NBA: 5 Best Power Forwards Entering 2023-24 Season, Ranked
By Jeremiah Santos
(Photo : Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - Anthony Davis (#3) of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the game at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The power forward position is home to some of the league's most talented players, possessing a variety of skill sets that make huge contributions to teams' success.
An elite power forward holds significant value in today's basketball landscape, often distinguishing the line between a team capable of contending for a championship and one that is not.
As we approach the 2023-24 NBA season, here are the top five power forwards across the league anticipated to make substantial impacts for their respective teams.
5. Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans
There's no denying that Williamson is one of the most talented players in the league in his career due to various injuries.
The 23-year-old made his second NBA All-Star team despite playing only 29 games in 2022-23, and he didn't even get to play in the exhibition game.
The former Duke star is one of the most efficient scorers in the league, averaging 25.8 points per game while shooting 60.5 percent in his career.
At this point, only his body and health are holding him back from a higher spot on this list.
2022-23 Stats: 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
2023-24 Salary: $34,005,250
4. Jaren Jackson Jr. - Memphis Grizzlies
The 24-year-old had a breakout season last year, making his first All-Star appearance and Defensive Player of the Year award.
Jackson was also named in his second straight NBA All-Defensive First Team. He has led the league in blocks in the past two seasons, including a career-best 3.1 BPG in 2022-23.
He also averaged career highs in rebounds and field goal percentage last season, although he is still prone to foul trouble at times.
2022-23 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 3.0 BPG
2023-24 Salary: $27,102,202
3. Pascal Siakam - Toronto Raptors
Despite failing to make the postseason, the 29-year-old delivered a remarkable individual season, All-Star appearance.
Siakam averaged career highs in points and assists, leading the league in minutes for the second consecutive year.
The Cameroonian is poised to be the main man again for Toronto for the upcoming campaign.
2022-23 Stats: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
2023-24 Salary: $37,893,408
2. Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had a crazy season in 2022-23, making a deep playoff run after their terrible start.
The 30-year-old in the playoffs, maintaining a huge inside presence as they eliminated defending champions Golden State Warriors in the second round.
Davis averaged an astounding 14.1 rebounds and 3.1 blocks throughout 23 games in the postseason, both career-highs.
2022-23 Stats: 25.9 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 BPG
2023-24 Salary: $40,600,080
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Not only is the 28-year-old unquestionably the premier power forward in the NBA, but he has also been overall by ESPN for the second straight year.
The Greek star also topped the annual NBA GM Survey for the top power forward in the league , garnering 97 percent of the votes.
Antetokounmpo put on another solid campaign last year, leading the Bucks to the best record in the NBA at 58-24. However, they were upset in five games in the first round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat.
2022-23 Stats: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
2023-24 Salary: $45,640,084
