Good Evening Citizenry of the Small body of Water, it is good to see you again. I haven't been posting as much as I've liked, but with the NFL season and fantasy football drawing closer, rest assured that more content is coming soon. In the meantime, I'll try to write at least 2 articles a week on various other sports topics. Today, we will be talking about the NBA, and one player in particular. First though, a little comparison chart.
Player A: 45% FG 33% 3PT 83% FT 5.3 Rebounds 4.7 Assists 1.5 Steals .5 Blocks 25 PPG
5 Time NBA Champ, 2 Time Finals MVP 1 Time NBA MVP 11 Time First Team All-NBA
15 Time All-Star
Player B: 50% FG 18% 3PT 69% FT 11.2 Rebounds 3.1 Assists .7 Steals 2.2 Blocks 20 PPG
4 Time NBA Champ, 3 Time Finals MVP 2 Time NBA MVP 10 Time First Team All-NBA
14 Time All Star
Looking at the chart above, one could surmise that A is a much better player than B in terms of pure stats. Better 3 point and free throw percentage, more points per game, more titles and more all star appearances. Most people would love to have that kind of stat line for a career. A is one of the best to ever play the game. For my money though, if I could start a team tomorrow with both players in their primes, I'll take player B. If you haven't figured it out by now, Player A is Kobe Bryant. Player B is ( as if my picture didn't give it away) Tim Duncan.
Understandably, both players play different positions, thus accounting for the disparity in stats. Stats, though, never tell the whole of the story, though they can help.
Duncan will be playing for his 5th NBA title this year since entering the league in 1997, back when David Robinson was still around. The Spurs won the title in that lockout-shortened season, thus beginning a string of longevity not seen but for some guy doing it in Chicago.
If Duncan is able to lead the Spurs to the title, it will mark the second longest stretch for one player from their first and last titles. (This assuming Duncan retires after this season, which of course isn't going to happen, but bear with me) Only Robert Parish with 16 years will have been longer. (Even though Parrish was only a bit player on that'97 Bulls squad, but whatever)
Duncan has been the focal point and leader of his team for the past decade plus. Kobe can't lay claim to that. Shaq was the driving force for his first couple of titles. While it is certainly true that Tony Parker and Ray's Favorite Player Ever Manu Ginobili have become more of a focus within the framework of the Spurs, there is no question who the team belongs too.
There are those that will look at the Spurs coaching and say without Popovich that Duncan never would have been the player he was. Well, to that I say your an idiot. Duncan is one of the most tireless workers in the NBA, always looking for ways to adapt and refine his game. They don't call him the Big Fundamental for nothing.
This is not to say that Kobe is trash obviously, because he is one of the best 2 guards to ever play the game. You could make a excellent case, however, that Duncan is the best 4 that ever played. Kobe is also prone to mood swings and his commitment to defense may be lacking at times. Duncan has manned the 4 and even 5 on some occasions in order to help out on the defense side of the ball.
" Duncan is boring though!" This really grinds my gears. (just watch Family Guy) It may appear that way to some in this age of TURBO METER NBA JAM 3 POINT BARRETT BARRAGE DRIBBLE DRIVE SHOOT style that the Association is running, but if you look closely, you will see a quiet giant that simply does his job better than anyone else has ever done.
If that doesn't get him some consideration for Player of his Generation, I really don't know what will. When it's all said and done, both will be sure-fire Hall of Famers. I would just rather have the versatile piece who can fit in with anyone.
We should appreciate Tim's game and these Finals. He doesn't have much time left. So sit back and relax. Tim Duncan and the Spurs will give us a NBA Finals chess masterpiece. Here's hoping we realize the greatness before our very eyes.
Have a Good Day Citizenry
Dan
PS: Props to The Joan for calling this exact matchup more that a month ago. Kudo points to you, Ma'am.
I will also be trying this newfangled Fantasy Wrestling thing. Because, why not more fantasy?
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