Top 5 PFs in the NBA coming into the 2012-2013 season

[XxIrvingxX]

Originally Posted by E.H. Munro

There's a lot you don't see, obviously. But LMA is a really good defensive 4 with a really good offensive game. Criminally underrated.

I know Aldridge is a good defender, and I know he's a good offensive player, but Love's offensive game still beats his on any given day and not to mention his rebounding, something that flat destroys the rebounding ability of Aldridge, largely makes up for his lack of defensive ability so I still don't see it. No possible way Aldridge is better than Love.

Originally Posted by E.H. Munro

Dirk's an average defender with a high impact offensive game. Love to this day hangs his teammates out to dry to pad his rebounding numbers.

Okay, I can agree with that.

[Basel]

Originally Posted by E.H. Munro

Gashole never had much of a defensive impact, and on the 2013 Lakers his offensive impact will be minimal. There's just not enough available production for him to be a top 5 PF given the defense (and his rapid aging).

Actually, I think with all the attention Kobe, Dwight and Nash will get, Pau's going to have a huge impact. He'll be the forgotten star, so to speak. I'm expecting big things from him. He can focus solely on basketball this season and won't receive nearly as much attention as he has at any time prior in his career.

[King Sancho Fantastic]

Dirk
Love
Aldridge
Pau
Griffin

[Luke]

Even though I like Love I'm not going to put him first or second for the sole reason that a big man's primary responsibility on the basketball court is to be a defensive anchor. That's the most important thing and it's the same reason why Blake Griffin isn't on my list yet. His rebounding and diverse offensive skillset make him an intriuging prospect, but I'm not going to put him over a once in a generation offensive talent that plays adequate defense (Dirk) or a two way power forward that has shown me that he can be the best player on a playoff team (LaMarcus).

[E.H. Munro]

Originally Posted by Luke

Even though I like Love I'm not going to put him first or second for the sole reason that a big man's primary responsibility on the basketball court is to be a defensive anchor. That's the most important thing and it's the same reason why Blake Griffin isn't on my list yet. His rebounding and diverse offensive skillset make him an intriuging prospect, but I'm not going to put him over a once in a generation offensive talent that plays adequate defense (Dirk) or a two way power forward that has shown me that he can be the best player on a playoff team (LaMarcus).

This.

Originally Posted by Basel

Actually, I think with all the attention Kobe, Dwight and Nash will get, Pau's going to have a huge impact. He'll be the forgotten star, so to speak. I'm expecting big things from him. He can focus solely on basketball this season and won't receive nearly as much attention as he has at any time prior in his career.

If Pau's usage rate surpasses 25 (and it won't) he won't be the other guy anymore. On a team with Bryant, Nash and Howard there just aren't going to be the possessions available for Gasol to be a major impact player on the offensive end. This didn't effect Garnett any when he came to Boston because he was able to dominate games defensively, but Gasol can't.

[Luke]

I mean Gasol is still going to put up some semblance of 16/10/3 out there, it's not like he's just another guy. I agree that Smith will probably have a better individual year next year (as will Horford) just because they will be much more significant components of a potential 8 seed, but I would still take Pau over everyone else. You underrate his defense, it's not stellar or necessarily consistent throughout the regular season, but this is the same guy that has given guys like Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard fits in the postseason.

[BlakeJesus]

When healthy, Zach Randolph is definitely a top 5 power forward.

[Luke]

If ZBo regains his 2011 form then absolutely.

[Luke]

I just realized how stacked the power forward position was.

[BlakeJesus]

Agreed, when a player as talented as Blake Griffin isn't even considered top 5 at his position than you know the position is doing well for itself.

[Luke]

For Blake Griffin's sake he better be in the conversation by the end of the year. Kid has all of the necessary tools and with tweaks and adjustments here and there he should absolutely be number one on this list. I guess this season will be telling.

[E.H. Munro]

Originally Posted by Luke

I mean Gasol is still going to put up some semblance of 16/10/3 out there, it's not like he's just another guy. I agree that Smith will probably have a better individual year next year (as will Horford) just because they will be much more significant components of a potential 8 seed, but I would still take Pau over everyone else. You underrate his defense, it's not stellar or necessarily consistent throughout the regular season, but this is the same guy that has given guys like Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard fits in the postseason.

I'd say that playing next to Howard something like 16/8 is more realistic. And he'll be playing out of position this year as the primary helpside defender. So I just don't see the opportunity for him to produce the way he would have to to make the list. Nothing against his talent, let him play center somewhere else and he'd be one of the best in the NBA. It's just that he's playing on an all star team at the moment.

[e-monk]

Originally Posted by Luke

I just realized how stacked the power forward position was.

probably because some of them should really be considered centers (which is a position with no depth at all league wide)

[King Sancho Fantastic]

Originally Posted by e-monk

probably because some of them should really be considered centers (which is a position with no depth at all league wide)

Qft

[XxIrvingxX]

Originally Posted by Luke

Even though I like Love I'm not going to put him first or second for the sole reason that a big man's primary responsibility on the basketball court is to be a defensive anchor. That's the most important thing and it's the same reason why Blake Griffin isn't on my list yet. His rebounding and diverse offensive skillset make him an intriuging prospect, but I'm not going to put him over a once in a generation offensive talent that plays adequate defense (Dirk) or a two way power forward that has shown me that he can be the best player on a playoff team (LaMarcus).

So despite the fact that Love is clearly the better player of the two, and not only of the two but possibly in the entire league (at the PF spot anyways), he's automatically worse simply because he doesn't play much defense? First off I'd argue that in the game of basketball, a big man's primary responsibility would be rebounding, not defense, even though the big men who can defend will always be more effective than the small guys who can defend. Second, even if that is the case, it's still very clear who the better player is. It's not up for debate. Love wins. I will admit that he's become one of my favorite players, but that's not why I'm arguing this. People don't seem to realize just how good he's really become, at such a young age never the less.

Regardless, if Love can develop some kind of defensive abilities, the one thing that's keeping him from truly becoming a stand out superstar in the NBA, then we can expect some big things for not only Love, but for the Timberwolves as well.

Oh and am I the only one who's wondering how will Ibaka develop this season?