Klay Thompson Declares Anthony Davis the Best Power Forward of His Generation

Before joining the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2024, Klay Thompson spent 12 seasons alongside Draymond Green, a player who redefined the modern power forward role. Standing at 6-foot-6, Green was slightly undersized for the position, yet his combination of skill, strength, playmaking, and defensive versatility made him an indispensable piece of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. From his elite defensive IQ to his ability to facilitate offense, Green created a blueprint for hybrid forwards in the modern NBA.

Despite his admiration for Green’s contributions, Thompson recently declared that the best power forward of his generation is his current Mavericks teammate, Anthony Davis. Speaking with Hall of Famer Michael Cooper on his podcast Showtime with Coop, Thompson remarked:

“When he’s healthy, he’s the best power forward, maybe of my generation. You’ve been able to see him up close with the Lakers. He is a two-way force. There’s not many big men who can do what he does as far as his handle, his shot-blocking ability, his jump shot.”

This statement drew attention across the league, not just for its boldness, but because it comes from one of the most respected shooting guards and teammates in modern NBA history.

The Asterisk: Health Concerns

Thompson’s praise comes with a crucial caveat—Anthony Davis’ health has always been a question mark. The 6-foot-11 forward has struggled to remain fully healthy throughout his career. Multiple injuries, ranging from lower-body issues to recurring knee and foot problems, have occasionally limited his consistency and availability.

However, when Davis is on the floor and fully fit, his influence is undeniable. His ability to impact the game on both ends, often in ways that do not always show up on the stat sheet, makes him a generational talent. Thompson’s comments acknowledge this reality, emphasizing Davis’ ceiling when at peak health: a player who can dominate in multiple aspects of the game and reshape team dynamics.

A Two-Way Force

Anthony Davis is one of the rare players capable of excelling on both ends of the court. Offensively, the 10-time All-Star can score from virtually anywhere. He can attack the rim with power, create his own shot off the dribble, or stretch defenses with his accurate mid-range and three-point shooting. This versatility makes him a constant threat and allows teams to run multiple offensive schemes around him.

Defensively, Davis’ reputation is equally impressive. A five-time All-Defensive Team member, he is widely recognized as an elite rim protector and shot blocker. Beyond that, he possesses the agility and lateral quickness to switch onto smaller players, a skill that is increasingly valuable in today’s pace-and-space NBA. Few big men in league history combine the size, length, and mobility that Davis possesses, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Anthony Davis Career Stats

These numbers, while impressive, only tell part of the story. Davis’ influence often extends beyond the box score. His presence in the paint changes how opponents attack the basket, while his offensive versatility keeps defenses guessing. Despite his dominance, Davis has never won Defensive Player of the Year, though he has been a top-three finalist several times. His runner-up finish in 2019-20 behind Giannis Antetokounmpo highlights how elite he is, considering Giannis is widely regarded as one of the most versatile forwards in the modern NBA.

Peak Performance and Value

Anthony Davis’ peak performance is nothing short of remarkable. At his best, he is not just one of the league’s most skilled forwards, but also one of its most valuable players. His ability to influence both ends of the floor makes him a cornerstone for any championship contender. When fully healthy, Davis is capable of dominating games in ways that few others can replicate.

His offensive game allows him to score efficiently at all three levels, while his defensive presence alters shots, forces turnovers, and anchors the team’s defensive schemes. This rare combination of skill sets elevates his teammates and creates opportunities for sustained team success.

Comparisons to Other Power Forwards

The conversation around the best power forward of this generation often includes names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, and Zion Williamson. Each brings unique skills to the position. Giannis dominates with athleticism and versatility, Green excels in playmaking and defense, and Williamson pairs raw power with agility. However, Thompson believes that Davis’ complete two-way skill set, when healthy, surpasses them all.

While Giannis may have more accolades and Green is historically significant in shaping the hybrid forward role, Davis offers a rare balance of offensive and defensive mastery at the power forward position, making him a generational talent in Thompson’s eyes.

The Mavericks’ Future with Davis

With the Dallas Mavericks adding rookie sensation Cooper Flagg during the offseason, Thompson is optimistic about the team’s prospects in the Western Conference. A fully healthy Anthony Davis could transform the Mavericks into one of the league’s most formidable teams. His ability to score efficiently, protect the rim, and stretch defenses complements the Mavericks’ existing stars, making them a dangerous contender for the title.

Thompson’s endorsement of Davis underscores the respect he commands among his peers. When he’s on the floor at full health, Davis is nearly unmatched—a player whose combination of size, skill, and versatility redefines the role of a modern power forward.

The Weight of Klay Thompson’s Perspective

Klay Thompson’s opinions carry weight because they come from experience, success, and firsthand observation. Thompson has competed against elite forwards and sharpshooters for more than a decade. His understanding of the game allows him to evaluate talent not just by numbers, but by impact, consistency, and the ability to influence both ends of the court.

For Thompson to name Davis as the best power forward of his generation is significant. It reflects his appreciation for two-way dominance, the value of versatility, and the importance of basketball IQ. It also highlights Thompson’s ability to recognize greatness in his peers, a trait that extends beyond his own accomplishments as one of the NBA’s premier shooters.

Conclusion

Klay Thompson is more than just a top-five shooter; he is a student of the game with a keen eye for talent. His recognition of Anthony Davis as the best power forward of his generation emphasizes both Davis’ peak capabilities and the respect he commands among elite players.

When fully healthy, Davis is a two-way force capable of dominating in ways few forwards can. His scoring versatility, defensive mastery, and leadership on the court make him a generational talent. With the Dallas Mavericks poised for a strong season and Davis leading the charge, Thompson’s endorsement may prove prophetic: the Mavericks could become a dominant force in the Western Conference, led by one of the most complete forwards of the modern NBA era.