Fansided

Positional Power Rankings: 30 best power forwards in the NBA

By John Buhler

Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) defends Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward David Lee (10) reacts after hitting a two-point shot and being fouled during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward David Lee (10) reacts after hitting a two-point shot and being fouled during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Lee

Power Forward, San Antonio Spurs

Despite having no range as a shooter and a history of injuries, we have to include two-time NBA All-Star and NBA Champion David Lee in this list of power forwards. Though he is clearly past his prime, Lee has adapted into a nice rotational role with the San Antonio Spurs this season.

After seeing his playing time evaporate with the arrival of Draymond Green in Golden State, Lee accept his new role as a bench guy for the 2014-15 NBA Champion Warriors. He got his title, got paid and left the Bay Area.

Since then, he’s been on three teams in two years: Boston, Dallas and San Antonio. Throughout his NBA career mostly with the New York Knicks and the Warriors, Lee had been able to shoot at a high percentage in the paint and dominate on the glass. He’s fiercely competitive, as it has allowed him to stick in the league into his mid-30s.

What separates Lee from many of his power forward contemporaries is that he is willing to be the frontcourt glue guy on championship level teams. His minutes may get squeezed in a playoff rotation, but he has routinely shown that he can be incredibly efficient off the bench in the NBA Playoffs. A team can even call on him to spot-start at the four and feel confident about their chances for one game in a best-of-seven series.

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