Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low blocks". They play offensively with their back to the basket on offense and position themselves defensively under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward on defense in man-to-man defense.
Typically, a power forward is one of the larger players on the court. They are usually expected to be aggressive pursuing rebounds and score most of their points on the low post (no more than six feet (2 m) from the basket), as opposed to taking jump shots from farther away. Power forwards can be imposing presences on defense, but they usually defer to the center for blocking shots and general intimidation. In the NBA, a typical power forward is between 6'8" and 7'0" (2.03 to 2.13 m) in height and 240 to 260 pounds (108 to 118 kg) in weight, and is often asked to play center in specific game situations or when a particular team lacks a taller player. The quintessential power forward in the game today is Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, who is already considered to be one of the best players to have played the power forward position. Rasheed Wallace of the Detroit Pistons, Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors and Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks have also earned praise as great forwards. Other great power forwards of all time include Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Kevin McHale, Bob Pettit, Elvin Hayes, Dave DeBusschere, Chris Webber, Charles Oakley, and Buck Williams.
At higher levels like the NBA, the power forward position has evolved. Many power forwards are noted for their mid-range jumper, and several other big men have become very accurate from 12 to even 18 feet, similar of the European style play. While Dirk Nowitzki is not noted for his strong inside game or his physical post play, many of his skills, particularly his strong reliance on the jump shot, are much closer to those of a typical small forward. Other power forwards who add long range shooting to their skillset include Antawn Jamison, Rasheed Wallace, and Troy Murphy. In addition, some "natural" power forwards often play the center position and have the skills but lack the height that is more closely associated with that position. Many argue that the 6'9" Ben Wallace, though listed as a center by the Cleveland Cavaliers and by his previous two teams, the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons, is actually a natural power forward; this goes back to his days as PF for the Washington Wizards. Nevertheless, he is still considered one of the best centers in the league due to his offensive rebounding and shot blocking abilities.
One example of an effective power forward who did not fit the standard physical description for that position was Dennis Rodman, who was able to out-rebound and defensively shut down rival power forwards despite being only 6 ft 8 in, 210 lb (2.01 m, 95 kg). Likewise, Charles Barkley was widely considered as one of the most dominating power forwards of his time, despite being officially listed at only 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and reportedly closer to 6' 5" or 6' 4" (1.96 to 1.93 m). Barkley's playing weight of roughly 255 lb (116 kg) was typical for the position. Likewise, Shawn Marion annually ranks among league leaders in rebounds while of similar size to Rodman.
Power forwards who were named to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list include Charles Barkley, Dave DeBusschere, Elvin Hayes, Jerry Lucas, Kevin McHale, Karl Malone, Bob Pettit and Wes Unseld.
