While fans and sports writers are quick to jump the gun in crowning a definative "NBA's best player", a label that has been handed down upon several suitors since the retirement of "history's greatest player", it is entirely possible that they have missed the boat entirely.
It has long been assumed that the world's next great player would come in a comfortable package measuring in around 6-7, complete with requisite 40-inch vertical and ankle-breaking crossovers. Indeed, Michael Jordan spoiled us all.
But if history has shown us anything, it is that the league is littered with high-flying, high-scoring swingmen. That Jordan came out as the league's best player from his position is the exception, not the rule.
If this Finals is about the coronation of King James, then the world is truly cheated as it is missing out on the legacy of one of history's all-time greats. With his fourth ring Duncan would have to be considered in the same breath as the true greats -- Bird, Magic, Wilt, Russel, and of course Jordan -- the highest echelon of players in league history.
While the world drooled over Kobe Bryant, Duncan was steadily dropping in bank shots. As Vince Carter's brief ascension into greatness came and quickly flickered out, Duncan was drop-stepping his way to three Finals MVP's. Even as the lastest wave of Lebron, Carmelo, and Wade caught the national spotlight Mr. Fundamental was anchoring his team's championship level defense.
True, others may post better numbers -- certainly more highlights --, no one in the league has provided the same efficiency and ability to dominate both sides of the court since the league's last two-way sensation (Jordan) as Duncan has.
So hand out all the superlatives you wish. Kobe is the league's most gifted scorer. Wade teh greatest fascimile of Jordan in style and killer instinct. And Lebron is it's most explosive Wonderboy -- indeed, his time as the league's greatest may rise in this series. But for the time being, let's not overlook the greatest PF of all time.
One could make a very sound argument that Duncan isn't even the best PF in the NBA right now. I'd take Kevin Garnett ahead of him, and Elton Brand would be the brain dead choice over Dunc. And don't forget Dirk.
But I guess you never saw Sir Charles, or Kevin McHale, so I won't even mention Elvin Hayes, Bob Petit or Dave DeBusschere.
No question Duncan is great, but he's not exactly head and shoulders above his contemporaries or those before him.
Duncan is better than brand no doubt
one of the greats..depends on what position you put him at..he really plays center...but doesnt list there..
brand doesnt pass or move without the ball...like duncan..let see..block shots..
no debate dude..
Kobes is better than lebron in so many way...you saw the difference tonight...lebron is easier stop...simply b/c he has less BASKETBALL MOVES..
he should have gone around duncan several times...he just doenst have alot of b-ball skill.
wonderful athlete..
So much talk about passing...and unselfishness..
has it ever occured to anyone...the sometimes players pass the ball b/c they lack the skill to get a shot...
i find it fascinating..
This post is long overdue, because Duncan is a great player.
You must've seen the half time thing, where they totally kissed Duncan's ####. It was the first time I've seen Duncan get his props since he was a rookie. Best power forward ever, and Malone was a close second. Brand isn't even close to Duncan. Brand can't play defense and impact the game the way Duncan does.
Lebron is making his first appearance in the Finals. Let's not totally trash him. Kobe is a better jump shooter than Lebron, and that's about it.
Man this greatest player stuff gives me a headache. You really can't just compare players the way that so many sports reports like to.
Duncan is great, Mr. Fundamental. He could take any good team and make it a great team. Stick him on the Pistons, Bulls or Mavs and you can bank on several seasons of championships. Great leader-yes. Great role player-defintely.
Bryant is completely different, Mr. One Man Show. Kobe is in serious danger of becoming the next Vince Carter instead of the next M.J. Do you really think that bringing Kidd to LA would have put them in the finals? No way.
James is a bit like Jordan in that he is carrying and encouraging his team. He just needs some more Paxon/Kerr type guys around him to nail those wide open threes and he has yet to find his Pippen.
These guys play the way they learn to play. Duncan learned to be part of a team. Lebron is learning to lead a team. And Bryant was too busy trying to get out of Shaqs shadow to learn anything.
I am a 5th year senior at Our Lady of the Lake University. I changed my major from art to journalism (which explains why I'm taking an extra year) half way through. Sports are my thing, play as often as I can. Would be pretty good in fact if it weren't for the fact that I have little athletic ability. Seriously, my vertical leap is tip-toe. So, I decided to try and break into sports journalism, which is hard to do at a university with no sports program. Well, we play community colleges and get blown out all the time, but that's another story.
