Top Five Power Forwards in the NBA

Avid basketball fans, especially old geezers like myself, know that, just as the game of basketball has evolved over the years, so have the players and the definition of the very positions they play.

Just take the power forward position for instance. Once upon a time, the position was manned by slow-footed brutes known and valued more for their ability to dispense insanely hard message delivering blows than their actual on-court basketball acumen.

Classic power forwards used to be guys like former tough guy Maurice Lucas the longtime Portland Trail Blazers enforcer or Boston Celtics' rebounding machine Paul Silas. Back then, 'fours' rarely handled the rock unless they were rebounding it or mugging some unsuspecting opponent for it.

Today, however, the power forward position has completely changed. Now power forward can shoot three-pointers like a shooting guard (Dirk Nowitzki) run the floor non-stop, rebound like crazy and drain 20-foot jump shots (Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh) like they're going out of style.

Whether 'new school' or 'old school', certain players have always stood out as the very best at their respective positions and this remains a fact to this very day.

With that said, here is a look at the top five power forwards in the game today and the game-changing skill-set each brings to the proverbial table.

Tim Duncan

Yes, I know Duncan has struggled at times this season, often looking like a completely different player from the Hall of Fame inductee that he will one day become, but I'll give him a break because no one asks for injuries. Even while battling his well-kept secret knee problems, Duncan has managed to average 19.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Say what you like about the aging San Antonio Spurs and the step hey have taken backwards as a team this season, I say Tim Duncan is still the best power forward on the face of the planet, though the gap is not nearly as wide as is once was.

Kevin Garnett

I know the 'Big Ticket' has missed a bunch of games this season due to a lingering knee injury, but I genuinely believe that KG is the second best power forward in the game today.

Not only is Garnett an excellent defensive player in how own right, but his ability to get his teammates on the same page defensively is unmatched in the game today.

Yes, Garnett has had to sacrifice some of his offense in joining fellow all-stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and took a step back with his offensive production this season, averaging just 15.8 points per game this season, but his contributions on the court can never be measured in the stat sheet.

Dirk Nowitzki

Nowitzki re-revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to step behind the three-point line and can score at will whenever he wants to as his 25.9 point per game average suggests.

The only problem I have with Nowitzki, who averaged a respectable 8.4 rebounds per game, is his penchant for shrinking or disappearing totally when the game is one the line. Whether you know it or not, sixth-man Jason Terry, not Nowitzki is the Dallas Mavericks' best late-game option when it needs a basket. Still, Nowitzki is as gifted as they come at the power forward position.

Chris Bosh

Simply put, Chris Bosh has been nothing short of amazing in his time with the Toronto Raptors. Bosh averaged a solid 22.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this season but doesn't get as much recognition as he probably deserves playing for the Toronto Raptors in Canada.

However, those who know the game know that Chris Bosh is one of the top five power forwards in the game today and that the best is likely yet to come as he will almost assuredly be leaving the Raptors to test the free agent waters following the 2009-10 season.

David West

David West may not be the flashiest power forward in the league, heck he's not even as fun to watch as Phoenix Suns power forward Amare Stoudemire, however, I've got big love for a guy that says he took home video tape of some of the greatest power forwards in league history in order to "steal some of their move" and become a better player.

West, who averaged 21.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season, is my No. 5 power forward and one of my favorite hard workers as a player who 'made it' despite not being the most physically blessed specimen at his position. One other thing also makes me love West and that's the fact that every time I see him play against San Antonio's Tim Duncan he more than holds his own while never backing down an inch.