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We continue our countdown to the top 25 players at each position for the 2022-23 season with power forwards. The power forward has historically been one of the most talented positions. Some of the greatest players in history have claimed power forward as their primary position, such as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki and Charles Barkley. Of course, the list goes on as we dig through the past 75 years of basketball history, and the power forward position is no different today.
At the top, you’ll find some of the best players in the game today. Some MVP candidates and No. 1 picks sit at the top of our top 25. As you move down the list, you’ll see that talent isn’t limited to superstars. From top to bottom, there are elite role players and players who impact winning basketball. The power forward position has been on the decline for a few seasons, but it may be time to officially declare it back.
Here are the top 25 power forwards for the 2022-23 season.
25. Keegan Murray
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 Statistics: N/A
At No. 25 is 2022 Summer League MVP and rookie Keegan Murray. The Kings’ new forward has shown us how quickly he’ll fit into the NBA. Murray is a two-way nightmare for opponents because of his ability to drive to the rim and his excellent shot creation. His touch and ability to knock down shots at range make him a versatile offensive threat. He is also very dynamic and skilled on the defensive end. He can predict screens, cuts and jams passing lanes with his quick hands and awareness.
Murray’s all-around skills were on full display in Las Vegas last summer. In four games in Summer League, Murray averaged 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 assists. He was named Summer League MVP and is the best player among some of the other great young NBA talents. This is nothing new for Murray, as he was one of the top players in America during his sophomore season at the University of Iowa. Murray would be a welcome addition to a Kings team looking to break the NBA’s longest playoff drought. Look for him to be a key man in Sacramento starting in the 2022-23 season by backing Harrison Barnes and Domantas Sabonis. By the end of the year, he could be their next team player.
24. Patrick Williams
Photo Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 9.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks
Patrick Williams is coming to the end of the 2022 season and he has only appeared in 17 games for the Chicago Bulls. Pressure is starting to build on the youngster, and the Bulls could end up being one of their most important players heading into the 2022-23 season. Williams played 71 games for Chicago in his rookie season, showing the next bright spot in his career. His 2021-22 season was derailed by missing 65 games due to a broken wrist. However, Williams again showed some promise late in the season and in the playoffs, again making us think he can pull it off.
In the final game of the regular season, Williams scored 35 points in a 10-21 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bulls then faced a tough first-round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Williams had 20+ in Game 4 of both games and shot over 50.0 percent from the field. He also takes on some of the toughest defensive matchups the league has to offer at his position and handles it like a veteran who has been fighting on the court. If Williams can consistently improve his game, he could make a big difference for the Bulls heading into the 2022-23 season.
23. PJ Washington
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 10.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks
In his third season with the Charlotte Hornets at the age of 22, PJ Washington has established himself as the team’s key utility player for the 2021-22 season. After season after season of adjustment, it looked like he was finally gaining a foothold at Bath City. Washington has succeeded with his ability to play the power forward and center positions at an effective level. His shooting and ball-handling abilities provide him with quite a few opportunities to contribute. He’s also making great strides on the other end of the floor.
When Washington is locked down and focused on his defensive assignments, he’s going to shine for the Hornets in 2021-22. He shifts his weight well and uses his body to defend bigger, stronger opponents. He’s great at jamming and changing shots, making him one of the more important parts of the Hornets’ young core. With Miles Bridges no longer with the team, Washington’s role is sure to increase in the 2022-23 season, making him a likely candidate for Most Improved Player.
22. Laurie Markkanen
Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks
After spending last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lauri Markkanen will have a new home for the 2022-23 season. Markkanen will play for the Jazz this upcoming season after being sent to Utah in the Donovan Mitchell trade. He’s had a lot of ups and downs in Cleveland in 2022, but he seems ready to join Utah and be a big part of their plans. Once he’s able to continue playing for Cleveland in 2022, he’s shown why he’s worth the nearly $70 million contract.
Having missed 11 games due to a Covid-19 contract and a sprained ankle, Markkanen missed some time before the All-Star break last season. He was able to find a rhythm with his new teammates after the break and proved he could fit into their system. In 23 games since the All-Star break, Markkanen is averaging 16.7 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 38.1 percent from the field. Where he really improved was on the defensive end alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. While he can’t be in Utah like Rudy Gobert, he can sometimes use his 7’0” frame to get out of the offense.
21. Jabari Smith
Credit: A World Away
2021-22 Statistics: N/A
The second rookie on the list, at No. 21, is Jabari Smith of the Houston Rockets. Smith looked poised to make an immediate impact on the Rockets, having to go straight into the starting lineup after Christian Wood left. Smith spent a total of one season of his collegiate career at Auburn University. Smith is a monster for the Tigers, averaging 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG and 1.0 BPG. His defensive instincts are mouthwatering for pro scouts, and it’s the main reason why he was the third overall pick in this year’s NBA draft.
The defensive end of the ball is certainly where Smith will have an immediate impact. His offensive game may need some work as he transitions from college to being forced to create his own shots and offense instead of working in the system. He should get some open shots with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter jr. But he needs to improve his shooting efficiency before he can put in a lot of energy. Smith is shooting just 37.7 percent overall in summer league this year, and that’s definitely a focus for him heading into the season.
20. Dorian Finney-Smith
Photo Credit: Brian Westerholt-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks
To the average fan, Dorian Finney-Smith may not seem like he’s doing much for the Dallas Mavericks. For knowledgeable fans, he’s an elite role player. Finney-Smith is a threat in some situations on offense. He’s not your typical power forward, but he’s up to par in every way except his size. He knows exactly where and how to move without the ball to maximise the potential of open-court opportunities. Whether it’s for himself or to open up others, he cuts to the rim perfectly. He has a fluid hit from beyond the arc and in transition, and it’s proven to be more than effective.
He’s also one of the most important players on the Mavs defense. He’s a staunch perimeter defender, able to get close and in-line with most guards in the NBA on perimeter shots. He can also guard multiple positions, even with his slightly smaller size, and can push bigs out to the perimeter for more difficult shots. With Jalen Brunson gone, Dallas will be looking for another playmaker to play alongside Luka Doncic. If Finney-Smith remains stable in 2022-23, he could be the pressure reliever.
19. Aaron Gordon
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 15.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks
In his first full season with the Denver Nuggets, Aaron Gordon is trying to prove that he can be the asset the team thinks they will acquire before the 2020-21 trade deadline. He finally did it through great performances on both ends of the court. Defensively, he is their No. 1 goalkeeper. He can get close to bigs or centers and has the power to keep them out. At the same time, he has no problem chasing guards and small forwards on the perimeter and keeping them in front of him. Gordon’s ability to adapt to the constant rotation of injured players is remarkable.
Going into the 2021-22 season, Gordon will be the third player behind Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. Just two weeks later, things changed quickly after Porter Jr. was dismissed for the season. Offensively, his field goal percentage and field goal percentage are much better than in the past, despite an unexpected increase in touches and numbers. His true shooting percentage of 60.2 percent is well above the league average. The 2022-23 season should see the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Given what we’ve seen of Gordon’s ability to adapt to any situation, he can help Denver thrive no matter what they ask of him.
18. Paul Banchero
Credit: A World Away
2021-22 Statistics: N/A
The last rookie to appear on this list was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Paul Banchero of Duke University. Banchero is a unicorn because he plays the power forward position and has a big frame, but he plays and scores like a shooting guard. Paul has a deep bag with a variety of dribbling moves that can help him create high-percentage shots. His jab is a creative move, especially from the mid-range, where Banchero can hit a high percentage. With these in his arsenal, Banchero also easily gets himself to the rim.
The 6-foot-10 Banchero makes the Orlando Magic one of the tallest lineups in the NBA. Banchero is good at gaining some momentum and stopping on mid-range shots. His long build and high release would fit that skill set perfectly. This ability to create with just one or two dribbles makes Banchero especially dangerous when running the pick-and-roll. He’s very good at using screens, and he knows it’s only going to set him and his style of play for success. Banchero could help Orlando potentially get out of the league basement and is a favorite for the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award.
17. Kyle Kuzma
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
2021-22 stats: 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks
Kyle Kuzma is just one of many who have thrived in the new situation after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. His new and improved role with the Washington Wizards allowed Kuzma to play the best and easiest basketball of his life. With the Wizards, Kuzma’s usage rate is higher than ever, and it’s paying off in his career. He’s averaging the second-highest of his career, while also setting career highs in rebounds, assists and field goal percentage.
Kuzma’s role with the Wizards will ultimately remain the same through the 2022-23 season. Their only goal now is to put it all together and play some wins. As the season progresses, Kuzma’s performance will have a lot to do with where the team goes. He needs to continue to shoot well while taking more…
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