The NBA’s top 10 power forwards heading into the 2026-27 season

The power forward point is not what it used to be. In today’s NBA, big boys can’t just camp in the paint, grab rebounds, and knock down easy layups. Teams expect them to shoot outside, pass, cover multiple positions, and even attack. This makes it important to find a great one.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, there is no shortage of talent for that role. You have seasoned veterans who still deliver night after night, along with rising young stars who have taken over their franchises. Some of these guys are practically point guards on 7-foot frames.

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MORE: Top 10 NBA centers heading into the 2026-27 season

Of course, staying healthy is half the battle. A half-time can quickly derail a season, and staying down gives these players a chance to rise even higher.

Here are the top 10 power forwards in the league for the 2026-27 season.

10. Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (20) drives the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter at the Delta Center. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Jaren Jackson Jr. He played just 48 games in 2025-26, but he still averaged 19.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2 assists a night. He started the season with Memphis before being traded to Utah. Even with the missed time and team transitions, getting nearly 20 points from him every night makes him a huge part of the offense.

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What makes it special is how relevant it is to today’s game. Defensively, he blocks shots to the basket and can step outside to guard faster players. Offensively, he knocks down threes. This keeps big defenders out of the paint and makes it easier for everyone on their team to score.

9. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Zion Williamson played in 62 games in the 2025-26 season, a big relief after years of injury problems. He showed just how efficient he still is from the rim, shooting 60 percent from the field with 21 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest.

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His scoring is a bit lower than early in his career, but when he decides to attack, no one can stop him. His blend of speed and power is unmatched. If he can put together a healthier year, he could easily move up this list.

8. Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Anthony Davis had a tough time staying on the court in 2025-26, playing just 20 games. Still, when healthy, he looked like his usual dominant self with 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Taking more than 11 boards in a game shows that he is still a monster in a bottle.

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Defense is where he really shines. He can throw strikes, compete in races, and transition to smaller guys without getting burned out. The only question mark with Davis is his health, if he can match up to 60 or 70 games, he is easily the top hitter in the league.

7. Julius Randle, Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle (30) speaks to the media at the Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Julius Randle produced a stronger year, averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5 assists per game in 79 games. Now playing for the Brooklyn Nets, he brings a tough, physical style of basketball to his new team. He uses his sheer strength to get defenders out of his way, but he also has the ball-handling skills of a smaller player to control the offense.

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Because it’s so well built, it’s almost impossible for defenders to push it. He likes to pull players back in the paint to make tough baskets. Also, he is a fantastic rebounder who often grabs a missed shot and immediately dribbles down court to start a fast break. Having a big guy who can rebound, pass and score with that kind of power makes him a huge piece for Brooklyn.

6. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) faces the Miami Heat during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Pascal Siakam remains one of the most reliable power forwards in the NBA. He gives Indiana a solid scoring option and a strong offensive center in the secondary. His championship experience also adds value to his game.

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The Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals in 2024-25 with Siakam in the role. He followed that run by averaging 24 points in 2025-26. His passing completion remains one of his greatest strengths. Siakam can also create his own shot and attack smaller defenders in the paint.

5. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks in the third quarter against the New York Knicks during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Evan Mobley brings a strong defensive presence to Cleveland. He followed up the 2024-25 defensive player of the year with another year of strong hook protection. His ability to switch positions makes him even more valuable.

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Offensively, Mobley continued to thrive. He averaged 18.2 points, 9 rebounds and a career-best 3.6 assists last season. This increase gives Cleveland a player who can impact games on both ends of the floor.

4. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors forward Scotty Barnes (4) drives the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of Game 5 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Scottie Barnes offers a rare blend of size, playmaking and defense. The 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year can guard multiple positions and still play a big role with the ball. This versatility makes him an important part of Toronto’s team.

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Playing 80 games in 2025-26 also showed his value with his availability. Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists last season, earning his second career All-Star selection. His ability to create plays while defending multiple positions keeps him among the best forwards in the league.

3. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons during Game 7 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

Paolo Banchero is back after a hamstring strain marred his 2024-25 campaign. He played in 72 games last season and shot a career-best 45.9 percent from the field. Those numbers helped establish him as Orlando’s primary offensive option. The 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year also averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season.

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His playoff run showed just how much scoring pressure he can handle. Banchero scored 45 points in Game 5 and 38 points in Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, the Magic fell in both games and dropped the series. Still, that big-play production gives Orlando a clear offensive leader in 2026-27.

MORE: The NBA’s top 10 shooting guards heading into the 2026-27 season

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat

Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (30) during the second quarter at the Videotron Center. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

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Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the toughest players to stop in the NBA. His combination of size, speed and strength gives Miami a huge advantage around the basket. He can also create offense in transition and make plays for his teammates.

Health is a major question for the two-time NBA MVP in 2026-27. Giannis played just 36 regular season games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Even in that limited schedule, he earned his 10th career All-Star selection with 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Major rankings, including HoopsHype, still place him at the top of the pure power forward group.

MORE: The 10 best NBA point guards heading into the 2026-27 season

1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) goes up for a foul shot against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES (Reuters) via Reuters Connect

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Jayson Tatum reclaimed the No. 1 spot after an incredibly strong comeback from a ruptured right Achilles that occurred during the 2025 playoffs. Returning to the court in March 2026, he seamlessly integrated into the Celtics system for 16 regular season games, proving his body and game were fully intact.

At age 27 or younger, Tatum became the second player in NBA history to reach 13,000 points, 4,000 rebounds and 2,000 assists. By the time the 2026 playoffs arrived, he was back in elite form, averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.

Another number shows his great value to Boston. The Celtics have an .890 winning percentage, or a 76-9 record, over the past four seasons in which Tatum’s usage rate has reached at least 33 percent. That kind of franchise-changing impact makes him the most powerful power forward heading into the 2026-27 season.

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