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The Best Power Forwards in NBA History

In over seven decades of its history, the National Basketball Association (NBA)—the premier men's professional basketball league in the world—has seen numerous amazing power forwards play in its 30 teams. The position of a power forward is a unique one, it is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Playing a role similar to that of the center, they typically play offensively with their backs towards the basket. We recognize that their role is central to the success of any team and have compiled a list of the best power forwards in NBA history for you.

1. Charles Barkley

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Charles Barkley
Also Known As: Charles Wade Barkley
Birthday: 20 February 1963
Born In: Leeds, Alabama, United States
Sun Sign: Pisces
Former professional basketball player Charles Barkley was the National Basketball Association's most dominant power forwards during his heydays. He was selected to the All-NBA First Team five times and the All-NBA Second Team five times. He became an analyst after retirement.

2. Kevin Garnett

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Kevin Garnett
Also Known As: Kevin Maurice Garnett
Nickname: KG
Birthday: 19 May 1976
Born In: Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Sun Sign: Taurus
Former professional basketball player Kevin Garnett played for 21 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A power forward, he was especially known for his intensity, defensive ability, and versatility. He has been selected 12 times for All-Defensive Teams and nine times for All-NBA Teams.

3. Karl Malone

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Karl Malone
Also Known As: Karl Anthony Malone
Birthday: 24 July 1963
Born In: Summerfield, Louisiana, United States
Sun Sign: Leo
Retired professional basketball player Karl Malone played the power forward position during his career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 14-time NBA All-Star. He has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

4. Tim Duncan

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Tim Duncan
Also Known As: Timothy Theodore Duncan, The Big Fundamental
Birthday: 25 April 1976
Born In: Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sun Sign: Taurus
Professional basketball coach and former player Tim Duncan spent his entire 19-year playing career with the Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considered one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, he played mostly as a power forward. He is a five-time NBA champion.

5. Dirk Nowitzki

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Dirk Nowitzki
Also Known As: Dirk Werner Nowitzki
Birthday: 19 June 1978
Born In: Würzburg, Germany
Sun Sign: Gemini
German retired professional basketball player Dirk Nowitzki played his entire 21-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Dallas Mavericks. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time. He is a 14-time All-Star and a 12-time All-NBA Team member.