Insider request.

[TheSpursFNRule]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story?id=6832705&_slug_=nba-how-much-tim-duncan-kevin-garnett-steve-nash-left&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba %2fstory%3fid%3d6832705%26_slug_%3dnba-how-much-tim-duncan-kevin-garnett-steve-nash-left

[Cane]

This week, Insider has looked at the stars of the 2012 free-agent crop, headlined by Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard. In addition to them, another group of players would have inspired similar bidding wars had they been on the market a decade ago. Now that they're in their late 30s, age keeps them from being max-level players, but these free agents still can contribute to a team -- and could be valuable pickups when they hit the open market next summer.

Tim Duncan
Duncan's reputation has suffered for two reasons. For one, Duncan is inevitably compared to his own MVP prime, one that would be difficult to match for almost any player. Beyond that, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's careful handling of Duncan's playing time has prevented him from racking up impressive per-game statistics.
On a per-minute basis, Duncan's defensive numbers remain just as good as they were in his prime. Duncan no longer can make multiple defensive plays on the same possession -- such as stepping out to thwart the pick-and-roll before recovering to defend the basket -- but then again, neither can most big men.


On offense, Duncan has dropped off. The key difference is that he no longer gets to the free throw line on a frequent basis. Historically, about 15 percent of Duncan's offense has come from free throws. That dropped to a career-low 11 percent in 2010-11. Without those easy points, Duncan's scoring efficiency has slipped below average. His role in San Antonio's attack -- already smaller than it had ever been -- might need to shrink again next season.

Despite those caveats, Duncan remains one of the league's top big men. He ranked seventh among post players in Basketball Prospectus' wins above replacement (WARP) statistic last season. His per-minute performance put him as the league's 10th-best player. Duncan probably has another season or maybe two as an All-Star-level player as he ages gracefully at 35. Fittingly, his closest comparison at the same age is former teammate David Robinson, who made his last All-Star team at 36 and started on a championship team at age 38 before retiring.

Presumably, Duncan will join his predecessor in retiring as a lifelong member of the Spurs. In the unlikely event he looks elsewhere, his game and temperament would be a perfect veteran complement to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder won't have cap room in 2012 but could offer some young prospects to San Antonio as part of a sign-and-trade deal.



So basically Duncan's got two all-star level seasons left and he's one of the top players/bigs in the league on a per-minute basis. Article says where Duncan's decline is notably significant is on the offensive end specifically his fewer trips to the line.

[Fabbs]

This is accurate imo:

"Duncan no longer can make multiple defensive plays on the same possession -- such as stepping out to thwart the pick-and-roll before recovering to defend the basket -- but then again, neither can most big men."

When Dunks was the leagues MVP 6 years running 2001-2007 he could do this.
Now, not so much.

[shorttotry]

Duncan is going nowhere.... Although, the thought of KD as a Spur makes me salivate.... just saying :rolleyes

[Wilford Brimley]

I just hope he knows when stop, unlike our beloved D-Rob.

This is my fear.

[velik_m]

I just hope he knows when stop, unlike our beloved D-Rob.

This is my fear.

Yes, because NBA title is no way to end your career.

[Wilford Brimley]

Yes, because NBA title is no way to end your career.

Don't be a smart-ass. He averaged 7 and 7 and hamstrung us for over $10 million. Chris Dudley could've played center for our boys that year and we'd still have won. Dave was a hinderance to this team his last few years, and it's a testament to Timmy that he was able to overcome that and bring us rings.

I love D-Rob as much as anyone, but don't let nostalgia get in the way of reality, velik.

[deibero]

Don't be a smart-ass. He averaged 7 and 7 and hamstrung us for over $10 million. Chris Dudley could've played center for our boys that year and we'd still have won. Dave was a hinderance to this team his last few years, and it's a testament to Timmy that he was able to overcome that and bring us rings.

I love D-Rob as much as anyone, but don't let nostalgia get in the way of reality, velik.

Yep, 13 and 17 in his last game ever, which also was the finals clinching game... Dudley could have for sure done that!

[Wilford Brimley]

Yep, 13 and 17 in his last game ever, which also was the finals clinching game... Dudley could have for sure done that!

Can you even remember the name of the center he was going up against? I sure as shit can't. D-Rob should've averaged no less than 15/15 in that series.

The Nets' current center is 10x better than the one on tthat 2003 team. That alone should tell you where you can stick those D-Rob stats.

Stop fellating the guy, he's a HOFer and my 2nd favorite Spur, but he played too long and was not worth his contract at the end.

EDIT: He played against Mutombo, who was one step away from Shady Acres nursing home at that point in his career

[joshdaboss]

Can you even remember the name of the center he was going up against? I sure as shit can't. D-Rob should've averaged no less than 15/15 in that series.

The Nets' current center is 10x better than the one on tthat 2003 team. That alone should tell you where you can stick those D-Rob stats.

Stop fellating the guy, he's a HOFer and my 2nd favorite Spur, but he played too long and was not worth his contract at the end.

EDIT: He played against Mutombo, who was one step away from Shady Acres nursing home at that point in his career

Epic fail @ not realizing it was Mutombo, one of the best defensive players of all-time.

[Wilford Brimley]

Epic fail @ not realizing it was Mutombo, one of the best defensive players of all-time.

Nice one, kid...you'll go far. Tim Duncan is one of the best defenders of all-time too, but right now he's mediocre, which is what Mutombo was at best in 2003.

[disciple]

Nice one, kid...you'll go far. Tim Duncan is one of the best defenders of all-time too, but right now he's mediocre, which is what Mutombo was at best in 2003.

You both fail.

Jason Collins played nearly twice the minutes Mutombo did in that series.

[ALVAREZ6]

http://dimemag.com/wp-content/Images/sneakers/_Vintage-Voltage---Dikembe-Mutombo-3.jpg