Part 4/10:
As the game progressed into the late 1980s and into the 1990s, changes in rules began to reshape the role of the power forward. The introduction and enforcement of the flagrant foul rule aimed to reduce excessive physicality in the game, which had previously allowed defenders to impose their will without significant repercussions. This shift reduced the intimidation factor of traditional power forwards, who were often tasked with physically punishing opponents seeking to attack the basket.
Despite this, the late 1990s and the 2000s still featured strong back-to-the-basket power forwards. Players like Charles Oakley and Rick Mahorn were known for their enforcer roles, but even then, signs of change were looming.