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
Blaque
on 01.12.2009

Lol. The cowboys the best organization and the Spurs arent? I thought in sports winning is the most improtant, I guess for other people money is everything. .

Posted by
Morrocan Prince
on 01.12.2009

are you crazy Oly Sandor? or people here must be on drugs? Duncan gets the media attention. All of the media talks about how great Duncan is, that he is a hall of famer, the best player in the last 10 years, and the greatest power forward to play the game. All of this is true, so people and the writer for this article needs to take a chill pill. Don’t hate on Lebron or Kobe. Duncan gets attention too! .

Posted by
Aquaman
on 01.12.2009

kobe gets more respect than his suppose to. If you have kids, who would be the best role model for your kids, Kobe or Duncan? come on! .

Posted by
KpBoi
on 01.12.2009

hahaha, the cowboys better organuzation than the Spurs. Taylor must be on midol. .

Posted by
Batista
on 01.12.2009

Every sports magazine has ranked the Spurs the best sports organization, not because of their $$ and cocky athletes, but because of their winnings. The Celclits on won one title, and now everyone is saying they are one of the best organization, which is BS. The Spurs by far are better. .

Posted by
Way of the Warrior
on 01.12.2009

meant to say LBJ. he sucks by the way. Duncan is superior to that brat. .

Posted by
Way of the Warrior
on 01.12.2009

I concur with the author. Duncan may not be the best player right now, but he is the best player in the NBA since pretty much he entered the NBA. All the author is saying is career love thats all and Duncan deserves it more than any other NBA player like LBG, KB24, od DWade. .

Posted by
Fina
on 01.12.2009

Duncan is not spoiled by the riches of life. Kobe and Lebron are pampered individuals who dont deserve the attention they get. Kobe never won a championship without Shaq, and Lebron will never win one. .

Posted by
Anchokdin
on 01.12.2009

Taylor, don’t look at it in money pespective . Franchises are rank by winning, fan loyalty, sales, leadership, roster management, and salary cap success. The teams you mentioned are all just hype except the Patriots. If you are at it, you might as well mention the Knicks who are the largest market in the NBA. .

Posted by
Taylor
on 01.11.2009

Best organization in all of pro sports? Exaggerate much? Yankees, Red Sox, Celtics, Lakers, Cowboys, Patriots: need I go on? They’re probably the best small market team. Tim Duncan is the greatest PF of his generation. That’s enough. I doubt he cares what other people think. He’s too busy winning and finding new and inventive ways to spend the loads of cash that he has. .

Posted by
Eazy E
on 01.11.2009

the backboard jumpshot from 18 or 20 feet is such a diifuclt shot. It takes a lot of concentration and accuracy. Duncan is just a master of those bank shots. .

Posted by
Duncan all the way
on 01.11.2009

Duncan gets respect, just not attention or hype. Ask any Lakers fans if they hate Duncan despite of the rivalry, most of them respect him. But if you ask San Anton fans if they respect Kobe, they will probably sayd no, because Kobe is not a good role model for the modest conservative city like San Antonio. .

Posted by
hermann
on 01.11.2009

Parker ball hogs a lot. Tim Duncan can easily average more points than his consistent 20 since he is always above 50 % field goal shooter, compared to Lebron, Wade, Kobe, Pierce, Garnett, or even Nowitzki with less than 47%. .

Posted by
kobe and duncan are the best
on 01.11.2009

Kobe has 3 rings and Duncan has 4. Nuff said! Lebron got nothing! .

Posted by

on 01.11.2009

The fact tht he can hit a shot from almost anywhere with the backbaord amazes me. Tim Duncan is very underrated and deserves more respect. I love kobe alot more though. Good article .

Posted by
Kim Mathenge
on 01.11.2009

If your objective kobe doesn’t get respect either It wasn’t kobe who was over weight it was shaq. 2,003 2004 Snack had his toe in sept that year. Kobe wasn’t pa-------and snack screwed his other teammates Snabk doesn’t get called for fouls .

Posted by
Sinatra
on 01.10.2009

Bill Russell also said it himself, winning a championship makes you "the man." LBJ aint the man. Duncan has four rings, LBJ 0. .

Posted by
Erik Shyu
on 01.10.2009

Lebron hasnt proven anything until he wins a championship. So Duncan is still the man! .

Posted by
Timberland
on 01.10.2009

are u serious? over 100 comments on TD. Boy, finally Timmy gets some love! its about time! .

Posted by
Duncan and Lebron are the best!
on 01.10.2009

Yeah Tim Duncan deserves admiration. While the three people below me needs to be on hook on phoenics or an elementary education to learn proper grammar. .

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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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