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Position Rankings: Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA

By Collin Huguley

Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Serge Ibaka

Age: 26

2015-2016 Season Averages: 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.9 blocks, 0.5 steals

Shooting Percentages: .476/.326/.752

It’s hard to believe that Serge Ibaka is only 26 years old.

The big man in the young nucleus of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ibaka was a very steady inside presence for the team for many years.  Playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Ibaka was never going to get the chance to be an offensive force.

But he still found a way to stand out.

Ibaka made his name as being a defensive monster in the paint. While he isn’t as elite in the middle as he was early on, he is still a great stopper on the inside. His rim protection was vital for the Thunder’s status as a championship contender and it will absolutely be missed. As he moves on to an odd position in Orlando, Ibaka should be the veteran leader of a tremendous young core of defensive-minded players.

Ibaka’s athleticism and mobility also allow him to guard the perimeter and pick-and-roll game as well, while he has the size at 6-10 to play the center spot in small-ball lineups also.

Defensive strengths aside, Ibaka is also a very solid offensive player. While he was strictly a dunker when he first enteres the league, Serge has expanded his shooting range tremendously. He has become a great mid-range shooter and has range out to the 3-point line, where he shot 33% this season. Ibaka is a nice stretch big, who can also bang on the inside.

His rebounding is also very solid. Ibaka has great length and leaping ability and is capable of earning extra possessions on the offensive glass. His rebounding numbers were a bit down this season, but he retains the ability to average 7-9 boards per game at this stage of his career.

Overall, Ibaka is not an All-Star caliber big man. But he is definitely very skilled and versatile. Regardless of your thoughts of the Magic, they acquired a good player this summer. Serge Ibaka has the skill set to succeed and make an impact in any situation, making him one of the top 10 players at his position.

Next: No. 9: The German Legend

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