The 2022-23 NBA season was one for the books. The newly-crowned Denver Nuggets celebrated their first ever championship in team history; a newly-ratified collective bargaining agreement is on the way; and a newly-implemented 65-game minimum threshold to qualify for an All-NBA team will likely keep many of the mainstays away from the team due to the game minimum. Fortunately, for our purposes, there isn’t as strict of a standard when it comes to ranking the top forwards around the league from the 2022-23 season.
For our rankings we took into consideration the basketball ability, performance, and put lesser weight on availability. Durability is definitely an important aspect of success so we didn’t want to disregard it completely. In addition to the top forwards ranks there are a slew of up and comers right on their heels that are worth giving honorable mentions to before we visit the top five.
1.HONORABLE MENTION
Brandon Ingram (NOP)
Brandon Ingram continues to improve during his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans. After a fantastic playoff debut last season, the dynamic duo of Ingram and Zion Williamson had the Pelicans atop the Western Conference before injuries derailed their season. The lanky forward notched 24 PPG on 50/39/88 shooting splits in 45 games for the Pelicans and will need a healthy season from him if they are to crash the playoffs again.
Mikal Bridges (BKN)
The most notable player that headed to Brooklyn in the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges quickly went from a role player in Phoenix to a top option in Brooklyn and he did not disappoint. In 27 games for the Nets, Bridges recorded an impressive 26 PPG on an impressive 48/38/89 splits. Seeing as his efficiency didn’t slip despite the increase in shot volume bodes well for him in addition to his ironman-like durability.
2.Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Another superstar talent who fell short of expectations to the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum continues his steady trajectory to maintain his superstardom. Tatum recorded career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last season as he also eclipsed the 30 PPG mark along with almost 9 rebounds and 5 assists per game. The Celtics forward also made a career best 70% of his shots at the rim. Jayson’s stellar play has proven to be a solid foundation as he proves to be one of the most durable superstars in the league as he has played in over 70 games the past two seasons. An MVP should be on the horizon for Tatum at some point but until then the top honor should do.
3.Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Despite the Bucks unexpectedly getting bounced from the playoffs by the Miami Heat, Giannis still collects a top honor among forwards in the league. With multiple All-Defensive team considerations in addition to his bruising style of offensive play, the Bucks superstar recorded a career high 31 PPG in addition to double digit rebounds last season en route to a top seed in the Eastern Conference. Even with their disappointing end to the season, expect Giannis to continue planting his flag as the one of the league’s top forwards.
4.LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
The ageless wonder LeBron James finally eclipsed the illustrious scoring record last season in what felt like three seasons for Laker fans. After getting tripped up by a foot injury after the trade deadline, LeBron was able to help push the Lakers into the Western Conference Finals losing to the eventual champion Nuggets. The soon to be 39 year old next season has continued to show that even with some declining athleticism he is still the top name on opposing team’s defensive scouting reports. How long LeBron can keep this level of productivity up is anyone’s guess but recording 29/8/7 in his 20th season is certainly refuting any ideas of him slowing down.
5.Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
The Brooklyn Nets season was mired in non-basketball related issues. Between the public battles over Kyrie Irving’s contract extensions and Ben Simmons’ psychological boycott against playing offense, Kevin Durant continued to anchor a team and fanbase that hungered for normalcy. Twitter’s favorite NBA player casually poured in 29 PPG on an ultra elite 56/41/91 shooting splits as he kept the Nets afloat in the standings despite off-court turmoil. Like some of his colleagues on this list, the only thing that derailed what would be yet another extraordinary season for Durant was an unexpected injury. Even with the Suns falling short to the eventual champions expect Durant and Booker to be right back in the mix as the Suns retool under a new owner.
6.Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers
Leonard has continued to be one of the most devastating two-way players in the league when he is on the court. How often he is on the court though continues to be an issue. Back to back 52 game regular seasons along with only 2 games against the Suns, the only thing holding back Kawhi from being at the top of these ranks is his own health. When he does play Kawhi continues to pour in a steady 24/7/4 on strong efficiency from the field. Leonard also ranks in the elite tiers of the midrange maestros as he knocked them down at a 51% clip last season. Add in his 1.4 steals per game and he has the production of a lead option for the Clippers. If he and Paul George can ever get healthy together, a deep run might be in their cards once again.