The power forward position is starting to become the most loaded position out of all five in the NBA. There are veterans, young players on the rise, and players in their prime.
There are the obvious players such as Kevin Love and Blake Griffin that garner much-deserved respect, but the list goes on and on and will continue to be that way for years. But for now, let’s take a look at the top-five right now:
1. Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
There are very few players in the NBA who can match Kevin Love’s hustle and dedicated attitude. His hard-work has definitely paid off as his stats and overall game have improved greatly since 2008 where he averaged just 11 points and nine rebounds compared to now where he is averaging 25 points and nearly 15 rebounds in a year where he will be making his first all-star game appearance.
Love has become a premier rebounder and has just now added a three pointer to his repertoire. He isn’t an offensive force, but will quietly find a way to score in the 20’s nightly.
Minnesota fans will be able to continue to watch a rising star develop, as the UCLA product will remain in Minnesota for at least four more years, after signing an extension earlier this season worth about $60 million.
Needless to say, Love is the face of a Timberwolves franchise that will continue to progress over the next couple of years, and will crack the playoffs sooner rather than later.
2. Lamarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers)
Aldridge has really stepped up big for a Blazers team that needed a new leader, after losing a fan favorite in Brandon Roy during the offseason due to ongoing knee troubles.
He is currently averaging 23 points and about nine rebounds, those stats good enough to be selected as a reserve for a Western conference all-star team that is very hard to crack, especially at a loaded power forward position.
The Blazers sit in 9th place after a blazing start to the shortened season, but without Aldridge, they wouldn’t even be sniffing the playoffs right now. He is the heart and soul of a team that has some of the best fans supporting them night in and night out, making him that much more valuable to the organization.
3. Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
There is no doubt in my mind that Griffin will be dazzling L.A. for years to come with his exciting and up-tempo style of play. From “Griffindor” to “Blakeshow”, he deserves all the hype that playing in Los Angeles brings.
After having a spectacular rookie season in which he won the rookie of the year award, Griffin is back at it again in 2012. Through 26 games he is averaging 21.1 points and 10.8 rebounds, leading the Clippers to a much improved (18-9) record good enough for third place in the west. Despite having slightly better stats last year where he averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds, the Clippers are winning and that is the most important factor.
Griffin will be adding another accolade to his profile, as he will be making his second all-star game appearance on February 26th. Clearly Los Angles is very star studded city as he will be joining three other Los Angles players in the starting lineup for this highly anticipated game in Orlando.
4. Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers)
Gasol began the season very sluggish, but it looks as if he is on the verge of breaking out in a big way. Mike Brown is finally starting to utilize Gasol in a more effective style, and it has shown, as Gasol has recorded seven consecutive double-doubles landing the Lakers fifth place in the Western conference.
Gasol has been rumored in several trade proposals throughout the year, but this has failed to distract him from consistently performing on the court, despite not being selected to the all-star squad. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if any teams are interested in making a move for Gasol, but time can only tell.
5. David Lee (Golden State Warriors)
Between Stephen Curry missing games with his ankle and Monta Ellis’s inconsistency, Lee has always been in the lineup performing at a consistent level for a Warriors team that is starting to turn the corner.
Lee is averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds, but has been heating up of late, averaging 21.8 points and exactly 11 rebounds leading the Warriors to a 3-2 record over that five game span.
Despite posting solid numbers, Lee has been criticized for his play late in ballgames. His fourth quarter stats are much lower than the first three quarters, and this is part of the reason why the Warriors tend to lose games down the stretch.
Overall, Lee is having a solid bounce back year after having an off year in 2010. Expect him to be a key part in the Warriors success over the next couple of years.
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