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
Craig
on 01.9.2009

I was never a Spurs fan all my life until Tim Duncan became a Spur. Despite living here in Sacramento, I have always admired Duncan for his mild approach to the game. He doesnt talk trash, intimidate anyone, or curse at opposing players. He just plays the game the way it’s suppose to. That is the reason why he is the most accomplished player in the game of basketball today. .

Posted by
The Hulk
on 01.9.2009

HAHAHA Lebron and Wade in the same level as DUncan. WHat! Duncan won 4 championships, 2 season MVPs, 3 FInals MVP, 1 All star MVP. Is this punk’d? .

Posted by
Kemah
on 01.9.2009

Give Timmy some love yall! .

Posted by
Gavril Princips
on 01.9.2009

Oly Sandor, you did a magnificent piece of article talking about the best player in the year 2000 and above, and the best power forward in the history of basketball! .

Posted by
Derrick
on 01.9.2009

Duncan has fans, not within the media, but to the many millions who watch him perform in excellence. .

Posted by
Can you leave your fiance if you’re not getting along, but you still love her?
on 01.9.2009

Tim Duncan is a genius! I’d rather win and be respected than be overhyped and get what I do not deserve. .

Posted by
Free Tibet!
on 01.9.2009

Tim Duncan needs to ball hug and take more shots. He is too nice, that is why despite being the NBA’s best player, he is also the most under appreciated. Manu and Tony are killing his stats. The Spurs were the best when Duncan was a one man team in 1999 and Parker and Ginobili were nobodies. .

Posted by
Son of Gaza
on 01.9.2009

It is unfortunate that Timmy D. is not getting his appreciation from the media. I mean you have guys like John Hollinger and others hating on him and the Spurs, and brainwashing people that the Cavaliers are the best team in the NBA and Lebron James has won 3 championships and 3 Finals MVP awards. It is really sad that Timmy D, a greater athelete and person than Lebron, Kobe, or Wade is ignored. I am very ecstatic that an article is finally written about him. Thanks Oly Sandor! .

Posted by
Mumbai Survivor
on 01.9.2009

Yes, Duncan is the greatest power forward to play tme and is the best player in the last 10 years or so. However, the NBA is a business and Duncan just do not sell like Lebron, eventhough Lebron is not in the same level as Duncan. .

Posted by
Treo
on 01.9.2009

The Big Fundamental is the best player this century. He may not receive the same attention like Lebron, Kobe, or Wade, heck! Stephon Marbury gets more attention than him, but he’s still one of my favorite of all time! .

Posted by
Wave
on 01.9.2009

Mr. Duncan already won four championships. He doesnt need ESPN for recognition. People already recognize how great he is, that is why he is leading all forwards in all star votes. .

Posted by
George Washington
on 01.9.2009

Duncan does not need hype or help from the media. He is fine the way he is. Being a superstar and the best player not necessary mean you have to be loved by all! .

Posted by
Immerson
on 01.9.2009

Tim Duncan is so awesome. Loved the bank shot. If he puts more emotion to the game, he will definitely get more recognition. Duncan is a first ballot hall of fame. .

Posted by
aaaaa
on 01.9.2009

DUNCAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! U LOOK LIKE MR. BEAN!!!! .

Posted by
wow
on 01.9.2009

wow 58 comments. Nice article OLY. I love timmy. .

Posted by
Carlos Boozer
on 01.9.2009

Duncan will get the love he deserves maybe when he retires and we all realized that we wasted our effort giving credit to guys that dont deserve it like Lebron, who’s got to be the most overrated player in NBA history. Duncan is by far superior in accomplishments than anyone in the NBA today. The basketball gods knows it! .

Posted by
Family Guy
on 01.8.2009

Hey Oly, since you talked about some career love, there is no doubt in my mind that Duncan has had the best career than anyone in the NBA among all active players. .

Posted by
champion
on 01.8.2009

yo duncan deserve respekt.yall know whatya mean? .

Posted by
THE BLACK MAMBA
on 01.8.2009

EVEN AS A LAKER FAN, I RESPECT DUNCAN FOR HIS FEATS UNCOMPARABLE TO THE MANY ATHLETES OF HIS GENERATION. I DO WISH SOMETIMES THAT THE MEDIA TALKS MORE ABOUT HIM BECAUSE HE IS FOR REAL, NOT JUST HYPE. KOBE AND DUNCAN ARE SIMPLY THE BEST IN TODAY’S GAME! .

Posted by
TUCKER
on 01.8.2009

Brandon, you are not a real basketball fan. DUNCAN IS BETTER THAN KOBE, KG, LEBRON, OR WADE. HE GETS MORE AWARDS, HE FILLS THE STATS, HE WINS MORE CHAMPIONSHIPS, HE MAKE HIS TEAM BETTER, AND HE IS THE BEST NBA MODEL FOR THE GAME OF BASKETBALL. .

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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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