There are more than just a few really good frontcourts in the NBA.
Frontcourt being the small forward, the power forward, and the center.
Even though in this day and age positions appear to be very interchangeable, there are still core skills that positions tend to need and have. The 3 – or the small forward position – tends to be the most skilled, with good versatility. The power forward is bringing strength to the court. And the center’s job traditionally is to keep the boards clean and defend the paint, as they are typically the tallest of the three.
We’re going to look at the best for the 2024 NBA playoffs. The top 5 frontcourt attacks the league has to offer.
Chicago has a pretty strong frontcourt in DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic. Indiana and Houston both have frontcourts to watch. Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam bring sweet shooting for Indiana. Houston’s Dillon Brooks and his 14ppg along with underrated Alperen Sengun are also tough. And then we have Toronto, led by southpaw RJ Barrett and Scotty Barnes, they have more than their share of skill.
But none of them are the best, here are the top 5 in the NBA.
5. Los Angeles Clippers / 37-18
Paul George / Kawhi Leonard / Ivica Zubac
Combined average / game
59ppg / 21rpg / 9apg / 54.7% FG.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have been superstars for many successful years. Ivica Zubac brings offensive rebounding to keep those scoring opportunities alive. They are a serious problem. They have great shooting all over the court.
4. Milwaukee Bucks / 36-21
Khris Middleton / Giannis Antetokounmpo / Brook Lopez
Combined average / game
58ppg / 21rpg / 13apg / 52.8% FG.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a 2x MVP – his resume speaks for itself. Khris Middleton is a really good SF who can stick a jump shot, and Brook Lopez fits perfectly for Milwaukee.
3. Denver Nuggets / 38-19
Michael Porter / Aaron Gordon / Nikola Jokic
Combined average / game
56ppg / 26rpg / 13apg / 53.0% FG.
Nikola Jokic is potentially the best player in the NBA. There’s no argument in that. Aaron Gordon is a strong force in the paint and has never had a problem getting the ugly boards. Michael Porter brings intensity and lethal shooting. They have size and strength across the front.
2. Los Angeles Lakers / 31-27
LeBron James / Anthony Davis / Rui Hachimura
Combined average / game
62ppg / 23rpg / 13apg / 52.9% FG.
Los Angeles has 2 future HOFers in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. How can they not be in the top 5 for the best frontcourts in the NBA? Add 6-8 sharp shooter Rui Hachimura they can spread out and their guys can all work the paint.
1. Boston Celtics / 45-12
Jayson Tatum / Jaylen Brown / Kristaps Porzingis
Combined average / game
69ppg / 22rpg / 11apg / 49.9% FG.
Boston has a proud history of great front courts. This front can be legendary if they keep it together. Jaylen Brown is explosive with his game. Jayson Tatum has been a scoring guru for the last 5 years. Adding 7-1 Kristaps Porzingis at the 5 has brought this team to an entirely different level with his length and smooth shot.
Even though the backcourt is a part of the game that garners a lot of attention. The frontcourt are looking to be the root of a team and success, as 4 of these 5 teams have 35 or more Wins this season.