One of the better debates in recent NBA history has been appearing more and more, and that is this: Who is the best modern-day Power Forward? The candidates are obvious - Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett. The three star big men are at the end of spectacular careers and looking back at the achievements they have earned invokes a sense of awe. This breakdown of each legend will shed some light on my thoughts as to who is truly the greatest Power Forward to play the game in the past 15-20 years.
Dirk Nowitzki (1998-present; 37 years old; career averages: 22.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg)
Career notes: 13x All-Star; NBA MVP (2007); 1 Championship (2011); Finals MVP (2011); 4x All-NBA First Team; 5x All-NBA Second Team; 3x All-NBA Third Team
Dirk is the greatest player in Dallas Mavericks history, and it is not close. The 7'0" German came to the NBA in 1998 and brought his revolutionary game with him. In the early to mid-90's, the concept of a "stretch four" began to form in the Association. However, Dirk took that concept and ran with it. His impact on the game of basketball is one of the greatest in history. The versatility that Nowitzki possesses on the offensive end had never been seen before in the NBA - a seven footer that could post up, hit mid-range, drive to the hoop, and drain threes with exemplary accuracy. Dirk is most well-known for his patented one-legged fadeaway, which is one of the hardest shots to defend in the sport. Not only is Dirk a fan favorite in the city he has played in his whole career, but he is a winner. The German is one of the most decorated foreign athletes in NBA history, amassing award after award for his national team. In the NBA, he has led his team to 50 win seasons in all but three years since 2001, including three 60 win seasons. Critics knock on Dirk for his average defense and "soft" mentality, but he silenced them in the 2011 NBA Playoffs. Averaging 28 points, 8 rebounds, and an incredible 94 percent from the free throw line (175-186) in 21 postseason games, Dirk took over games and simply willed his team to a title. Heavy underdogs against the Big Three in Miami, he fought through injury and illness and wowed everyone in one of the most epic championship runs by an individual player in NBA history. One of the purest shooters in basketball, Dirk keeps climbing up the all-time scoring list and currently sits at 6th.
Tim Duncan (1997-present; 40 years old; career averages: 19.2 ppg, 10.9 rpg)
Career Notes: 15x All-Star; 2x NBA MVP (2002, 2003); 5 Championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014); 3x Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005); Rookie of the Year (1998); All-Rookie First Team (1998); 10x All-NBA First Team; 3x All-NBA Second Team; 2x All-NBA Third Team; 8x All-Defensive First Team; 7x All-Defensive Second Team
Simply put, Duncan is one of the greatest winners in NBA history. The ultimate team player, The Big Fundamental has been the heart and soul of so many great San Antonio teams in the last 20 years. In 2000, he nearly left the Spurs to form a Big Three in Orlando. However, hall of famer and teammate David Robinson convinced him to stay. That might have been the best decision Duncan ever made, as he led his team to four more rings. The accolades are almost uncountable, but Duncan prefers to stay out of the limelight. He has somehow retained his productivity year in and year out, becoming the ultimate symbol of consistency in the NBA. His well-known jumpers off the backboard have not been the only source of offense, as Duncan can post up a defender and take him to school with a deadly drop-step maneuver as well. He has shined on defense as, averaging more than two blocks per game throughout his illustrious career. A class act on and off the court, Tim Duncan has been a fan favorite and a role model for millions of people.
Kevin Garnett (1995-present; 39 years old; career averages: 17.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg)
Career Notes: 15x All-Star; NBA MVP (2004); 1 Championship (2008); All-Rookie Second Team (1996);NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008); 4x NBA Rebounds Leader (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007); 4x All-NBA First Team; 3x All-NBA Second Team; 2x All-NBA Third Team; 9x All-Defensive First Team; 3x All-Defensive Second Team
Kevin Garnett will be remembered by most young NBA fans as the dominant big man in Boston's Big 3, but he was just as good for many seasons before when he called Minnesota home. He entered the league right out of high school, which at the time was very rare - only three true high school players made the direct jump to the NBA before Garnett. His success in the Association influenced generations of talent, such as Kobe, LeBron, Howard, and McGrady, to skip college and head straight to the NBA. Although KG didn't have a load of talent surrounding him in Minnesota, he developed into a superstar. His best season came in 2004 - Garnett almost unanimously earned the MVP award, with three errant votes going to Jermaine O'Neal and Peja Stojakovic. Unfortunately, Garnett was stuck with one of the worst teams surrounding a superstar in modern history. A change of scenery allowed Kevin to finally win the championship he deserved. Despite the fact that he has slowly decayed ever since that championship year in Boston, KG still retains his tenacious attitude and vocal leadership. His rebounding talent is present as well, and every once in a while the public sees a flash of the incredible all-around player that once was. Garnett's ability to play at the 3, 4, or 5, and his effort on both sides of the ball made him one of the greatest big men to play in the modern day.
With all this said, who is the best? Duncan is the most decorated of the three. Garnett had the best individual season. Dirk had the most impressive postseason run. Duncan had help in San Antonio, and Garnett had help in Boston; Dirk had almost no help in Dallas. Here is the answer: there is no right answer. All three legends had such an impact on the NBA that their legacies will forever cement them as the greatest power forwards to play in the past 20 years.
