Top 10 NBA Power Forwards of All-Time

August 15, 2024

The power forward—a position often overlooked in favor of the flashy guards and tall-trees at the center position.

Not quite a ball-handler, yet not really a rebounding force.

These are the players who do the dirty work, the ones who make things happen on the court, like grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, and scoring when the others can’t get it done.

Whether it’s a bruiser banging bodies in the paint or a silky-smooth shooter stretching the floor, power forwards have been quietly carrying their teams for decades.

Top 10 Power Forwards In NBA History

Let’s give some long-overdue recognition to the top 10 power forwards of all-time.

1. Tim Duncan

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,392
Points per Game 19.0
Rebounds per Game: 10.8
Blocks per Game: 2.2
Assists per Game: 3.0

Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” is widely regarded as the greatest power forward of all time.

Duncan spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, leading them to five NBA championships.

He was a two-time MVP and a three-time NBA Finals MVP.

Duncan was known for his consistency, fundamentals, and leadership on both ends of the court. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him the cornerstone of the Spurs’ dynasty.

2. Karl Malone

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,476
PPG: 25.0
RPG: 10.1
Blocks per Game: 0.8
Assists per Game: 3.6

Karl Malone, also known as “The Mailman,” is third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, with 36,928 points, only behind LeBron and Kareem.

Malone was a dominant force in the paint, known for his strength, durability, and scoring ability. He spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz, forming a legendary partnership with point guard John Stockton.

Malone was a two-time MVP and led the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,522
PPG: 20.7
RPG: 7.5
Blocks per Game: 0.8
Assists per Game: 2.4

Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to shoot from long range.

The 7-foot German forward spent his entire 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks, leading them to an NBA championship in 2011.

Nowitzki was named Finals MVP that year and is one of the most skilled and consistent scorers in NBA history. His one-legged fadeaway jumper (pictured above) became one of the most iconic shots in basketball.

4. Kevin Garnett

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,462
PPG: 17.8
RPG: 10.0
Blocks per Game: 1.4
Assists per Game: 3.7

Kevin Garnett, also known as “The Big Ticket,” was one of the most intense, versatile and some would say, angry power forwards in NBA history.

Garnett spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves before winning an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

He was named NBA MVP in 2004 and was known for his defensive prowess, leadership, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Garnett was a 15-time All-Star and one of the best two-way players of his generation.

5. Charles Barkley

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,073
PPG: 22.1
RPG: 11.7
Blocks per Game: 0.8
Assists per Game: 3.9

Charles Barkley, often referred to as “Sir Charles,” was one of the most dominant rebounders and scorers despite being undersized for his position at 6’6″.

Barkley was known for his toughness, athleticism, and was named MVP in 1993 and led the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals that same year. Barkley’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him one of the most dynamic power forwards ever.

6. Elvin Hayes

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,303
PPG: 21.0
RPG: 12.5
Blocks per Game: 2.0
Assists per Game: 1.8

Elvin Hayes, known as “The Big E,” was one of the most consistent and durable power forwards in NBA history.

Hayes was a 12-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Washington Bullets in 1978. He was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence.

Hayes led the league in scoring once and in rebounding twice during his career, making him one of the most well-rounded power forwards.

7. Bob Pettit

Career Stats:

Games Played: 792
PPG: 26.4
RPG: 16.2
Blocks per Game: Data not officially recorded
Assists per Game: 3.0

Bob Pettit was one of the NBA’s first true superstars and is often considered one of the best power forwards of all time.

Pettit played his entire career with the St. Louis Hawks and was a two-time MVP. He led the Hawks to an NBA championship in 1958 and was known for his scoring and rebounding.

Pettit was an 11-time All-Star and remains one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history.

8. Kevin McHale

Career Stats:

Games Played: 971
PPG: 17.9
RPG: 7.3
Blocks per Game: 1.7
Assists per Game: 1.7

Kevin McHale was a key member of the Boston Celtics during their dominant run in the 1980s.

McHale was known for his low-post scoring ability, footwork, and defense. He won three NBA championships with the Celtics and was a seven-time All-Star.

McHale’s ability to score efficiently in the post and his shot-blocking prowess made him one of the most feared power forwards of his era.

9. Dennis Rodman

Career Stats:

Games Played: 911
PPG: 7.3
RPG: 13.1
Blocks per Game: 0.6
Assists per Game: 1.8

Dennis Rodman, known as “The Worm,” was one of the best rebounders and defenders in NBA history. Rodman was a key player on five NBA championship teams, winning two titles with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Chicago Bulls.

He led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Rodman’s energy, defensive intensity, and rebounding ability made him a unique and invaluable player.

10. Chris Webber

Career Stats:

Games Played: 831
PPG: 20.7
RPG: 9.8
Blocks per Game: 1.4
Assists per Game: 4.2

Chris Webber was one of the most skilled power forwards of his generation.

Webber was known for his scoring, passing, and basketball IQ. He was the centerpiece of the Sacramento Kings during their successful run in the early 2000s.

Webber was a five-time All-Star and one of the best passing big men in NBA history. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate the offense made him a dominant force on the court.

Top 10 Power Forwards Statistics

Check out this simple table of the top NBA power forwards of all-time statistics including rebounds, points, total games played, assists and blocks per game.

Player	Games	PPG	RPG	BPG	APG
1. Tim Duncan	1,392	19.0	10.8	2.2	3.0
2. Karl Malone	1,476	25.0	10.1	0.8	3.6
3. Dirk Nowitzki	1,522	20.7	7.5	0.8	2.4
4. Kevin Garnett	1,462	17.8	10.0	1.4	3.7
5. Charles Barkley	1,073	22.1	11.7	0.8	3.9
6. Elvin Hayes	1,303	21.0	12.5	2.0	1.8
7. Bob Pettit	792	26.4	16.2	–	3.0
8. Kevin McHale	971	17.9	7.3	1.7	1.7
9. Dennis Rodman	911	7.3	13.1	0.6	1.8
10. Chris Webber	831	20.7	9.8	1.4	4.2