NBA power forward tier list: Where is Raptors star Pascal Siakam?
By Mike Luciano
Tier 5: Reliable veterans
20. John Collins, Utah Jazz
19. De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
18. Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
17. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
16. Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Collins was deemed dead weight by the Hawks, but there is still a universe where he thrives in Utah. Hunter should have no trouble replacing him due to his solid defense and versatility. Harris has been mocked for his expensive contract, but he can still be a problem for opponents when healthy.
Green can still defend and pass well, but it’s hard to put the Warriors’ lynchpin too high on this list when he has become such a negative asset scoring the ball. Johnson, who just signed a mega deal with Brooklyn, has a picture-perfect jumper that could help him start the second act of his career very well.
Tier 4: Quality scorers
15. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
14. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
13. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
12. Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Bridges was let off extremely easily for some disgusting actions, and he will need to repair his relationship with the NBA community. Kuzma might have benefitted from stat-padding on a bad Wizards team, but one can’t be argued is the fact that he has taken some big steps forward as a player in Washington.
Portland gave Grant a huge contract, a sign they believe he can be a consistent scorer who helps the post-Damian Lillard era begin without a hitch. Gordon was frustratingly close to breaking out for so long, but he finally appears to have found his role as a rim-runner for a champion Nuggets team.
NBA power forward tier list: Pascal Siakam is better than Julius Randle
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
11. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
10. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
8. Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies
7. Julius Randle, New York Knicks
Banchero and Mobley are opposites of one another in some regards, but both of them have already shown that All-Star nods will be piling up for them in the future. Porzingis gets injured quite often, but his numbers on both sides of the floor will surprise the casual observer.
Jackson will never be the straw that stirs the drink in Memphis, but the league’s premier shot-blocker will be a problem for anyone who wanders into the paint. Randle went from disappointment to All-NBA before going down and back up again. Which version will the Knicks get this year?