They might just have to call the position the forward in NBA 2K22 this year because there is a veritable power outage at the position. No position in the game has more starters in the 70s, meaning it's a weakness that several teams have exploited during most games, contributing to tough losses.
The position is a difference-maker (just look at Kevin Durant) if the right player comes along. With so many suitors, power forwards will get to choose among the best of the best in NBA 2K22. These are teams just one player away from a title run, waiting for MyPlayer to bring the power back to their home cities.
Updated on May 4th, 2022 by Hodey Johns: The advantage of playing a power forward is even stronger this year than it appeared to be. And it already appeared to be very strong. With the upgraded post moves and additional animations to swipe the ball from a slashing guard, the position has never been in higher demand. As the season went on, trades were made and many teams covered their initial gap at power forward, however, others saw the position get even worse. Seeing as how the regular season is over, rosters have solidified and now players can choose where to play without worrying about a big trade. This guide has been updated with the best positions to succeed after making the adjustments for the roster changes and OVR alterations.
What To Look For
When deciding what team to join, the first step is to make sure they need a power forward. No matter how well players do, trying to take the starting job from Kevin Durant in Brooklyn isn't going to happen for years. Look for starters with an OVR of 80 or less at the position and replace them within the first week or two of joining the team.
Next, check the rest of the starters for their strengths. A team with too many weaknesses will double team the MyPlayer and ignore the rest of the team if they can't hit shots. They'll also attack other teammates on defense, running up the score while the power forward can only watch.
Chicago Bulls
PG | Lonzo Ball | 82 |
SG | Zach LaVine | 88 |
SF | DeMar DeRozan | 90 |
PF | Javonte Green | 77 |
C | Nikola Vucevic | 83 |
The rest of this team, besides the power forward, is 82 OVR or higher and immediately ready to snag a championship. The power forward, Green, is a total liability at 77 OVR and needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
It's not only about championships, it's also about power and style. Zach LaVine, one of the NBA's superstar shooting guards, is ready to do some dunking from the guard spot, so this could be the start of a team that attacks the hoop with intensity for a power forward that likes to have good passing options when the dunking lanes close.
Sacramento Kings
PG | De'Aaron Fox | 84 |
SG | Terence Davis | 78 |
SF | Harrison Barnes | 80 |
PF | Trey Lyles | 76 |
C | Domantas Sabonis | 87 |
As De'Aaron Fox has begun to transform himself into one of the best point guards in the NBA, he's not going to be able to carry a team to a championship. The center, Sabonis, has been helpful, but it's those pesky positions between center and point guard that are dogging the Kings. This is where a point guard can shine, since who he'll be receiving from is covered and the defensive interior will have lots of help. That opens up the mid-range shooting. Considering the boosts to the post this year, it's too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Indiana Pacers
PG | Tyrese Haliburton | 83 |
SG | Malcolm Brogdon | 83 |
SF | T.J. Warren | 82 |
PF | Oshae Brissett | 76 |
C | Myles Turner | 82 |
Think about what the ideal situation is for the MyPlayer. If the idea is to join a team full of superstars and play a supporting role, then that's great, there are plenty of other teams on this list that fulfill that purpose. But what about players who want to be the star?
For these players, the Indiana Pacers are the ideal choice. Aside from power forward, every other teammate is an 82 or 83 OVR. That's good but not great. And that's perfect. This is the spot to be for players who only need enough from the rest of the team not to blow it. Other than that, the Pacers need a highlight reel guy and the MyPlayer at power forward would be just the ticket.
Minnesota Timberwolves
PG | D'Angelo Russell | 81 |
SG | Patrick Beverley | 79 |
SF | Anthony Edwards | 83 |
PF | Jarred Vanderbilt | 79 |
C | Karl-Anthony Towns | 89 |
The Timberwolves made for a tough playoff team. Their inexperience didn't help, but it feels like Minnesota is on the verge of something awesome. But before they can achieve those heights, they'll need to get their power forward position fixed up.
Karl-Anthony Towns is incredible at center, but he likes to shoot threes (he won the contest this year) and will spend time on the perimeter. That leaves the interior open for jams and offensive rebounds. That's perfect for a hungry power forward that doesn't mind filling up a stat sheet on the way to contend for a championship.
Miami Heat
PG | Kyle Lowry | 82 |
SG | Tyler Herro | 85 |
SF | Jimmy Butler | 92 |
PF | Caleb Martin | 77 |
C | Bam Adebayo | 87 |
Replacing Martin and his 77 OVR should be a breeze and suddenly gamers will find themselves in the middle of a stacked team, with each starter having at least an 82 OVR. Tyler Herro notably started the season under an 80 OVR and is now one of the game's most notable shooting guards, moving up to an 85. Getting passes from Lowry can also result in some freebie, flashy dunks for a power forward that likes to attack the rim. The Bulls locked up first seed for a reason, it's not unreasonable to assume that one power forward is all the need to bring Miami another title.
NBA 2K22 was released on September 9th, 2021, and is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
