Tim Duncan averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game throughout his career. These numbers are impressive on their own, but they become even more remarkable when you consider that he played for 19 seasons.
Advertisement
Duncan also has the highest defensive rating of any player since the statistic was first tracked in 1973, demonstrating his unparalleled defensive prowess.
But basketball is not just about individual statistics, it’s about winning championships, and Duncan certainly did that. He led the San Antonio Spurs to five championships over the course of his career, in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
He was the Finals MVP in three of those championships, and he was a key contributor in all five. The Spurs were one of the most consistently successful teams during Duncan’s career, and he was the driving force behind their success.
The Spurs did not miss the playoffs even once during his 19 seasons in San Antonio. They held the no. 1 seed in the Conference 7 times out of those 19 seasons. They also had a top-3 seed in 6 other seasons.
Tim Duncan gets a top-5 OAT vote from DeMarcus Cousins
Many NBA fans believe that the Big Fundamental has a compelling case to be a top-5 player of all time. Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, Cousins argued the following:
“I don’t wanna hear no top 5 without Tim Duncan in it. I used to get so frustrated playing against Tim Duncan, ‘cuz I could not figure him out.”
Cousins stated that he’d often get a pat on his butt from Tim Duncan for a good play. Of course, the competitor in Cousns was severely riled up by such actions:
“That’s the most irritating s**t, bro. I’m having a decent successful night. So my young dumb a** decides to go talk s**t to Tim Duncan. I remember backpedaling down the court and Timmy just looking at me.”
“He’s just looking at me kind of laughing to himself. During the fourth quarter, this dude ran off 16 straight points, and he never said anything to me.”
How close is Tim Duncan to Top-5 Status?
One of the most impressive things about Duncan is his consistency. He was always one of the best players in the league, and he was able to maintain his high level of play throughout his career.
Another factor that makes Duncan stand out is his leadership. He was a quiet, unassuming leader who led by example. He was never flashy or showy, but his work ethic and dedication to the game inspired his teammates.
Finally, let’s consider the context in which Duncan played. He played during an era that was incredibly competitive. The NBA in the late 1990s and early 2000s was full of incredible players, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and many others.
Despite this, Duncan was able to consistently perform at a high level and lead his team to success. It is clear that he was the most valuable franchise player in the generation after Jordan’s.
