This past Friday I was watching a couple of preseason games
on NBA TV, the Pistons vs. the Raptors and the Suns vs. the Trail Blazers. Of course this is the preseason, so we don’t
quite get to see the full play of the best from around the league. While watching though, I was reminded of
something when I saw both Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge playing.
With the drafting of Andre Drummond this summer, it was
clear that Joe Dumars wanted to pick up somebody who would allow Greg Monroe to
move from center to the power forward position.
Aldridge has already been thriving at this position for the entirety of
his career, but Monroe will really be able to break out now that he has truly
defined what position he plays. What I
like so much about both Monroe and Aldridge is that they’re the last good
players who play power forward the way it was meant to be played.
The power forward position used to be filled by athletes
whose game was similar to that of a center, but were just a bit shorter. Today, it usually goes to guys who
play like shooting guards or small forwards, but are just taller. Let’s take a look at some of the people who
currently play the four position.
Dirk Nowitzki
At 7 feet tall, Dirk is taller than many centers in the NBA. He can also handle the ball better than most of them and can shoot better than any down low player, well, ever. Usually when he posts up, it’s from further
outside than a player normally would. He
also tends to end his post ups with a fade away rather than going up strong to
the hoop like a typical power forward would.
His rebounding and defensive game could use some work too, though it’s
not terrible. His game would probably
best be described as a “power guard,” more than a power forward.
Blake Griffin
BG is quicker than probably anybody else playing this position
today. He’s a high-flying dunker who
likes to slash his way to the hoop for most of his buckets. The preference in his scoring is to use his
quickness to avoid defenders instead of out-powering them. Plus he looks like he’s trying to add more
range to his shooting lately. His game is
closer to that of a small forward. Look
at Josh Smith if you want an example of a guy with a similar style of play.
Pau Gasol
Pau is a great example of the classic Euro-big man. Though it's limited, he does have a bit of range in his shot that he likes
to use quite often. Even though I don’t think he’s
as soft as many people say he is, I find that he’s more likely to shoot for the sake of drawing a foul than putting the ball in the hoop. True power forwards just shouldn't be playing that way. Luis Scola’s game could be closely compared
to his as well.
Kevin Love
This guy is one of the best hustler’s and toughest
rebounders around, and he just might be my favorite player in the league. On offense though, most of his game tends to take place at or near the 3-point line. You can’t blame him
though, jumpers are just his strength out there.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knockin’ these guys at
all. In fact, every single person I’ve
named off is a phenomenal player. I’m
just applauding Monroe and Aldridge for being among the last power forwards to
play hard, tough and close the rim on both ends of the court. And sure, there’s other guys left who play
that way too, but Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Jermaine O’Neal and Elton Brand
are reaching the down-swing of their careers.
Unfortunately, Zack Randolph and Carlos Boozer seem to be also.
Aldrige is still just hitting his peak though; and Monroe is
still building up to his. Even though I
do like guys like BG, Kevin Love and Dirk, I would also like to see the
position filled by stronger post athletes.
Remember some of the power forwards from back in the ‘90s? There was Charles Barkley, Karl Malone,
Dennis Rodman, Larry Johnson, Shawn Kemp, Derrick Coleman, Chris Webber, and as
previously mentioned, KG and Tim Duncan.
It’s not like big men couldn’t step out to the 3-point line
back then, but I think it’s safe to say that guys who could shoot from deep,
like Bill Laimbeer and Rasheed Wallace, were still some of the toughest and
strongest around, as evidenced here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZenCOljfSzU)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4g1NCqt1cM). Until the NBA gets to be filled with down-low
strength again though, I’ll just sit back and continue to enjoy watching Monroe
and Aldridge hang tough.
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