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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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Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) backs down Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) backs down Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (34) during the third quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Kevin Love

Age: 27

2015-2016 Season Averages: 16.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals. 0.5 blocks

Shooting Percentages: .419/.360/.822

It was not long ago that Kevin Love would have claimed the no.1 spot on this list. But as the NBA evolves, these things happen.

Love is absolutely still a very good basketball player. But his fit in Cleveland has limited his production and thus, effected his status among other NBA power forwards.

Playing with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Love’s opportunities on offense are much more limited than they were in Minnesota. He has been relegated to a role that has him on the perimeter much more. While Love is a solid outside shooter, it is not his game to sit behind the line and chuck up 3-pointers all game. In the post, Love’s strength still makes him dangerous. He is also a good passer out of the post. Love’s offensive game has deteriorated slightly in Cleveland, but he is still an effective offensive player when used correctly. His efficiency is just harmed by taking so many perimeter shots.

Love catches a lot of his criticism for his deficiencies on defense. While he did step up big in defending Steph Curry in crunch time of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, his defense is average at best. While he uses his strength in the post, he is vulnerable to being beaten by athletic bigs off of the drive. His motor is there, but his athleticism holds back his potential on that end of the floor.

Rebounding, though, is still a calling card for Love. He is still an excellent rebounder, despite not being the otherworldly one that he was in Minnesota. Love hits the glass hard and is always capable of creating extra possessions and preventing them for opposing teams. His physicality on the inside helps make Cleveland as good as they are.

Kevin Love is no longer a superstar player and hasn’t made an All-Star team with the Cavs. But, Love is still a double-double machine that can torch opposing teams when he gets hot.

Next: No. 7: The Last of Miami's Big Three

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