NBA power forwards are the league’s bruisers who’ve evolved into sharpshooters, ball-handlers, and versatile players. Gone are the days when the four spot was just about banging in the paint, as today’s PFs stretch the floor, defend in space, and act as playmakers. From Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance to Paolo Banchero’s improving skillset, the position is one of the most important right now.
- Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson
- Boston Celtics – Chris Boucher
- Brooklyn Nets – Noah Clowney
- Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges
- Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams
- Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley
- Dallas Mavericks – Anthony Davis
- Denver Nuggets – Aaron Gordon
- Detroit Pistons – Tobias Harris
- Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green
- Houston Rockets – Jabari Smith Jr.
- Indiana Pacers – Pascal Siakam
- Los Angeles Clippers – John Collins
- Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura
- Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Miami Heat – Bam Adebayo
- Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Julius Randle
- New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson
- New York Knicks – Josh Hart
- Oklahoma City Thunder – Chet Holmgren
- Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero
- Philadelphia 76ers – Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Phoenix Suns – Ryan Dunn
- Portland Trail Blazers – Jerami Grant
- Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray
- San Antonio Spurs – Jeremy Sochan
- Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes
- Utah Jazz – Kyle Filipowski
- Washington Wizards – Kyshawn George
After we have named every starting point guard, shooting guard, and small forward, we will focus on the power forwards who will headline each NBA team in the 2025-26 campaign.
Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson
2024-25 Averages: 18.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
The leap is real, and there could be more to come. Jalen Johnson has blossomed into one of the league’s premier two-way forwards with the Atlanta Hawks, flirting with a nightly triple-double while guarding the opponent’s best wing.
Atlanta finally has its modern-day cornerstone at the 4, pairing athleticism with playmaking in a way that perfectly balances Trae Young’s perimeter prowess. Johnson is no longer just a promising young piece; we expect a near-All-Star leap in 2025-26.
Boston Celtics – Chris Boucher
2024-25 Averages: 10.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
At 32, Chris Boucher isn’t the flashiest option, but he provides the veteran presence Boston craves as they hope to remain competitive in a season that could be a wash due to Jayson Tatum’s injury. His wiry frame and relentless energy give the Celtics a disruptive presence at the 4, even if the scoring numbers are modest.
For Boston, it’s less about Boucher dominating and more about him being somewhat of a glue guy who makes room for Jaylen Brown to shine. We don’t expect Boucher to do much, and quite frankly, the Celtics just want him to be available and do his best.
Brooklyn Nets – Noah Clowney
2024-25 Averages: 9.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
This is Noah Clowney’s big break. The Brooklyn Nets have leaned into youth, and the 20-year-old stretch forward is getting the reps that come with a rebuilding roster, and he showed some improvements in his second season.
The numbers aren’t eye-popping yet, but his length, floor-spacing ability, and defensive potential make him a clear developmental priority in Brooklyn. He’s one of those “let him learn by fire” starters because the Nets aren’t going anywhere for a while and can afford to do so.
Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges
2024-25 Averages: 20.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Back in full rhythm, Miles Bridges is capable of carrying a heavy offensive load for Charlotte. His blend of brute force and finesse at the 4 spot gives the Hornets a nightly scoring option next to LaMelo Ball, and his rebounding keeps him firmly entrenched in the starting role.
Bridges has reestablished himself as not just a starter, but as one of the few consistent threats Charlotte can bank on. We think the Hornets will be a little better next season, but how far they go could depend on how well Bridges plays alongside Ball and Brandon Miller.
Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams
2024-25 Averages: 9.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Patrick Williams still can’t shake the “if only” player stigma. His defensive versatility is undeniable, his athleticism is tailor-made for the modern NBA, and yet the offensive production still feels a gear too low.
Chicago is betting big on continuity, and Williams gets another run at the starting 4, but until the scoring consistency clicks, he’ll remain more promise than results. We expect Williams to get reps as the Bulls’ starting PF next season, but if he doesn’t perform, he could be relegated.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley
2024-25 Averages: 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Evan Mobley is everything Cleveland could ask for in a franchise big man, as he won Defensive Player of the Year after a terrific campaign last year. Amazingly, the defensive brilliance is already elite, and the offensive bag continues to grow year by year.
With his improved jumper and ability to anchor the Cavaliers’ frontcourt alongside Jarrett Allen, Mobley has comfortably settled into the role of cornerstone power forward and borderline All-NBA when at his best. We expect Mobley to take another step forward next season.
Dallas Mavericks – Anthony Davis
2024-25 Averages: 24.7 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 2.2 BPG
It’s still strange seeing Anthony Davis in Mavericks blue, but the fit is terrifyingly good. Kyrie Irving has never had a frontcourt partner like AD, who erases mistakes on defense while giving Dallas an interior scoring option to balance perimeter orchestration.
Davis is older now, sure, but when healthy, he’s still the most dominant two-way PF in the league. We personally can’t wait to see Irving, Davis, and Cooper Flag all on the floor together for as long as they can. We also don’t believe Davis will last a full season without dealing with some form of injury, and that’s a shame as well.
Denver Nuggets – Aaron Gordon
2024-25 Averages: 14.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Aaron Gordon’s stats or role don’t scream “superstar,” but his value to Denver is immeasurable as he is one of the most underrated starters in the NBA. As the Nuggets’ Swiss Army knife, he defends across four positions, thrives as a cutter alongside Nikola Jokic, and sacrifices personal stats for team success.
Gordon at power forward is one of the reasons Denver’s spacing and defensive versatility remain championship caliber. In 2025-26, we hope Gordon gets more recognition because, at the very least, he deserves one All-Star Team selection by now.
Detroit Pistons – Tobias Harris
2024-25 Averages: 13.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
On a team with so much young talent, Tobias Harris is the Detroit Pistons’ veteran hand. He may not be a franchise centerpiece anymore, but he provides Detroit with reliable scoring and a calming veteran presence for a roster still figuring itself out.
Harris won’t wow you, but he’ll deliver at least 13 points and smart minutes at the 4 without breaking a sweat. The Pistons are fortunate to have the veteran forward focused on helping a young team because there aren’t many level-headed elder statesmen left in the NBA.
Golden State Warriors – Draymond Green
2024-25 Averages: 9.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG
What more needs to be said? Draymond Green remains the heartbeat of the Warriors, even if Stephen Curry and even Jimmy Butler might get the accolades. His box score doesn’t tell the story; his defense, leadership, and orchestration of Golden State’s offense keep him locked in as their starting 4.
The dynasty may be fading, but Draymond’s influence remains the constant glue that holds the Warriors together. We expect Green to possibly have one more season as a legitimate DPOY candidate because he came close to winning the award last year.
Houston Rockets – Jabari Smith Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 12.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.7 BPG
For Houston, Jabari Smith Jr. is their man at the PF spot moving forward, and he deserves it. His shooting stroke makes him a natural floor-spacer, but what the Rockets really need is for his defense to anchor the paint alongside Alperen Sengun.
The flashes are there, a 6’10” shooter with defensive versatility to look very similar to Kevin Durant, and Houston’s betting that 2025-26 is the season he strings it together consistently. If he does, the Rockets will be a force come playoff time.
Indiana Pacers – Pascal Siakam
2024-25 Averages: 20.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Fresh off proving he’s still a high-level player on both ends, Pascal Siakam is the Pacers’ go-to forward, balancing Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking with versatile midrange scoring. Obviously, Siakam will need to increase his production with Haliburton out with an Achilles injury.
Still, Siakam’s ability to thrive as both a first and second option makes him one of the most valuable 4s in the East. Indiana is built on speed and versatility, and Siakam embodies both as their undisputed starter.
Los Angeles Clippers – John Collins
2024-25 Averages: 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
John Collins has bounced around in recent years, but in L.A., he could finally rediscover a groove. His athleticism and floor-stretching ability give the Clippers exactly what they need from a power forward, and his defense has tightened up, too.
Collins feels like a project finally paying dividends because the Clippers looked at his numbers last year and traded fringe All-Star Norman Powell for him. Collins fits perfectly next to Ivica Zubac in the frontcourt, and he could make an impact next year.
Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura
2024-25 Averages: 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
For all the Lakers’ superstar-driven roster, Rui Hachimura is their quiet stabilizer at the 4. His ability to hit open shots, attack mismatches, and give LeBron and Luka breathing room makes him indispensable in L.A.’s rotation.
He’s not flashy, but his physicality and offensive efficiency keep him cemented as the Lakers’ starter. Rui needs to maintain high shooting percentages and avoid taking bad shots to make an impact for the Lakers, which are things he can easily do.
Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG
The former Defensive Player of the Year candidate has leaned even more into his offensive game. Jaren Jackson Jr. gives Memphis a legitimate two-way star at the 4, capable of stretching the floor from deep while erasing shots on defense.
The next step? Improving his rebounding numbers to fully dominate the position and prove he isn’t as overrated as some might believe. If he does, he can be an untouchable with Ja Morant next to him.
Miami Heat – Bam Adebayo
2024-25 Averages: 18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Miami’s defensive anchor isn’t a traditional power forward, but Bam Adebayo’s versatility makes him perfect for the spot. He handles the ball, defends all five positions, and sets the tone for Heat Culture.
While his scoring isn’t elite at times, his impact is undeniable. Few players can do as much across the board as Bam, which is why the Heat probably will consider him an untouchable for their future. Next season, Bam hopes to make an impact as the Heat look to get back into playoff contention.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo
2024-25 Averages: 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Giannis is still Giannis. Thirty points a night, MVP-caliber dominance, and defensive destruction, he remains the best player in the world at the 4. The Bucks go as far as Giannis carries them, and despite years in the league, he’s still expanding his playmaking.
He’s not just the best power forward; he’s arguably the best two-way player in basketball. It is a shame that the Bucks haven’t built a roster around Giannis for next season because a player of this caliber should be in championship contention at all times. Regardless, nobody is touching Giannis at the PF position.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Julius Randle
2024-25 Averages: 18.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
In Minnesota, Julius Randle brings brute strength and scoring punch to a roster already anchored by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. Randle’s bully-ball style pairs surprisingly well with the Wolves’ perimeter firepower, giving them a different dynamic offensively.
If he can stay efficient, he’s the perfect veteran enforcer at the 4. He might not be in the mix to make another All-Star appearance since he is playing in the competitive Western Conference, but he is still a very impactful player as a second option.
New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson
2024-25 Averages: 24.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG
When healthy, Zion Williamson is a wrecking ball and still one of the most unstoppable forces in the paint. However, he is unlikely to stay healthy, and we aren’t counting on him to start many games next year.
His playmaking leap has turned him into more than just a dunk machine; he’s now a legitimate offensive hub for New Orleans. The story is the same: if Zion’s body holds up, the Pelicans’ ceiling could be impressive…until the Pelicans decide to move on from him as their starting PF.
New York Knicks – Josh Hart
2024-25 Averages: 13.6 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Josh Hart at the 4 was classic Tom Thibodeau since he provided defense and hustle. However, we don’t expect that to change under Mike Brown. He’s undersized for the position, but his rebounding numbers rival true bigs, and his versatility allows New York to play small without losing toughness.
Hart may not be the prototypical PF, but his heart (no pun intended) makes him the Knicks’ perfect fit alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The swingman might not put up the same stats he did last year, but he will make his impact felt.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Chet Holmgren
2024-25 Averages: 15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG
Chet Holmgren is redefining the power forward role in OKC, even if he is more than capable of playing small-ball center. His shot-blocking and shooting combo make him a unicorn, and alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, he’s part of one of the most dangerous trios in basketball.
Chet’s already a defensive nightmare; once the offensive consistency takes the next leap, the Thunder will have an All-NBA forward on their hands. Even if Chet stays in his role and puts up similar numbers to last year, he would still be an impact player for the reigning NBA champions, so he is in a great situation right now.
Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero
2024-25 Averages: 25.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
This is Paolo Banchero’s team now and for the foreseeable future. The 2023 No. 1 pick has blossomed into an elite scorer and playmaker at the 4, putting up All-NBA numbers while carrying Orlando’s offense night after night.
His raw combination of size, skill, and vision makes him the perfect cornerstone you build a franchise around, and the Magic’s future is tied directly to his stardom. If Banchero is healthy, he will be an All-Star and a likely All-NBA candidate, and we can’t wait to see how he does on a new-and-improved Magic squad.
Philadelphia 76ers – Kelly Oubre Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 15.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
In Philly, Kelly Oubre Jr. is playing the role of energy starter at the 4, and he’s thriving in it, despite a bad season for the team last year. His scoring punch and defensive effort will give the 76ers lineup balance, even if he’s not the long-term answer as management decides what to do with Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Oubre’s willingness to do the dirty work while still providing 15 points a night makes him a sneaky valuable piece, and we can’t overlook him holding down the PF spot. If Embiid and George can stay healthy, Philly has a great team on paper, and Oubre Jr. fits into that mold perfectly.
Phoenix Suns – Ryan Dunn
2024-25 Averages: 6.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Ryan Dunn is all defense, all the time. His offensive numbers are minimal, but his athleticism and tenacity give Phoenix an edge at the 4, which is why the youngster will hold down this position for most of the season.
He’s the kind of player who makes his presence felt without scoring, diving for loose balls, switching onto multiple positions, and locking up wings. The Suns need players with the right attitude as they look to rebuild around Devin Booker, as they have put a complete end to the superteam era.
Portland Trail Blazers – Jerami Grant
2024-25 Averages: 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Jerami Grant was Portland’s most experienced and dependable veteran last season, providing spacing, shot creation, and perimeter defense to a young roster. Despite a down year, his ability to guard multiple positions makes him invaluable for any NBA team.
He’s a steadying presence on a team focused on the future, but perhaps he might not belong, considering Jrue Holiday is now in Portland. The Trail Blazers will wait for Damian Lillard next year, and Holiday could be the perfect veteran to replace Grant if he is moved.
Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray
2024-25 Averages: 12.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Keegan Murray is still growing into his role, but his shooting and length make him a natural fit at the 4 for Sacramento. He spaces the floor for Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, and his defensive instincts continue to develop.
Murray might not be a star yet, but he’s the perfect rebuilding piece for the Kings if the franchise ever finds its next franchise cornerstone. So far, the Kings are stuck in nowhere land after moving De’Aaron Fox, and Murray might have to be the player they build around.
San Antonio Spurs – Jeremy Sochan
2024-25 Averages: 11.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Quirky, versatile, and fearless, Jeremy Sochan embodies the Spurs’ youth rebuild, even if he could be on the trading block. His defense and rebounding give San Antonio toughness at the 4, while his willingness to experiment offensively shows promise.
With Victor Wembanyama drawing all eyes, Sochan’s role as the Swiss Army knife forward could become valuable, although he has competition from Harrison Barnes at this position. It will be interesting to see how the Spurs set up, but Sochan should occupy the PF spot for most of the season.
Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes
2024-25 Averages: 19.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Scottie Barnes is the Raptors’ franchise player across the board as a primary scorer, playmaker, and defensive leader. His leap into All-Star territory has made him the face of Toronto’s rebuild, and his ability to run the offense from the 4 is game-changing.
Barnes is finally getting some help next season in the form of Brandon Ingram, and we need to see how he responds to being on a slightly better team. Regardless, Barnes is one of the best players under 25 years old, and we can’t deny his growing talent.
Utah Jazz – Kyle Filipowski
2024-25 Averages: 9.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The rookie big man got thrown into the fire with the Utah Jazz but performed admirably. Kyle Filipowski’s touch around the rim and ability to stretch the floor made him intriguing, although his defense remains a work in progress.
For now, the Jazz are giving him the runway to grow into the role, and the flashes of polish suggest he might just run with it. We expect Kyle to post a near double-double next year as he gets more opportunities with a rebuilding squad.
Washington Wizards – Kyshawn George
2024-25 Averages: 8.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG
The 21-year-old Kyshawn George is raw, but Washington is all about development, and he’s showing real promise as a multi-skilled forward. His length and passing instincts make him a prospect at the 4, and while the numbers are modest, he’s got the look of a player who could blossom into a long-term starter.
For now, he’s earning valuable reps on a team with nothing to lose. We anticipate growth from the second-year big man as he learns the NBA game without having to worry about expectations from the Wizards moving forward.
