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 /

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Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Dirk is amazing.

That is a simplistic statement, but when a player like Nowitzki turns in a dominant season at age 35 (now 36), it is extremely accurate. For reference, Nowitzki was easily the best player on a team that made the playoffs in the Western Conference despite a mediocre roster, he led all “elite” power forwards in true shooting percentage at better than 60 percent, and for good measure, he finished fourth at the position in both PER (player efficiency rating) and win shares.

In short, he was incredibly productive and efficient.

At this stage of his career, Nowitzki is probably a negative on the defensive end (not that he was ever a large positive), but he isn’t a disaster thanks to his heady decision-making and placement, and his offense more than makes up for any limitations on the other end. It will be interesting to see how he continues to age, but 7-footers who can shoot like legendary shooting guards don’t come along often, and Dirk continues to defy expectations.

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