Soaring Down South
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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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Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots a three point basket in overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Trail Blazers 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots a three point basket in overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Trail Blazers 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Dirk Nowitzki

Age: 38

2015-2016 Season Averages: 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.7 steals

Shooting Percentages: .448/.368/.893

What a career it has been for Dirk Nowitzki.

13 All-Star teams, 12 All-NBA teams, one MVP award, one NBA Championship, and a Finals MVP award. Dirk has done it all in his time in Dallas, and he is still a good player. Just not the superstar that he was in his prime.

Offensively, Nowitzki is still as dangerous as ever. His perimeter shooting paired with his 7-0 size, Dirk has revolutionized what it means to be an NBA big man. Dirk’s shooting range goes well beyond the arc, where he still knocks down shots at a 37 percetn clip. His jump shot is lethal in the mid-range as well, but his post work really makes him unique. Dirk is the post is perhaps him at his most dangerous, where he has the skill to take you to the rim or knock down his signature turnaround, fadeaway jumper (off of one leg). The man is still a legitimate offensive threat on a Western Conference playoff team at age 38. Just let that sink in.

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Defensively though, Dirk is a liability. The small-ball era has not helped that notion on this side of the ball. He is not the fastest guy, and is vulnerable to athletic big men. His defense is shaky at this stage, but the Mavericks have done a good job of patching that up with the acquisition of Andrew Bogut. Dallas has been great at getting Dirk defensive help.

Rebounding has degraded over time for Nowitzki as well. His average is down to 6.5 boards, which is not great for a seven footer. But as players age, that is a trait that tends to go.

But regardless of defensive and rebounding issues, Dirk’s offensive impact still makes him a top 10 power forward. He is still the best offensive player on his team and can take over big games, as he has always been able to do. The future hall-of-famer is still worthy of the no. 9 spot on this list.

Next: No. 8: No Love Lost

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