[Detroit FanaddictParticipant]

A day or 2 ago I heard the radio asking the question "Who had the better career Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan?" First of all let me say I could not RESPECT either of them much more if I tried, but. I am a Pistons fan through and through and hold no other allegiance on the subject.

You typically hear Tim Duncan’s name in the conversation "Who’s the best power forward ever?" but you typically hear Kobe Bryant’s name in the conversation "Who’s the best PLAYER ever?" By that agrument alone Kobe Bryant had the better career, but when I look at everything Kobe Bryant has had to OVERCOME.

Both were drafted to good organizations, played under outstanding coaches, and played next to NBA greats early and often in their careers. However, when I think about the road Kobe has traveled (all the critics of his game, separating himself from the shadow of Shaq, Phil Jackson leaving, the rape scandle, having to fill the void of Michael Jordan, multiple injuries) Kobe’s simply had to be much more physically and mentally tougher.

Tim Duncan has stayed the course very well in his career, but Kobe has SURVIVED and OVERCOME the course. I’m open to hearing any reason why someone would disagree but for me the answer is simply Kobe Bryant.

 

 

 

[Ebown5Participant]

 Duncan easily. He was a lot more physically dominant on both ends, and won 5 titles as the best player and Kobe only won 2.

 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

You could argue that Kobe was as much the best player on his team during his first three championships with Shaq as Duncan was for his first (David Robinson averaged 22 11 and 2.6 that season) and last (Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Kawhi Leonard) championship. In the end, the whole ‘won titles as the best player’ comparison really isn’t a good way to compare their careers. 

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

You could argue that Kobe was as much the best player on his team during his first three championships with Shaq as Duncan was for his first (David Robinson averaged 22 11 and 2.6 that season) and last (Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Kawhi Leonard) championship. In the end, the whole ‘won titles as the best player’ comparison really isn’t a good way to compare their careers. 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

You could argue that Kobe was as much the best player on his team during his first three championships with Shaq as Duncan was for his first (David Robinson averaged 22 11 and 2.6 that season)
—————————————————————————————————————

Robinson didn’t put up those numbers in their first championship season. He averaged 15.8 PPG and 10 RPG to TD’s 21.7 and 11.4, in the playoffs their numbers were about the exact same. Duncan was definitely the best player on the 99 Spurs team

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I thought that the Spurs won the championship in Duncan’s rookie year, which would have been 97-98?

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I thought that the Spurs won the championship in Duncan’s rookie year, which would have been 97-98?

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

Nope, the Bulls won their last championship in 1998. TD and the Spurs would win their first title in the strike shortened 1999 season.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

Nope, the Bulls won their last championship in 1998. TD and the Spurs would win their first title in the strike shortened 1999 season.

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

You could argue that Kobe was as much the best player on his team during his first three championships with Shaq as Duncan was for his first (David Robinson averaged 22 11 and 2.6 that season)
—————————————————————————————————————

Robinson didn’t put up those numbers in their first championship season. He averaged 15.8 PPG and 10 RPG to TD’s 21.7 and 11.4, in the playoffs their numbers were about the exact same. Duncan was definitely the best player on the 99 Spurs team

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 To say more physically dominant on both ends couldn’t be further from the truth.  First of all, offensively Kobe has always been superior.  Scored more points, was a better playmaker, I mean for Christ’s sake he averaged 35 ppg one year.  More dominant on offense?  Couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

Defensively I’ll give it to Duncan for his rim protection and rebounding.  But it’s not like Kobe is a slouch on defense.  Matter of fact, he was the best defensive SG for a number of years.

 

 

 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 To say more physically dominant on both ends couldn’t be further from the truth.  First of all, offensively Kobe has always been superior.  Scored more points, was a better playmaker, I mean for Christ’s sake he averaged 35 ppg one year.  More dominant on offense?  Couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

Defensively I’ll give it to Duncan for his rim protection and rebounding.  But it’s not like Kobe is a slouch on defense.  Matter of fact, he was the best defensive SG for a number of years.

 

 

 

[Ebown5Participant]

 Duncan easily. He was a lot more physically dominant on both ends, and won 5 titles as the best player and Kobe only won 2.

 

[d-grizzlyParticipant]

Without a doubt in my mind, it’s Duncan. Duncan has been selfless, a by far better leader, a by far better teammate, and more effective than Kobe Bryant.

Duncan earned the right to be called a two way player while Kobe was simply gift-wrapped defensive awards some years. You could always count on Duncan to be reliable while you could have the fear of Kobe shooting you out of the game or turning the ball over.

Ultimately, why this debate even happens is because of the NBA/media’s hype of Kobe his entire career as "the next jordan" when in reality, he’ll never even come close to being as good as Jordan. The NBA/media has never hyped Duncan in the same way. Duncan doesn’t care either.

 

 

 

  

[d-grizzlyParticipant]

Without a doubt in my mind, it’s Duncan. Duncan has been selfless, a by far better leader, a by far better teammate, and more effective than Kobe Bryant.

Duncan earned the right to be called a two way player while Kobe was simply gift-wrapped defensive awards some years. You could always count on Duncan to be reliable while you could have the fear of Kobe shooting you out of the game or turning the ball over.

Ultimately, why this debate even happens is because of the NBA/media’s hype of Kobe his entire career as "the next jordan" when in reality, he’ll never even come close to being as good as Jordan. The NBA/media has never hyped Duncan in the same way. Duncan doesn’t care either.

 

 

 

  

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

Getting it done with class.

[Ahkasi ClayParticipant]

Getting it done with class.

[FutureNBAGMParticipant]

"Im the Tim"

"Duncan! and he aint frontin, drive the rock and he’ll show ya somethin"

 

"Kobe"

"Bryant! slam dunk giant. outplay the Kob, son dont try it."

 

Anyone else remember that commercial?

[FutureNBAGMParticipant]

"Im the Tim"

"Duncan! and he aint frontin, drive the rock and he’ll show ya somethin"

 

"Kobe"

"Bryant! slam dunk giant. outplay the Kob, son dont try it."

 

Anyone else remember that commercial?

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I’m a Suns fan and have despised both over the last 10 years, but I gotta go with Duncan, a lot of what Kobe ”overcame” was self-inflicted and a bad argument anyways.

Quick stat that doesn’t tell the whole story

Career PER

Duncan: 24.56
Kobe: 23.36

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

I’m a Suns fan and have despised both over the last 10 years, but I gotta go with Duncan, a lot of what Kobe ”overcame” was self-inflicted and a bad argument anyways.

Quick stat that doesn’t tell the whole story

Career PER

Duncan: 24.56
Kobe: 23.36

[benny15Participant]

 Duncan.

Pillar and main foundation of his teams success in every year they played. Great teammate, great player, great basketball iq. Has been more successfull consistently in his career. Has been more dominant as a two way player in his whole career. Easily Duncan.

And as far as Kobe needing to overcome more in his career, that was bcause he created scenarios to overcome. Could he have been a better and more mature teammate to the point that shaq would never have left? Could he have been a better player that phill Jackson never would have left? Could he have not cheated on his wife? That answer to all of those is obvious. Kobe created drama and scenarios which he had to over come where as Duncan has been able to see the whole picture and know what’s important and take the best way to achieve it. 

[benny15Participant]

 Duncan.

Pillar and main foundation of his teams success in every year they played. Great teammate, great player, great basketball iq. Has been more successfull consistently in his career. Has been more dominant as a two way player in his whole career. Easily Duncan.

And as far as Kobe needing to overcome more in his career, that was bcause he created scenarios to overcome. Could he have been a better and more mature teammate to the point that shaq would never have left? Could he have been a better player that phill Jackson never would have left? Could he have not cheated on his wife? That answer to all of those is obvious. Kobe created drama and scenarios which he had to over come where as Duncan has been able to see the whole picture and know what’s important and take the best way to achieve it. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Kobe never won without Phil.  It took Phil coming back for him to win two more titles so using that as an arguement doesn’t make much sense.

Duncan has been the man since day 1 in San Antonio and arugably has the greatest career of any NBA player to play the game.  Not saying he is the best player ever because I don’t believe that he is. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Kobe never won without Phil.  It took Phil coming back for him to win two more titles so using that as an arguement doesn’t make much sense.

Duncan has been the man since day 1 in San Antonio and arugably has the greatest career of any NBA player to play the game.  Not saying he is the best player ever because I don’t believe that he is. 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Based on this argument we can say Duncan hasn’t won without Pop.

 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Based on this argument we can say Duncan hasn’t won without Pop.

 

[d-grizzlyParticipant]

I think the difference is Duncan never drove away his best teammates out of jealousy and arrogance. Also, Duncan has never p-ssed off Pops to the point where coaching was not desirable. Kobe has had issues of p-ssing off his teammates and coaches in the past.

[d-grizzlyParticipant]

I think the difference is Duncan never drove away his best teammates out of jealousy and arrogance. Also, Duncan has never p-ssed off Pops to the point where coaching was not desirable. Kobe has had issues of p-ssing off his teammates and coaches in the past.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

5 Ring Club: Magic, Kobe, Duncan.  Who’s better?  Take your pick.  Second best guard in history, third best guard in history, and fourth best big man in history.  Other than a guy named Jordan (and Kareem) they are the best three players since the merger. 

Kobe has been under the spotlight more with Duncan flying under the radar. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

5 Ring Club: Magic, Kobe, Duncan.  Who’s better?  Take your pick.  Second best guard in history, third best guard in history, and fourth best big man in history.  Other than a guy named Jordan (and Kareem) they are the best three players since the merger. 

Kobe has been under the spotlight more with Duncan flying under the radar. 

[DCParticipant]

Its close but I’m in the Duncan camp on this one… He can effect the game in more ways than Kobe and is a better leader and team mate.  As previously stated Duncan’s PER is slightly higher and has more regular season MVP’s (3-2) and Finals MVP’s (2-1) than Kobe.  If I were to build a team around one of the two, Duncan would also be my choice.

[DCParticipant]

Its close but I’m in the Duncan camp on this one… He can effect the game in more ways than Kobe and is a better leader and team mate.  As previously stated Duncan’s PER is slightly higher and has more regular season MVP’s (3-2) and Finals MVP’s (2-1) than Kobe.  If I were to build a team around one of the two, Duncan would also be my choice.

[WhodunitParticipant]

 Im a kobe-hater…. but i know and respect his place in basketball history as one of the Legends. But let me tell you why Duncan has had the better career and why Kobe is more important to basketball history than Duncan is.

Duncan Made the San Antonio Spurs. Ill say that again, Tim Duncan Made the Spurs. Kobe is made a Laker. Chcago Bulls, Jordan put them on the map…. Houston Rockets, Olajuwon put them on the map… Pistons, Isiah Thomas put them  on the map. Celtics- Russell first and foremost, than Bird and the others. Dr.J made the 76ers. I think thats it, right? Your affiliation with your team will forever outlast your own individual brand, hype, career, numbers or story. Its simple, your teams legacy is forever as are the championship banners (unless they move or whatever) while the player will almost always be forgotten, eventually (MJ might be the only exception). Thats why we forget about Wilt Chmaberlain so often

 

Kobe came into an organization that was one of the 2 best organizations in the history of the NBA. Its reputation was long established before he got there by a slew of other great Legends. But what Tim Duncan did for the Spurs made them forever, a "Championship Winning Franchise". He took the whole Organization on his back and took them where they had never been before and where they will never leave. Kobe did it too, but it it was already done by his predeccesors and Shaq.

 

Better foundational piece: Kobe or Duncan? Its very difficult to argue this one against Duncan.

Better Leader? Duncan

I still say and maintain that just like from 2000-2004 when Shaq was the M.D,E, (most dominant ever) and Kobe was allowed to PIGGYBACK off of his dominance the same thing happened to a much lesser degree in 2008-2010 when Kobe was able to piggyback off of Pau Gasols brilliance. You need a post game to make the perimeter game work for Kobe. 

Kobe had the Lakers all to himself from 2005-2007. How far did he get? And yea Lebron had a sorry team in Cleveland too, how far did he get?

Jordan changed his game when he lost his athleticism. He became more of a thinker and post guy while maintaining or improving his perimeter shot. Duncan, known for his off-the-glass shot for more than a decade no longer uses it (btw, i still dont know why and would LOVE to know why???). He went from the primary option on a defense first team to re-inventing himself into a offensive-team-system-player and post guardian. Adaptation is the mark of a great player. Both of them have done it ( im reminded of kobe in 2012-13) but Duncan has made a greater change. Kobe is and will forever be known as a "gunner".

 

Why is Kobe more important than Duncan to Basketball history? Legandary Perimeter Scorers: Jordan, Kobe and Bird. Who else is there? While Duncans TANGIBLE attributes have been seen before from many other great Big Men. 

Another debate to have is: Who made their teammates better more? Im not sure, because i think in Duncans case it would be Popovich made his teammates better.

Who affected the game more if you were to take scoring out of the equation? Duncan, no question. His leadership, teaching, mentoring, big-brother feel and defensive anchoring. Big Men will always matter more defensively than a wing player. And it always seemed that Duncan fit whatever role was required of him progressively throughout his career. I think it speaks to Duncans Greatness that HE LET Tony Parker be the man and Kawhi be the guy. Would Kobe ever allow that? Would Kobe ever "get-in-where-you-fit-in"? After all, this is a team game, we were just reminded of that these past finals.

But if nothing else, Duncans sustained excellence and re-invention of self and more importantly making the Spurs a "Championship Organization" Member makes his career more valuable to his team than Kobes career to his team.

 

 

[WhodunitParticipant]

 Im a kobe-hater…. but i know and respect his place in basketball history as one of the Legends. But let me tell you why Duncan has had the better career and why Kobe is more important to basketball history than Duncan is.

Duncan Made the San Antonio Spurs. Ill say that again, Tim Duncan Made the Spurs. Kobe is made a Laker. Chcago Bulls, Jordan put them on the map…. Houston Rockets, Olajuwon put them on the map… Pistons, Isiah Thomas put them  on the map. Celtics- Russell first and foremost, than Bird and the others. Dr.J made the 76ers. I think thats it, right? Your affiliation with your team will forever outlast your own individual brand, hype, career, numbers or story. Its simple, your teams legacy is forever as are the championship banners (unless they move or whatever) while the player will almost always be forgotten, eventually (MJ might be the only exception). Thats why we forget about Wilt Chmaberlain so often

 

Kobe came into an organization that was one of the 2 best organizations in the history of the NBA. Its reputation was long established before he got there by a slew of other great Legends. But what Tim Duncan did for the Spurs made them forever, a "Championship Winning Franchise". He took the whole Organization on his back and took them where they had never been before and where they will never leave. Kobe did it too, but it it was already done by his predeccesors and Shaq.

 

Better foundational piece: Kobe or Duncan? Its very difficult to argue this one against Duncan.

Better Leader? Duncan

I still say and maintain that just like from 2000-2004 when Shaq was the M.D,E, (most dominant ever) and Kobe was allowed to PIGGYBACK off of his dominance the same thing happened to a much lesser degree in 2008-2010 when Kobe was able to piggyback off of Pau Gasols brilliance. You need a post game to make the perimeter game work for Kobe. 

Kobe had the Lakers all to himself from 2005-2007. How far did he get? And yea Lebron had a sorry team in Cleveland too, how far did he get?

Jordan changed his game when he lost his athleticism. He became more of a thinker and post guy while maintaining or improving his perimeter shot. Duncan, known for his off-the-glass shot for more than a decade no longer uses it (btw, i still dont know why and would LOVE to know why???). He went from the primary option on a defense first team to re-inventing himself into a offensive-team-system-player and post guardian. Adaptation is the mark of a great player. Both of them have done it ( im reminded of kobe in 2012-13) but Duncan has made a greater change. Kobe is and will forever be known as a "gunner".

 

Why is Kobe more important than Duncan to Basketball history? Legandary Perimeter Scorers: Jordan, Kobe and Bird. Who else is there? While Duncans TANGIBLE attributes have been seen before from many other great Big Men. 

Another debate to have is: Who made their teammates better more? Im not sure, because i think in Duncans case it would be Popovich made his teammates better.

Who affected the game more if you were to take scoring out of the equation? Duncan, no question. His leadership, teaching, mentoring, big-brother feel and defensive anchoring. Big Men will always matter more defensively than a wing player. And it always seemed that Duncan fit whatever role was required of him progressively throughout his career. I think it speaks to Duncans Greatness that HE LET Tony Parker be the man and Kawhi be the guy. Would Kobe ever allow that? Would Kobe ever "get-in-where-you-fit-in"? After all, this is a team game, we were just reminded of that these past finals.

But if nothing else, Duncans sustained excellence and re-invention of self and more importantly making the Spurs a "Championship Organization" Member makes his career more valuable to his team than Kobes career to his team.

 

 

[jtthebrickParticipant]

My first reflex was to say Kobe, because it seems that he has had to carry teams and scores more.  But if I were drafting a young Tim or Kobe, I would take Duncan and never think twice.  Kobe’s attitude and baggage is just too much.  

 Duncan took a 10 million per year extension, thinking team first.  Kobe takes 25.  It’s a no brainer after thinking it through.

[jtthebrickParticipant]

My first reflex was to say Kobe, because it seems that he has had to carry teams and scores more.  But if I were drafting a young Tim or Kobe, I would take Duncan and never think twice.  Kobe’s attitude and baggage is just too much.  

 Duncan took a 10 million per year extension, thinking team first.  Kobe takes 25.  It’s a no brainer after thinking it through.

[pad300Participant]

How many times has Kobe range without the best combination of big men in the league (that season) in front of him: ZERO

2000 Shaq, AC Green, 2001 Shaq, Horace Grant,  2002 Shaq, Robert Horry, 2009 Pau, Odom, 2010 Pau, Odom

How many times has Tim Duncan rang with the best backcourt in the league (that season) behind him:  Maybe once or twice  (2007, 2014.  Both are pretty iffy)

1999 Daniels and Elie, 2003 Parker and SJax, 2005 Parker and Ginobili, 2007 Parker and Ginobili, 2014 Parker and Green

Gimme Duncan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pad300Participant]

How many times has Kobe range without the best combination of big men in the league (that season) in front of him: ZERO

2000 Shaq, AC Green, 2001 Shaq, Horace Grant,  2002 Shaq, Robert Horry, 2009 Pau, Odom, 2010 Pau, Odom

How many times has Tim Duncan rang with the best backcourt in the league (that season) behind him:  Maybe once or twice  (2007, 2014.  Both are pretty iffy)

1999 Daniels and Elie, 2003 Parker and SJax, 2005 Parker and Ginobili, 2007 Parker and Ginobili, 2014 Parker and Green

Gimme Duncan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mrhancocParticipant]

 the #’s say Duncan no lie, even if by small margin, but Duncan never been apart of a 3peat and never truely thought of to be best player in the league…sure hes had mvp moments but not more of an absolute right out best player of the league……just saying, not to mention Kobe has the endorsements and more olympic gold medals. yeah Kobe had more of the spot light. Both guys should really be in the top 15 players of all time, not surre who fits where. Duncan may win in best NBA career but Basketball career as a whole I would say Kobe right now b/c of gold medals, endorsements, most points in a game moments, and position played

[mrhancocParticipant]

 the #’s say Duncan no lie, even if by small margin, but Duncan never been apart of a 3peat and never truely thought of to be best player in the league…sure hes had mvp moments but not more of an absolute right out best player of the league……just saying, not to mention Kobe has the endorsements and more olympic gold medals. yeah Kobe had more of the spot light. Both guys should really be in the top 15 players of all time, not surre who fits where. Duncan may win in best NBA career but Basketball career as a whole I would say Kobe right now b/c of gold medals, endorsements, most points in a game moments, and position played

[mrhancocParticipant]

 Kobe won his 5th title a while ago, if Kobe’s front office was as legit as the Spurs front office it would be possible that he would have more titles than just 5, no one man wins a title, they both needed help to do it

[mrhancocParticipant]

 Kobe won his 5th title a while ago, if Kobe’s front office was as legit as the Spurs front office it would be possible that he would have more titles than just 5, no one man wins a title, they both needed help to do it

[NbafanmanParticipant]

 All ridin Timmy dick, I respect tim and he’s a top 10 player of all time but Kobe is the goat. Top 5 players of all time (when all careers r over) 

1. Michael Jordan
2. Lebron James
3. Magic Johnson
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Shaq

Timmy somewhere in the 2nd tier.

[NbafanmanParticipant]

 All ridin Timmy dick, I respect tim and he’s a top 10 player of all time but Kobe is the goat. Top 5 players of all time (when all careers r over) 

1. Michael Jordan
2. Lebron James
3. Magic Johnson
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Shaq

Timmy somewhere in the 2nd tier.

[thetrademachineryParticipant]

If you change the team names, than for most people Ginobili would be a top 5 ever with 4 championships. 

If Duncan did that with the Lakers, than MJ would be in discussion with him. (not the otherway around)

 

 

 

[thetrademachineryParticipant]

If you change the team names, than for most people Ginobili would be a top 5 ever with 4 championships. 

If Duncan did that with the Lakers, than MJ would be in discussion with him. (not the otherway around)

 

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I would give the edge to Duncan….He seems to be the perfect franchise player, even though Robinson was headed to the twilight of his career,Duncan still refered to him as the team’s best player..He never showed any dismay when Parker & Manu became all stars..And even applauded when role players shined, without being jealous…….

The argument of who was better Kobe or Duncan was discussed on the radio while i was in San Antonio for Game 2…1 caller talked about the difficulty of fighting through defenses and how much energy perimeter players like Lebron,Kobe,Jordan and Durant *etc have to do just score……While 7 footers like Kareem,Shaq,Olajuwon,Wilt and Duncan *etc can make 1 or 2 moves and score…..Becuz of those reasons ,he said Kobe was better…

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I would give the edge to Duncan….He seems to be the perfect franchise player, even though Robinson was headed to the twilight of his career,Duncan still refered to him as the team’s best player..He never showed any dismay when Parker & Manu became all stars..And even applauded when role players shined, without being jealous…….

The argument of who was better Kobe or Duncan was discussed on the radio while i was in San Antonio for Game 2…1 caller talked about the difficulty of fighting through defenses and how much energy perimeter players like Lebron,Kobe,Jordan and Durant *etc have to do just score……While 7 footers like Kareem,Shaq,Olajuwon,Wilt and Duncan *etc can make 1 or 2 moves and score…..Becuz of those reasons ,he said Kobe was better…

 

 

[Author]

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