Power forwards are thriving in the NBA like never before.

With talent at the center position lower than ever, power forwards are being asked to do a lot. Power forwards have a big responsibility when it comes to rebounding and being the enforcers on the team. Defense is also a must when it comes being an elite power forward.

Here are the top five power forwards in the NBA:

5. Pau Gasol

He may be past his prime, but the 7-foot Spain born power forward is still a very effective power forward in this league. Gasol is an all-around great forward who plays dedicated defense, can score, pass and is a terrific teammate. With the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol helped the team win two NBA Championships. Gasol averages 18.3 points per game in his career, and he has been a good free throw shooter, as well. Don't be surprised if Gasol makes the Basketball Hall of Fame one day.

Although Gasol is very talented, he is 34 years old and his better days are behind him.

4. Dirk Nowitzki

The most distinguished and accomplished basketball player from Germany comes in at No. 4 on our list. Nowitzki is one of the greatest scoring power forwards in NBA history, as he has made 1,477 three point shots in his Hall of Fame career. His shining moment came in the 2011 NBA Finals when he led the Dallas Mavericks to an upset victory over the Miami Heat and LeBron James. Nowitzki is a deadly shooter from mid-range, and a great teammate who is always willing to take less money for the team to win.

Similar to Gasol, Nowitzki is past his prime at 36 years old. Nowitzki sometimes plays more as a shooting guard than a power forward at times, as well.

3. Anthony Davis

The next "big thing" in the NBA is Anthony Davis. The former No. 1 overall draft pick from the University of Kentucky has been fantastic in the NBA so far. Davis led the NBA in blocks last season with 2.8 per game and his defense is as good as it gets. Not only is Davis a great defender, but he has averaged more than 20 points per game the last two seasons. The New Orleans Pelicans know they have their franchise player with Davis at the helm.

Davis doesn't have any offensive weaknesses, but he still has a lot to prove. We haven't seen Davis play in crunch time yet.

2. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh is probably the most underrated power forward in the NBA today. Bosh played great with the Toronto Raptors, but his play excelled with the Miami Heat. Similar to Gasol, Bosh can hit free throws and mid-range shots, and play great defense. In addition to that, Bosh can hit three-point shots very well for a power forward. With the Heat, Bosh made a number of clutch shots and rebounds (see his clutch performance in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals) to help the team win two championships.

Bosh is a great power forward, and he's in the prime of his career. The only issue with Bosh is inconsistency. Bosh sometimes disappears for a number of games after a great performance.

1. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan is 38 years old. So what?

The consistency and work ethic that Duncan displays year in and year out for the San Antonio Spurs is all-time great. Duncan is widely regarded as the greatest power forward of all-time, even ahead of Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. Duncan's repertoire of weapons is unmatchable offensively and defensively. Duncan has great power under the rim, can hit mid-range shots, is a terrific passer and his defense never loses a step. Duncan is a five-time NBA Champion and three-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award winner. No weaknesses, being a great teammate and a five-time champion make Tim Duncan the best power forward in the NBA today.

Best of the Rest

Blake Griffin is the best dunker of the basketball, but his passing and defense still need improvements as well as his mid-range shooting. Kyle Love is another very talented power forward, but his defense has been extremely questionable in his career. Although a terrific perimeter shooter, we've also never seen Love in the playoffs.

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter

FOR MORE NBA NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE