The Spaniard, The Diggler, CB4, and STAT lead my List of Top NBA Power Forwards..........But Who is at the top?

The Power Forward position in the NBA is probably the toughest and most physical position in the league. From WIKIPEDIA," known as the FOUR (4) position, they play a similar role as the CENTER in what is called the post or "low blocks". Typically the PF's play their back to the baskets offensively, and position themselves defensively under the basket or against opposing PF's in man to man defenses".

The Best PF's in the game today display a variety of skill sets from, on the block faced up or back to the basket, mid-range shooting, 3pt shooting, shot-blocking, rebounding, and ball-handling. With the game ever-changing the PF's are displaying some of the same skills as the SMALL FORWARD and the SHOOTING GUARD.

Some of the best Forwards in the game have come from over the BIG POND like DINO RADJA, TONI KUKOC, PAUL GASOL, ANDREI KIRILENKO, DETLEF SCHREMPF, and DIRK NOWITZKI to name a few. All these guys have adjusted to the American style basketball in due time and a few have flourished under our game.

Now lets take a look at THE BLUEDUDE'S TOP 8 NBA POWER FORWARDS:

1. PAUL GASOL aka THE SPANIARD LAKESHOW: Perhaps the most skilled PF in the game today who has elevated his game to Championships heights playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. GASOL , also the centerpiece of THE SPAIN NATIONAL TEAM, has been a force in FIBA BASKETBALL as well helping SPAIN bring home the FIBA WORLD Championship a few years back and 2ND place to the US in the 2008 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES. Very long, and thin, uses his length for offensive rebounds, block shots, and his array of post moves. Good Range out to about 18 feet and runs the floor well for a PF. The tandem of GASOL and the BLACK MAMBA (KOBE BRYANT) have brought the LAKESHOW back to back titles in the association.

2. DIRK NOWITZKI aka the DIGGLER DALLAS MAVERICKS: The FORMER NBA MVP has vaulted the Dallas Mavericks from the bottom of the league to one of the top teams in the west for the last 5-7 years. At nearly 7' tall and playing more of a SF than the traditional PF with his back to the basket, THE DIGGLER is a mis-match for opposition on a nightly basis. Too big for a SF to guard and to perimeter oriented for the PF, he is deadly from anywhere on the floor. With a signature jump shot that is a fadeaway type, and unlimited 3 range, he is penciled in for 24 and 8 every night. The only shortcomings of DIRK in the early years and somewhat at times today is his lack of rebounding and defense but he is the REAL DEAL HOLYFIELD when it comes to the offensive end. The BEST DALLAS MAVERICK EVER AND IT AIN'T EVEN CLOSE.

3A. CHRIS BOSH aka CB1 MIAMI HEAT: Hidden in the beautiful city of TORONTO CANADA IN THE province of ONTARIO is a another defection from the TORONTO RAPTORS and arguably their best player ever there. BOSH is a traditional type PF with always finding him on the low blocks or around the 15 ft range. A very cerebral player who is almost impossible to stop going left and very good range on his shot. An excellent rebounder and weak side defender who will be the 3rd option on the HEAT. And that in itself is scary for the rest of the league. Runs the floor very well and a good finisher around the rim. PART OF THE MIAMI TRIPLETS AND NOT JUST A THIRD WHEEL EITHER THIS GUY IS TOP 10 TALENT.

3B. AMARE STOUDEMIRE aka STAT NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS: The prototype 2k10 PF who has improved every aspect of his game since he has been in the league. He and ATL HAWK F JOSH SMITH are a highlight reel waiting to happen when attacking the rim. Has improved his range on his shot to about 18ft. A very good shot-blocker but could be an excellent rebounder if the effort was there to do so. Can play facing the basket but more comfortable playing his back to the basket, STAT is not a franchise player but close to it. He is what I call a Piece of a 3-Piece puzzle of a franchise. He is a nice piece for the Knicks and now they have to somehow get TONY PARKER, CP3, and/or MELO to GOTHAM CITY to join him.

5. TIM DUNCAN aka the BIG FUNDAMENTAL SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The best player in SAN ANTONIO SPURS HISTORY and perhaps one of the PF to ever play the game. There is nothing TD can't do. Rebounds, deadly in the post, uses the glass on shots more than anyone in the association, can run the floor, block shots, passing, and the most efficient PF in the game or at least was as FATHER TIME IS CREEPING IN. AN absolute coaches dream and team leader who leads by example and is probably some what vocal behind closed doors. It will be years when we see another PF like TD so enjoy him now because I know POP and SPURS have.

6. KEVIN GARNETT aka BIG TICKET aka THE KID aka KG aka OBF GREEN TEAM: Been watching this kid ever since he played at Chicago Farragut HS in Chi-City by way of MAULDIN SC. Just think what would have been if his ACT score would have been before the deadline to enter the draft. Kevin McHale and FLIP SAUNDERS would have not gotten this kid and rumor has it would have been a TAR HEEL. The day of the NBA DRAFT his HS coach told him he had passed the ACT but it was too late as the KID was headed to the green room to hear his name called, and boy did the league get greatness from jump street. A prototype PF or new age PF, His high energy and love for the game puts him at the top of rebounding, blocking shots, talking to opponents lol, filling the lanes on the break, an absolute killer baseline fadeaway jump shot, an array of back to the basket moves, and a tireless worker. And still to this day there is no night off for the man called BIG TICKET. He and DUNCAN were the best of their years in the league and the book isn't closed on them yet.

7. CARLOS BOOZER aka C BOOZ 5 CHICAGO BULLS: The fixture of the screen and roll in JERRY SLOAN"S UTAH Offense with pg extraordinaire Deron Williams. Now a BULL joining the likes of D ROSE and JOAKIM. A small version of THE MAILMAN Karl Malone, BOOZ is one of the most efficient players in the paint we have TODAY. Loves to play his back to the basket and hits the face-up 15 footer when trailing from the break. An excellent rebounder, post defender,and interior passer, you can pencil him in every night for 18 and 10. With the addition of C BOOZ 5 the BULLS are automatically in the top 8 NBA teams for the 2010-2011 season.

8. LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE aka L A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: Becoming one of the household names in the NBA at the PF. More of a Face up player who is actually more effective outside the paint. AN excellent stand still shooter and free throw shooter. Plays really well as a weak side defender. Above average finisher on the break who is also an above average passer from the post. Can't wait to see him when the BLAZERS get all their CENTERS BACK HEALTHY where LA can concentrate on playing his natural position of PF. He and BROY 7 are the foundation for the NEW BLAZERS.

OTHERS TO WATCH:

DAVID LEE aka D LEE Warriors
LUIS SCOLA Rockets
ZACH RANDOLPH aka Z BO Grizzlies
DAVID WEST Hornets
BORIS DIAW Bobcats
KENYON MARTIN Nuggets
CHANNING FRYE Suns
UDONIS HASLEM Heat
BLAKE GRIFFIN Clips
AL JEFFERSON Jazz
PAUL MILSAP Jazz