Why Tim Duncan doesn’t get Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade respect

January 06 09

Can Tim Duncan get some love?

Forget, for a moment, that the Spurs have won 14 of 17. And forget that this injury-riddled crew suddenly has the second best record in the Western Conference and are capable of challenging the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Lakers.

I’m talking about career love. Or even career recognition for his four NBA Titles, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and being the building block for the best organization in pro sports.

Duncan wins. Correction. San Antonio, Duncan’s team, wins. That’s what matters to the former first overall pick. Yet, in a results orientated business like the NBA, he gets less respect than a New Kids On The Block comeback or Rocky sequel.

Duncan’s backers always have to justify his status as an elite player. If winning is the mark of greatness, the currency among the crème de la crème, elite players –that would be the Kobes, LeBrons, and D-Wades of this world- should have to justify why they are worthy of Duncan.

That’s right: the lanky post is the bar others should aspire to. Not vice-versa. Duncan, arguably the greatest power forward of all-time, continues to be slept-on.

Well, why?

‘The Big Fundamental’ nickname says it all. Casual fans are entertained by flash, glitz, and aerial antics, while even serious fans don’t always like razor sharp efficiency and methodical brilliance. Duncan’s technical genius is under-appreciated.

Location. Location. Location. San Antonio is a quiet city and the Spurs are unable to get the same attention as bigger markets. The national media will always cover the Knicks’ on-going soap opera or the Lakers even though the Spurs deserve better.

There is also the matter of perception. Most reporters think because Duncan plays like a robot, he lacks personality. One famous scribe even dubbed him ‘Timmy Robot’ after the Will Smith flick I-Robot. This perception is wrong. Duncan has a great sense of humour and an interesting perspective that doesn’t get nearly enough national attention.

Of course, Duncan doesn’t care about getting love, which means he’ll continue to be overlooked. Hopefully, we will wake up. And hopefully, we will then recognize his accomplishments.

Is Duncan as good as Bryant, James, and Wade? If so, why doesn’t he get more respect? Get at us in the comment box with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of killbucky.

148 Comments: Why Tim Duncan doesn’t get Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, or Dwyane (...)

Posted by
Rolex
on 01.7.2009

Tim Duncan is like a big stone, though he had won 5 champion in the last 10 years , he is a terribe guy in the NBA history but not a superstar make fans cry for him! .

Posted by
No Guts, No Glory
on 01.6.2009

He couldn’t hold Karl Malone or Charles Barkley’s sacks. Horace Grant can out ball Tim’s overrated azz. He don’t deserve no respect .

Posted by
Lakers24/7
on 01.6.2009

Career accomplishments, Duncan is certainly among the top, as he started winning in his rookie year and has not stopped. I think Duncan does get overlooked because individually he is not a Kobe, Lebron, Wade etc. Kobe is also in the elite of career accomplishments in my mind and is the player fans love to watch. I feel for Duncan and the Spurs, but when you win like they do, I’m sure they don’t care. .

Posted by
Twister
on 01.6.2009

even though i hate the spurs i take my hat off to them , they deserve this respect, celtics all star caliber only won one ring till now , spurs have won 4 ! .

Posted by
king
on 01.6.2009

he is a legend .

Posted by
Boston Son
on 01.6.2009

Tim Dunkin is a doughnut-hole .

Posted by
Raptors-Fan
on 01.6.2009

I agree 100 percent with Mr. Sandor.But some of the comments are a bit sketchy. poster "S" either didn’t watch them early in the season or didn’t read the artcile fully. When Manu and TP were down he was still winning them games. That’s why he get’s the credit pal. Duncan doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him. and that isn’t a bad thing at all. He might not yell at the top of his lungs like an angry gorilla, but he still has the respect of EVERYONE on his team. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.He lets his play do the talking. .

Posted by
Nik to di tyme
on 01.6.2009

He dont get any hype because he doesnt rape girls, dont got flashy play or style and he avoids all kinds of arrogance. In other words he doesnt match american people’s expectations. Hes the kind of person you want to look like but people likes bad guys, with tattoes and shit. I tell you if i had to pick one player for tha HOF right now, it would be timmy, not that i dislike kobe and ebron, but the guy got 4titles despite his robotic style. So yes he deserves more props .

Posted by

on 01.6.2009

10 years from now I’m going to remember Tim Duncan as the greatest power forward of all-time, and the greatest winner of the post-Jordan era. He doesn’t show passion, yeah- but he keeps his cool during games to win.................................He’s a psychology major (an NBA superstar finishing college?), and said so himself that showing emotion during a game is a sign of weakness and breaks concentration. Seems to be working so far.I don’t agree that he’s not entertaining. When watching BASKETBALL game, watching a man (and his team/coach which deserve a hell of a lot of credit) win and play BASKETBALL the right way is entertaining enough......................................Wade, Kobe, and Lebron are all great in their own right, the best in the world, and deserve much of the praise they get. They either have won and/or will win more championships one day. But they won’t do anything Duncan hasn’t already done. .

Posted by
Andy
on 01.6.2009

JUST LOOK at his face... he win a game? his face is still the same. Almost no emotions... I like when players like KObe, lebron and garnett yell and give passion to the game.Yet, he will be remember as one of the top player to play the game but, people look for passion, light, flash of the cameras.. He does not look for fame, or at least that is what his impressions are.. Lebron may never win 4 rings, garnet probably never win 3 more.. and Wade same story. Kobe could make it to 5 since he has 3 already. MVP’s lebron will have like 3-4 and Wade can get at least one. Champs, and MVP’s doesnt get the love of the fans but the passion and flash when playing the game. That is why Kobe is my favorite player.. wade second. .

Posted by
s
on 01.6.2009

why is duncan getting all credit for the team which is best san antonio, its not only duncan and thats why i agree duncan is not the best but san antonio does not even have a challenger, people like to make one hero not a team hero and work is done by team not a person .

Posted by

on 01.6.2009

2 time MVP / 4 NBA championships / 3 time finals MVP / 11 All-NBA teams & 11 All-defensive teams / 10 time All star. As good? Career wise, Duncan is better than Kobe, bron and Wade .

Posted by

on 01.6.2009

Duncan is pretty good, but can’t touch Bryant or the other top guys ... .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Why Tim Duncan doesn’t get Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, or Dwyane Wade respect

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