20 Best Centers In the NBA Right Now

20 Best Centers In the NBA Right Now

The best centers in the NBA is often an overlooked discussion in the league today, but it’s one that’s getting our attention as we take a look at the best of the best. The ones that cause fear in their opponent. The ones that make you change your game plan in hopes of containing them.  

The center position has evolved greatly since the inception of the NBA. What was once a position that dared to step outside the paint has matured into a versatile position that can make plays from anywhere on the court. It has been exciting to watch these new age players develop.

While the best centers in the NBA have always been dominant throughout the years, the best centers in the NBA today are dominant in different ways. They can do so much on the floor and demand a lot of attention from opposing defenses — opening the floor up for their teammates.

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Who Are the Best Centers In the NBA Right Now?

20 Best Centers In the NBA Right Now
Gints Ivuskans / Shutterstock

If you had to rank out the best centers in the NBA right now, who would be your top choice? What about your top-five, top-ten, or even your top-20? There are plenty of players to choose from and they each have unique talents, skill sets, and roles, so make sure you choose wisely.

As for us, there are several centers that come to mind without hesitation, some that are certainly worth considering, and others that we’re definitely going to avoid. There are some that deserve it that will definitely make our top-20, but also some that deserve it that won’t make the final cut.

At the end of the day, we’re going to do our best to portray the 20 best talents at the center position in the NBA right now. Before we get into the thick of things, let’s first take a look at some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make our list of the 20 best centers in the NBA in 2021. 

Honorable Mentions: Andre Drummond (PHI), Steven Adams (MEM), Ivica Zubac (LAC), JaVale McGee (PHX), Mitchell Robinson (NY), LaMarcus Aldridge (BKN), Daniel Gafford (WSH)

20. Bobby Portis

Team: Milwaukee Bucks

2021 Stats: 16 games, 27.9 minutes, 15.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 assists per game

Career Stats: 397 games, 20.8 minutes, 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks per game

Bobby Portis was drafted 22nd overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2015 and has already played for four teams in his career. He landed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020 and played a majority of last season off the bench. Early on this season, he already has 12 starts in 16 games. 

Portis has scored above 11 points in all but two games this season. His season-highs are 28 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He has six double-doubles and three games above 20 points. He has grabbed four or more offensive rebounds in five games. 

19. Wendell Carter Jr.

Team: Orlando Magic

2021 Stats: 22 games, 28.5 minutes, 13.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Career Stats: 163 games, 26.8 minutes, 11.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Wendell Carter Jr. was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the seventh overall pick in 2018. After two and a half seasons with the Bulls, Carter Jr. was traded to the Orlando Magic and he has been with the team ever since. It’s the fresh new start he needed and is going well for him so far.

He’s a regular starter for the Magic this season and has scored double-digit points in 15 games thus far. His season-highs are 26 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks. He already has 10 double-doubles and seven games with three or more offensive rebounds. 

18. Evan Mobley

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

2021 Stats: 17 games, 33.8 minutes, 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Career Stats: 17 games, 33.8 minutes, 14.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Evan Mobley is the only rookie center on this list and for good reason. He was drafted third overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 to be their successor to Andre Drummond and it was the right move for a young team looking to rebuild. He’s one of their most consistent players.

Of the 17 games he has played in his young career, he has only scored less than 10 points in two of them. His season-highs are 26 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. He already has four double-doubles this year and at least three offensive rebounds in five games. 

17. Richaun Holmes

Team: Sacramento Kings

2021 Stats: 18 games, 27.4 minutes, 14.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.3 steals, 1.0 block per game

Career Stats: 349 games, 21.0 minutes, 9.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks per game

Richaun Holmes was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft. After three years with the team and one season with the Phoenix Suns, he signed with the Sacramento Kings and has been with them ever since. He has played his best basketball there.

Holmes has been on a tear this season, scoring double-digit points in all but four of his games thus far. He has scored north of 20 points in five different meetings and his season-highs are 23 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks. He has seven double-doubles, as well. 

16. Al Horford

Team: Boston Celtics

2021 Stats: 18 games, 28.7 minutes, 12.5 ponts, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Career Stats: 899 games, 32.4 minutes, 13.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Al Horford was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the third overall pick way back in 2007. Entering his 14th season, he has played for four teams throughout this career and has become one of the most vocal leaders in the game. He’s as consistent and reliable as they come.

So far this season, Horford has scored double-digit points in all but four of his games. He has eight double-doubles, has grabbed three offensive rebounds in four games, and his current season-highs are 20 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 6 blocks per game. 

15. Montrezl Harrell

Team: Washington Wizards

2021 Stats: 21 games, 27.0 minutes, 16.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks per game

Career Stats: 408 games, 21.5 minutes, 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Montrezl Harrell was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft. He spent two years with the team before spending five years in Los Angeles — four with the Clippers and one with the Lakers. This is his first season with the Washington Wizards 

So far this year, he has scored double-digit points in all but one of his games and scored north of 20 points in seven of his 21 games. With six double-doubles and six games with five or more offensive boards, his season-highs are 25 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. 

14. Jusuf Nurkić

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

2021 Stats: 21 games, 24.6 minutes, 12.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.5 blocks per game

Career Stats: 376 games, 23.3 minutes, 11.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Jusuf Nurkić was drafted 16th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014, but has spent a majority of his young career dealing with injuries. Entering the 2021 season, he had only played in 45 games the previous two years. The talent is there, but the durability — not so much. 

Nurkić is having himself a fine 2021 season, though. He has scored double-digit points in 13 of his 21 games, has nine double-doubles, and five games with five or more offensive rebounds. His season-highs are 28 points, 17 rebounds (three times), 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

13. Nikola Vučević

Team: Chicago Bulls

2021 Stats: 15 games, 33.1 minutes, 14.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks per game

Career Stats: 683 games, 30.7 minutes, 16.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Nikola Vučević was also drafted 16th overall, but this time by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. He was traded to the Orlando Magic after his rookie season and spent the next eight and a half seasons with the team. It was in Orlando that he cemented himself as a valuable starter. 

Vučević was traded to the Chicago Bulls last season and this is his first full year with the team. He has only played in 15 games, otherwise he’d be higher on this list. He has 9 double-doubles and his current season-highs are 30 points, 19 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. 

12. Mo Bamba

Team: Orlando Magic

2021 Stats: 21 games, 29.9 minutes, 10.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.2 blocks per game

Career Stats: 176 games, 17.0 minutes, 6.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4  steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Mohamed Bamba was drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2018 and is slowly becoming a star for the team — especially on defense. This is just his fourth season in the NBA and his first as a regular starter. It’ll be interesting to see how high he can elevate his game. 

Bamba has already scored double-digit points in 14 of his 21 games this season. He has 9 double-doubles and has recorded four or more offensive rebounds in six games. As it stands right now, his season-highs are 18 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 6 blocks. 

11. Myles Turner

Team: Indiana Pacers

2021 Stats: 22 games, 28.5 minutes, 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.8 blocks per game

Career Stats: 411 games, 28.6 minutes, 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.3 blocks per game

Myles Turner was drafted 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2015 and has been a consistent starter for them ever since. While he has never averaged more than 15 points per game in any particular season, he’s a force on the defensive end and can block better than anyone. 

So far this young season, Turner has scored double-digit points in 14 of his 22 matchups. At his best, he’s one of the most lethal centers in the league, scoring a season-high 40 points in late October. His season-highs thus far are 40 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks.

10. Jarrett Allen

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

2021 Stats: 18 games, 33.2 minutes, 16.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Career Stats: 303 games, 25.9 minutes, 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Jarrett Allen was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets with the 22nd overall pick in 2017 and while he consistently improved over the next three and a half seasons, he was eventually traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2020 season in a move that brought James Harden to Brooklyn.

Allen has been great for the Cavaliers and is having his best season as a pro this year — posting career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage, and minutes per game. His current season-highs in 2021 are 28 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. 

9. Kristaps Porziņģis

Team: Dallas Mavericks

2021 Stats: 14 games, 30.5 minutes, 19.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Career Stats: 300 games, 31.1 minutes, 18.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 stelas, 1.9 blocks per game

Kristaps Porziņģis was drafted by the New York Knicks with the fourth overall pick in 2015. He gradually progressed over the next three years with the Knicks, but injuries started to haunt him and he eventually missed the entire 2018 season before signing with the Dallas Mavericks. 

Since joining Dallas, he has been good when on the floor — but he’s rarely on the floor. Still, he’s one of the best scoring centers in the league and would likely be higher on this list if he was more durable. His season-highs are 32 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks. 

8. Christian Wood

Team: Houston Rockets

2021 Stats: 20 games, 32.7 minutes, 16.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 stelas, 1.1 blocks per game

Career Stats: 174 games, 21.9 minutes, 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Christian Wood went undrafted out of UNLV in 2015, but signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after a successful Summer League. He bounced around over the next few years and had stints with the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detroit Pistons. 

Wood is currently in his second season with the Houston Rockets and things are going well, though his numbers have dipped a bit this season. He still has 11 double-doubles so far this season and his season-highs are 33 points, 21 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. 

7. Clint Capela

Team: Atlanta Hawks

2021 Stats: 21 games, 29.6 minutes, 12.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.4 blocks per game

Career Stats: 418 games, 26.8 minutes, 12.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Clint Capela was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 24th overall pick in 2014. He spent the next six seasons with the team and cemented himself as a reliable starter during the James Harden and Chris Paul era. He was eventually traded to the Atlanta Hawks for the 2020 season.

Capela has been just as good for the Hawks as he was in Houston, though he’s seeing a small dip in numbers this season. He has 15 double-doubles, nine games with five or more offensive rebounds, and his season-highs are 23 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. 

6. Jonas Valančiūnas

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

2021 Stats: 23 games, 31.6 minutes, 19.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Career Stats: 644 games, 25.8 minutes, 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.0 block per game

Jonas Valančiūnas was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in 2011. He spent the next six and a half seasons with the team as a consistent and reliable starter during the DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry era. He also spent two and a half years with Memphis.

Valančiūnas is in his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans and is having his best season as a pro. He has 17 double-doubles, 12 games with 20 or more points, and 22 games in double-digits. His season-highs are 39 points, 23 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. 

5. Deandre Ayton

Team: Phoenix Suns

2021 Stats: 14 games, 30.1 minutes, 15.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Career Stats: 192 games, 31.0 minutes, 15.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks per game

Deandre Ayton was the first overall draft pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. He was taken by the Phoenix Suns and is currently in his fourth season with the team after helping them to the NBA Finals last season. He doesn’t score as much as he did earlier in his career, but he’s still good.

The only knock against Deandre Ayton is the time he has missed this season due to injury. In the 14 games he has played in, Ayton has eight double-doubles and 11 games with double-digit points. His current season-highs are 22 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. 

4. Bam Adebayo

Team: Miami Heat

2021 Stats: 18 games, 32.9 minutes, 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks per game

Career Stats: 305 games, 27.6 minutes, 12.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Bam Adebayo was drafted 14th overall by the Miami Heat in 2017 and has emerged as one of the premier centers in the league over the past three years. He was a large reason why the Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals in 2020 and will likely find his way back there soon. 

Adebayo is having another great season after having his best season to date last year. He has 9 double-doubles, eight games with at least 20 points, and six games with at least four offensive rebounds. His season-highs are 30 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. 

3. Karl-Anthony Towns

Team: Minnesota Timberwolves

2021 Stats: 21 games, 34.3 minutes, 23.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks per game

Career Stats: 429 games, 34.3 minutes, 22.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Karl-Anthony Towns was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015 and has spent his entire seven-year career with the team. After averaging 18.3 points per game his rookie season, he has averaged north of 21.3 points per game in each season since. 

He’s doing so again this season with 23.5 points per game. He has 10 double-doubles so far this season, including 16 games with at least 20 points, and four games with at least 30 points. His current season-highs are 35 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. 

2. Rudy Gobert

Team: Utah Jazz

2021 Stats: 21 games, 31.4 minutes, 15.1 points, 14.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal, 2.1 blocks per game

Career Stats: 566 games, 29.8 minutes, 12.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks per game

Rudy Gobert was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but was traded to the Utah Jazz on draft day. He has spent his entire nine-year career with the Jazz and has become one of their centerpiece players searching for a championship.

Gobert is having another incredible season so far, both offensively and defensively. He has 16 games with at least 10 points, five games with at least 20 points, and 16 double-doubles this season. His current season-highs are 23 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 5 blocks. 

1. Nikola Jokić

Team: Denver Nuggets

2021 Stats: 15 games, 32.4 minutes, 26.2 points, 13.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Career Stats: 468 games, 30.0 minutes, 18.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks per game

With how well Nikola Jokić is playing these days, it’s easy to forget that he was once a second round draft pick in 2014. Known for drafting project players, the Denver Nuggets have done extremely well with his development and have turned him into the best center in the league.

Jokić does it all on the floor and knows how to fill a stat sheet. He has 14 games with at least 20 points and four games with at least 30 points. With 12 double-doubles and two triple-doubles, his current season-highs are 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks. 

Who Are the Best Centers In the NBA All-Time?

The center position has always been an integral part of the NBA and it’s a position that isn’t going anywhere. Some of the best players in the league play the center position and they are helping to further evolve the position for generations to come. It’s an exciting position to watch.

With that said, there have been plenty of centers over the years that have embodied greatness on the floor. They helped pave the way for centers today and were likely some of your favorite players growing up. In fact, many of them have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since. 

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Some of the best centers in the NBA all-time include Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, George Mikan, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Bill Walton, Willis Reed, Wes Unseld, and Bob McAdoo.

25 Greatest Power Forwards of All-Time

The greatest power forwards of all-time were as talented and skilled as anyone else on the floor. They knew how to score when their team needed it, they rebounded the ball often, they defended the paint well, and they were generally known for making a lot of the hustle plays. 

Let’s be honest, the power forward position has evolved greatly over time. What used to be a position that lived in the paint is now a position that can wreak havoc anywhere on the court — including mid-range and long range. It seems they’re becoming more versatile every single year.

It’s great for the game because it opens the floor up and keeps the opposing team honest — both on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. Of course, we have the greatest power forwards of all-time to thank for revolutionizing the PF position and paving the way for future generations. 

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Who Are the Greatest Power Forwards of All-Time?

25 Greatest Power Forwards of All-Time
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The greatest power forwards of all-time were each unique in their own way. Some of them were dominant scorers, some were tenacious defenders, some were powerful rebounders, and others were a combination of all three. Either way, they all went on to have great careers. 

Before we get to the greatest power forwards of all-time, there are a couple of names I’d like to highlight — Serge Ibaka, Kenyon Martin, Al Jefferson, Elton Brand, Zach Randolph, Jermaine O’Neal, David West, Carlos Boozer, Draymond Green, and Blake Griffin.

Each of those players was (or is)a great power forward and could easily be considered for the list of the greatest power forwards of all-time. With that said, they didn’t quite crack our list — which is a testament to how great these players were (or are), so let’s finally meet them!

25. LaMarcus Aldridge

Years: 2006-present (16 seasons)

Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets

Career Stats: 1,049 games, 34.0 minutes, 19.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks per game

LaMarcus Aldridge was originally drafted second overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2006, but had his rights traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft day. After largely playing off the bench his rookie season, Aldridge rewarded Portland with eight of the best years of his 16-year career. 

In that eight-year span, Aldridge scored more than 20 points per game in five straight seasons and averaged a double-double twice. He then played more productive basketball with the San Antonio Spurs before a trade to the Nets, where he currently plays after a very brief retirement. 

24. Shawn Kemp

Years: 1989-2003 (14 seasons)

Teams: Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic

Career Stats: 1,051 games, 27.9 minutes, 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Shawn Kemp was drafted 17th overall by the Seattle Supersonics in 1989. After averaging 6.5 points per game his rookie year, he broke out with a 15.0 points per game campaign in 1990. Kemp continued to improve until the 1995 season when he averaged 19.6 points per game. 

He signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997 and played another three productive seasons before his eventual decline from 2000-2003. He finished his career as a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA player. He posted a career-high 20.5 points per game in 1998 with the Cavs.

23. Amar’e Stoudemire

Years: 2002-2016 (14 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks

Career Stats: 846 games, 31.0 minutes, 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Amar’e Stoudemire was drafted 9th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2002 and was immediately named starter his rookie year. He then posted 20.6 points per game in 2003 and 26.0 points per game in 2004 before suffering an injury that cut his 2005 campaign short — just 3 games played.

Stoudemire returned to action in 2006 and scored more than 20 points per game in each of the next five seasons — including a career-high 25.3 points per game in his first season with the Knicks. His numbers and availability would slowly decline over the next six to seven years. 

22. Tom Heinsohn

Years: 1956-1965 (9 seasons)

Teams: Boston Celtics

Career Stats: 654 games, 29.4 minutes, 18.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 41% field goal percentage

Tom Heinsohn was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1956 and averaged 16.2 points per game his rookie season. Over the next eight seasons, Heinsohn never averaged less than 13.6 points per game and scored north of 21 points per game in three straight seasons. 

Oh, did we mention he also helped lead the Celtics to eight straight championships during that span? He did so alongside other Celtics’ greats such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey, Sam Jones, K.C. Jones, and Bill Sharman. It was quite the storied career. 

21. Rasheed Wallace

Years: 1995-2013 (16 seasons)

Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Washington Bullets, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks

Career Stats: 1,109 games, 32.7 minutes, 14.4 ponts, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Rasheed Wallace was drafted fourth overall by the Washington Bullets in 1995 and started most of the games he played in his rookie season. Despite playing four four different teams over the next 13 seasons, he averaged more than 10 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in each season. 

Wallace was known for many things over his career. He was a fierce defender, a consistent scorer, a ferocious rebounder, and was frequently called for technical fouls. He ended his 16-year career as a one-time champion, four-time All-Star, and one of the sport’s iconic players. 

20. Horace Grant

Years: 1987-2004 (17 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Seattle Supersonics, Los Angeles Lakers

Career Stats: 1,165 games, 33.2 minutes, 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.0 block per game

Horace Grant, also known as ‘The General,’ was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1987 and became a regular starter in 1988. Over the next six years, Grant averaged more than 12.0 points per game in each season and was an integral part of the Bulls’ first three-peat. 

He then enjoyed a productive five-year career in Orlando before gradually declining over the next five seasons. While his numbers declined, he managed to win his fourth championship in 2001 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He started in all 77 games he played in that year.

19. Bobby Jones

Years: 1974-1986 (12 seasons)

Teams: Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers

Career Stats: 941 games, 27.3 minutes, 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Bobby Jones, also known as ‘The Secretary of Defense,’ was drafted fifth overall by the Houston Rockets. His rights were eventually given to the Denver Nuggets, who outbid the Rockets with a larger contract. He scored an impressive 14.8 points per game his rookie year. 

He scored more than 12 points per game in each of his first eight seasons in the league — four with Denver and four with Philadelphia. Although he started to decline during the 1982 season, he was still heavily relied on for defense and won his first championship in 1983 with the 76ers. 

18. Vern Mikkelson

Years: 1949-1959 (10 seasons)

Teams: Minneapolis Lakers

Career Stats: 699 games, 32.5 minutes, 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 40% field goal percentage

Vern Mikkelson, also known as ‘The Great Dane,’ was drafted by the defending BAA champion Minneapolis Lakers with the 11th pick in the 1949 draft. He would help the team win four of the first five NBA championships — including the inaugural one in 1950, Mikkelson’s rookie season. 

Over his 10-year career with the Lakers, Mikkelson never averaged less than 11.1 points per game in any one season. He averaged four double-doubles in his career and averaged a career best 18.7 points per game in 1954. He was a six-time All-Star and is a current Hall-of-Famer.

17. Chris Bosh

Years: 2003-2016 (13 seasons)

Teams: Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat

Career Stats: 893 games, 35.8 minutes, 19.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 block per game

Chris Bosh was drafted fourth overall by the Toronto Raptors in one of the most star-studded drafts in NBA history. He spent the first seven years with Toronto, averaging north of 22 points per game in his final five seasons with the team and averaging a double-double three times. 

He then took his talents to South Beach, joining LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He spent the final six years of his career with the Heat, winning two championships and never averaging less than 16.2 points per game. He would’ve continued playing if health issues didn’t get in the way. 

16. Anthony Davis

Years: 2012-present (10 seasons)

Teams: New Orleans Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers

Career Stats: 586 games, 34.4 minutes, 23.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.3 blocks per game

Anthony Davis, also known as ‘AD,’ was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2012. He spent his first seven seasons in the NBA with the franchise as they transitioned to the Pelicans, averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in six straight seasons.

He then took his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers, joining LeBron James and winning an NBA Championship in their first year together. Davis has averaged more than 21.8 points per game in each of his first three seasons with the Lakers and continues to dominate in 2021 and beyond.

15. Jerry Lucas

Years: 1963-1974 (11 seasons)

Teams: Cincinnati Royals, New York Knicks, San Francisco Warriors

Career Stats: 829 games, 38.8 minutes, 17.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 50% field goal percentage

Jerry Lucas, also known as ‘Dr. Memory,’ was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals with the sixth overall pick in 1962. He didn’t make his debut until 1963 due to contract issues, but he was worth the wait with 17.7 points and 17.4 rebounds per game his rookie year — and ROY honors. 

He averaged at least 15 points per game in each of the next eight seasons — including at least 21 points and 20 rebounds in 1964 and 1965. He won his first ring in 1973, despite his numbers declining over his final two years. He averaged a double-double nine times in his career. 

14. Pau Gasol

Years: 2001-2019 (18 seasons)

Teams: Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks

Career Stats: 1,226 games, 33.4 minutes, 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Pau Gasol, also known as ‘Meal Ticket,’ was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001, but his rights were eventually given to the Memphis Grizzlies. He played his first six and a half seasons with the team before being traded to the Lakers and teaming up with Kobe Bryant.

Gasol spent six and a half seasons with LA and won two rings in that time. He averaged at least 17.4 points per game in each of his first 11 seasons and at least 10 points per game in each of his first 17 seasons. He didn’t play in 2019 due to an injured foot and hasn’t played since.

13. Dolph Schayes

Years: 1949-1964 (15 seasons)

Teams: Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia 76ers

Career Stats: 996 games, 34.4 minutes, 18.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 38% field goal percentage

Dolph Schayes, also known as ‘The Rainbow Kid,’ was drafted fourth overall by the Knicks in the 1948 BAA Draft. He made his NBA debut with the Syracuse Nationals in 1949 and averaged 16.8 points per game his first year. It was a fine start to what would be an incredible career. 

Schayes went on to average a double-double in each of the next 12 seasons. In that time, he led the league in rebounding once with 16.4 rebounds per game, he won a championship, he averaged at least 20 points per game six times in a row, and led the league in FT% three times. 

12. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Years: 2013-present (9 seasons)

Teams: Milwaukee Bucks

Career Stats: 610 games, 32.5 minutes, 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the ‘Greek Freak,’ was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and was largely featured off the bench his rookie season. He showed signs of improvement his second year, averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. 

The improvement continued in 2015 and he broke out as a star in 2016. He has averaged at least 22.9 points per game in six straight seasons and more than 26.9 points per game in five straight seasons. He has also averaged a 26+ point double-double in five straight seasons.

11. Dave DeBusschere

Years: 1962-1974 (12 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks

Career Stats: 875 games, 35.7 minutes, 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 43% field goal percentage

Dave DeBusschere, also known as ‘Big D,’ was drafted fourth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1962 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact his rookie season and averaged 12.7 points per game. His second year was disappointing after playing just 15 games due to an injury. 

Things started clicking when he returned in 1964 and he would go on to average a double-double in each of the next 10 seasons before retiring in 1974. He was effective all the way up until that final year, averaging 18.1 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in 1974 with the New York Knicks.

10. Dennis Rodman

Years: 1986-2000 (14 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks

Career Stats: 911 games, 31.7 minutes, 7.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Dennis Rodman, also known as ‘The Worm,’ was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, but didn’t earn a full-time starting role until the 1990 season — which is when he truly started to find himself. 

From 1990 up until he retired in 2000, Rodman averaged at least 11.1 rebounds per game each season. In that time, he led the league in rebounding seven straight times and averaged north of 18 rebounds per game in back-to-back seasons. He’s arguably the greatest rebounder ever. 

9. Chris Webber

Years: 1993-2008 (15 seasons)

Teams: Sacramento Kings, Washington Bullets, Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons

Career Stats: 831 games, 37.1 minutes, 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Chris Webber, also known as ‘C-Webb,’ was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1993. It didn’t take long for him to mark his territory, averaging 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds his rookie year. He would go on to average at least 20 points per game in each of the next nine seasons.

Throughout his 15-year career, Webber was a five-time All-Star, was named an All-NBA player five times, was named Rookie of the Year in 1993, led the league in rebounding in 1998, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. He’s one of the greatest power forwards of all-time.

8. Elvin Hayes

Years: 1968-1984 (16 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Bullets, Capital Bullets, Washington Bullets, San Diego Rockets, Houston Rockets

Career Stats: 1,303 games, 38.4 minutes, 21.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steal, 2.0 blocks per game

Elvin Hayes, also known as ‘The Big E,’ was drafted first overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1968. He immediately established himself as one of the greatest power forwards of all-time after leading the league with 28.4 points per game his rookie year. He also grabbed 17.1 rebounds. 

Over the next 11 seasons, Hayes averaged more than 19.7 points and 11.0 rebounds each year. In that span, he won his only championship, led the league in rebounding twice, and was one of the best rim protectors in the league. He made 12 All-Star appearances in his career. 

7. Kevin Garnett

Years: 1995-2016 (21 seasons)

Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets

Career Stats: 1,462 games, 34.5 minutes, 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Kevin Garnett, also known as ‘KG,’ was drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995. After a decent rookie year, Garnett was a full-time starter and broke out in 1996 with 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He then had 18.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in 1997. 

Over the next nine seasons, Garnett averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game each year. He led the league in rebounding four consecutive years during that span. While his numbers started to slowly decline in 2007, he won his only championship with Boston in 2008.

6. Kevin McHale

Years: 1980-1993 (13 seasons)

Teams: Boston Celtics

Career Stats: 971 games, 31.0 minutes, 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.7 blocks per game

Kevin McHale, also known as ‘Black Hole,’ was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1980. The first five years of his NBA career were spent coming off the bench, but he made the most of his opportunities and won the Sixth Man of the Year award twice during that span. 

McHale earned a full-time starting role starting in 1985 and averaged more than 20 points per game in each of the next five seasons. His numbers declined in the final three years of his career, but he finished a seven-time All-Star, three-time champion, and current Hall-of-Famer.

5. Bob Pettit

Years: 1954-1965 (11 seasons)

Teams: Milwaukee Hawks, St. Louis Hawks

Career Stats: 792 games, 38.8 minutes, 26.4 points, 16.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 44% field goal percentage

Bob Pettit, also known as ‘Big Blue,’ was drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954 and averaged more than 20 points per game in every season of his career — including a career-high 31.1 points per game in 1961. He was as dominant as they come at the PF position.

He ended his career as an 11-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ, one-time rebounding champ, one-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, Rookie of the Year, and 11-time All-NBA player. He averaged an impressive 16.2 rebounds per game over his 11-year career. 

4. Charles Barkley

Years: 1984-2000 (16 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets

Career Stats: 1,073 games, 36.7 minutes, 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Charles Barkley, also known as ‘Sir Charles,’ was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1984. He’s one of the biggest personalities the NBA has ever seen, but also knew how to put up big numbers on the court. He averaged 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a rookie. 

Over the next 11 seasons, Barkley averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds every year. He averaged a career-high 28.3 points per game in 1987 and led the league with a career-high 14.6 rebounds per game in 1986. He was an 11-time All-Star, one-time MVP, and Hall-of-Famer. 

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Years: 1998-2019 (21 seasons)

Teams: Dallas Mavericks

Career Stats: 1,522 games, 33.8 minutes, 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Dirk Nowitzki was drafted ninth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998, but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He spent his entire 21-year career with Dallas and is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all-time. He was as consistent as they come.

Nowitzki only averaged 8.2 points per game his rookie year, but averaged more than 17.3 points per game in each of the next 17 seasons — including more than 21 points per game in 12 of those seasons. He’s a one-time MVP, one-time champion, and 14-time All-Star. 

2. Karl Malone

Years: 1985-2004 (19 seasons)

Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

Career Stats: 1,476 games, 37.2 minutes, 25.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Karl Malone, also known as ‘The Mailman,’ was drafted 13th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1985 and was named a regular starter right away. After an impressive rookie year, Malone averaged more than 20 points per game in each of the next 17 seasons — including 31.0 points in 1989. 

Although he never won an NBA championship, Malone finished his career with 14 All-Star appearances, two MVP awards, and averaged a double-double 10 times. He was reliable, he was consistent, he was dominant, and he was fierce, which is why he’s a Hall-of-Famer. 

1. Tim Duncan

Years: 1997-2016 (19 seasons)

Teams: San Antonio Spurs

Career Stats: 1,392 games, 34.0 minutes, 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks per game

Tim Duncan, also known as ‘Timmy,’ was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997. He was an immediate starter for the Spurs and averaged 21.1 points and 11.9 rebounds his rookie season. He was named Rookie of the Year and named to the All-Rookie team.

Over the next 12 seasons, Timmy would average more than 17.9 points and 10 rebounds per game every year. His numbers started to dip in the final six years, but ended his career with five championships, 15 All-Star appearances, two MVP awards, and three Finals MVP awards. 

Who Are the Greatest Power Forwards Right Now?

The greatest power forwards of all-time weren’t just instrumental in the growth and development of the position, but the overall evolution of the game of basketball. They exemplified and embodied greatness at the highest possible level, which is why they landed on our list above!

With that said, only three of the players on our list are still playing — AD, Giannis, and Aldridge. All the rest of our greatest power forwards of all-time have since retired, but that doesn’t mean the NBA doesn’t have quality power forwards today. In fact, the league is currently full of them!

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Some of the players right now that could one day be considered one of the greatest power forwards of all-time include John Collins, Domantas Sabonis, Kevin Love, Julius Randle, Pascal Siakam, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Zion Williamson, and Draymond Green.

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