NBA Top 5: Power Forwards

After unfortunately missing my post yesterday, due to a long day of travel down to Florida, I will be posting my top 5 power forwards today. The power forward spot was definitely more difficult to narrow down than the center position. The top 4 were pretty easy for me, but the 5th spot was tough. There are a lot of quality power forwards that have already solidified their place as All-Stars and there are a few currently approaching All-Star status. Anyway, here is my list of the top 5 power forwards in the league.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge (17.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 50.1% FG, 84.7% FT) If you asked me a year ago if Aldridge were a top 5 power forwards in the league, I would tell you of course, and something along the lines of you're crazy if you disagree. However, this was before he took a lesser role in San Antonio. I know it's unfair to criticize a player for taking a smaller role in something greater, but we naturally do it when we see that player's production decrease. Aldridge was a 23 and 10 guy last year and was one of the most dominant low post scorers, with a variety of moves and a killer face up game. But while his scoring and rebounding averages have dropped, his shooting percentage has increased from 46.6% to 50.1%, his highest since the 2011-2012 season. Aldridge is still a great player, he is just doing things the "Spurs" way.

4. Draymond Green (13,8 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 48% FG, 39.5% 3FG) Draymond isn't your traditional low post power forward. He does most of his damage in the open court or as the screen man in the high pick and roll. Green is an exceptional decision maker, often leading the fast break with on-point outlet passes and one man fast breaks. As one of the most versatile big men in the league, Green is 6th in the NBA in assists, leading non-point guards in that category. Green is a tenacious rebounder and is a main reason why the Warriors are on a record setting pace.

3. Paul George (23.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, .412/.376/.854) Paul George is a big reason why LaMarcus Aldridge is down at 5 in my power forward rankings. George would be a top 5 small forward if he hadn't switched positions this off-season in the Pacers attempt to go small. George is the driving force of a fringe playoff team and has recovered nicely from his gruesome leg injury. As one of the best defenders in the league, George has the capability to guard 3 or 4 positions. He consistently guards the opposing team's best offensive player, while still putting up number offensively. His field goal percent could be improved, but he has no choice but to shoot a ton due to his mediocre supporting cast. 

2. Anthony Davis (23.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 50.1% FG, 74.9% FT) Arguably the best big man in the NBA and the player most GMs would select as their number one guy to build their franchise around, Davis has still not reached his prime. Set to turn 23 this March, the sky is the limit for Anthony Davis. He has continuously improved year after year, adding different dimensions to his game. If Davis can continue on his current trajectory and the Pelicans can add quality players around him, then they could be a force for years to come. 

1. Blake Griffin (23.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5 APG, 50.8% FG, 72.5% FT) Injury aside, Griffin is a force in both the fast break and in half court sets. He has developed into an extremely versatile player and continues to grow his offensive game. He can face up due to his athleticism and mid range shooting and he can back down defenders due to his size and strength. When Chris Paul missed time last year, we got a great look at what Griffin can do as a point forward. He posted a near triple double every game and carried that play making ability into the first stretch of this season, averaging 5 assists per game. If Griffin can return to his pre-injury form, than the Clippers could be a tough second round match-up for either the Warriors or the Spurs.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bosh, Paul Millsap, Karl-Anthony Towns, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love

Grayson Gold-Garvey, Follow on Twitter @TheGraygo