Power forwards are similar to centers in that they typically position themselves on the lower block in NBA 2K23. However, in the modern NBA, they’re also required to step out and hit the occasional mid-range jumper or long-range three-point shot. As well as play sound defense in the post, generally against bigger opponents. Which is why they need to be flexible, athletic, tough and physical.
Since they can carry such a wide range of responsibilities and with NBA 2K23 ratings just around the corner. We’ve decided to make some early predictions for who the top 10 power forwards will be in NBA 2K23.
NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Power Forward Predictions
10) Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers) – NBA 2K22 OVR 85
Tobias Harris came in as one of the top-rated power forwards in NBA 2K22 with an overall rating of 85. And while he didn’t drop down too much in terms of production, his counterparts rose up quite a bit. Not only is he now surrounded with more competition at the position, but he also just turned 30 years old and is coming off a season in which he averaged his lowest point total (17.2 per game) since 2017. He’s still an efficient shooter and solid rebounder, but I see him carrying a lower rating in NBA 2K23 at launch.
Prediction – 83 OVR (-2)
9) Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) – NBA 2K22 OVR 78
On the other end of the spectrum we have Evan Mobley, who’s coming off a strong rookie showing that nearly saw him take home the Rookie of the Year award. In 69 games played, Mobley averaged 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting over 50% from the field. He’s still a relatively raw prospect with room to grow, particularly with his free-throw shooting and mid-long range jumper, but he should have one of the better PF ratings in NBA 2K23 at launch purely based on potential.
Prediction – 83 OVR (+5)
8) Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) – NBA 2K22 OVR 76
Next up we’ve got the man who beat out Mobley for the ROTY, Scottie Barnes. Barnes is an extraordinary talent and one who’s been recognized across the league. With such a unique blend of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, it would be hard for NBA 2K23 not to reward the young Florida State product with a high rating. During his rookie campaign, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game with .492/.301/.735 shooting splits. Helping keep the Raptors relevant for most of the year.
Prediction – 84 OVR (+8)
7) Kristaps Porzingis (Washington Wizards) – NBA 2K22 OVR 84
While Porzingis can play either the power forward or center position, I believe his skill set is best suited as a four. After getting traded mid-season from Dallas to Washington, Porzingis went on to average 22.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 17 contests. Making over 47% of his shots from the field, 37% from deep and 87% from the line. All of which was more than he averaged in the 34 games he spent with the Mavericks earlier in the year. Injuries aside, he remains one of the best pure talents in the NBA.
Prediction – 85 OVR (+1)
6) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
Jaren Jackson Jr. is probably the power forward who took the biggest leap last year. Upping his scoring from 14.4 points per game to 16.3 points per game, as well as slight boosts in his rebounding (5.8) and three-point shooting (32%). Most importantly, he played in a career-high 73 contests and led the league in blocks per game (2.3). He seems to be on an upwards trajectory and I believe NBA 2K23 will reward him for his continuous improvement.
Prediction – 86 OVR (+3)
Related: NBA 2K23 – Top 10 Small Forward Predictions
5) Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) – NBA 2K22 OVR 86
Domantas Sabonis was another player that got traded mid-season from the Pacers to the Kings. Despite having to acclimate to a new city and franchise, he put up nearly identical numbers. Averaging 18.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game with .554/.235/.743 shooting splits. He’s in the prime of his career and remains a major part of Sacramento’s future, so, I see him maintaining a high rating in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 87 OVR (+1)
4) Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors) – NBA 2K22 OVR 83
Of every player on this list, arguably nobody impressed as much as Pascal Siakam. After coming off surgery and being on a minutes restriction early in the year, Siakam exploded onto the scene as Toronto’s best player. Averaging career-highs in rebounds (8.5), assists (5.3) and steals (1.3) along with 22.8 points per game with .494/.344/.749 shooting splits. Which was enough for him to earn his second All-NBA selection, tying DeMar DeRozan and Vince Carter for the most in Raptors history.
Prediction – 89 OVR (+6)
3) Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) – NBA 2K22 OVR 89
Zion Williamson was forced to sit out all of last season due to a Jones Fracture in his right foot and subsequent surgery. However, he just signed a five-year rookie extension with the Pelicans worth $193 million guaranteed and I don’t think New Orleans would’ve done that if they didn’t think he was going to come back at full strength. Plus, the last time we saw Williamson he was an absolute beast on the court, averaging over 27 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game, shooting better than 60% from the field.
Prediction – 90 OVR (+1)
2) Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) – NBA 2K22 OVR 93
Anthony Davis is another player with a lengthy injury history. The difference is that his seems to be more problematic. From a pure talent perspective, there’s arguably no player in the league better than AD, who averaged 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and over 2 blocks a game last season. The issue is that he’s played in fewer than 40 games in each of the past two seasons and he’s about to turn 30 years old. Although, even if his OVR rating does decrease slightly, it won’t be by much and he should still remain one of the better players in NBA 2K23.
Prediction – 92 OVR (-1)
1) Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) – NBA 2K22 OVR 96
It’s no secret that The Greek Freak is one of the greatest basketball players on earth and already one of the best to ever play the game. However, what’s even more impressive is how he’s been able to continue improving his game. Last season, he averaged a career-high 29.9 points per game to go along with 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. All of which was enough for him to make his sixth-straight All-Star appearance, fourth-straight All-NBA First Team and fourth-straight All-Defensive First Team. He was also in the running for league MVP and is just 27 years old. As a result, his 2K rating should only continue to climb as the years progress.
Prediction – 97 OVR (+1)
That concludes our early predictions for the top 10 power forwards in NBA 2K23. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other NBA 2K23 content here at Gamer Journalist. Like all NBA 2K23 editions and cover athletes, explained or the cost for each edition of NBA 2K23.
Published: Aug 2, 2022 04:56 pm