In the wake of the Spurs winning their 4th title in nine years and, in many minds, cementing their dynasty (I guess they qualify), the question can now be asked; where does the league's most overlooked star, Tim Duncan, rank in the pantheon of greatness? When you stop to consider it, he ranks very high, perhaps, as many say, the best power forward of his, or any, generation. Let's compare to other greats of the position:
Karl Malone: Before Duncan, probably a consensus best pick. But this argument ends quickly, because of the rings. And Malone didn't develop an all-around game 'til the back end of his career. And Duncan didn't abandon his small market team in the attempt to win gold, like Malone did when he joined the Lakers (and still failed).
Charles Barkley: Ditto here. Barkley was a more amazing player given his lack of height, but he too chased the ring (with two teams) and never seemed to be the true leader a championship team needs. We know where Duncan's motivation is. You never were sure with Sir Charles.
Elvin Hayes: Hayes may have been the definative power forward of his era, but he too wasn't willing to blend into a team, hence his winning only one title despite playing over 1,300 games. And isn't it fitting that it was unselfish Wes Unseld who was the MVP of that '78 Bullets team. Great talent, but not great teamwork.
Bob Pettit: Reaching into the way back machine, Pettit had the misfortune of playing during the Celtic dynasty, but was the prototype of what a prototype PF should be, once leading the league in scoring and rebounds. Perhaps the only legit competiton for Duncan, and often overlooked in the conversation.
Of all these and other stars, Duncan stands alone. He's been the bedrock of a team destined to be remembered as an all time great, and he's unfailingly consistent; his stats this year are similar to his rookie year in 1998, and he was a key in the Spurs' sweep of the Cavaliers, preventing LeBron James from dominating the paint like he did against Detroit. When all is said and done, he should be remembered as the best PF of all time and the central figure of a, well, dynasty. Period.
No question Duncan's the best PF to play the game right now, but I would question him against some of the others "prime for prime".
Malone and Barkley simply had the bad luck of running into a guy named Jordan and his team of buzzsaws, who simply did not lose in the finals after their first appearance. Those teams in today's game would be arguing with today' Spurs for the Dynasty label in my opinion.
Would the Spurs have beaten the Bulls in their heyday (to turn the argument around) - I would have to say it would be a damn close series, but in the end, it's Jordan vs Duncan, and I'll take Jordan in that tradeoff, wider game, same defensive skills, and quicker.
Hayes was not a team player until he realized he needed a ring to cement his legend, and when he got it, he went right back to being the Kobe Bryant of his era, great one on one skills but questioned team ethics.
Pettit was again, as you mentioned, up against a wall as formidable as any you'll see, the Celtics. Overall skills were comparable to Duncans, but it was defense that Pettit really shined, while Duncan right now is just coming in to his own defensively. Put Pettit on the Celtics and play today's Spurs I think Duncan would be VERY frustrated by Pettit. Close call tho.
I am David Downs, and I'm a sports nut who loves basketball and football and am open to good discussion about any sports subject. I am a Detroit sports fan, but I not a homer. Expect frequent vents on subjects that irritate me, and also expect the utmost respect for anybody's opinion, even if they disagree with me. Because, after all, that's what these blogs are all about, aren't they?
