NBA Rankings: The 5 best power forwards in basketball

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) after securing a rebound following a free throw attempt during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Clippers 98-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 7

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs forward Boris Diaw (33) in game five of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-82. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

5) LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers

At 28 years old (he is now 29), LaMarcus Aldridge had easily his best season in 2013-2014. The 6-foot-11 big man averaged more than 23 points and 11 rebounds per game while leading Portland to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, and in doing so, he cemented his place among the game’s best at the power forward position.

In the mid-range, there is arguably no one better than Aldridge, and he is absolutely outstanding when using his length to unload jump shots in the 15-foot area. However, there is a slight drawback to his vast amount of attempts, as his field goal percentage dipped to 45.8 percent last season, forcing a drop to just 50.7% true shooting, ranking him near the bottom of the league, especially in terms of the best power forwards.

Defensively, Aldridge is not a dominant force by any stretch, but he has improved vastly in that area in the last couple of seasons, and because of his immense length, he can be a deterrent around the rim simply by being an intelligent, well-placed defender. We’ve probably reached the ceiling of the former number two overall pick from Texas, but it’s a pretty high ceiling.

Home/Dallas Mavericks