The top 10 power forwards rankings for the 2022 NBA season features several players I would consider small forwards. The NBA has evolved into a relatively positionless game which often features five players on the court at the same time who can dribble, pass, and shoot.
Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two examples in this top 10 NBA power forwards list that I would consider small forwards. Before we dive into our list, if your favorite power forward is not seen below, chances are they can be found on our top 10 NBA centers list.
Here are the top 10 NBA Power Forwards for the 2022 NBA season.
10. John Collins- Atlanta Hawks
There was a period of time John Collins’ place with the Hawks was uncertain. While he was looking forward to signing a hefty extension, the Hawks weren’t even certain that he was a part of their future. That all changed when Nate McMillan took over as the head coach mid season. Collins was a big part of the Hawks’ playoff push.
While there are still questions about his ceiling, the Hawks reportedly offered John Collins a contract worth $120 million.
Collins will be 24 this season with a lot of room to grow. If he continues to improve the way we expect him to, Collins should solidify his placement on our top 10 NBA power power forwards list.
9. Tobias Harris- Philadelphia 76ers
Tobias Harris is another example on our top 10 PF list that I would consider a small forward. While he doesn’t excel in traditional power forward things you would think of like a John Collins, Harris is a proven bucket getter. His regular season offensive arsenal constantly warrants calls for him to make an all-star team. He is also a decent fit next to Joel Embiid, who is a dominant center that needs his space to operate.
If there was a way to give his offensive skillset to Pascal Siakam, Siakam wouldn’t find himself struggling so often without Kawhi Leonard.
8. Jerami Grant- Detroit Pistons
Jerami Grant has an extremely diverse game. His presence was definitely missed last season by the Denver Nuggets. Grant is a versatile two way player who is currently entering his prime with the Detroit Pistons. His ability to score at the rim, or from distance, rebound, and defend, earned him a spot on our top 10 power forwards list. However, Grant’s presence on our top 10 PF list is the most fragile on this list.
In order for Grant to be considered as a top 10 power forward, the Pistons are going to need to get serious about winning this season. All indications are that the Pistons plan on competing for a playoff spot this season. If that plan goes as we expect it to, Grant will be a big part of that push.
7. Domantas Sabonis- Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis is one of the most unique forwards in the NBA. He does many of the things you would want in a modern power forward. He scores with efficiency, runs the pick & roll, and can stretch the court with his three point shot. In addition to his offensive arsenal, he has inherited his father’s passing ability.
The Pacers relied heavily on Sabonis’ passing ability, 6.7 per game last season. Continuing to play through Sabonis, while also adding a healthy Caris LeVert to their lineup, should improve the Pacers on the offensive end. As the eastern conference continues to improve, the Pacers are going to need Sabonis to have his best season yet to remain in playoff contention.
6. Julius Randle- New York Knicks
Julius Randle, similar to Karl-Anthony Towns, had the best season of his career playing for Tom Thibodeau. Randle’s success last season not only earned him a top 10 power forward spot ranking, it also warranted him top 5 MVP votes last season. Randle critics may think he does not deserve this high of a ranking, considering his playoffs struggles. The question is, why did he struggle?
The Hawks roster simply had too much talent for the Knicks to handle. This made the Knicks as too much of Randle. When asked to play his part, Randle is an effective forward. When asked to do too much, he will struggle.
The Knicks’ off season additions should make Randle’s life a bit easier and enable him to continue the success he found last season.
At least for the regular season, I expect Randle to pick up where he left off last season.
Now, let’s spin move to our top 5 PFs.
5. Zion Williamson- New Orleans Pelicans
At just 21 years of age, Williamson averaged 27.0 PTS, 7.2 REB, 3.7 AST on 61.6 FG% in his second season with the Pelicans. Williamson continues to show why he was the no.1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. While I’m not sure the Pelicans are interested making the playoffs this season, I fully expect Williamson to continue to improve and excel in the NBA.
To put it simply, his physique is almost unmatched. Williamson often looks like a man among boys, despite playing against grown men who are mostly older than him. I’d like to see Williamson to get a tad bit more efficient from distance. Otherwise, if he continues to do what has been working for him, with improved decision making, we should see Williamson take another step forward this season.
4. Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green is one of those players that many fans wouldn’t even have in their top 20 NBA power forwards rankings. I look at it differently. His presence enables Steph Curry to be the best point guard in basketball. When it comes to intangibles, very few possess more than Draymond.
The Warriors often run their entire offense through Green. His ability to lead and make his teammates better is at an all time great level. In addition to that, he is constantly in the running for the Defensive Player of The Year Award, for good reason. His presence makes his teammates better on both ends of the floor.
Making his entire team significantly better should warrant your respect if it doesn’t already.
3. Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis is a generational player. If we consider his talent along, he warrants considerations for the best player in basketball. His ability to defend the ball at a DPOY level, as well as score from any area a coach desires, makes him one of the most elite players in the NBA.
However, Davis is often unavailable when his team needs him most. Sometimes, your greatest ability is availability. Davis struggles in this area more than most stars in the NBA.
Even Lakers fans have to agree with that.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo- Milwaukee Bucks
There is no player having a better summer than Giannis Antetkounmpo. Antetokounmpo hit 17/19 FTs to lead his team to its fourth victory in the NBA finals. Antetokounmpo, at just 26, already has a hall of fame worthy resume. The scariest part is that the 2xMVP, DPOY, and Finals MVP, is just entering his prime.
I expect Antetokounmpo to take his elite athleticism, defensive and scoring ability, a step forward this season. We saw Antetokounmpo evolve before our eyes during this year’s NBA finals run. His improved decision making make him an even greater threat than we’ve ever see him before. If that carries into this season, good luck to the 29 other NBA teams that have to face him.
Antetokounmpo is not just competing for the no.1 spot on Per Sources’ top 10 NBA power forwards list. He is competing for the title of the best player in the NBA.
1. Kevin Durant- Brooklyn Nets
If you consider Kevin Durant a power forward, then he is the best power forward in basketball. Durant, coming off a miracle recovery, reminded us why he is considered by many to be the greatest scorer in NBA history. If his shoe was an inch shorter, he would probably be celebrating Durant as the NBA champion and Finals MVP this summer.
Durant brings an all time great level of excellence on both ends of the floor. He is the reason that any team he is on is favored to win it all.
You may dislike Durant’s impact on the game of basketball with his free agency decisions. However, there is no denying his basketball greatness.
Power Forward honorable mentions.
Pascal Siakam and Kristaps Porzingis both have top 10 power forward talent. Whether its Siakam’s struggles or Porzingis’ availability, both have very correctable issues preventing them from making this list. Raptors and Mavericks fans better hope they figure it out. Their teams need them. Aaron Gordon, among a few others, was also given consideration for making this list. Grant Williams, was not.
Have any thoughts on who the top 10 power forwards in the NBA are right now? Tweet me @tprx11 to discuss!