duncan228
12-12-2008, 02:43 PM
One Player, One Rebound (http://dimemag.com/2008/12/one-player-one-rebound/)
By Austin Burton
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/dimemagreb.jpg
Tim Duncan (photo. adidas)
Let’s say Kevin Garnett has done his job, getting that one defensive stop that Team Dime needed with the game on the line. But after KG’s man forces up a brick, we still need the ball back. So who’s the right man to get that do-or-die rebound?
Tim Duncan.
Check the records. Duncan ranks sixth all-time on the career list for rebounds in the postseason (behind Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq and Mailman). And since 1991, Duncan owns the NBA’s top single-game postseason rebounding performance, when he pulled down 25 boards (along with 34 points) in an ‘02 conference semis Game Five against the Lakers. And that’s just one of Duncan’s THIRTEEN 20-rebound playoff games. To no surprise, Duncan’s career rebounding average in the postseason (12.7 rpg) tops his regular season career average (11.8 rpg). Long story short: TD gets boards when it matters.
But what does history matter at this point? Dikembe Mutombo also has a jaw-dropping resume of boards and blocks, but would you bet on 42-year-old Deke to get a crucial rebound today? So let’s look at the here and now. Duncan has the size (6-11) and length you want in a rebounder. He has the instincts and fundamental skills, and his body is still young enough to react to what his mind wants to do. At 32 years old, TD is posting 10.6 boards per night this season –including three games of 15-plus boards — and currently ranks sixth in the League.
True, Dwight Howard, the NBA’s current rebounding king, jumps higher and is stronger. David Lee has more outward energy and will run through a brick wall for a loose ball. KG has just as much experience, plus he’s quicker and more athletic. But in terms of technical proficiency, positioning, footwork, instincts and simply getting it done when it has to get done, Duncan is the man.
By Austin Burton
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/dimemagreb.jpg
Tim Duncan (photo. adidas)
Let’s say Kevin Garnett has done his job, getting that one defensive stop that Team Dime needed with the game on the line. But after KG’s man forces up a brick, we still need the ball back. So who’s the right man to get that do-or-die rebound?
Tim Duncan.
Check the records. Duncan ranks sixth all-time on the career list for rebounds in the postseason (behind Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq and Mailman). And since 1991, Duncan owns the NBA’s top single-game postseason rebounding performance, when he pulled down 25 boards (along with 34 points) in an ‘02 conference semis Game Five against the Lakers. And that’s just one of Duncan’s THIRTEEN 20-rebound playoff games. To no surprise, Duncan’s career rebounding average in the postseason (12.7 rpg) tops his regular season career average (11.8 rpg). Long story short: TD gets boards when it matters.
But what does history matter at this point? Dikembe Mutombo also has a jaw-dropping resume of boards and blocks, but would you bet on 42-year-old Deke to get a crucial rebound today? So let’s look at the here and now. Duncan has the size (6-11) and length you want in a rebounder. He has the instincts and fundamental skills, and his body is still young enough to react to what his mind wants to do. At 32 years old, TD is posting 10.6 boards per night this season –including three games of 15-plus boards — and currently ranks sixth in the League.
True, Dwight Howard, the NBA’s current rebounding king, jumps higher and is stronger. David Lee has more outward energy and will run through a brick wall for a loose ball. KG has just as much experience, plus he’s quicker and more athletic. But in terms of technical proficiency, positioning, footwork, instincts and simply getting it done when it has to get done, Duncan is the man.