The Big Fundamental Hangs 'Em Up

[Clayton]

Underrated if only because of the fact that defense generally gets underrated and he had to play in the same era as Shaq who is the most physically dominant player of all time.

Timmy was worth 7 win shares for his defensive play alone in his prime and 5 win shares after his prime. Was an all star Center and all star Power forward on both offense and defense. An NBA legend that could play and dominate in any era or style of play. Was very lucky to play all of his seasons for the same team and get all of the rings he did but at the same time, I think people now might be glossing over how good his prime was because Duncan was able to extend his career for so long. Also playing in the West probably cost him at least 1 or 2 Finals opportunities compared to playing in the East during his career. Also improved his game in college which helped him step into the NBA right away and dominate. None of this awkward project phase you see from pretty much every big man these days.

 

[Robotech]

Greatest player of his generation, IMO. Definitely greatest winner of his generation. 19 seasons, 19 playoff appearances. 0.700 winning percentage. I don't think the Spurs ever won less than 50 games except for maybe in strike/lockout shortened seasons.

 

[Robotech]

Underrated if only because of the fact that defense generally gets underrated and he had to play in the same era as Shaq who is the most physically dominant player of all time.

Timmy was worth 7 win shares for his defensive play alone in his prime and 5 win shares after his prime. Was an all star Center and all star Power forward on both offense and defense. An NBA legend that could play and dominate in any era or style of play. Was very lucky to play all of his seasons for the same team and get all of the rings he did but at the same time, I think people now might be glossing over how good his prime was because Duncan was able to extend his career for so long. Also playing in the West probably cost him at least 1 or 2 Finals opportunities compared to playing in the East during his career. Also improved his game in college which helped him step into the NBA right away and dominate. None of this awkward project phase you see from pretty much every big man these days.

Yeah, his defense sets him apart from other greats during his time. He was good on offense, too. There were those who had better offense, obviously, but I don't think there's anyone who more total impact as Duncan did on both ends of the floor.

 

[Clayton]

Yeah, his defense sets him apart from other greats during his time. He was good on offense, too. There were those who had better offense, obviously, but I don't think there's anyone who more total impact as Duncan did on both ends of the floor.

I agree, though I do suspect that Popovich could've gotten just as many rings (or close) out of Kobe, Lebron, Dirk and Shaq even if none of the except Lebron would be able to have the same kind of career.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

If Gasol hadn't come he probably would have stayed another year and announced his retirement at the start of the season. This has nothing to do with class, it's timing.

 

[HammerDown]

I think it was wise. Impossible not to respect this guy as one of the very best of our generation.

Shaq, Kobe, Big Fundamental, everyone else.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Thank You, Timmy.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

If Gasol hadn't come he probably would have stayed another year and announced his retirement at the start of the season. This has nothing to do with class, it's timing.

Doubtful...supposedly, this was talked about as soon as the season was over. I think it was the other way around to be honest...when Duncan gave them the word, they sought out Gasol. Dukes & Bell on 92.9 the game mentioned this was it for Duncan nearly 2 weeks ago.

 

[RobToxin]

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

 

[msgkings322]

I think it was wise. Impossible not to respect this guy as one of the very best of our generation.

Shaq, Kobe, Big Fundamental, everyone else.

Maybe Garnett and Nowitzki deserve to be above 'everyone else' too...

 

[CodeBreaker]

No fancy moves. No explosive dunks. Just pure FUNDAMENTALS!

 

[trojanfan12]

He and Kobe go out the same year and both in ways that fit who they were as players.

Kobe, who was flashier, does the farewell tour and scores 60 in his last game.

Timmy, who had no flash in his game, just quietly retires via a press conference that he doesn't even show up for.

Perfect endings for both.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

 

[wildturkey]

Congrats to Duncan on finishing his HOF career without ever committing a foul (according to him)

 

[Bolts]

One of the best ever, lock for the HOF. Would have been cool to see him play a 20th season, but he went out without having a big farewell tour which is what you'd expect from Tim Duncan.

 

[Across The Field]

Maybe Garnett and Nowitzki deserve to be above 'everyone else' too...

Nowitzki, probably. Garnett unquestionably.

 

[RobToxin]

 

[thunderc]

Let's not forget what Kenny Powers said about fundamentals, they are a crutch for the talentless. He might have been a little off on that.

 

[fordman84]

Seems like just yesterday The Admiral was teaching young Timmy how to shave. How time flies.