[Miko4rm206Participant]

 3 of the Best Most Consistent big men of the Last Decade +. Each of them have at least 1 ring, Close to 50 nba allstar appearences split between the 3, Nearly as many all nba 1st,2nd, and 3rd teams split between the 3. All seem poised to be in the nba at the age of 40 and Duncans and Dirks case be a Actual Dactor Night in and Out for their teams.

My question is who had the Most Fullfilling career of the 3? How much does Tim Duncans 5 rings compare to Dirk and KGs 1? Who would you say had an edge in their prime?

Tim Duncan- The Fundamental probably will be a walking  Double Double till hes 65 and needs handicap parking. Certainly if  Winning and Rings is your definition on how good a Player was Tim Duncan is that Guy. The old Fashion, Nothing to Spiffy, but all so efficient  post game Career avg of 19pts 11rebs 2blks. And lets not even start on the defensive aspect of the game.

 

Dirk Nowitzki really changed the game at the PF position. A European who could step out and shoot the 3 really set the bar. Nba scouts could not wait to find the next Dirk going across seas to crown Andrea Bargnani as the next Dirk, KD was named the Next Dirk/Tmac Hybrid back in HS and Even till this day with Porzingis. Dirk holds the highest scoring  single season between the 3 with 26.6 during 05-06 as well as career scoring average of  22 pts a game. A offensive juggernaut but Defense is where he falls short compared to the 2. Wasnt bad but definatly not as good as tim or kg.

 

Then theres Kg, The big ticket. Not to many basketball players come to mind when i think of Athleticism, Intensity and Passion for the Game as well as the skill from the lowblock midrange and defensively. One of the greatest passing PF easily. Of the 3 he is probably the Best Stat Stuffer in his prime. Really No fault to his game did everything on the Court Good enough or better then most. His Mvp Season avg 24pts 14rebs 5ast 2blks 2stls a game off of 50%FG shooting 80% FT. Ridiculous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Duncan has to be number one hands down if your talking about their entire careers. His dominance and consistency from day one plus being the perfect teammate and having almost no ego is pretty much unparalleled in NBA history.

It gets interesting when you talk about kg and Dirk. Dirk was more instrumental in the mavs 2011 title run than kg was to the Celtics in 2008 imo. Dirk was also the better scorer. However, Dirk has always been a subpar defender while kg in his prime was among the leagues best on both ends of the court. For that reason I’d give him the slight nod over Dirk. You couldn’t really go wrong with any of them though.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Duncan has to be number one hands down if your talking about their entire careers. His dominance and consistency from day one plus being the perfect teammate and having almost no ego is pretty much unparalleled in NBA history.

It gets interesting when you talk about kg and Dirk. Dirk was more instrumental in the mavs 2011 title run than kg was to the Celtics in 2008 imo. Dirk was also the better scorer. However, Dirk has always been a subpar defender while kg in his prime was among the leagues best on both ends of the court. For that reason I’d give him the slight nod over Dirk. You couldn’t really go wrong with any of them though.

 

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 I agree it has to be Duncan.  He’s had such a successful career with 5 championships and pretty much always being in the playoffs since he entered the league.  For him to take paycuts and move over for the likes of Tony Parker, Ginobili, Kawhi, and now Aldridge always impresses me.  He’s all about winning and is still a solid player at 39 averaging 13.9pts 9.1rebs and 2blks in under 29minutes per game last season.  

I’d go with KG next because of how dominant he was on both ends of the floor.  He was huge in creating a strong culture for Boston in their championship runs.  Dirk isn’t too far behind KG because of how great of a scorer he.  His success resulted in teams searching for the next Dirk overseas.  

In the end you’re talking about 3 of the greatest big men of all time.  So you can’t go wrong with any of the three.  It’ll be a strange day when those guys are no longer in the league.  

[BleedGreen808Participant]

 I agree it has to be Duncan.  He’s had such a successful career with 5 championships and pretty much always being in the playoffs since he entered the league.  For him to take paycuts and move over for the likes of Tony Parker, Ginobili, Kawhi, and now Aldridge always impresses me.  He’s all about winning and is still a solid player at 39 averaging 13.9pts 9.1rebs and 2blks in under 29minutes per game last season.  

I’d go with KG next because of how dominant he was on both ends of the floor.  He was huge in creating a strong culture for Boston in their championship runs.  Dirk isn’t too far behind KG because of how great of a scorer he.  His success resulted in teams searching for the next Dirk overseas.  

In the end you’re talking about 3 of the greatest big men of all time.  So you can’t go wrong with any of the three.  It’ll be a strange day when those guys are no longer in the league.  

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Duncan’s dominance has been Bill Russell-esque. All about winning. 

If it wasn’t for Duncan and the Spurs, KG and Dirk may have another ring or 2 to their name. All three players are transcendent in their own right and amongst the all-time greats. I’d argue they make up 3 of the top 5 power fowards of all time.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Duncan’s dominance has been Bill Russell-esque. All about winning. 

If it wasn’t for Duncan and the Spurs, KG and Dirk may have another ring or 2 to their name. All three players are transcendent in their own right and amongst the all-time greats. I’d argue they make up 3 of the top 5 power fowards of all time.

[BallGawd01Participant]

While Dirk is a great player, I think this question really comes down to KG vs Tim Duncan, who were both more well-rounded players than Dirk. This might be the unpoular choice but I think the answer is KG. I HATE Kevin Garnett, I think he’s a loud mouth fake tough guy, but in his prime? This guy was an absolute BEAST. Of all three in their primes I think KG was the better player. He’s not a better jumpshooter than Dirk, but he was an elite mid-range shooter, much better than Duncan. He was the best rebounder of the three, he’s won about 4 or 5 rebounding titles. He’s without a doubt the best passer of the 3. Duncan is a great passer, but you can make an arguement that KG was/is the best passing bigman of all time. He averaged 5+ assist for 6 straight seasons! That is absurd! I also think he was a better defender than Duncan as well, but that is a toss up. But without a doubt, KG was ELITE when it came to switching on guards and containing pick and rolls, Duncan was a better rim proctector though. However KG was the QB to one of the best defenses of all time (2008 Celtics) and has a DPOY award. The weakness in KG’s resume vs Duncan is obviously the rings. But lets be clear, the Twolves were one of the worst run franchises in all of sports for a very long time while in the prime years of KG. The one time he had a good team in Sota, he took them to the WCF. The Spurs have always been a model franchise in sports.

Duncan has without a doubt aged gracefully and remained a contributor for a contender and is rightfully granted greatest PF status because he has rings. In their prime years, KG was a better player, and if he was given the proper tam around him, he probably would have more than 1 ring. 

      

[BallGawd01Participant]

While Dirk is a great player, I think this question really comes down to KG vs Tim Duncan, who were both more well-rounded players than Dirk. This might be the unpoular choice but I think the answer is KG. I HATE Kevin Garnett, I think he’s a loud mouth fake tough guy, but in his prime? This guy was an absolute BEAST. Of all three in their primes I think KG was the better player. He’s not a better jumpshooter than Dirk, but he was an elite mid-range shooter, much better than Duncan. He was the best rebounder of the three, he’s won about 4 or 5 rebounding titles. He’s without a doubt the best passer of the 3. Duncan is a great passer, but you can make an arguement that KG was/is the best passing bigman of all time. He averaged 5+ assist for 6 straight seasons! That is absurd! I also think he was a better defender than Duncan as well, but that is a toss up. But without a doubt, KG was ELITE when it came to switching on guards and containing pick and rolls, Duncan was a better rim proctector though. However KG was the QB to one of the best defenses of all time (2008 Celtics) and has a DPOY award. The weakness in KG’s resume vs Duncan is obviously the rings. But lets be clear, the Twolves were one of the worst run franchises in all of sports for a very long time while in the prime years of KG. The one time he had a good team in Sota, he took them to the WCF. The Spurs have always been a model franchise in sports.

Duncan has without a doubt aged gracefully and remained a contributor for a contender and is rightfully granted greatest PF status because he has rings. In their prime years, KG was a better player, and if he was given the proper tam around him, he probably would have more than 1 ring. 

      

[BallGawd01Participant]

23.0ppg

13.4rpg

6.0apg!!!

1.4stl

1.6blk

50.1% FG%

75% FT% 

That is unbelievealbe, the only reason why he didn’t win MVP was because the Twovles sucked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[BallGawd01Participant]

23.0ppg

13.4rpg

6.0apg!!!

1.4stl

1.6blk

50.1% FG%

75% FT% 

That is unbelievealbe, the only reason why he didn’t win MVP was because the Twovles sucked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

That is unbelievealbe, the only reason why he didn’t win MVP was because the Twovles sucked!

————————————————————————————————

Not too surprising. Most players put up their best statistical seasons when their supporting cast was terrible. 

 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

That is unbelievealbe, the only reason why he didn’t win MVP was because the Twovles sucked!

————————————————————————————————

Not too surprising. Most players put up their best statistical seasons when their supporting cast was terrible. 

 

 

 

[32tn32Participant]

Td extra rings makes the difference . If Td had one ring. Is would say it 1a 1b 1c. 

Tim has the most rings/ college product

kg was just a beast /came straight out of  highschool

Even tho dirk comes in 3rd.his  International status and skills set is a way more interesting . Most clutch out of the 3.  Dirk fade away is going to be legendary.  And  hehas been the lone franchise player of his team

 

[32tn32Participant]

Td extra rings makes the difference . If Td had one ring. Is would say it 1a 1b 1c. 

Tim has the most rings/ college product

kg was just a beast /came straight out of  highschool

Even tho dirk comes in 3rd.his  International status and skills set is a way more interesting . Most clutch out of the 3.  Dirk fade away is going to be legendary.  And  hehas been the lone franchise player of his team

 

[llperez]

 duncan

kg

dirk

I do think that 2011 playoff run dirk had was as good as anything duncan or kg ever did. But for th elong haul the other guys were better.

I think the top 2 pf’s of all time are pretty clear with duncan and malone. Then i would put barkley third and kg 4th and dirk 5th with 3-5 being deabteable, so all these guys are top 5.

 

 

 

 

[llperez]

 duncan

kg

dirk

I do think that 2011 playoff run dirk had was as good as anything duncan or kg ever did. But for th elong haul the other guys were better.

I think the top 2 pf’s of all time are pretty clear with duncan and malone. Then i would put barkley third and kg 4th and dirk 5th with 3-5 being deabteable, so all these guys are top 5.

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

McHale should be 3rd IMO, was a winner, ridiculous post moves and could play both ends really well.

[omphalosParticipant]

McHale should be 3rd IMO, was a winner, ridiculous post moves and could play both ends really well.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

I’ve always had a hard time considering Tim Duncan a power forward when he has started alongside “centers” like DeJuan Blair, Frabicio Alberto, Boris Diaw, etc. for a good chunk of his career. Just my opinion though.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

I’ve always had a hard time considering Tim Duncan a power forward when he has started alongside “centers” like DeJuan Blair, Frabicio Alberto, Boris Diaw, etc. for a good chunk of his career. Just my opinion though.

[trelos6Participant]

KG at his peak was the best player of the 3. 

Duncan at his peak was also very very good, and he nearly got a Quad Double! Duncan has also aged better. 

Offensively, Dirk carried the Mavs to a title. He was the most dominant on offense but loses out to the other 2 on defense and rebounding. 

Overall, I give it Duncan > KG > Dirk. 

If we add some historical PF also:

Duncan > KG > Malone > Barkley > Dirk

[trelos6Participant]

KG at his peak was the best player of the 3. 

Duncan at his peak was also very very good, and he nearly got a Quad Double! Duncan has also aged better. 

Offensively, Dirk carried the Mavs to a title. He was the most dominant on offense but loses out to the other 2 on defense and rebounding. 

Overall, I give it Duncan > KG > Dirk. 

If we add some historical PF also:

Duncan > KG > Malone > Barkley > Dirk

[BallGawd01Participant]

At their PEAKS! KG was the best player, however Duncan has been remained valuable at an older age. 

[BallGawd01Participant]

At their PEAKS! KG was the best player, however Duncan has been remained valuable at an older age. 

[TheTruth86Participant]

 Imo, the order is :

1. Timmy

2. KG

3. Dirk

Obviously, it is very close, they are all HoF-ers. I agree with most of you guys, that the 5 rings (why not a sixth one for his 40th bday) plus the way he aged, give Duncan a slight edge. I also agree that Dirk’s defensive impact (lack of it)

is what keeps him behind.

 

 

 

[TheTruth86Participant]

 Imo, the order is :

1. Timmy

2. KG

3. Dirk

Obviously, it is very close, they are all HoF-ers. I agree with most of you guys, that the 5 rings (why not a sixth one for his 40th bday) plus the way he aged, give Duncan a slight edge. I also agree that Dirk’s defensive impact (lack of it)

is what keeps him behind.

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Duncan is far out in front, then it is close to a tie for second spot.

Different games, but Dirk wins.

1 is Timmy.

2 is Dirk, and that is because he played with only one team in his career and was the player that took that team to their first NBA title win.  Shooting range is also something he has the edge in.

3 is Garnett.  Better defender than Dirk, less range but still great from a step or two insdie the arc, but Minnesota couldn’t make KG’s team one that went to the finals while Dirk did with Mavs.

 

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Duncan is far out in front, then it is close to a tie for second spot.

Different games, but Dirk wins.

1 is Timmy.

2 is Dirk, and that is because he played with only one team in his career and was the player that took that team to their first NBA title win.  Shooting range is also something he has the edge in.

3 is Garnett.  Better defender than Dirk, less range but still great from a step or two insdie the arc, but Minnesota couldn’t make KG’s team one that went to the finals while Dirk did with Mavs.

 

 

 

 

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 Good point. I knew Tim Duncan had to be the 1st choice but I think the battle between Dirk and KG is alot closer than what people think. You cant knock KG for leaving Minnesota after his best chance of winning a title with Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell fell short to the Lakers. BUT winning a title with the same team that he was drafted with and NO BIG 3 takes the cake. 

And also if you remember back to the 01-02 Playoffs where Dirk and Kg matched up. Dirk avg 34pts 17rebs and Swept  the  Timberwolves. Its hard to guard a 7’1 player that is so versatile and Skilled, yea KG was better than Dirk Definsevely but Dirk was/is not the average PF offensively.

 

 

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 Good point. I knew Tim Duncan had to be the 1st choice but I think the battle between Dirk and KG is alot closer than what people think. You cant knock KG for leaving Minnesota after his best chance of winning a title with Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell fell short to the Lakers. BUT winning a title with the same team that he was drafted with and NO BIG 3 takes the cake. 

And also if you remember back to the 01-02 Playoffs where Dirk and Kg matched up. Dirk avg 34pts 17rebs and Swept  the  Timberwolves. Its hard to guard a 7’1 player that is so versatile and Skilled, yea KG was better than Dirk Definsevely but Dirk was/is not the average PF offensively.

 

 

[Stephen A. BaylessParticipant]

Dirk might be the most effective offensive player ever. Look at his team’s offensive ratings over the years. Just putting him on the court guaranteed a top-3 offensive rating for his team and he was the guy carrying the load. In 2004-05 Dirk made his first All-NBA 1st team and by almost every metric has been the better player since. It’s true that Duncan and KG were world class defenders, but Dirk was on another tier offensively. Dirk also during his prime turned himself into a plus defender using his length and smarts, he doesn’t get enough credit for that. Also Offensive and defense are not equal in the NBA. If it was Tony Allen would have been an MVP candidate like Harden (Great on one side, terrible on the other) but it’s just not. 

I think Dirk outclasses KG overall. I think KG absolute peak might have been slightly better, but even back then he wasn’t as consistent. Some days he looked like the best player to ever play in the NBA and others just a good player, that shot contested 18ft fadeaways in crunchtime. Looking back at some of those raw stats now is a bit misleading. If you watched basketball at that time, KG was often accused of trying to do too much (bringing the ball up the court, etc), and unlike LeBron it was hurting his team. I think the consistent 50 win seasons solidifies Dirk case over KG because he didn’t play on stacked teams by any means. 

Dirk Vs Duncan, is a bit more complex. Duncan came in a #1 pick after 4 years of college and Dirk came in the next year as a teenager from Europe. Maybe the most highly rated prospect ever vs. a project. The first 5 years easily belonged to Duncan with Dirk closing the gap and usually finishing 2nd team behind Duncan and KG at that point. Then Steve Nash left and from 04-09 Dirk was All-NBA 1st team 4 times in 5 years and probably got shafted in 2010. He won an MVP and finished 3rd twice. Lead the league in win-shares a couple of times, and led his team to high 50’s or 60’s wins. That covered Duncan’s 28-32age seasons, and Dirk was better than him. After that it’s harder to compare them because Dirk kept putting up star seasons while Duncan played less and less minutes. Overall Dirk would have the advantage, but then last year it evened up and maybe even favored Duncan a little. Since 2011 Duncan’s team has been more succesful, but you can’t blame Dirk for Cuban’s superstar pipe dreams. In 2014 he led Dalembert, Marion, and Calderon to 50 wins in the West. It’s strange because I would still rate Duncan over Dirk as would most people but if you look at it objectively, Dirk has been better for most of their careers.  

[Stephen A. BaylessParticipant]

Dirk might be the most effective offensive player ever. Look at his team’s offensive ratings over the years. Just putting him on the court guaranteed a top-3 offensive rating for his team and he was the guy carrying the load. In 2004-05 Dirk made his first All-NBA 1st team and by almost every metric has been the better player since. It’s true that Duncan and KG were world class defenders, but Dirk was on another tier offensively. Dirk also during his prime turned himself into a plus defender using his length and smarts, he doesn’t get enough credit for that. Also Offensive and defense are not equal in the NBA. If it was Tony Allen would have been an MVP candidate like Harden (Great on one side, terrible on the other) but it’s just not. 

I think Dirk outclasses KG overall. I think KG absolute peak might have been slightly better, but even back then he wasn’t as consistent. Some days he looked like the best player to ever play in the NBA and others just a good player, that shot contested 18ft fadeaways in crunchtime. Looking back at some of those raw stats now is a bit misleading. If you watched basketball at that time, KG was often accused of trying to do too much (bringing the ball up the court, etc), and unlike LeBron it was hurting his team. I think the consistent 50 win seasons solidifies Dirk case over KG because he didn’t play on stacked teams by any means. 

Dirk Vs Duncan, is a bit more complex. Duncan came in a #1 pick after 4 years of college and Dirk came in the next year as a teenager from Europe. Maybe the most highly rated prospect ever vs. a project. The first 5 years easily belonged to Duncan with Dirk closing the gap and usually finishing 2nd team behind Duncan and KG at that point. Then Steve Nash left and from 04-09 Dirk was All-NBA 1st team 4 times in 5 years and probably got shafted in 2010. He won an MVP and finished 3rd twice. Lead the league in win-shares a couple of times, and led his team to high 50’s or 60’s wins. That covered Duncan’s 28-32age seasons, and Dirk was better than him. After that it’s harder to compare them because Dirk kept putting up star seasons while Duncan played less and less minutes. Overall Dirk would have the advantage, but then last year it evened up and maybe even favored Duncan a little. Since 2011 Duncan’s team has been more succesful, but you can’t blame Dirk for Cuban’s superstar pipe dreams. In 2014 he led Dalembert, Marion, and Calderon to 50 wins in the West. It’s strange because I would still rate Duncan over Dirk as would most people but if you look at it objectively, Dirk has been better for most of their careers.  

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 Well Said. I couldnt agree more with that Definsive statement. KG and Timmy are better Defensively but at The Same time how many bigmen were as Versatile and Skilled as Dirk? Espcially back then. Any bigman that shot a "3" back then was Considered a big "NO NO". Actually the only big I even noticed taking a 3 back then was Rasheed Wallace and Antoine Walker, now its the Latest craze to have a big to stretch the floor.  And yes Most of the credit has to be Givin to Dirk for Breaking that wall down.

All 3 were drafted from Far and Wide and their GAME could not Show it more.

Tim Duncan the Big Fundamental (nickname says its all) drafted into the Nba from College

KG the Big Ticket Clearly the most athletically gifted drafted straight out of  Highschool

Dirk- The very Skilled and Versatile german drafted International.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 Well Said. I couldnt agree more with that Definsive statement. KG and Timmy are better Defensively but at The Same time how many bigmen were as Versatile and Skilled as Dirk? Espcially back then. Any bigman that shot a "3" back then was Considered a big "NO NO". Actually the only big I even noticed taking a 3 back then was Rasheed Wallace and Antoine Walker, now its the Latest craze to have a big to stretch the floor.  And yes Most of the credit has to be Givin to Dirk for Breaking that wall down.

All 3 were drafted from Far and Wide and their GAME could not Show it more.

Tim Duncan the Big Fundamental (nickname says its all) drafted into the Nba from College

KG the Big Ticket Clearly the most athletically gifted drafted straight out of  Highschool

Dirk- The very Skilled and Versatile german drafted International.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kobyzParticipant]

 The real question is who the best pf all time: Tim or Karl???

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I don’t think its that much of a question. If I had to pick one pf all-time to build a team around I’m taking Duncan everytime. 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 To be honest I’d probably take KG over Karl as well. Karl was the better scorer, but in his prime KG was the better defender (could defend three positions on the court at a high level), ball handler/passer and rebounder. 

Am I in the minority saying that? Don’t get me wrong I can see an argument for Malone being the second best PF of all time based on his career and legacy but if I was starting a team or building a dream team with other great players I would certainly prefer a player with KG’s skill set.

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 To be honest I’d probably take KG over Karl as well. Karl was the better scorer, but in his prime KG was the better defender (could defend three positions on the court at a high level), ball handler/passer and rebounder. 

Am I in the minority saying that? Don’t get me wrong I can see an argument for Malone being the second best PF of all time based on his career and legacy but if I was starting a team or building a dream team with other great players I would certainly prefer a player with KG’s skill set.

 

[BallGawd01Participant]

No your not the only one! KG was like that!!! 

[BallGawd01Participant]

No your not the only one! KG was like that!!! 

[llperez]

 i dont see any argument for kg over malone. While kg was the better defender, malone was a phenomanl defender himself. Passing was about a toss up although kg got more assists due to him being a more willing passer. but at the offensive end, these guys arent even in the same discussion. Malone ran the court and finished as well as any pf in the game. He was so much more well rounded then people give him credit for with his defense, passing and high iq. Honest question, did you watch his career and his multiple mvp seasons?

career numbers 

malone: 19 seasons…2mvps…25ppg…10.1rp…3.1apg

garnett: 21 season…1mvp…18.2ppg…10.2rpg…3.8apg

 

 

 

[llperez]

 i dont see any argument for kg over malone. While kg was the better defender, malone was a phenomanl defender himself. Passing was about a toss up although kg got more assists due to him being a more willing passer. but at the offensive end, these guys arent even in the same discussion. Malone ran the court and finished as well as any pf in the game. He was so much more well rounded then people give him credit for with his defense, passing and high iq. Honest question, did you watch his career and his multiple mvp seasons?

career numbers 

malone: 19 seasons…2mvps…25ppg…10.1rp…3.1apg

garnett: 21 season…1mvp…18.2ppg…10.2rpg…3.8apg

 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I don’t think its that much of a question. If I had to pick one pf all-time to build a team around I’m taking Duncan everytime. 

[kobyzParticipant]

 The real question is who the best pf all time: Tim or Karl???

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

In terms of pure talent, KG is one of the most talented players of all time. He had the skills and the athletic ability to do everything on the court, from scoring, handling the ball, rebouding and blocking shots. His main problem at the beginning of his career was that he ended up with the Timberwolves, and that he got that immense contract which basically made it impossible to haul in other talented players.
Duncan on the other hand ended up in the best position he could be in, with a stable franchise, a superstar and mentor in Robinson, and an up-and-coming coach who is considered as one of the best coaches of all time right now.
If KG would’ve ended up with the Spurs instead of Duncan I sincerely believe he would’ve won just as many rings as Duncan did. He likely would’ve played less flashy than he did with the Timberwolves, and would’ve played more methodological like Duncan has done for the Spurs for years.

Having said all that, I believe Duncan has accomplished the most in the league and is the clear number 1 for me. For me KG is number two, as his accomplishments are a tad above those of Dirk, who is my number 3.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

In terms of pure talent, KG is one of the most talented players of all time. He had the skills and the athletic ability to do everything on the court, from scoring, handling the ball, rebouding and blocking shots. His main problem at the beginning of his career was that he ended up with the Timberwolves, and that he got that immense contract which basically made it impossible to haul in other talented players.
Duncan on the other hand ended up in the best position he could be in, with a stable franchise, a superstar and mentor in Robinson, and an up-and-coming coach who is considered as one of the best coaches of all time right now.
If KG would’ve ended up with the Spurs instead of Duncan I sincerely believe he would’ve won just as many rings as Duncan did. He likely would’ve played less flashy than he did with the Timberwolves, and would’ve played more methodological like Duncan has done for the Spurs for years.

Having said all that, I believe Duncan has accomplished the most in the league and is the clear number 1 for me. For me KG is number two, as his accomplishments are a tad above those of Dirk, who is my number 3.

[HitsterParticipant]

 Three all time greats and all elite at different parts of their game. KG and Tim Duncan IMO are much more similar players than they are to Dirk. With Dirk being a more finesse shooting big whilst the other two were far superior defensive players.

Overall Dirk has the best career scoring stats and is one of the greatest scoring big men ever but I could not quite put him at the same level at his peak as a peak Tim Duncan and KG. I was interested to learn that KG had best APG record of those three, and once averaged 6apg in one season.

KG at his peak was one of the best ever and played at that level for well over a decade but overall I have to take Tim Duncan as the best of the three for overall success, longer peak longevity than KG and slightly superior peak scoring.

If you had swapped KG and Tim on their respective teams then championship wise their careers may have been flipped.

Also imagine one of them two with Dirk’s mid range or 3 point game and you’d probably have the dream big man.

 

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Three all time greats and all elite at different parts of their game. KG and Tim Duncan IMO are much more similar players than they are to Dirk. With Dirk being a more finesse shooting big whilst the other two were far superior defensive players.

Overall Dirk has the best career scoring stats and is one of the greatest scoring big men ever but I could not quite put him at the same level at his peak as a peak Tim Duncan and KG. I was interested to learn that KG had best APG record of those three, and once averaged 6apg in one season.

KG at his peak was one of the best ever and played at that level for well over a decade but overall I have to take Tim Duncan as the best of the three for overall success, longer peak longevity than KG and slightly superior peak scoring.

If you had swapped KG and Tim on their respective teams then championship wise their careers may have been flipped.

Also imagine one of them two with Dirk’s mid range or 3 point game and you’d probably have the dream big man.

 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 They’re all HOF’s.

 

Tim had the better cast all these years and has outlasted KG.

That being said, if you were to switch KG and Tim back in the day, KG will probably have the same kind of success as Tim. Tim is great, but was fortunate to have absolute GEMS on his team at the positions they were drafted in. Tony was what, 28th or 29th overall. Manu 56th?? Lucky. 

Minny lost around 3 first round picks for the Joe Smith scandal. This all matters in the context of their respective careers because Kevin Garnett was just as good if not better than Duncan in their primes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MelParticipant]

 They’re all HOF’s.

 

Tim had the better cast all these years and has outlasted KG.

That being said, if you were to switch KG and Tim back in the day, KG will probably have the same kind of success as Tim. Tim is great, but was fortunate to have absolute GEMS on his team at the positions they were drafted in. Tony was what, 28th or 29th overall. Manu 56th?? Lucky. 

Minny lost around 3 first round picks for the Joe Smith scandal. This all matters in the context of their respective careers because Kevin Garnett was just as good if not better than Duncan in their primes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BallGawd01Participant]

In terms of longevity its Duncan, but in their PEAKS!!! Go and watch Kevin Garnett, the guy was very similar to what Anthony Davis is doing now, BUT he threw in 5+ APG. The guy was a problem. Duncan has aged much much much much better than KG, but he also bennefitted to having a better team and coach and organization, if TD had 1 ring and KG had 1 ring, then who would be the better player? TD is better overall because of rings and longevity, BUT IN THEIR PRIMES?!?!?!? I’m sorry, the answer is KG  

[BallGawd01Participant]

In terms of longevity its Duncan, but in their PEAKS!!! Go and watch Kevin Garnett, the guy was very similar to what Anthony Davis is doing now, BUT he threw in 5+ APG. The guy was a problem. Duncan has aged much much much much better than KG, but he also bennefitted to having a better team and coach and organization, if TD had 1 ring and KG had 1 ring, then who would be the better player? TD is better overall because of rings and longevity, BUT IN THEIR PRIMES?!?!?!? I’m sorry, the answer is KG  

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 But in all Fairness KG’s game was built on his Athleticism AND That goes out with age. The day that KG finally left for the Celtics in 07-08 you can tell he was on the downcline after 12 years with timberwolves Tim Duncan has had a oldman game since he came in the league and Dirk is right along with him because worst case scenario for Dirk he can become a 3 pt specialist adding size to any lineup.

And if your talking about peaks what about in 01-02 when both Dirk and Kg were at their peaks matchedup in the playoffs and The mavs swept the timberwolves while dirk avg 33pts and 16rebs in that round?

[Miko4rm206Participant]

 But in all Fairness KG’s game was built on his Athleticism AND That goes out with age. The day that KG finally left for the Celtics in 07-08 you can tell he was on the downcline after 12 years with timberwolves Tim Duncan has had a oldman game since he came in the league and Dirk is right along with him because worst case scenario for Dirk he can become a 3 pt specialist adding size to any lineup.

And if your talking about peaks what about in 01-02 when both Dirk and Kg were at their peaks matchedup in the playoffs and The mavs swept the timberwolves while dirk avg 33pts and 16rebs in that round?

[HitsterParticipant]

 Don’t forget that KG joined the NBA two seasons before Tim Duncan did so has more miles on the clock so his slowing down over the last couple of years could well be due to this.

KG must still feel he can contribute on court as otherwise he would not have resigned with the T-Wolves. I know it may be in a mentor type role but he could do that in as none playing role or as an Assistant Coach and he has resigned for two years. I’ll be interested to see how Flip uses him in rotation this coming year.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Don’t forget that KG joined the NBA two seasons before Tim Duncan did so has more miles on the clock so his slowing down over the last couple of years could well be due to this.

KG must still feel he can contribute on court as otherwise he would not have resigned with the T-Wolves. I know it may be in a mentor type role but he could do that in as none playing role or as an Assistant Coach and he has resigned for two years. I’ll be interested to see how Flip uses him in rotation this coming year.

 

[AderitoParticipant]

==> Dirk Nowitzki should’ve won the 2006 MVP and not Steve Nash… He Took the Mavs to Win 60 Games (Suns won 54 games), He was the leader of the league in Win Shares, Win Shares Per 48 Minutes, Offensive Win Shares, Offensive Rating, Player Efficiency Rating, 7th in Points Per Game, 17th in Defensive Win Shares, 6th Defensive Rebounds, 14th in Total Rebounds, 16th in Rebounds per game, 7th in Value Over Replacement Player. His stats Raw Stats: 26.6 PTS, 9.0 TRB, 1.0 BLK, 2.8 AST, 0.7 STL, 48.0 FG%, 40.6 3PT%, 90.1 FT%.

==> Dirk Nowitzki should’ve at least been in one NBA All-Defensive Team in his career. Especially in 2003 and 2005..

In 2003 he was 6th in Defensive Win Shares, 18th in Defensive Rating, 4th in Defensive Rebounds, 7th in Total Rebounds & Rebounds Per Game and 1.0 Blk & 1.4 STL per Game).

In 2005 he was 6th in Defensive Win Shares, 13th in Defensive Rating, 3rd in Defensive Rebounds, 9th in Total Rebounds & Rebounds Per Game, 18th in Blocks (1.5 Blk per Game) and 1.2 STL per Game.

Dirk exposed Garnett defense in the Playoffs and held him to 42 FG%

 

[AderitoParticipant]

==> Dirk Nowitzki should’ve won the 2006 MVP and not Steve Nash… He Took the Mavs to Win 60 Games (Suns won 54 games), He was the leader of the league in Win Shares, Win Shares Per 48 Minutes, Offensive Win Shares, Offensive Rating, Player Efficiency Rating, 7th in Points Per Game, 17th in Defensive Win Shares, 6th Defensive Rebounds, 14th in Total Rebounds, 16th in Rebounds per game, 7th in Value Over Replacement Player. His stats Raw Stats: 26.6 PTS, 9.0 TRB, 1.0 BLK, 2.8 AST, 0.7 STL, 48.0 FG%, 40.6 3PT%, 90.1 FT%.

==> Dirk Nowitzki should’ve at least been in one NBA All-Defensive Team in his career. Especially in 2003 and 2005..

In 2003 he was 6th in Defensive Win Shares, 18th in Defensive Rating, 4th in Defensive Rebounds, 7th in Total Rebounds & Rebounds Per Game and 1.0 Blk & 1.4 STL per Game).

In 2005 he was 6th in Defensive Win Shares, 13th in Defensive Rating, 3rd in Defensive Rebounds, 9th in Total Rebounds & Rebounds Per Game, 18th in Blocks (1.5 Blk per Game) and 1.2 STL per Game.

Dirk exposed Garnett defense in the Playoffs and held him to 42 FG%

 

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