Top 15 NBA Power Forwards of 2014-15 — Preseason Edition

Monroe is one of the more promising players on this list, but he has been inhibited by the fact that he's forced to play out of position due to the Pistons' logjam at the center position. This year, it looks like the Pistons will move Monroe back to his natural center position more often but have him coming off of the bench instead. When forced to play the power forward, however, he is still one of the best in the game.

I think we have finally arrived at the point in Lee’s career where we understand who he is as a player. He is a great rebounder who can put up points, is a mediocre shooter and has questionable defense. The fact remains that if Lee wasn’t as insanely overpaid as he is, we would view his contributions in a much more favorable light. Bottom line, Lee is good, but not great and will play an important role on the Warriors this year.

Faried comes into this season fresh off of a brilliant performance in the FIBA World Cup and a fat pay raise. Over the last half of the season, he showed that he has the ability to play at an elite level, but until he proves he is able to sustain that success, he cannot be considered a top-tier player. He is inhibited by the areas of his game which are flagrantly poor, i.e. showing no ability to knock down a jump shot and his mediocre defense.

West’s importance to the Pacers goes beyond his stat line. He is really the backbone of this team and the glue that held them together last year. At 33, though, his best days are likely behind him, but his high basketball IQ, lethal mid-range jumper and unrivaled heart will allow him to play through his physical limitations. This may be his biggest test yet as he will be leaned on more heavily than ever with George and Stephenson now gone.

It’s hard to put Millsap this low because he is really, really good, but that just speaks to the depth at this position across the league. He had his best year ever in 2013-14, putting up career numbers in almost every measurable category. He is really a primary reason why the Hawks were able to sustain their success despite the loss of Horford during their run to the playoffs.

Entering his 14th NBA season, Gasol is proving to everyone that he still has what it takes to be one of the league’s better players. Last season, he was thrust into position to be the “go-to” player on the Lakers, a position he can no longer occupy, but as a complementary piece, he will once again thrive and should be a perfect fit for the Bulls.

There is no questioning Ibaka’s importance to the Thunder, as evidenced by their resurgence upon his return in last year’s playoffs. As much as he has improved offensively, and he has made great strides on that end, his true calling is as an elite defender. He is one of the most intimidating presences in the league and wreaks havoc on opposing team’s offensive schemes.

Randolph will turn 34 this season, but in many ways his game is better than ever. He is arguably the Grizzlies' most important player and clearly their most natural scorer. The Grizzlies inked Randolph to a two-year extension this summer, and he will continue to be central to their playoff hopes. His unique skill set was clearly a priority for the Grizzlies to retain.

Bosh was once forced to shoulder the scoring burden for his team and will once again be asked to do the same this year. Bosh was the most overlooked part of the Heat’s success over the last four seasons, playing a critical role without the recognition heaped upon his teammates. This will be a critical year for Bosh’s legacy, as he will have an opportunity to truly stand out as an elite player.

Nowitzki continues to be the most important player for the Mavericks, just as he has been for the past 15 years. He is slowing down a bit statistically, but it can be argued that is more a result of being surrounded by quality players and no longer needing to be such a one-man show. He is one of the best offensive players of all time, and there honestly appears to be no end in sight.

Duncan is proving to be an ageless wonder. He may no longer be required to carry his team as he once did, but he is every bit as central to their success as ever. He may no longer be the statistical powerhouse that he was, but make no mistake about it; the best power forward to ever play the game still plays at an elite level.

This will be an interesting season for Love, who has been the most statistically impressive player in the game for some time. Now, playing alongside other equally talented players, he won’t be required to shoulder as much of the scoring burden, but he will be every bit as important in the rebounding game. You will see a dip in his stats going forward, but that shouldn’t reduce the pivotal role he will play for this Cavs team.

I think an argument can be made that no player is more important to their team than Aldridge is to the Blazers. His play often gets overlooked amidst the hype and fanfare associated with players in larger markets, but Aldridge is truly one of the best players in the NBA. He is great in every facet of the game and really has very few weaknesses.

Griffin’s game is incredible, and the scary thing is he hasn’t yet approached his ceiling. He is one of the most athletically gifted players in recent memory, but he has also been working hard on adding a mid-range jumper to his game; and judging by the preseason so far, it looks really, really good. If he can master that, he is going to wreak havoc on this league.

Alright, I may catch flack for this, but Davis is quickly becoming not only the best power forward in the league, but one of its best players period. I love everything about Davis’ game -- his energy, his attitude, his athleticism, his work-ethic. There really is nothing to dislike. Mark my words -- he will be the MVP of this league within the next three years.