5 Power Forwards from the 2010s that need Player Comparisons

2010s Power Forwards Player Comparisons

In terms of talent, the 2010s had plenty of it. It was the time of the guards and wings during that decade, and the power forward position was somewhat forgotten during this time period. For that reason, there are some players who have been forgotten from that decade who need player comparisons.

The reason why that position was forgotten was that it was going through some major changes. Thanks to the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors teams that won championships, the position went through major changes due to how those teams used players at those positions.

Now, to be fair, Basketball Now and Then: The Greatest Comparisons has already done episodes on several of those power forwards. Check out these episodes on Draymond Green, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, Blake Griffin, and Carmelo Anthony on our Spotify or Apple Podcast pages. There are also some comparisons for players not listed here, coming soon.

This article is a continuation of our 2010s players who don't have a comparison yet. For the rules for this article, please refer back to those articles.

5. Jabari Parker

Why?

Before Antetokounmpo became the savior of the Milwaukee Bucks, that responsibility was in Jabari Parker's hands, and at first, he was doing a pretty good job of doing just that. His best season came during the 2016-17 season, where he averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 49.0 percent on field goal attempts and 36.5 percent on 3-pointers.

However, that season and his career were cut short by injuries. It also didn't help that he never developed a consistent 3-point shot, that he was a 6-foot-7 power forward who relied on athleticism, and wasn't a high-level rebounder. However, what looked to be a promising career ended up never being due to injury.

Who?

When looking at a comparison for Parker, there are two things to consider. Thinking of slightly undersized power forwards and players who are skywalkers. With that in mind, here are two reasonable comparisons.

Current Player: Obi Toppin

Former Player: Larry Johnson

4. Danilo Gallinari

Why?

Famously known as the centerpiece of the Carmelo Anthony trade that landed Anthony in New York. Danilo Gallinari might not have been an All-Star, but he was the centerpiece of the Nuggets' offense before becoming a journeyman in the 2010s.

His best year came with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2018-19 season, in which the 6-foot-10 combo forward averaged 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, while shooting 43.3 percent from downtown. Throughout the 2010s, he averaged 16.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while converting 37.8 percent of his shots from deep.

Who?

Gallinari is a tweener forward who's a bit oversized at 6-foot-10. He's a three-level score who had some playmaking chops. Finding players who fit that mold is a bit tricky, but not impossible.

Current Player: Brandon Miller

Former Player: Keith Van Horn

3. David Lee

Why?

As previously written, the 2010s were a time of change, and one of the players most affected by it was David Lee. He dominated the first half of the decade, but as the league changed, he aged, and injuries started to affect him; he was out of the league by 2017.

From 2010-14, Lee averaged 18.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, and made one of his two All-Star berths during that span during the 2012-13 season. An injury and Draymond Green taking his role during the 2014-15 season marked the beginning of the end for Lee. It didn't help that the 6-foot-9 big power forward was on the wrong side of 30 years old at that point. With all of that being written, during his prime, Lee was a problem.

Who?

Finding a former player comparison for Lee is rather easy, but as previously written, Lee's low-to-mid-post power forward style play is a player type lost to the NBA history books.

Current Player: John Collins

Former Player: Luis Scola

2. Serge Ibaka

Why?

Like with Lee, Serge Ibaka was affected by the changes at the power forward position during the 2010s, but instead of leaving the league, Ibaka became a center near the end of the decade. Despite that, Ibaka still gets love on this power forward list and for good reason.

Ibaka began the decade by being one of the best shot blockers in the league, leading the NBA twice in Blocks per game. From 2010-2016, he averaged 12.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks. However, as the decade changed, so did the focus of his game.

He was also one of the big men who developed a 3-point shot during the decade in order to thrive during an age of spacing the floor. Despite attempting only four total 3-pointers in the first two seasons of the decade, Ibaka became a threat from downtown, shooting 36.0 percent on 2.0 attempts per game from beyond the arc

Who?

Unlike Lee, finding a current player comparison for Ibaka won't be nearly as taxing, as his playstyle is a modern archetype for some power forwards. With that being written, there are solid comps for the 6-foot-11 big man among current and former players.

Current Player: Jabari Smith Jr.

Former Player: Antonio McDyess

1. Paul Millsap

Why?

It's honestly a shame that this website hasn't yet done a comparison for a player of Paul Millsap's stature. He's made four All-Star appearances and one All-Defensive team. Which is pretty impressive for a player who was a late second-round pick.

Despite only being 6-foot-7 and not uber athletic, Millsap played for 16 seasons, and he was one of the most underrated players at the position at that time. He averaged 15.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists,1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks during the 2010s.

Who?

Finding a comparison for Millsap is a bit trickier due to his size and athleticism. He also primarily operated out of the mid-post. That being written, it's not impossible to find a comparison.

Current Player: Aaron Gordon

Former Player: Charles Oakley

The power forward position in the 2010s was in the most unique position during that decade and produced plenty of diverse types of players. Comment below if you liked, disliked, or have other players we missed for player comparisons.