Fansided

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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz boxes out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz boxes out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors has had impressive growth in his career. He has added a midrange jump shot while remaining powerful around the rim. He still might not be the best scorer, but he is a rim protector who doesn’t clog up the lane on offense.

First of all, Favors shot 56.3 percent last year, the highest mark of his career. Most importantly though, he has shot over 40 percent from 3-16 feet over the last two years. The addition of a mid-range game for him means he can play small ball. Moving Favors to the center position is possible and since opponents now have to respect his shooting, he can drive by them and use his athleticism to finish at the rim. He had to do a lot of that last year with the injury to Rudy Gobert.

Defensively, he is athletic enough to switch onto smaller players as well as big enough to bang inside. Favors can be the rim protector that so many teams want as a safety blanket for their guards.

Versatility is valued more than ever before in the NBA and Favors provides that. His ability to score against both power forwards and centers is incredible. Now, the ability to switch onto whoever he has to makes him useful on both sides of the ball. He can already do what is needed from him and if he adds a three point shot, he could be an outstanding investment.

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