The 12 Greatest NBA Power Forwards of All Time

Bruising post enforcers, silky-shooting big men, and modern two-way monsters span every era of the position. Where do you stand?

1

Karl Malone

'The Mailman,' the second-leading scorer in NBA history and a relentless post force for the Jazz.

1000pts

2

Tim Duncan

The 'Big Fundamental' and five-time champion widely regarded as the greatest power forward ever.

753pts

3

Bob Pettit

The first NBA MVP and a 1950s-60s scoring pioneer who led the Hawks to the 1958 title.

692pts

4

Pau Gasol

The skilled Spanish big man and two-time champion alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles.

636pts

5

Dolph Schayes

The 1950s Syracuse star and one of the league's first great two-way forwards.

538pts

6

Charles Barkley

The undersized but ferocious 'Round Mound of Rebound' and 1993 MVP.

440pts

7

Anthony Davis

The dominant two-way big who teamed with LeBron to win the Lakers' 2020 title.

440pts

8

Chris Webber

The gifted, point-forward power forward who anchored the early-2000s Sacramento Kings.

440pts

9

Kevin Love

The elite rebounder and stretch four who helped Cleveland win the 2016 championship.

440pts

10

Kevin McHale

The Celtics big man with the most unstoppable low-post footwork in league history.

323pts

11

Dirk Nowitzki

The sweet-shooting German who revolutionized the position and led Dallas to the 2011 title.

179pts

12

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The 'Greek Freak,' two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP for the Bucks.

179pts