The 5 Greatest NBA Power Forwards of All Time

This was undeniably the hardest list I have ever compiled. There have been so many talented and outstanding basketball players at the power forward position to come through the NBA, narrowing the list down to the 5 greatest will certainly cause controversy among NBA fans. Yet, here is my list:

5.Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett is the torch bearer for the modern day power forward in the NBA. Slender, multi talented seven footers, who can put the ball on the floor, as well as step out and knock down mid range jump shots. The first seven footer NBA fans have ever witnessed play all 5 positions on the court throughout the course of a game. You need only to look at KG's statistics to realize there is very little he cannot do on a basketball court. Kevin Garnett has averaged at least 20 points 10 rebounds and 4 assists the last 10 years straight. He will join the prestigious 20,000 point, 10,000 rebound, 4,000 assist club probably by the end of next season, needing only 959 points to enter. At 31, KG already has amassed 19,041 points, 10,542 rebounds, 4,146 assists and one MVP award. His talents are often overlooked by fans, because of the mediocre team he plays for, and the playoff success of his counterparts Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki. However, resting on his own achievements and abilities Kevin Garnett is definitely one of the 5 greatest power forwards in NBA history.

4.Charles Barkley

Sir Charles is one of only four players with the previously mentioned 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists. What made Charles Barkley so unique was his ability to consistently put up astronomical numbers in spite of his short stature. Listed at 6'6, Charles Barkley had to demonstrate will and determination to score and rebound among other power forwards who possessed an average height of 6'9. His career statistics read 23,757 points, 12, 546 rebounds, 4,215 assists, and 1 NBA MVP award.

3. Tim Duncan

One word can sum up Tim Duncan and why he is one of the top three power forwards of all time, RINGS. This year Tim Duncan captured his fourth NBA championship, and marked the first time in all of his championship runs, where he was not named NBA finals MVP. Upon his arrival into the league Tim Duncan immediately turned the San Antonio Spurs into a perennial title contender and title winner. The reason they are considered a modern day dynasty is because of "Timmy" and his dominance in the middle on both offense and defense. Along with his 4 NBA titles, Tim Duncan has also captured back to back NBA MVP awards during the 2001 -2003 seasons. His career numbers read 16,258 points, 2,365 assists, 8,866 rebounds, and 1,840 blocks.

2. Elvin Hayes

Who? The "Big E" Elvin Hayes is the second greatest power forward of all time. It boggles my mind why Elvin Hayes is not mentioned in the same breath as Kareem, Wilt, or Russell many of the great big men of yesterday who are household names. Elvin Hayes numbers are mind blowing. In a 16 year career Elvin Hayes was named to 12 all star teams, and missed only 9 games total! He won the NBA championship in 1978, and is sixth on the NBA's all time scoring list. His outrageous career numbers read 27,313 points, 16,279 rebounds and 2,398 assists. It is almost a disservice to label Elvin Hayes the second greatest power forward of all time. A more proper title should be 1b., because his career is definitely considered second to none.

1. Karl Malone

Mr. Consistency, the "Mailman" always delivers. The way to 36,928 points is not by having a couple of 50 point per game performances, but longevity and delivering 25+ points per game for your career. Karl Malone is also in the prestigious 20,000 point, 10,000 rebound, 4,000 assist club, but his statistics dwarf many of the other players in that elite company. He is the second all time leading scorer in NBA history, and has amassed 14,968 rebounds as well. Add in his 5,248 assists, 2 Olympic gold medals, and 2 MVP awards, and you realize why he is recognized as the greatest power forward of all time.