Ranking the Best Power Forwards in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM

Dec-24-2025 PST NBA 2K26

Power forwards are one of the shallowest positions in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM, especially when compared to guards and wings. While point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards receive a steady stream of elite cards, true high-end bigs-particularly power forwards-are much harder to come by, which often leads players to strategically buy NBA 2K26 MT to keep up with roster demands. Because of that lack of depth, building a competitive lineup at the four requires careful evaluation of jumpers, defensive impact, athleticism, and overall badge completeness to ensure every MT investment delivers maximum value.

In this guide, we break down the best power forwards in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM using a tier-list approach. Some small forwards who can realistically slide to the four are included simply because of the limited options at the position.


S Tier: Elite Power Forwards

S-tier cards are complete, meta-proof options that can anchor any God Squad.

Joel Embiid sits comfortably at the top. He has elite size, a clean release, dominant interior defense, strong rebounding, and reliable finishing. As a PF/C hybrid, he impacts every possession.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the most effective defensive power forwards in the game. His jumper is smooth and easy to green, his player build is excellent, and his speed allows him to switch defensively. He is a perfect modern big.

Chris Bosh is arguably the best version of Bosh MyTEAM has seen in years. He combines elite defense with a significantly improved jumper, making him deadly in pick-and-pop situations.

Paolo Banchero qualifies due to his ability to play power forward at a high level. He offers elite finishing, mismatch speed, solid shooting, and strong physical tools, making him one of the most complete cards in the game.

Hakeem Olajuwon rounds out the S tier. He is one of the best defensive bigs in NBA 2K26, rebounds at an elite level, and has a surprisingly effective release that many players find easy to green.


A Tier: High-Level Starters

A-tier power forwards are excellent cards that may be missing one elite trait but still perform at a very high level.

Players like Bob Pettit, Jack Sikma, Willis Reed, and Tom Gugliotta excel as pick-and-pop bigs with smooth jumpers and solid defensive presence. Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire bring strong athleticism and interior dominance, even with shooting limitations.

Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, and Alperen Şengün offer well-rounded production with good stats and badges, though they lack standout animations or elite speed. Okongwu stands out as one of the best budget options in the tier, with a fast, easy-to-time release and strong defensive versatility.

These players are more than capable of starting on competitive squads and will outperform many higher overall cards in the right system.


B Tier: Solid but Flawed Options

B-tier power forwards are usable but have noticeable weaknesses, often related to jump shot speed or badge limitations.

Kevin Garnett and Lamar Odom fall here primarily because of their slow, inconsistent jumpers. Despite elite defense and strong all-around stats, their releases limit offensive consistency. Dirk Nowitzki is another B-tier option-effective as a pick-and-pop shooter but hindered by poor athleticism and finishing.

Players like Alonzo Mourning, Serge Ibaka, and Derrick Queen can contribute but lack either shooting reliability or complete badge sets.


C Tier and Below: Situational or Outdated

C-tier cards such as Patrick Ewing, Pau Gasol, Kevin Love, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Obi Toppin struggle due to poor jumpers, size limitations, or missing badges. While some excel in specific areas like slashing or defense, they are generally not recommended in competitive play.

D-tier options like Tim Duncan and Wes Unseld are simply too slow, undersized, or incomplete to justify lineup spots in the current MyTEAM meta.


Final Thoughts

Because power forwards lack depth in NBA 2K26 MyTEAM, jumper quality and versatility matter more than ever, especially for players looking to stretch their roster while managing resources like Cheap NBA 2K26 MT. Elite cards separate themselves through speed, shooting reliability, and defensive flexibility. While many A- and B-tier options remain usable and budget-friendly, S-tier players like Embiid, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Chris Bosh provide the consistency needed to compete at the highest level. As better bigs are released, tier placements will continue to shift-but for now, this list provides a strong foundation for building a dominant frontcourt without wasting valuable MT.