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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 best power forwards available

By Baasil Ebrahim

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 15: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 15, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As we prepare to enter free agency this year, we will look at the power forward position, and which players teams should be most excited about there.

The power forward position has become smaller and more athletic in recent years. Teams are starting to move players who used to be small forwards to power forward so they can get more shooting and speed on the court. The players who are available in free agency this year exemplify this.

Stats courtesy of basketball-reference, offensive and defensive rating from NBA.com

5. Montrezl Harrell

So, claims have been made that Montrezl Harrell could be the greatest scorer of all time. That alone should tell you how much he could do with his career. The man had a 24.7 PER last season, which if he had played enough minutes to qualify, would have put him tied with Russell Westbrook for 11th in the NBA.

He scores 11 points per game in just 17 minutes per game which translates to 23.3 points per 36 minutes. He does it efficiently too as his PER and third best shooting percentage in the league show. If he adds a three point shot, he could be unstoppable offensively.

So, his offensive potential is endless and if he is able to improve the other aspects of his game, he could grow into a dominant force. It will start with rebounding which isn’t terribly hard to change. By putting more effort into his defensive rebounding efforts, he could improve his defensive rebound percentage from 17 where it was last year. That added effort will help prevent opponents from getting second chance points against his team.

From there, he just needs to not be a defensive liability to make his offense worth it. He has the foot speed to defend and switch, he just needs to commit to it. Any team who can find a way to mask his weaknesses while giving him the chance to excel on offense, would be very happy signing him in free agency.

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