Top power forwards available in 2016 NBA free agency

From the other four positions (point guards, shooting guards, small forwards and centres), the top free agents after the 2015-2016 season were revealed. In the cash-rich summer of 2016, a lot of coveted top players are available and some of them play the power forward position.

The new era of the NBA values versatility over “power” in the four position; as such, players that has range—all the way to the three-point line. It’s no surprise that the top free agents, who has shown this versatility, in the power forward position are the players that can hit it from the outside, ideally complementing another big man who plays inside and serves as an additional option for the wingmen who penetrates and court generals who sets up the plays.

Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks is the top target for the other teams with the big man from the Dominican Republic fitting the bill of a versatile power forward, who can play both frontcourt positions and also stretches the floor.

Horford is also an unrestricted free agent, which means an NBA team can sign him to a contract leaving the Hawks no choice but to let him go in free agency. For the Hawks’ sake, they hope to prove to Horford that they have a chance to be constant playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference and become a legitimate threat to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next few years.

2015-2016 season (38 games): 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 blocked shots

If the teams miss out on Horford, here are the other power forwards available in the 2016 offseason:

2015-2016 season (30 games): 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds

Part of the NBA champion team Golden State Warriors last year, David Lee is in the twilight of his career but is not part of the Celtics’ long-term plans. When given playing time, like in one of the games in the 2015 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is still a serviceable big man that can help a team’s offence.

2015-2016 season (37 games): 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds

He has played well for the Hornets this season but at 29 years old, the Hornets may want to go younger. Charlotte also has another forward hitting the free agent market in Nicolas Batum and the Frenchman is a priority when they sign their own free agents.

2015-2016 season (14 games): 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds

The Lithuanian forward has played sparingly this season but when given playing time (in the 2014-2015 season), he averaged in double figures in scoring (12.0). A team willing to invest in him for the 25-year-old forward may net good returns in the future.

2015-2016 season (34 games): 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds

The Pelicans are in complete disarray this season and is considered a complete disappointment as they were pegged to be one of the teams battling for a playoff spot. Anderson is still just 27 years old and his range complement’s Anthony Davis’ inside game. However, he is an unrestricted free agent and a team willing to give him the money can steal Anderson in the offseason.

Other power forwards available in the 2016 offseason are Nene of the Washington Wizards; Jarred Sullinger of the Celtics; Anthony Tolliver of the Detroit Pistons; Terrence Jones of the Rockets; Jordan Hill of the Indiana Pacers; Josh Smith of the Los Angeles Clippers; Miles Plumlee of the Milwaukee Bucks; John Leuer and Mirza Teletovic of the Phoenix Suns; and James Johnson of the Toronto Raptors, among others.