Ranking The Best NBA Power Forwards By Tiers For The 2022-23 Season

The 2022-23 NBA regular season is entering the apex of its excitement as we speak. The season has come down to 25 games left for most teams as we head into the All-Star break, and the chaotic trade deadline has passed. Now, we see how all of these teams, who scrambled together this year at the deadline, can find some sort of cohesion and make one final push toward the playoffs. As we enter this most electric time in the NBA season, we continue to rank the players at every position by tiers, with the best of the best in Tier One all the way down to Tier Five. 

You have seen this format before with point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. Today, we talk about the players who are one-half of the frontcourt, the power forwards. The NBA in 2022-23 is free moving and spaced out. Some of the players you will see at the power forward position this season would be considered small forwards or even centers just 10-15 years ago. The players you see at the power forward position in 2022-23 are defensive specialists, great scorers, playmakers, All-Stars, and MVP candidates.

These are the NBA power forwards ranked by tiers for the 2022-23 season.

Tier 5

Dorian Finney-Smith, Patrick Williams, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Keegan Murray, Jabari Smith Jr., Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, Marcus Morris Sr., Isaiah Stewart

Tier Five of our power forward rankings gets started with 10 players at the position who have either struggled more so than in other seasons or are slowly on the rise and early in their careers. The first of these players is Dorian Finney-Smith, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks, who was sent to Brooklyn in the deal for Kevin Durant. With the Mavericks, Finney-Smith averaged 9.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 1.0 SPG in 40 games played. In his first two games as the starter with Brooklyn, he is averaging 7.0 PPG and 8.5 RPG.

Patrick Williams has been one of the Bulls’ disappointments in 2022-23, of which there are many. Williams has gotten 55 starts with Chicago this year and is averaging just 10.1 PPG and 4.4 RPG over that time. Chicago’s season seems to be slipping away with every passing evening, and Williams could be the casualty of a rebuild this offseason if Chicago chooses to go that direction. In his last 10 games, Williams is averaging only 9.6 PPG on 44.8% shooting as the Bulls went 4-6.

The first of the players in new homes at the NBA trade deadline is Rui Hachimura with the Los Angeles Lakers. Hachimura has been a good offensive player as a scorer and rebounder, but his defensive struggles seem to have followed him across the country. In nine games with the Lakers so far, Hachimura has averaged 11.8 PPG and 6.2 RPG on 48.2% shooting, numbers that are slightly less productive than what he was doing off the bench in Washington.

Jarred Vanderbilt is another young player that landed with the Lakers at the deadline, and it looks like he may be primed to take Hachimura’s starting spot. Vanderbilt’s offensive game still needs a bit of work, but defensively, he could end up forming an incredible duo with Anthony Davis. Vanderbilt brings length, size, and strength to the Lakers’ frontcourt and will be an essential piece for them down the stretch. Through 52 games with Utah this season, Vanderbilt averaged 8.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 1.0 SPG. In his first game with the Lakers, he played 17 minutes off the bench and scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out four assists.

Keegan Murray is another rookie who, after a slow start, has turned into an integral piece for the Sacramento Kings in 2022-23. Murray has appeared in 54 games and made 52 starts for the Kings, who currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference. Murray has averaged 12.0 PPG and 4.6 RPG this season and has recorded eight 20-point games with one 30-point game to date. Murray has provided consistent play on both sides of the ball as a rookie and has earned his spot in the starting lineup.

Jabari Smith Jr. is another rookie who cracks Tier Five for the moment and who we will also see in the upcoming Slam Dunk Contest. Smith has started all 56 games for the Rockets so far this season and is averaging 12.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 1.0 BPG. He has played much better as the season has worn on for the rebuilding and very young Houston Rockets. In a matter of a few seasons, Smith Jr. and rising center Alperen Sengun could be one of the most formidable frontcourts in all of basketball.

On his fifth team in 10 seasons, Kelly Olynyk has earned a spot to start with the Utah Jazz in 2022-23. Olynyk is one of those players whose numbers do not tell the entire story. They will not show you the heart and toughness he played with, but it does paint a slight picture of his contributions so far this season. Olynyk is averaging the second-highest PPG of his career at 11.7 PPG, and he is also pulling down 5.0 RPG and added 1.0 SPG on the defensive end. Olynyk will likely not be with Utah beyond 2022-23 as they continue to get younger and acquire draft capital.

Jeremy Sochan has turned things around for himself in San Antonio after a slow start to his rookie season. The Spurs are quite clearly in tanking for Wembanyama’s mode for the rest of 2022-23, but their young star has given them a bit of bright hope for the future. Through 46 games and 43 starts, Sochan is averaging 10.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.5 APG for the Spurs this season, but numbers can be deceiving. In his last nine games, he has averaged 16.0 PPG and 5.7 RPG on 48.2% shooting which is possibly the best stretch of games for him in his rookie campaign.

Veteran Marcus Morris Sr. is in his fourth season with the Los Angeles Clippers and is giving them solid minutes as their starting power forward. Through 51 starts this season, Morris is averaging 12.6 PPG and 4.3 RPG but is shooting better from three than even last season at 38.3% on 5.2 attempts. Although he is shooting just 43.3% overall, Morris brings a tough and physical presence to the Clippers that they have desperately needed someone to take the role of.

The final member of Tier Five for our 2022-23 power forwards is Isaiah Stewart. Aside from a tussle with LeBron James in 2021-22, Stewart has kept relatively quiet over the past year. Playing for one of the NBA’s worst teams likely has something to do with that. He is, however, getting better with time as the third-year big man is averaging 11.4 PPG and 8.1 RPG this season on just 44.1% shooting. He is getting more opportunities to be a presence on offense and is even getting 4.1 three-point attempts up per game.

Tier 4

John Collins, Christian Wood, Cam Johnson, P.J. Washington, Scottie Barnes

Tier Four is where we begin to see the more impactful power forwards so far this season that is not quite ready for All-Star consideration at this point in time. Kicking things off is Atlanta Hawks’ power forward John Collins. The Hawks, and Collins, have struggled to find the previous form that sent them all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. Through 49 starts, Collins is averaging just 13.3 PPG and 7.2 RPG which are both the lowest they have been since his rookie season. Collins has stepped it up defensively but not without a hit to his offensive game. 

Christian Wood is enjoying his first season with the Dallas Mavericks even as they work through rigorous talks of an extension. Wood has been in a Sixth Man role for Dallas this season and things will remain that way even after the team acquired Kyrie Irving and sent two players away. Wood is averaging 17.6 PPG and 8.1 RPG for Dallas this season but has struggled with injuries keeping him in and out of the lineup.

Cam Johnson was sent to Brooklyn from Phoenix as a part of the deal that sent Kevin Durant to the Suns. Johnson has been one of Phoenix’s most promising young players for the past three seasons and now gets to showcase his elite shooting and other talents in Brooklyn. Johnson fought back from injury this season to make 17 appearances for the Suns and averaged 13.9 PPG on 47.4% shooting. In his debut with the Nets, Johnson had 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a hard-fought loss to the Sixers.

The Charlotte Hornets are having an abysmal season as most expected them to but there have been bright spots for them along the way. Fourth-year big man P.J. Washington is having the best season of his young career with a career-high 15.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.1 BPG. Washington may be taking too many perimeter shots at this point in time but he is getting the best opportunity to showcase his two-way abilities and thrive individually. Does he get moved in the offseason for draft capital?

The final member of Tier Four is reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. Most would have thought that Barnes would be Tier Three or even Tier Two by now considering how great he looked in 2022 but that is not the case. Barnes is having an eerily similar season to his rookie year but has regressed in two areas. He is shooting the ball a lot less efficiently in 2022-23 and has almost forgotten his assignments on the defensive end. The numbers still look great at 15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.0 SPG but there is much more work to do if he wants to move up here on this list.

Tier 3

Draymond Green, Evan Mobley, Paolo Banchero, Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma

Tier Three power forwards for 2022-23 could easily be All-Stars and many of them are trending in that direction. Draymond Green may be headed the other way though as the veteran is showing signs of age in 2022-23. Green is still an elite playmaker and defender who can adjust rotations and cause disruption with the best of them. The Warriors have struggled as a whole in 2022-23 after winning their fourth title in 2022. Green may be on his way out this offseason as Golden State continues to develop their younger talent like Jordan Poole and Johnathan Kuminga. 

Evan Mobley is a bright young star in the NBA, make no mistake about it. We already saw what a force he could be defensively in his 2022 rookie season but he has built on that again this year. He has also added an even more polished offensive game to his arsenal which has made him a Top 10-15 player at his position. He is currently averaging 15.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. Mobley and the Cavaliers are currently fourth in the East with a 37-22 record overall.

The youngest member of Tier Three might just have the most potential for the future. Paolo Banchero has looked like the most NBA-ready prospect of the last decade and I mean that with no exaggeration. In 50 starts with the Magic this season, Banchero is averaging 20.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Banchero has Magic fans and media excited about what this young team can accomplish with just a few more seasons of experience.

After being acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason, Jerami Grant has taken advantage of the big opportunity afforded to him. Forming a trio with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, Grant has played tremendously in 2022-23 and has the team in a playoff hunt. Grant is having one of the best seasons of his career with Portland averaging 20.8 PPG and 4.3 RPG as they sit in 12th place hoping for a chance at the play-in tournament.

The final member of Tier Three is Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards. Kuzma is having the best season of his career averaging a career-best 21.3 PPG while adding 7.6 RPG and 4.0 APG. Kuzma and the Wizards have slid down the standings of late but still find themselves fighting for a play-in spot. If Kuzma is healthy and on the court, the Wizards are a much better team with Kuzma fighting on the interior and attacking the basket with his aggressive style of play.

Tier 2

Zion Williamson, Pascal Siakam, Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Karl-Anthony Towns, Aaron Gordon

Although he is set to miss a lot of time through the All-Star break this season, Zion Williamson is still one of the best power forwards in basketball. Injuries have been the only weakness for Williamson so far in his career and they have once again hit in 2022-23. In 29 starts this season, he was averaging 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.6 APG, and 1.1 SPG on 60.8% shooting. He was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career but will miss the festivities due to his hamstring. It is clear the Pelicans need him back and healthy if they are to make any kind of push this postseason.

For the last three seasons, Pascal Siakam has been one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Even though he was named an All-NBA Third Team member last season, he was still not mentioned among the NBA’s best power forwards. Once again, even though the Raptors have some tough decisions to make on his future, Siakam is proving all the doubters wrong. He is currently averaging 25.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 6.1 APG on 47.9% shooting and leading the NBA with 37.6 minutes played.

Julius Randle is back to his All-Star form that we saw him break out with the Knicks in 2021. Randle was named an Eastern Conference reserve two weeks ago as he is having yet another rejuvenated season in New York. Randle is averaging 24.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 4.2 APG while shooting 46.0% from the field. Randle and the Knicks are navigating through a tough East as they sit seventh in the standings at 31-27 on the year.

Next on Tier Two is the leader in the clubhouse for the Most Improved player right now, Lauri Markkanen. After a scintillating performance at EuroBasket this past summer, Markkanen’s great play has resulted in his first All-Star selection and a seemingly great move from Utah’s front office. Markkanen had the Jazz in contention earlier this season before a bit of a slide saw them drop to 28-30 and 11th in the West. Markkanen is leading Utah with 24.8 PPG and has added 8.5 RPG as well as shooting 51.3% from the field and 41.6% from three.

Another awards leader for 2022-23 has crept into Tier Two and that is Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. Jackson is currently anchoring the second-highest-rated defense in the NBA with his 3.3 BPG and incredible interior play on both ends of the court. While Memphis’ guards have been tremendous, Jackson returned from injury only to help Memphis skyrocket to second in the West with play. Jackson is the current leader for Defensive Player of the Year and all he has to do is stay healthy to secure the award.

The next two picks will shock you with their placement here. The first is Karl-Anthony Towns who has been hurt for the majority of the season only playing 21 games in 2022-23. When on the court, Towns is an elite offensive weapon who was averaging 20.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 5.3 APG. Many will say the start to this season was disappointing and he cannot simply fit with Gobert on the court. I say, how did you get all that from a 21-game sample size?

The final member of Tier Two is as underrated as it gets but not by us. Aaron Gordon is quietly having one of the best seasons of his career with the Nuggets as they sit in the first-place spot in the West at this time. After holding Nikola Jokic down while his teammates have been injured the past two years, Gordon has found his role with Denver and is thriving. He is currently averaging 17.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 2.9 APG for the Nuggets and is a big reason why they remain in first.

Tier 1

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant

All three members of Tier One of our 2022-23 power forwards are legitimate MVP candidates. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a ridiculous two-way force over his last 20 games and has propelled Milwaukee just behind Boston for the first spot in the East. Giannis is averaging 32.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, and just under one steal and one block for the Bucks so far this year. He has once again staked his claim as the best player in the world averaging 37.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG, and 5.5 APG over his last 10 games. 

All season long, Jayson Tatum has been at least Top Five in the MVP race. He has done nothing but play at an elite level for the Celtics while they have accumulated a 41-16 record, the best in basketball at this point. Tatum has proven he is the go-to guy for Boston at all times on the court and with him, along with Jaylen Brown, a trip back to the NBA Finals has nothing standing in their way except themselves. Tatum is currently averaging 30.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 4.5 APG, and 1.1 SPG to lead Boston.

The final member of Tier One is someone who is used to being at the top. Kevin Durant made the biggest headlines at the trade deadline when he was traded to the Suns in a blockbuster that immediately made them favorites in the West. Durant is currently out with an injury through the All-Star break but is sure to set the desert on fire once he returns. In 39 games for the Nets this year, Durant averaged 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, and 1.1 BPG and was a Top 10 MVP candidate while doing so. Can he do the same in Phoenix and lead them to their first NBA championship?

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