No position boasts more depth than the power forward. With guys like Kevin Garnett, Shawn Marion and Tim Duncan leading the way, the position has become unique. Power forwards have become the every-man of the team — passing, scoring, blocking and even providing the occasional three pointer. A guy like Dirk Nowitzki does it all. UPDATE! presents its list of the top 20 power forwards headin into the 2007-08 season:


Boston Celtics
Comment: Aside from his sweet jumper and his ability to block and steal on a nightly basis, Garnett has averaged at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists per game for nine consecutive seasons (Top 3 fantasy performer for the past five years). What does this mean for Garnett owners? Same old KG with at least two more assists. There's also a rumor he might gain center eligibility playing for the undersized Celtics.

Phoenix Suns
Comment: Marion is consistently one of the best rebounders in the league at 6-7. Don't fret over his low assist numbers, though. He should see them improve with the emergence of a healthy Amare Stoudemire and a (sleeper?) rejuvenated Grant Hill. And how about 1.5 blocks a game or his extremely high percentages? He never turns the ball over and if you're really nice about it, he'll give you a three every game! Just don't watch him shoot it, you might throw up.

Dallas Mavericks
Comment: Nowitzki's overall play earned him an MVP award last season. But when it came to the playoffs, he was nowhere to be found. Nowitzki should be motivated to prove all the critics that he's for real; look for the same old Nowitzki numbers (20 plus points, nine rebounds, four assists and incredible percentages as well as the signature Nowitzki three pointer almost every game).

Toronto Raptors
Comment: How fitting that he plays for the Raptors; Bosh is a flat out beast all around and a physical specimen to behold. The young Raptors are developing into quite a team with Bosh as the centerpiece. The way this kid is maturing, the sky is the limit. Bosh is also emerging as one of the game's best shot blockers if that isn't enough. Pencil him in for 20 and 10 with a block or two a game and draft him if you get the chance.

San Antonio Spurs
Comment: Many say that Duncan's health is declining (wrong: 160 games played last two seasons) and that he can't handle the game anymore (wrong again). Duncan loves proving people wrong and every year he does just that. A lock for 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks every season, as well as a nice FG percentage. The only thing he lacks is consistency from the free throw line.

Memphis Grizzlies
Comment: Aside from one of the coolest names in basketball, Gasol also owns a game that matches his hair and beard. Gasol is a hard working big man and will give owners a solid 20 points and nine rebounds as well as several assists a game. But what makes Gasol stand out from the rest of the class is his ability to block shots as well as give owners a cool team name like Pow! Gasol. Wait, who in their right minds would do that?

Utah Jazz
Comment: Boozer played like a man with a mission last year and managed to stay fairly healthy, delivering mightily for owners who took a risk on him. But he's just not worth the high draft pick. He's past injury history makes him too much of risk/reward risk to take him in as top pick. Still, out of respect for his monster season Boozer gets a top ten nod.

Indiana Pacers
Comment: Health is still an issue, but O'Neal contributed great numbers last season. He is another sure thing for 20 points and 10 rebounds with a swat that could block a missile. He has fragile legs which could lead to an injury, but the real issue dogging O'Neal is the trade rumors swirling about. Don't worry too much; the boy from the bayou will be alright in the end.

Charlotte Bobcats
Comment: The young Okafur, who has dropped ten pounds during the off-season, has an extremely solid game that is improving each season. A defensive specialist, Okafur has, bar none, the best timing for blocking shots in the entire NBA. A monster on the boards, Okafur showed signs of Moses Malone-esque rebounding last year. With Sean May hurt, Okafur will be relied upon as the No. 1 big man to guide the up and coming Bobcats. And Jason Richardson should take away some of the pressure as well.
New York Knicks
Comment: His poor attitude, refusal to take care of his body, disregard for team play and lack of defense match perfectly with the Junior Varsity Knicks. It's a shame such a talented player just doesn't care. If motivated, big things can happen from Randolph. That doesn't mean he's not a solid contributor however. He should average 21 points and 10 rebounds, especially considering Eddy Curry doesn't know how to box out.

Los Angeles Lakers
Comment: One of the few true triple double threats in the league, Odom has ability that most forwards dream of. His shoulder injury shouldn't be a problem, although he will miss a chunk of the pre-season. Expect typical Odom numbers: 15 points, eight boards and four assists with weak percentages all around.

New Orleans Hornets
Comment: Health is an issue with West, but he is coming into the prime of his career. So if you have the chance to take West in a low risk situation, strike. He is not much of a box score filler in terms of assists, steals and percentages, but he can give you a solid 18 points and rebounds. West will never be a real go-to guy with Tyson Chandler around, but he is a solid performer.

Golden State Warriors
Comment: Finally, Harrington might have found a team that he could blossom on. He's a tremendous talent and could be put to good use on the faux-Suns, the Warriors. Expect a solid 16 points and seven rebounds along with three assists and a three pointer a game. But if you are looking for a high percentage shooter, stay away.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Comment: The only good thing that came out of the Minnesota-Boston blockbuster deal was sending this kid away from the Knicks. Jefferson is a beast on the boards and a pretty good offensive force as well. Expect 15 points and six rebounds with some nice percentages.

Detroit Pistons
Comment: Wallace is a great basketball player who contributes to every fantasy team he's on. He should give you 14 points and seven rebounds this season as well as a block, a three pointer and a steal per game which is pretty elite company. He also dropped 25 pounds during the off-season and looks determined for some more hardware. His center eligibility is also very valuable.

Washington Wizards
Comment: Solid all around game with a nice touch for a PF and his three pointers are a nice addition. The underrated Jamison is seeing the best years of his career with Agent Zero, and now would be a nice time to take full advantage of his numbers.

Portland Trailblazers
Comment: The big man on Portland you've never heard of. Aldridge put up a solid rookie year in limited time and will be a vital component of this team, especially considering Oden's season ending surgery. Aldridge could very well have a monster season and has tremendous upside. 17 points and 9 rebounds is not out of the question.

New York Knicks
Comment: There are certain things that are impossible to hate in life. One of them is David Lee. He is athletic enough to ball with any forward in the league — just look at his rebounding numbers for the amount of time played and try not to stare in awe. His FG percentage is extremely high and even in a role off the bench, Lee will provide valuable stats to your fantasy squad. Someone should tell Isiah Thomas to start this guy immediately.

Denver Nuggets
Comment: A ton of potential, but he is not yet 100 percent after a knee injury. He is sharing the glass with Camby, so don't expect big rebounding numbers. He is a decent power forward that would play best in a utility or backup role.

Los Angeles Clippers
Comment: You almost forgot he was out until mid-February huh? Brand is no sleeper, but you can get him later than usual. Brand is a great power forward that would be ranked among the Top 5 in the league if not for his surgery. He is a great big man who will give you consistent value with a ton of blocks and a decent FG percentage. But until he is 100 percent, don't depend on those numbers. Try and snag him a little late depending on the vibe of your draft. Know thy enemy! If you hear people talking about Brand, go with the flow and strike when the time is best.

Drew Schustek UPDATE! National Basketball Assocation contributing Editor.

Pheonix Suns
Comment: Thought he was a bust with Amare back? What power forward had more assists then Diaw last season? (no one) This combo forward/guard can play every position and is a perfect sleeper to have. Heck, anyone on Phoenix is perfect to have.

Memphis Grizzlies
Comment: This name is synonymous with the words 'joke' and 'bust'. Picked before Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in the 2003 draft, Milicic has never even come close to the level of his draft-mates, but he does have some talent and could end up giving owners a healthy boost on an undermanned Grizzlies squad.

Memphis Grizzlies
Comment: One of the most athletic players in the NBA today, the young Warrick is being called upon to lead the Grizzlies into a new era. There is no ceiling for this kid.

Utah Jazz
Comment: The Utah forward put together a nice rookie campaign but this kid has got talent. Even coming off the bench, Millsap has a shot at 10 points and 10 rebounds a game, considering he played 18 minutes a game last season and still managed seven and five.

Seattle Supersonics
Comment: Wilcox showed signs of greatness and has gone overlooked in every draft. Snag him when you get the chance and the reward will be worth it. Wilcox fits in perfectly with the new and much improved fast breaking Supersonics.




Chicago Bulls
Comment: He will rebound and block a decent amount, but on the offensive end he just isn't ready. Until he proves that he is, keep him off your draft board.

Sacramento Kings
Comment: Every draft he's taken and every season he gets hurt. Already hurt, Abdur-Rahim should not play much solid ball this season and should be avoided at all costs.

Milwaukee Bucks
Comment: Jianlian has been compared to the likes of Yao Ming and some claim he's better. Jianlin doesn't look comfortable or happy in the NBA, especially with the Bucks. Stay away from this one.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Comment: Why do people even think about drafting this guy? He's way too old for the game and shouldn't see much time considering the depth of the team. If someone does go down with injury, he will put up some decent numbers, but at this point stay away.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Comment: Every year is supposed to be Gooden's breakout year. It's just not worth it anymore. He has a ton of potential but at this point it will go untapped.