Summary
A solid power forward inNBA 2K25MyTeam must be a strong rebounder first and foremost. Then comes scoring, both inside and outside, as well as creating shot opportunities. Since power forwards are also highly efficient at shot-blocking, they can have a noticeable defensive presence on the court. When combined, these skills can indicate the level of proficiency of any given power forward, especially their specific archetypes.
Thebest power forwards inNBA 2K25include some of the most renowned players in the world. But there are also a few newcomers that should definitely be considered, especially after the number of their badges grows with each season.
10Jalen Williams
Best Walking Bucket Card
Williams is one of the youngest players in the NBA, but he’s already earned himself the status of one of the best midrange shooters and outside scorers in the game. Due to his shorter height than the average power forward, Williams is closer toa small forward archetype. But he’s quick and can definitely create some mismatches on the court.
Of course, a shorter stature makes him less effective in the defensive position. But if he focuses on scoring those shots, then his ball-handling skills can make up for his lack of defense.
9Evan Mobley
Best Switchable Lockdown Defender Card
When a team needs solid rim protection, Mobley can become one of the more valuable assets in that regard. He’s extremely agile, beingable to guard multiple positionsand adapting to various circumstances. Rebounding is one of his top skills, as is initiating fast breaks and securing his team’s possessions.
However, one shouldn’t expect him to shoot too well, especially from long range. He’s much more efficient when it comes to inside scoring, so players should focus on his abilities there instead.
8Karl-Anthony Towns
Best Inside-Out Scorer Card
Stretching the floor and making long-range shots requires lots of strength. That’s where Towns is simply unmatched, with his terrific outside scoring skills. He’s also an exceptional rebounder, able to secure both ends of the court. This is possible due to his maxed out athleticism rating.
But players shouldn’t put him in a defensive position, as that’s where he struggles the most. This is especially evident in some kinds of pick-and-roll situations, facing much tougher opponents.
7Pascal Siakam
Best 2-Way 3-Level Shot Creator Card
Siakim is one of the best outside scorers inNBA 2K25, being able to score effectively in the paint. He’s got one of the most versatile archetypes in the game, making him a truly adaptable player capable of scoring from all areas of the court. But he can also efficiently guard some forwards.
Siakim also has 21 badges to his rating, allowing him to utilize a whole number of enhancements. All this makes him one of the mostwell-rounded power forwards inNBA 2K25.
6Zion Williamson
Best Slashing Shot Creator Card
Slashers aren’t particularly good at defending possessions, but when it comes to inside scoring, Williamson is unbeatable, carrying a 90-point rating on his scale. He can easily become the biggest threat on the court,performing powerful dunks and other exceptional playsat the basket.
Williamson has 18 badges to his name, 11 of which are gold, earned for his impressive slashing and finishing abilities. This power forward would be a perfect choice for a more aggressive playstyle.
5Paolo Banchero
Best Shot-Creating 3-Level Threat Card
Benchero’s main selling point is his ability to effectively score off the dribble. His height allows him to contest shorter defenders and finish strong at the rim. But he’s more versatile than that, which makes him work just as well in playmaking and rebounding.
InNBA 2K25, Banchero has a total of 20 badges and an OVR of 89, which allows him to create some great opportunities for inside and outside scoring. His shooting from beyond the arc may not be as consistent, but it’s not that big of a drawback.
4Kawhi Leonard
Second Best 2-Way Scoring Phenom Card
Despite being an outright champion at outside scoring, Leonard has some of the finest defensive skills among many power forwards. This means that he can both create excellent shooting opportunities and defend almost any position on the court at the same time. His skill is unmatched when it comes to midrange plays, which is reflected in his 92 OVR rating.
The only type of shot thatLeonard can struggle with is the 3-point, as he lacks in the speed department, making him a little less desirable for this specific shooting game.
3Kevin Durant
Top 2-Way Scoring Phenom Card
When most power forwards have trouble scoring from beyond the arc, Durant nails that shot every time. He’s also very hard for defenders to deal with, as his massive weight allows him to drive through any blocks. His highest rated skill is outside scoring, buthe’s just as good at playmakingand inside scoring.
The only thing that keeps Durant from being the most elite power forward inNBA 2K25is his weak defense game. That’s where he falls a little short of expectations.
2LeBron James
Best 2-Way Inside-Out Point Four Card
The legendary LeBron James is not only one of the best power forwards inNBA 2K25, but he’s also among the top ten best players in the game overall. He has it all: capable of being both a forward and a guard, scoring and facilitating plays. There’s only one thing that he could do better, and that’s rebounding.
But his offensive and defensive intellect play a huge part in any match, where he can create the best opportunities for both himself and his teammates on both sides of the court.
1Giannis Antetokounmpo
Best 2-Way Slashing Point Four Card
There’s no better forward inNBA 2K25than Giannis Antetokounmpo.His impressively tall build and physicalitymake him a universal threat on the court. His unique skill set and high speed allow him to effectively push through any defense and score powerful dunks like no other player.
On top of that, Antetokounmpo can just as competently disrupt passing lanes in the defensive game and contest shots, using his massive stature.
