Much like the point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards of the past five drafts, the power forwards drafted recently have been impressive. Here are the top power forwards from each of the past five drafts, spanning from the 2019 NBA Draft to the 2023 NBA Draft.
Top Power Forwards From Each Of The Past 5 Drafts
2019: Zion Williamson
As one of the most hyped prospects ever, the New Orleans Pelicans predictably drafted Zion Williamson with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. While he has had injury issues for most of his career, Williamson has been a real force on the court when he does play. Specifically, Williamson has been a dominant paint scorer, utilizing his athleticism, strength, and touch to obliterate defenses. He can easily rise above his defender to throw down a devastating highlight dunk. Just as easily, he can use his quickness to blow past the opposition for a crafty finish. Furthermore, he can also power through contact for the finish. Not only that, but Williamson has been one of the most efficient players in the league, despite being a poor outside shooter.
As a defender, he has shown that he will use his athleticism to make highlight blocks. As a playmaker, he leverages his impressive driving abilities to create open looks for others. Additionally, Williamson has improved as a playmaker every season. Williamson hasn’t played as much as one would hope, but the talent he displayed so far shows he is the best power forward in his class. Hopefully, Williamson can shake the bad string of injuries and fully fulfill his potential.
2020: Patrick Williams
The Chicago Bulls selected Patrick Williams with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite being from a weaker draft class at the four position, Williams has flashed potential in significant parts of his game. He provides valuable floor spacing at the four and has improved as a shooter every season. He has been a 40.9% three-point shooter for his career and has increased his attempts significantly from when he first came in the league. Not only that, but Williams has shown some flashes as a shot-creator.
Additionally, he has become a strong, versatile defensive piece for the Bulls. Williams can easily switch between multiple positions and perform well against good players. He can guard the point of attack, be a weakside helper, and guard in isolation. Given his current skills and potential in key areas, Williams has been the top power forward of the 2020 class.
2021: Evan Mobley
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley with the third overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. From that draft, the Cavaliers gained one of the best young defensive bigs in the NBA. Not only that, but Mobley has good upside as an offensive player. Mobley possesses the versatility to guard across multiple positions, utilizing his athleticism and quickness to be a defensive force. Mobley also has good defensive instincts and quick reflexes. He knows how to use his size and length to be a prominent shot blocker in the league. He has shown that he can keep up with guards along the perimeter and contend with the bigger players around the NBA.
Offensively, Mobley fully leverages his athleticism to finish above the rim with powerful dunks. Furthermore, he is a monster in transition and as a roller. Not only that, but Mobley has also developed his dribble drive, allowing him to put the ball on the floor and drive to the rim. Additionally, Mobley has shown improvements as a shooter, knocking down threes at a 37.3% clip last season (albeit on low volume). With his defensive prowess and offensive developments, Mobley has shown himself to be the top power forward from the 2021 NBA Draft.
2022: Paolo Banchero
The Orlando Magic drafted Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. In Banchero, the Magic found a dynamic scorer who has improved his efficiency and shot selection year after year. As an offensive player, Banchero has showcased a wide and diverse offensive skill set that makes him a deadly scorer. He can score on all three levels and has gotten more efficient over time. He can score off the dribble, in post-up, and as both the ball-handler and roller in pick-and-roll. Furthermore, he knows how to use his strength and athleticism to power through contact for the finish. He has improved as a three-point shooter and has taken more threes instead of mid-range jumpers. However, Banchero is still a threat from the mid-range and can easily get to his spots.
Another area of improvement for Banchero is his playmaking, where he has gotten better at finding his teammates. He fully utilizes his increased driving to create more opportunities for his team. Defensively, Paolo has improved at rotating as the weakside helper. Furthermore, he has gotten better at using his length to block shots and steal basketballs. Overall, Paolo has improved into a true star for the Magic.
2023: GG Jackson II
The Memphis Grizzlies drafted Gregory “GG” Jackson II with the 45th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. In the midst of an injury-riddled season for the Grizzlies, Jackson emerged as a legitimate scoring threat for the team. He can score on all three levels, possessing a mature offensive game for his age. Jackson fully makes use of his length and athleticism when going to the basket, which can turn into highlight plays. He can handle the ball and create offense for himself. He has a smooth shot in both the mid-range and from three. Jackson can even take and make off-the-dribble threes. While he does have areas to improve on, Jackson has shown impressive skill and great potential in his rookie season. For that reason, Jackson has been the top power forward from his draft class.
