Top 10 power forwards in the new NBA season: Alphabet stands out, thick eyebrows look forward to health

The stability of Jokic and Alexander has largely overshadowed Antetokounmpo, but in fact the forward has averaged 30+11+6 with a shooting rate of over 60% for two consecutive seasons, which is unprecedented. In the new year, the Bucks star is bound to shoulder a heavier burden. His data may be even more terrifying, making it more difficult for other players at the power forward position to match.

1. Antetokounmpo (Bucks)

2024-25 season: 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 blocks; shooting rate 60.1%, three-point shooting rate 22.2%

2 025-26 season salary: $54.13 million

Two-time MVP winner Antetokounmpo is the undisputed most powerful forward in the league today. In the past seven seasons, he has never fallen out of the top four in the MVP voting and has been selected to the All-NBA first team seven times in a row. Although outside shooting is still a shortcoming, his dominance at the basket is comparable to that of O'Neal at his peak, and he also has more comprehensive defensive coverage. Last season when he was on the court, the Bucks outscored their opponents by 11 points per 100 possessions. If the free throws were more stable, the "Greek Freak" might have a few more MVP trophies on his honor shelf.

2. Anthony Davis (Mavericks)

2024-25 season: 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.2 blocks; shooting percentage 51.6%, 28.2% three-point shooting rate

2025-26 season salary: $54.13 million

Thick Eyebrow is still one of the most talented power forwards in the league, but his health has always been a hidden concern for him. The 32-year-old has only played more than 56 games in one season in the past five years. After joining the Mavericks last season, he scored 26 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks in his debut. He was in amazing form, but he only played 8 games due to injury. A healthy Davis is integrated offensively and defensively, and is one of the few players who can dominate both ends of the penalty area at the same time. If he can maintain attendance, he still has a chance to return to the top ranks of the league.

3. Mobley (Cavaliers)

2024-25 season: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks; shooting rate 55.7%, three-point shooting rate 37.0%

2025-26 season salary: $46.39 million

Last season, Mobley ranked tenth in the MVP voting and helped the Cavaliers win a regular season record of 64 wins. He has great defensive mobility and can switch to guard the outside or guard the inside, eventually winning the DPOY trophy. On the offensive end, Mobley has greatly increased the proportion of three-point shots and maintained an excellent shooting rate of 37%. If he can increase his scoring average to more than 20 points per game, the young insider is expected to compete for the best team.

4. Siakam (Pacers)

2024-25 season: 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks; 51.9% shooting rate, 38.9% three-point shooting rate

2025-26 season salary: $45.55 million

? After helping the Pacers reach the finals, Siakam's status has increased. In the playoffs last season, he averaged 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 51.3% from the field and 42.7% from three-point range. He was stable and reliable on both offense and defense, and beat Haliburton to win the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy. With Haliburton likely to miss most of the new season due to injury, Siakam will assume more offensive tasks. He is expected to return to the NBA's best team with better personal data.

5. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)

2024-25 season: 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.5 blocks; shooting rate 48.8%, three-point shooting rate 3 7.5%

2025-26 season salary: $35 million

Although he may miss the start of the new season due to toe surgery, Jackson is still one of the best frontcourt defenders in the league. Known for his flexible footsteps and 2.23-meter wingspan, he can protect the basket and switch defenders. On the offensive end, he has the ability to shoot from outside and finish down the field, and his power in the throwing area was even higher last season. Although Jackson has shortcomings such as weak rebounding ability and reckless fouling, his comprehensive influence on both offense and defense puts him in the forefront of power forwards.

6. Banqueiro (Magic)

2024-25 season: 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks; shooting percentage: 4 5.2%, 32.0% three-point shooting rate

2025-26 season salary: $15.33 million

Last season, Banqueiro was one of the few power forwards in the league who can balance scoring and organization. His face-to-frame offense and mid-range ability are easily reminiscent of Anthony, but Banqueiro's long-range shooting accuracy is insufficient, and his three-point shooting rate is only 32%. If the outside stability can be improved, this powerful forward who is 2.08 meters tall and weighs 113 kilograms will reach a higher level in terms of offensive efficiency. With the arrival of Bane this summer, the Magic have become one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference, and Banqueiro is also expected to achieve both personal performance and team record.

7. Zion Williamson (Pelicans)

2024-25 season: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks; shooting rate 56.7%, three-point shooting rate 23.1%

2025- Salary for the 2026 season: $39.45 million

A healthy Zion is almost unstoppable - since entering the league in 2019, he has averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Only 8 people in total can maintain such data during the same period, and the remaining 7 are undoubtedly the best team level. However, Zion has only played in 44% of the games in his career so far, and injuries are always a huge hidden danger. In this season’s training camp, Zion’s successful weight loss is impressive. If he can stay healthy, his terrifying strength and explosiveness will be enough to make him one of the top five forwards in the league..

8. Randle (Timberwolves)

2024-25 season: 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks; shooting rate 48.5%, three-point shooting rate 34.4%

2025-26 season salary: $30.86 million

? After moving to Minnesota, Randall was a little uncomfortable for a while, which also made Timberwolves fans miss Towns extremely. But as the season progressed, Randall gradually regained his rhythm and helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years. In the playoffs, he averaged 21.7 points and 4.9 assists per game, shot over 50% from the field, and 38.5% from three-point range, making him a reliable frontline attacker. Randall does have occasional short-circuit situations, but his fierce breakthroughs and underestimated organizational skills make him a reliable choice in tough battles.

9. Markkanen (Jazz)

2024-25 season: 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks; shooting rate 42.3%, three-point shooting rate 34.6%

2025-26 season salary: $46.39 million

Markkanen's data declined across the board last season, and his scoring output and efficiency became worse, but this was mainly because he took on more and more difficult strong-shooting tasks. "I try to take more shots against people, which is something I haven't experienced before," Markkanen said. The Finnish forward's outside threat and off-ball movement are still lethal, and his performance in the European Championship also makes people believe that if he is in a more competitive environment, Markkanen can quickly rebound and perform at an All-Star level.

10. Aaron Gordon (Nuggets)

2024-25 season: 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.3 blocks; 53.1% shooting, three-point shooting The hit rate is 43.6%

2025-26 season salary: $22.84 million

Gordon is an indispensable puzzle piece in the Nuggets system. With his strength and jumping, he becomes Jokic's perfect partner. Last season, his three-point shooting percentage soared to 43.6%, an increase of 14.6% from the previous year, making him the player with the greatest improvement in three-point shooting across seasons since statistics are compiled. At the same time, his free throw percentage reached a career-high 81%. If he can continue this performance, Gordon will further open up the Nuggets' space, and on the defensive end, he can switch to multiple positions, which is always an important guarantee for the Nuggets to stay at the forefront of the Western Conference.

Other candidates: Jaylen Johnson, Draymond Green, Miles Bridges.

(Text/Chaifu)