5 best free-agent power forwards

Pardon the pun, but the four-spot has become the pivotal position in the modern game.

The present-day power forward is unrecognizable from the big men that once roamed the paint in the '90s. The shift from post-ups to pick-and-rolls has led a migration from the paint to the perimeter. Even Tim Duncan, who was once a dominant force on the mid-block, is now primarily used in the pick-and-roll. 

The cream of the power forward crop is locked up, but there are a few useful fours on the market this offseason. Here are the top-five free-agent power forwards.

1. Pau Gasol (unrestricted)

Gasol was a dominant force in the post in his prime. He had every requisite skill for a power forward: score in the post, sink 15-foot jumpers, rebound well, challenge shots, pass the ball - everything.

Age caught up to Gasol, and noticeably diminished his effectiveness. He missed 22 games last season, and averaged the fewest minutes per game of his career. 

But Gasol still holds many vestiges of his former heights. He remains an excellent mid-range shooter (44.7 percent from 10-16 feet), is still an inventive passer, and will occasionally punish opposing bigs. 

2. Paul Pierce (unrestricted)

Pierce set the standard for small forwards for years. He was an unstoppable force in his prime as a Celtic, with his unmatched combination of size and shooting. 

With the advancement of the league into the modern era, Pierce adopted a new-found identity as a small-ball four with the Nets last season. He found success by being able to out-wit power forwards with his perimeter game. He was even able to hold his own in the post and on rebounds using his strength.

The only question with Pierce is age. He'll be 37 in October, and there's a legitimate question to be asked about what the veteran has in the tank. Regardless, he'll find his way onto a championship contender and contribute somehow. He always does. 

3. Channing Frye (unrestricted)

Frye's NBA career was on the line two years ago. A virus caused Frye to suffer from an enlarged heart. The injury not only kept him from playing in the league, it threatened Frye's physical well-being.

Fortunately the issue was fixed, and Frye returned to the Suns last season. In doing so, he proved that he was still the same sweet-stroking stretch-big, capable of picking apart defenses in the pick-and-pop. He also flashed signs of being a functional defender.

Frye's unique skill set will attract many suitors this offseason, with the Suns, Warriors, and others reportedly interested. Given his age and injury history, he may not command a large contract per se, but for the price of the mid-level exception, one of the league's top stretch-bigs can be had.

4. Boris Diaw (unrestricted)

Diaw was one of the many breakout stars who helped the San Antonio Spurs capture the championship last season. His versatility, craft, and vision embodied every defining attribute of the Spurs.

And in doing so on the big stage, the highly cerebral Diaw will surely garner many contract offers this offseason. But buyer beware: Diaw is a very particular player.

Jonathan Abrams of Grantland detailed it best: Diaw needs the right system around him to flourish. That system, of course, being a pass-first, team-oriented squad flush with clever players. So essentially, just the Spurs.

5. Josh McRoberts (unrestricted)

Like Diaw, McRoberts' best attribute is his ability to move the ball. That skill is particularly valuable, especially from the high-post. As a member of the Charlotte Bobcats last season, McRoberts received twice the number of touches (as tracked by SportVU) than any other player not named Kemba Walker.

In addition to his passing prowess, McRoberts also boasts the ability to play defense and knock down the occasional 3-pointer. Despite his rather impressive highlight reel, McRoberts plays best when he's not the focus of attention. He's then allowed to fill the gaps by making team-first plays.

But the biggest knock on McRoberts is pretty damming: he can't score on his own. That's a weakness shared by most power forwards in the league, but given his lack of scoring ability, general managers will be hard-pressed to hand McRoberts a hefty deal. 

Note: Heat forward Chris Bosh was omitted because he is yet to opt-out at the time of writing. Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was omitted because he's verbally agreed to return to the Mavericks. For more on the the available free-agent power forwards, check out our primer.