For too long, the power forward had the distinction of being viewed as a shorter, faster center. Statistically, they put up fewer points, blocks, and rebounds. Analysts as recently as six years ago occasionally surmised that the position was unofficially dead, being filled by centers and small forwards under the guise of being a power forward.

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But as NBA teams began to see the value of an athletic big man, NBA 2K22 followed suit with a whole slew of new post moves this year. Now, power forwards are scarier than ever before, and some of the league's best players are destined to give players fits if they try to slow them down. These are the ones to watch out for the most in NBA 2K22.

10 Jaren Jackson Jr - 83 OVR

NBA 2K22 Jaren Jackson Jr Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

There is a great deal of upside to Jaren Jackson Jr. His father, a former player and coach, clearly passed his talent and wisdom onto his son. Jackson made the All-Rookie team in his first year in the NBA despite having it cut short with injury.

In his next season, he improved upon his point totals by almost four points per game but missed out on any potential accolades due to another injury. Last season, a third injury caused him to miss nearly the entire season. When he's on the court, the Grizzlies are a better team, so Memphis fans are hoping for good health and fortune this upcoming year.

9 John Collins - 84 OVR

NBA 2K22 John Collins Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Despite a strong rookie season, John Collins was a hidden gem for a long time. Buried in an Atlanta Hawks team that consistently competed for the title of worst team in the league, many thought Collins' talents were wasted. Others considered him a possible bust.

That all changed when the Hawks made the playoffs after finally putting some team players around Collins. His scrappy play earned him a new five-year contract with the same team, giving them some consistency as they transition from being one of the league's worst to one of the NBA's most promising teams.

8 Tobias Harris - 85 OVR

NBA 2K22 Tobias Harris Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Tobias Harris is the definition of a journeyman, playing for his fifth team already in a career that still hasn't hit the twilight years. In fact, he's playing his best ball with the 76ers, showing that he's got a lot more juice left in the tank, even after hitting his 10,000th career point last season.

He might not have the accolades to go with it, but he's been the best player at his position for a while now. Part of the recipe for his success is his three-point shooting, which he had in his wheelhouse even when power forwards had mostly abandoned the long ball.

7 Domantas Sabonis - 86 OVR

NBA 2K22 Domantas Sabonis Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

In what was a successful rookie reason, the Thunder inexplicable gave up on the promising Domantas Sabonis. They acquired Taj Gibson midseason and instantly benched Sabonis, barely even using him in reserve. During their five-game playoff series, which Oklahoma lost, he played a total of six minutes.

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He was then traded to the Pacers where his career was predictably put back on track. In each of the last two years, he's made the All-Star team and carried an Indiana team that badly needed to catch a break. With Sabonis, they caught a rather substantial break.

6 Julius Randle - 87 OVR

NBA 2K22 Julius Randle Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Julius Randle hasn't been slighted by his rating, though in NBA 2K22, he plays substantially better than the 87 OVR he has been assigned. In each of the many ways that players are graded, Randle's lowest score is a B. Whether it's scoring, defending, or fundamentals, Randle plays with top-tier talent.

After an injury-riddled first few seasons, Randle finally got a chance to prove himself with the Knicks. The prayers of New Yorkers were answered when he made his first All-Star Game last year to accompany his nearly-unanimous selection as the most-improved player.

5 Zion Williamson - 89 OVR

NBA 2K22 Zion Williamson Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Zion Williamson is the definition of a can't-miss prospect. Announcers are left floored after seeing a man with as much muscle as he has move with a speed that would leave most point guards in the dust. His athletic abilities have translated to the NBA as well as anyone could hope.

The city of New Orleans can be grateful that personality and presence as large as Williamson's left the void filled by Anthony Davis. After making the All-Rookie team, he made the All-Star team last year and looks to build upon his shocking talents.

4 Jayson Tatum - 90 OVR

NBA 2K22 Jayson Tatum Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Despite losing in five games during the postseason last year, Jayson Tatum came up huge. His 122 points in three consecutive games is a record for Boston, and it leaves fans hungry to see what he'll be able to accomplish after playing his best ball at the tail end of the season last year.

His increase in abilities isn't just limited to last season. In each of his past two years, he's made the All-Star team. He's flipped on a switch and if he keeps it up, he has many great years ahead of him which could see him rise in the ranks on this list.

3 Anthony Davis - 93 OVR

NBA 2K22 Anthony Davis Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

Anthony Davis has not missed an All-Star game in the last eight seasons, giving gamers a hint of his incredible talent. With his championship victory, it's hard to say that any player could even simulate the best basketball career possible without copying his path.

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Among his many talents, Davis has led the league in blocks three different times, sending shots into the stands from anybody who thinks they can match up against him in the paint. Anybody who enjoys slashing to the rim has to come up with another plan when they go against the Lakers.

2 Kevin Durant - 96 OVR

NBA 2K22 Kevin Durant Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

There is only one player who gets an A+ rating when he shoots from anywhere on the court and that player is Kevin Durant. An ideal three-point shooting build can try to mimic his game, but Durant simply can't be surpassed, either in the video game or in the NBA.

With his long arms, ridiculously fast release, and poise under pressure, Durant is a threat to score regardless of how tight the defender plays him. Fouling him isn't a smart play either, as he's converted fourteen four-point plays so far in his career.

1 Giannis Antetokounmpo - 96 OVR

NBA 2K22 Giannis Antetokounmpo Rating Compared To Other Power Forwards

A powerful dunk build is often brushed off as a cheap way to get fans in the door without contributing toward long-term success. Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo, who used this ability to attack the basket as a means of bringing a championship to Milwaukee last year.

And don't dare forget about Antetokounmpo's defensive abilities; he's earned an A+ rating as a perimeter and interior defender. There is no physical attribute that he lacks, dominating with his height, weight, and vertical prowess.

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