OT: Tim Duncan...

[dbav]

Saw that he retired today. Great player and a classy guy by all accounts. Wish there were more like him.

 

[smashmouth5]

He was the kind of player that you didn't mind seeing win. Just seemed to do it all the right way. The Big Fundamental will be missed.

 

[skysdad]

What a player and person. He was one of the last if not the last to be drafted #1 as a senior. OFC

 

[Dukeman]

I remember the excellent defensive job Chris Carrawell did on him. That was the only game we won against them while he was at Wake.

 

[HuffyJB]

Remarkable player and person, and very unique in his generation. Turned down millions of dollars in endorsement deals because he preferred to be left alone and do his thing. His retirement announcement was perfect for him. No Kobe Bryant/Derek Jeter type "everyone pat me on the back" farewell tour.

 

[dukehokie]

Was Kenyon Martin a senior?

He was. He was the last, but if we want to just remember Timmy as the last, I feel it's acceptable. Haha.

 

[dukehokie]

With the way the 3 pointer is valued, he's going to be the last great interior scorer for a while. Aldridge is almost there in terms of consistency, but not quite. Should Jah keep his head screwed, he'll be an interior scorer of that caliber. The difference was Duncan's defense and leadership. IMO, he's the best interior defender since Russell. I think he was better than Olajuwon and Robinson.

 

[Dattier]

Anyone catch his press conference this morning? It was about 1/3 an explanation of why he was having a press conference despite his rep for being quiet, 1/3 thank yous, and 1/3 Q&A. The Q&A consisted of one question: "What one person would you have dinner with?" and a boring answer: "Coach Pop." The whole thing, start to finish, was about 5 minutes long. Classic Duncan.

Now, if I could pick one professional athlete to have dinner with, Duncan might be second to last, ahead of only Darren Sharper, because he is bo-ring. There are very few that I respect more than Duncan, though.

 

[dukehokie]

Anyone catch his press conference this morning? It was about 1/3 an explanation of why he was having a press conference despite his rep for being quiet, 1/3 thank yous, and 1/3 Q&A. The Q&A consisted of one question: "What one person would you have dinner with?" and a boring answer: "Coach Pop." The whole thing, start to finish, was about 5 minutes long. Classic Duncan.

Now, if I could pick one professional athlete to have dinner with, Duncan might be second to last, ahead of only Darren Sharper, because he is bo-ring. There are very few that I respect more than Duncan, though.

Apparently privately, Duncan is a card. Just check out his HEB supermarket ads. He did have a funny bone, he just didn't care if we saw it.

Battier was very similar. I remember his senior he had a goal on his goal card to not give any cliches during interviews. He was also a dry demeanor guy with the press, but great outside of it.

 

[Dattier]

Nah, Shane was pretty gregarious. That makes me respect Duncan even more, though, that he didn't feel inclined to entertain us.

I consider him a PF, and the greatest ever at that position. Where does he rank all-time, though, regardless of position? I'd have him behind at least Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Lebron, Bird, Jordan, Magic, Oscar... Who else?

 

[gottagonow]

Just think, we have watched Tim Duncan play basketball for 23 years. What a career he had !

 

[dukehokie]

Nah, Shane was pretty gregarious. That makes me respect Duncan even more, though, that he didn't feel inclined to entertain us.

I consider him a PF, and the greatest ever at that position. Where does he rank all-time, though, regardless of position? I'd have him behind at least Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Lebron, Bird, Jordan, Magic, Oscar... Who else?

Some may put Kobe ahead of him and I couldn't have too much of a gripe with that. Olajuwon would be there too. Duncan was the better defender IMO, but Olajuwon offensively was better. You may have to put Shaq there with or above him too. It's tough though. We've seen some exceptional players the past 25-30 years.

 

[Dattier]

Haven't we, though? Wow!

I agree the 3 of them and a couple more are all in the conversation with Duncan to round out a top 10. Karl Malone, too, I guess. Jerry West...

 

[1156jack]

In a world where concepts like good sportsmanship and team first appear to be old fashioned and no longer important, Tim Duncan shines like a lantern in a coal mine. He will be missed.

 

[jeans15]

Duncan is top 10 easily......Can't name more than 3 players with a better resume than Duncan's.