronx native Dolph Schayes led NYU to the NCAA tournament final as a 16-year-old college freshman in 1945, then became a 12-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA pick with both sets of honors coming in 12 consecutive seasons.
Schayes won his lone NBA title in 1955 and played his entire, 16-year career with one franchise, the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers. Schayes' game was unique even for his era as a big man with a high-arcing, outside jumper.
His son, Danny, played 18 seasons in the NBA from 1981 to 1999.
30. Shawn Kemp
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Born: Nov. 26, 1969 (Elkhart, Indiana)
High school: Concord High School (Elkhart, Indiana)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 230 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (1989-2003)
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics (1989-97), Cleveland Cavaliers (1997-2000), Portland Trail Blazers (2000-02), Orlando Magic (2002-03)
Stats: 1,051 G, 15.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 46.4 FG%
Career highlights: Six-time NBA All-Star (1993-98), three-time All-NBA Team (1994-96)
Bottom Line: Shawn Kemp
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The greatness of Shawn Kemp has been lost to the years, but feel free to cue up YouTube highlights from his eight seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics to see why his name belongs among the greatest power forwards of all time.
Few players in the 1990s played above the rim with the sheer ferocity and athleticism Shawn Kemp did, and he was an All-NBA pick for three consecutive years in Seattle, including teaming with Gary Payton to guide the Sonics to the NBA Finals in 1996.
Off-court issues, including his out-of-control weight gain, sank Kemp's career in its later stages as he bounced from team to team. That's also what caused his career numbers to take the dip they did. He averaged under 7 points per game for his last three seasons.
29. Zach Randolph
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Born: July 16, 1981 (Marion, Indiana)
High school: Marion High School (Marion, Indiana)
College: Michigan State
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 250 pounds
Career: 18 seasons (2001-2019)
Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (2001-2007), New York Knicks (2007-2008), Los Angeles Clippers (2008-2009), Memphis Grizzlies (2009-2017), Sacramento Kings (2017-2019)
Stats: 755 G, 14.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 42.7 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA All-Star (2010, 2013), All-NBA Third Team (2011), NBA Most Improved Player (2004)
Bottom Line: Zach Randolph
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Zach Randolph is perhaps the most durable, underrated and intimidating player of his generation.
The stories of Z-Bo’s toughness are legendary in NBA circles and the fact that he played at least 70 games in 12 of 18 seasons cannot be overlooked.
Randolph toiled away for a lot of his career in obscurity and ruined his own best chance at playoff success when he punched Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams in the jaw in Game 6 of a 2014 NBA playoff series. He was suspended for Game 7, which the Grizzlies lost.
Don't feel too bad for Randolph. He made almost $200 million in career earnings.
28. Bobby Jones
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Born: Dec. 18, 1951 (Charlotte, North Carolina)
High school: South Mecklenburg High School (Charlotte, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 210 pounds
Career: 12 seasons (1974-86)
Teams: Denver Nuggets (1974-78), Philadelphia 76ers (1978-86)
Stats: 941 G, 12.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 56.0 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1983), four-time NBA All-Star (1977, 1978, 1981, 1982), nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1977-85), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983)
Bottom Line: Bobby Jones
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Bobby Jones was one of the toughest players in NBA history and the first winner of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1983.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft out of North Carolina, Jones made nine NBA All-Defensive Teams in his career and teams he played on made the playoffs every year of his career, including winning an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
Jones' numbers don't jump off the page, but the thing he did best was play defense. "The Secretary of Defense" was a thorn in the side of every big-time post player of his generation.
27. Kevin Love
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Born: Sept. 7, 1988 (Santa Monica, California)
High school: Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego, Oregon)
College: UCLA
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 250 ounds
Career: 15 seasons (2008-present)
Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves (2008-2014), Cleveland Cavaliers (2014-23), Miami Heat (2023-present)
Stats: 874 G, 16.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43.9 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2016), five-time NBA All-Star (2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018), two-time All-NBA (2012, 2014), NBA Most Improved Player (2011), NBA All-Rookie Team (2009), NBA 3-Point Contest champion (2012)
Bottom Line: Kevin Love
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For whatever reason, the debate about Kevin Love has seemed to be a constant throughout his career — which is insane if you look at what he's accomplished in 13 seasons.
Love not only won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 in arguably the greatest comeback in NBA history, but he's also a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA pick with an offensive toolbox few big men have ever possessed.
Unfortunately he's done himself zero favors in the legacy department in the latter stages of his career, most notably with his petulant act with the Cavs over the last few seasons, although he did seem to get it together enough to earn a buyout with the team in the 2022-23 season. Love signed with the Miami Heat and played in the 2023 NBA Finals.
26. Vern Mikkelsen
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Born: Oct. 21, 1928 (Parlier, California)
Died: Nov. 21, 2013 (age 85, Wayzata, Minnesota)
High school: Askov High School (Askov, Minnesota)
College: Hamline University
Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 230 pounds
Career: 10 seasons (1949-59)
Teams: Minneapolis Lakers
Stats: 699 G, 14.4 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 40.3 FG%
Career highlights: Four-time NBA champion (1950, 1952-54), six-time NBA All-Star (1951-53, 1955-57), four-time All-NBA (1951-53, 1955)
Bottom Line: Vern Mikkelsen
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Vern Mikkelsen won four NBA championships in his first five seasons with the Minneapolis Lakers playing in the frontcourt alongside fellow Hall of Famer George Mikan.
Mikkelsen was stout for his era at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds — bigger than almost every power forward in his era. He was also incredibly durable, playing in 699 out of 704 possible games and setting an NBA record by fouling out of 127 games.
Keep in mind the NBA didn't even begin recording that statistic until his second season.
25. Chris Webber
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Born: March 1, 1973 (Detroit, Michigan)
High school: Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills, Michigan)
College: Michigan
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 245 pounds
Career: 15 seasons (1993-2008)
Teams: Golden State Warriors (1993-94, 2008), Washington Bullets/Wizards (1994-98), Sacramento Kings (1998-2005), Philadelphia 76ers (2005-07)
Stats: 831 G, 20.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.7 APG, 47.9 FG%
Career highlights: Five-time NBA All-Star (1997, 2000-03), five-time All-NBA Team (1999-2003), NBA Rookie of the Year (1994)
Bottom Line: Chris Webber
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One of the most enigmatic stars in NBA history, Chris Webber was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft but only spent one season with his first team, the Golden State Warriors, then torched every bridge he could on his way out with the Washington Bullets/Wizards.
Webber was never better than in his seven seasons with the Sacramento Kings, where he turned the moribund franchise into a legitimate NBA title contender, was a five-time All-NBA pick and made four of his five All-Star appearances.
There's no doubt Webber should be higher on this list, but NBA fans know what we saw from Webber over his 15 seasons. He actually tried about half the time.
24. Dave DeBusschere
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Born: Oct. 16, 1940 (Detroit, Michigan)
Died: May 14, 2003 (age 62, New York City, New York)
High school: Austin Catholic Preparatory School (Detroit, Michigan)
College: Detroit Mercy
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Career: 12 seasons (1962-1974)
Teams: Detroit Pistons (1962-1968), New York Knicks (1968-1974)
Stats: 875 G, 16.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 43.2 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA champion (1970, 1973), six-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1969-74), eight-time NBA All-Star (1966-68, 1970-74), All-NBA Team (1969), NBA All-Rookie Team (1963), NBA 50th Anniversary Team, NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Dave DeBusschere
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Dave DeBusschere was one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, making the All-NBA Defensive Team an amazing six times in his career. That number would have been much higher, but the NBA didn't even begin giving out the honor until the 1968-69 season.
His biggest claim to fame came on the New York Knicks teams that won NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, where he cemented his reputation as one of the most physical players of all time.
Debusschere also pitched two seasons for the Chicago White Sox in 1962 and 1963 before deciding to turn his focus to his basketball career.
23. Billy Cunningham
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Born: June 3, 1943 (Brooklyn, New York)
High school: Erasmus Hall High School (Brooklyn, New York)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 210 pounds
Career: 9 seasons (1965-72, 1974-76)
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers
Stats: 770 G, 21.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.3 APG, 45.2 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1967), four-time NBA All-Star (1969-72), four-time All-NBA Team (1969-72), NBA All-Rookie Team (1966), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Billy Cunningham
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Billy Cunningham helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA title in 1967. then coached them to a title in 1983.
Cunningham actually spent two seasons in his prime playing in the ABA for the Carolina Cougars, but returned to play the final two seasons in the NBA with the 76ers.
Cunningham's career numbers jump off the page because he was equally as good at scoring as he was at rebounding. He once grabbed 27 rebounds in a college game at the University of North Carolina.
22. Horace Grant
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Born: July 4, 1965 (Augusta, Georgia)
High School: Hancock Central High School (Sparta, Georgia)
College: Clemson
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 245 pounds
Career: Years
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1987-94), Orlando Magic (1994-99, 2001-02)), Seattle SuperSonics (1999-2000), Los Angeles Lakers (2000-01, 2003-04)
Stats: 1,165 G, 11.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 50.9 FG%
Career highlights: Four-time NBA champion (1991-93, 2001), NBA All-Star (1994), four-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1993-96)
Bottom Line: Horace Grant
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Thanks to the hatchet job done to Horace Grant's reputation in "The Last Dance," a new generation of basketball fans didn't get a chance to appreciate what he brought to the great Chicago Bulls teams of the early 1990s.
At 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds, Grant was a perfect fit at power forward to run alongside Michael Jordan. Grant could defend, score and was athletic as all get-out.
Grant showed it wasn't just Jordan that made him great, either. He jumped ship for a lucrative free-agent contract with the Orlando Magic and helped lead them to the NBA Finals with Shaquille O'Neal in 1995.
21. Ben Wallace
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Born: Sept. 10, 1974 (White Hall, Alabama)
High school: Central High School (Hayneville, Alabama)
College: Virginia Union
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 240 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1996-2012)
Teams: Washington Bullets/Wizards (1996-1999), Orlando Magic (1999-2000), Detroit Pistons (2000-2006, 2009-2012), Chicago Bulls (2006-2008), Cleveland Cavaliers (2008-2009)
Stats: 1,088 G, 5.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 47.4 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2004), four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), four-time NBA All-Star (2003-06), five-time All-NBA Team (2002-06), six-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2002-07)
Bottom Line: Ben Wallace
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Ben Wallace was discovered by NBA power forward Charles Oakley during a basketball camp at NCAA Division II Virginia Union while Wallace was in high school. They were humble beginnings for the player who would one day tie Dikembe Mutombo with an NBA-record four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Wallace helped lead the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title and back into the NBA Finals in 2005. He also is the only undrafted player in NBA history to be voted a starter for the All-Star game.
Wallace was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
20. Willis Reed
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Born: June 25, 1942 (Bernice, Louisiana)
High school: West Side High School (Lillie, Louisiana)
College: Grambling State
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 240 pounds
Career: 10 seasons (1964-1974)
Teams: New York Knicks
Stats: 650 G, 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 47.6 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1970, 1973), two-time NBA Finals MVP (1970, 1973), NBA MVP (1970), seven-time NBA All-Star (1965-71), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1970), five-time All-NBA Team (1967-71), NBA Rookie of the Year (1965), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Willis Reed
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Willis Reed isn’t just one of the toughest players in NBA history. He’s also the author of one of the single greatest moments in pro sports history. After missing Game 6 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers with a torn thigh muscle, Reed was almost certainly a scratch for Game 7.
His heroic, limping walk out of the tunnel for warm-ups, followed by scoring the first two baskets of the game (his only points) sparked the Knicks to win the NBA title. Famed broadcaster Howard Cosell summed up America’s feelings toward Reed in the winning locker room after the game. "You exemplify the very best that the human spirit has to offer," Cosell told Reed.
He was right.
19. Maurice Lucas
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Born: Feb. 18, 1952 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Died: Oct. 31, 2010 (age 58, Tigard, Oregon)
High school: Schenley High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
College: Marquette
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 215 pounds
Career: 12 seasons (1976-1988)
Teams: Portland TrailBlazers (1976-1980, 1987-1988), New Jersey Nets (1980-1981), New York Knicks (1981-1982), Phoenix Suns (1982-1985), Los Angeles Lakers (1985-1986), Seattle SuperSonics (1986-1987)
Stats: 1,021 G, 14.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 47.1 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1977), four-time NBA All-Star (1977-79, 1983), All-NBA Team (1978), two-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1978, 1979)
Bottom Line: Maurice Lucas
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When you go down the list of the greatest enforcers in NBA history, make sure you put some respect on Maurice Lucas’ name.
He helped lead the Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA title and set the tone in the NBA Finals by squaring off with Darryl Dawkins in Game 2, swinging an elbow at Dawkins’ head and changing the tenor of the series as the Blazers rallied for the championship.
Lucas played the first two seasons of his career in the ABA and was a four-time All-Star in both leagues.
18. Nate Thurmond
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Born: July 25, 1941 (Akron, Ohio)
Died: July 16, 2016 (age 74, San Francisco, California)
High school: Central High School (Akron, Ohio)
College: Bowling Green
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 225 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (1963-1977)
Teams: San Francisco/Golden State Warriors (1963-1974), Chicago Bulls (1974-1976), Cleveland Cavaliers (1976-1977)
Stats: 964 G, 15.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 42.1 FG%
Career highlights: Seven-time NBA All-Star (1965-68, 1970, 1973, 1974), five-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1969, 1971-74), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Nate Thurmond
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Nate Thurmond was as ferocious a rebounder as anyone in NBA history, and just as good at blocking shots and defense. He was once singled out by NBA career-leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the toughest defender he ever faced and is widely regarded as the only post player of that era who could stand toe-to-toe with both Wilt Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar.
Thurmond set the NBA record with 18 rebounds in one quarter and was the first NBA player to record a quadruple-double, but only played in the NBA Finals once, losing to Chamberlain and the 76ers in 1967.
Thurmond was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and died of leukemia in 2016, at 74 years old.
17. Jerry Lucas
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Born: March 30, 1940 (Middletown, Ohio)
High school: Middletown High School (Middletown, Ohio)
College: Ohio State
Height/weight: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds
Career: 12 seasons (1963-75)
Teams: Cincinnati Royals (1963-69), San Francisco Warriors (1969-71), New York Knicks (1971-75)
Stats: 829 G, 17.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 49.9 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1973), seven-time NBA All-Star (1964-69, 1971), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1965), five-time All-NBA Team (1964-68), NBA Rookie of the Year (1965), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Jerry Lucas
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You have to do a double take when you look at Jerry Lucas' career numbers — 17.0 points and 15.6 rebounds over 12 seasons.
Lucas had one of the more storied amateur careers of any basketball player in history, winning a national championship with Ohio State in 1960, then winning an Olympic gold medal that summer.
Lucas added an NBA championship as a member of the New York Knicks in 1973 and would have been totally at home in the current era. He was known for his long-distance shooting ability in an era with no 3-point line.
16. Dennis Rodman
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Born: May 13, 1961 (Trenton, New Jersey)
High school: South Oak Cliff High School (Dallas, Texas)
College: Southeastern Oklahoma State
Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 228 pounds
Career: 14 seasons(1986-2000)
Teams: Detroit Pistons (1986-1993), San Antonio Spurs (1993-1995), Chicago Bulls (1995-1998), Los Angeles Lakers (1999), Dallas Mavericks (2000)
Stats: 911 G, 7.3 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 52.1 FG%
Career highlights: Five-time NBA champion (1989, 1990, 1996-98), two-time NBA All-Star (1990, 1992), two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1991), two-time All-NBA (1992, 1995), eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1989-96)
Bottom Line: Dennis Rodman
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NBA fans who got to know Dennis Rodman in the 1980s, when he first joined the league, were able to appreciate his innate toughness before his life off the court overshadowed his game.
Rodman was always willing to do that little extra to get a rebound or make a defensive play, which usually meant sacrificing his body by diving for a loose ball. The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year averaged 13.1 rebounds per game, which stands among the NBA’s best career marks.
From 1989-1998, he won five NBA titles with two different teams, the Pistons and Bulls, and averaged at least 15 rebounds per game for seven seasons in that stretch. That included a career-high 18.7 rebounds in 1991-1992.
Rodman was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 and would be higher on this list if he hadn't spent the first half of his career as essentially a small forward.
15. Draymond Green
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Born: March 4, 1990 (Saginaw, Michigan)
High school: Saginaw High School (Saginaw, Michigan)
College: Michigan State
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 230 pounds
Career: 11 seasons (2012-present)
Teams: Golden State Warriors
Stats: 643 G, 8.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.3 APG, 43.7 FG%
Career highlights: Four-time NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), four-time NBA All-Star (2016-18, 2022), two-time All-NBA Team (2016, 2017), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2017), eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2015-19, 2021-23)
Bottom Line: Draymond Green
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Draymond Green is a four-time NBA champion, three-time All-Star, five-time NBA All-Defensive Team pick and was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 — facts that make it impossible to leave him off any list of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, even if he's played as much small forward and center in his career.
Those facts make it hard to argue with Green's approach, although he's among the NBA's career leaders in technical fouls headed into his 10th season.
He's also the only person in NBA history to probably cost his team an NBA championship because of a technical. After Green hit LeBron James in the groin in Game 4 of the 2016 NBA Finals, Green was suspended for Game 5, and the Warriors became the first team to blow a 3-1 series lead in the Finals.
14. Tommy Heinsohn
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Born: Aug. 26, 1934 (Jersey City, New Jersey)
Died: Nov. 9, 2020 (age 86, Newton, Massachusetts)
High school: Saint Michael's School (Union City, New Jersey)
College: Holy Cross
Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Career: 9 seasons (1956-65)
Teams: Boston Celtics
Stats: 654 G, 18.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 40.5 FG%
Career highlights: Eight-time NBA champion (1957, 1959-65), six-time NBA All-Star (1957, 1961-65), four-time All-NBA Team (1961-64), NBA Rookie of the Year (1957)
Bottom Line: Tommy Heinsohn
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Few players in Boston Celtics history are as beloved as the late Tommy Heinsohn, and few players in NBA history have garnered as much respect from their peers.
Heinsohn won eight NBA titles in nine seasons but none were as memorable as his rookie year, when he scored 37 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in a double-overtime win over the St. Louis Hawks in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
In addition to winning eight titles as a player, he won two more titles as the Celtics' head coach in 1974 and 1976.
He died in November 2020, at 86 years old.
13. Pau Gasol
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Born: July 6, 1980 (Barcelona, Spain)
Youth club: Club Basquet Cornella (Cornella de Llobregat, Spain)
College: None
Height/weight: 7-foot-1, 250 pounds
Career: 18 seasons (2001-19)
Teams: Memphis Grizzlies (2001-08), Los Angeles Lakers (2008-14), Chicago Bulls (2014-16), San Antonio Spurs (2016-19), MIlwaukee Bucks (2019)
Stats: 1,226 G, 17.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 50.7 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA champion (2009, 2010), six-time NBA All-Star (2006, 2009-11, 2015, 2016), four-time All-NBA Team (2009-11, 2015), NBA Rookie of the Year (2002), NBA Citizenship Award (2012)
Bottom Line: Pau Gasol
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Most NBA fans know Pau Gasol from his time winning back-to-back NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010. Even before that, Gasol was as good as any post player in the NBA for seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, and he was equally comfortable at power forward and center.
The Spanish-born star and brother of fellow NBA All-Star Marc Gasol won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and filled up the stat sheet with the Grizzlies, averaging a career-best 18.8 points in his time there.
12. Chris Bosh
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Born: March 24, 1984 (Dallas, Texas)
High school: Lincoln High School (Dallas, Texas)
College: Georgia Tech
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 235 pounds
Career: 14 seasons (2003-17)
Teams: Toronto Raptors (2003-10), Miami Heat (2010-17)
Stats: 893 G, 19.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 49.4 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA champion (2012-13), 11-time NBA All-Star (2006-16), All-NBA Team (2007), NBA All-Rookie Team (2004)
Bottom Line: Chris Bosh
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Chris Bosh could have been in the all-time starting five for the Toronto Raptors and for the Miami Heat, and could've done so at either power forward or center.
Bosh was a five-time All-Star with the Raptors and made his only All-NBA team with Toronto in 2007, when he led the Raptors to their first playoff appearance in five seasons.
Bosh, who could play both center and power forward with ease, saw his career cut short by a blood-clotting condition.
11. Larry Nance
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Born: Feb. 12, 1959 (Anderson, South Carolina)
High school: McDuffie High School (Anderson, South Carolina)
College: Clemson
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 205 pounds
Career: 13 seasons (1981-94)
Teams: Phoenix Suns (1981-88), Cleveland Cavaliers (1988-94)
Stats: 920 G, 17.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 APG, 54.6 FG%
Career highlights: Three-time NBA All-Star (1985, 1989, 1993), NBA All-Defensive Team (1989), two-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1992, 1993), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1984)
Bottom Line: Larry Nance
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The first winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Larry Nance had a stellar career that played out on some pretty mediocre teams in Phoenix and Cleveland. But Nance wasn't just a dunker. He made three NBA All-Star teams and three NBA All-Defensive teams, all in an eight-year stretch from 1985 to 1993.
Where Nance really set himself apart was blocking shots. He averaged 2.2 blocks for his career and retired with the most blocked shots of any non-center in NBA history.
Nance might be one of the most underrated players of all time, and his son, Larry Nance Jr., has been in the NBA since 2015.
10. James Worthy
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Born: Feb. 27, 1961 (Gastonia, North Carolina)
High school: Ashbrook High School (Gastonia, North Carolina)
College: North Carolina
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 225 pounds
Career: 12 seasons (1982-94)
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 926 G, 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.0 APG, 52.1 FG%
Career highlights: Three-time NBA champion (1985, 1987, 1988), NBA Finals MVP (1988), seven-time NBA All-Star (1986-92), two-time All-NBA (1990, 1991), NBA All-Rookie Team (1983), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: James Worthy
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The Los Angeles Lakers made James Worthy the No. 1 pick in the 1982 NBA draft. "Big Game James" was already indoctrinated into the idea of team ball at North Carolina with Dean Smith and was the ideal fit for the "Showtime" era.
Worthy would have been a perfect power forward for any era and the thrill of watching him run the floor alongside Magic Johnson is almost unmatched in NBA history. At the apex of his career, Worthy helped lead the Lakers to three championships in four seasons and won NBA Finals MVP honors in 1988.
The perfect power forward for any era.
9. Elvin Hayes
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Born: Nov. 17, 1945 (Rayville, Louisiana)
High school: Britton High School (Rayville, Louisiana)
College: Houston
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1968-84)
Teams: San Diego/Houston Rockets (1968-72, 1981-84), Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1972-81)
Stats: 1,303 G, 21.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 45.2 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1978), 12-time NBA All-Star (1969-80), six-time All-NBA Team (1973-77, 1979), two-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1974, 1975), NBA All-Rookie Team (1969), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Elvin Hayes
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Elvin Hayes had to take a lot of shots when he was playing for the San Diego Rockets to start his career. If he didn't, there was no way his team had a chance at winning.
Hayes got a lot of shot opportunities because of his ability to rebound. His 18.4 rebounds per game average in 1974 is the third-highest in NBA history.
Hayes made nine of 12 All-Star teams with the Washington Bullets and led the team to the NBA championship in 1978.
8. Kevin McHale
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Born: Dec. 19, 1957 (Hibbing, Minnesota)
High school: Hibbing High School (Hibbing, Minnesota)
College: Minnesota
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 210 pounds
Career: 13 seasons (1980-93)
Teams: Boston Celtics
Stats: 971 G, 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 55.4 FG%
Career highlights: Three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), seven-time NBA All-Star (1984, 1986-91), All-NBA (1987), six-time All-NBA Defensive Team (1983, 1986-90), two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1984, 1985), NBA All-Rookie Team (1981), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Kevin McHale
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Kevin McHale gave opponents nightmares because of his arsenal of low-post offensive moves, which he called "the torture chamber," and for being a rugged, punishing defender. It’s kind of incredible to think of now, but McHale didn’t even become a full-time starter until five years into his career, winning NBA Sixth Man of the Year twice in that stretch.
McHale was always thought of as a uniquely gifted offensive player, but his reputation as being tough or intimidating was centered around just one infamous play. When McHale clotheslined Lakers forward Kurt Rambis during Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals, it shocked teammates and opponents alike and arguably turned the tide of the series.
The Celtics won the title in seven games.
7. Bob Pettit
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Born: Dec. 12, 1932 (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
High school: Baton Rouge High School (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
College: LSU
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 205 pounds
Career: 11 seasons (1954-1965)
Teams: Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks
Stats: 792 G, 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 43.6 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (1958), two-time NBA MVP (1956, 1959), 11-time NBA All-Star (1955-65), four-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1956, 1958, 1959, 1962), 11-time All-NBA (1955-65), NBA Rookie of the Year (1955), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Bob Pettit
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Bob Pettit was one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders in NBA history, and if you did a double take at his career rebounding average, that’s understandable. Because 16.2 rebounds per game is just insane.
And it’s also a clear indicator of where his toughness came from. He trails only Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell in that category.
Pettit only played 11 seasons in the NBA and was a first-team All-NBA pick 10 times. He made second team the other season. Pettit was the first NBA Most Valuable Player in 1958 and is tied with Kobe Bryant for most NBA All-Star MVP awards with four.
6. Karl Malone
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Born: July 24, 1963 (Summerfield, Louisiana)
High school: Summerfield High School (Summerfield, Louisiana)
College: Louisiana Tech
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 250 pounds
Career: 19 seasons (1985-2004)
Teams: Utah Jazz (1985-2003), Los Angeles Lakers (2003-04)
Stats: 1,476 G, 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 51.6 FG%
Career highlights: Two-time NBA MVP (1997, 1999), 14-time NBA All-Star (1988-98, 2000-02), two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (1989, 1993), 14-time All-NBA (1988-2001), four-time All-NBA Defensive Team (1988, 1997-99), NBA All-Rookie Team (1986)
Bottom Line: Karl Malone
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Karl Malone had the great luck of spending almost his entire career playing alongside point guard John Stockton, a player who could create offense for other players in a variety of ways.
Stockton, the NBA's career assists leader, is also the career steals leader. He was the perfect complement to the hard-running Malone, who was almost impossible to stop with a head of steam.
Stockton was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player but never won an NBA title, losing to the Chicago Bulls in back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998.
5. Kevin Garnett
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Born: May 19, 1976 (Greenville, South Carolina)
High school: Farragut Academy (Chicago, Illinois)
College: None
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 240 pounds
Career: 21 seasons (1995-2016)
Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007, 2015-16), Boston Celtics (2007-13), Brooklyn Nets (2013-15)
Stats: 1,462 G, 17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 49.7 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2008), NBA MVP (2004), 15-time NBA All-Star (1997, 1998, 2000-11, 2013), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2003), nine-time All-NBA Team (1999-2005, 2007, 2008), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), 12-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2000-09, 2011, 2012), NBA All-Rookie Team (1996)
Bottom Line: Kevin Garnett
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Kevin Garnett came straight out of high school to the NBA and played a staggering 21 seasons — one of the longest careers in NBA history.
He was at his best with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent the first 12 years of his career and was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2004 when he averaged 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.
Garnett rightfully grew frustrated with Minnesota's inability to build a team around him and forced a trade to the Boston Celtics in 2007, where he won his only NBA title in 2008.
It's a longstanding NBA urban legend that Garnett is actually 7-foot but asked to never be listed as such. The same mythos that surrounds Kevin Garnett.
4. Dirk Nowitzki
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Born: June 19, 1978 (Wurzburg, West Germany)
Youth club: DJK Wurzburg (Wurzburg, West Germany)
College: None
Height/weight: 7-foot, 245 pounds
Career: 21 seasons (1998-2019)
Teams: Dallas Mavericks
Stats: 1,522 G, 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 47.1 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2011), NBA MVP (2007), NBA Finals MVP (2011), 14-time NBA All-Star (2002-12, 2014, 2015, 2019), 12-time All-NBA Team (2001-12), NBA 3-Point Contest champion (2006), NBA Teammate of the Year (2017)
Bottom Line: Dirk Nowitzki
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Dirk Nowitzki can claim the throne as the greatest European-born player in NBA history and has had little serious competition for that title. Until recently.
If there's anyone who might be able to knock Nowitzki out of that spot, it seems like it could be Dallas guard Luka Doncic, one of the more prodigious young talents the league has seen in the last 20 years.
Still, it's Nowitzki who has defined the Mavericks' franchise more than any other player, winning NBA Most Valuable Player honors in 2007 and leading the Mavs to a stunning upset of LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Born: Dec. 6, 1994 (Athens, Greece)
Youth club: Filathlitikos
College: None
Height/weight: 7-foot, 245 pounds
Career: 10 seasons (2013-present)
Teams: Milwaukee Bucks
Stats: 719 G, 22.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.7 APG, 53.7 FG%
Career highlights: NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), two-time NBA MVP (2019, 2020), four-time NBA All-Star (2017-20), four-time All-NBA Team (2017-20), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020), three-time NBA All-Defensive Team (2017, 2019, 2020), NBA Most Improved Player (2017), NBA All-Rookie Team (2014)
Bottom Line: Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Giannis Antetokounmpo shot up to almost the top of this list following his performance in the 2020-21 NBA Finals, when he averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971.
Since making his NBA debut just a shade past his 18th birthday, Antetokounmpo has become one of the greatest players of his generation and was already a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player award winner by the time he was 25 years old.
After playing out a four-year, $100 million contract extension signed in 2020, Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, $228 million extension with the Bucks in December 2020.
2. Tim Duncan
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Born: April 25, 1976 (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
High school: St. Dunstan's Episcopal School (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
College: Wake Forest
Height/weight: 6-foot-11, 250 pounds
Career: 19 seasons (1997-2016)
Teams: San Antonio Spurs
Stats: 1,392 G, 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 50.6 FG%
Career highlights: Five-time NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), three-time NBA FInals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005), two-time NBA MVP (2002, 2003), 15-time NBA All-Star (1998, 2000-11, 2013, 2015), 15-time All-NBA (1998-2009, 2013), 15-time NBA All-Defensive Team (1998-2010, 2013, 2015), NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
Bottom Line: Tim Duncan
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Arguably the greatest power forward in NBA history, Tim Duncan won five NBA titles with the Spurs in his 19-year career.
Duncan's offensive workload was made much easier to bear with the addition of guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and Duncan's 50.6 career field-goal percentage speaks to his efficiency.
That the Spurs never missed the playoffs once with Duncan speaks to his greatness. Duncan is the only player in NBA history to be selected to the All-NBA Team and the NBA All-Defensive Team for 13 consecutive seasons.
1. Charles Barkley
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Born: Feb. 20, 1963 (Leeds, Alabama)
High school: Leeds High School (Leeds, Alabama)
College: Auburn
Height/weight: 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-6, 252 pounds
Career: 16 seasons (1984-2000)
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1984-92), Phoenix Suns (1992-96), Houston Rockets (1996-2000)
Stats: 1,073 G, 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.9 APG, 54.1 FG%
Career highlights: NBA MVP (1993), 11-time NBA All-Star (1987-97), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1991), 11-time All-NBA Team (1986-96), NBA All-Rookie Team (1985), NBA 50th Anniversary Team
Bottom Line: Charles Barkley
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Charles Barkley was as good a power forward that ever played in the NBA despite being just 6-foot-4.
Barkley cemented his legacy as one of the NBA's best players of all time with the Phoenix Suns, when he won his only NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1993 after averaging 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists and playing in his only NBA Finals.
Barkley gets the No. 1 spot on almost sheer audacity alone.