Tim Duncan is ESPN's Defensive Player of the Month

[BillMc]

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112105/defensive-player-of-the-month-tim-duncan


At the beginning of each month, we'll take a look back at the previous month and name a stats-based Defensive Player of the Month. Some months it will be obvious, some months it won't be. And while there's no definitive criteria for this incredibly unofficial award, the one constant will be that it will always be numbers-driven.
With that out of the way, the inaugural Stats & Info Defensive Player of the Month is … drumroll, please … Tim Duncan (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/215/tim-duncan).
The San Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) are in the midst of a defensive renaissance, allowing 93.4 points per 100 possessions, which would be the best by any team over the last decade and the fourth-best over the last 30 seasons (behind two other Duncan-led Spurs teams and the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons)).

And while conventional wisdom would say that reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6450/kawhi-leonard) is the linchpin (he is incredible), it’s the 39-year-old Duncan who continues to be the pillar on which San Antonio's defense rests.

Let's start by looking at Real Plus-Minus (RPM), which looks at the impact a player has on his team per 100 possessions and has separate defensive and offensive components. Duncan rates by far the best in Defensive RPM, adding a value of 5.89 points per 100 defensive possessions. The next-best player in Defensive RPM in November wasLos Angeles Clippers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/lac/los-angeles-clippers) center DeAndre Jordan (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3442/deandre-jordan) (plus-4.34).

Just how much better than Jordan was Duncan? The gap between those two is larger than the gap between Jordan and the 14th-rated player in Defensive RPM.

It’s early, but Duncan’s Defensive RPM in November is better than any other player's over the last eight full seasons. In the 10 seasons before this, three players posted a higher Defensive RPM for an entire season than Duncan did in November. Duncan's Defensive RPM currently is better than he's posted dating to the 2000-01 season, which is as far back as RPM goes. A pretty scary thought considering he's had seven First-Team All-Defense selections over that same span.

Duncan ranked fourth in November in Defensive Win Shares while averaging more than two blocks and one steal per 36 minutes. San Antonio's defense allowed 92.8 points per 100 possessions with Duncan on the court, 94.1 with him off the court.
As a rim protector, Duncan held opponents to 40.9 percent shooting. Among qualified players to contest at least six field goal attempts per game, only Rudy Gobert (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3032976/rudy-gobert) and Serge Ibaka (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3439/serge-ibaka) allowed a lower field goal percentage at the rim.

And don't ignore Duncan's prowess on the glass, especially when it comes to limiting opponents' second-chance opportunities. Duncan averaged 2.3 contested defensive rebounds per game in November, third in the NBA behind Andre Drummond (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6585/andre-drummond) and Kevin Love (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3449/kevin-love). This despite playing 28 minutes per game -- far fewer than both Drummond and Love.

Add it all up, and we think Duncan deserves the love. Although -– somehow –- he has never won an NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, Duncan now has the honorable distinction of owning more Stats & Info Defensive Player of the Month awards than any other player.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

Looks like we got another long dick nigga in town :smokin

[spursistan]

a sort of lifetime achievement DPOY for Timmy is fitting in 2016..You have Gobert out of the race apparently..Kawhi/Draymond/Whiteside are the other legit candidate..Kiwi wouldn't mind TD geting one and our league leading team D should be taken into consideration..

[Nathan89]

http://www.troop730.com/jpegs/oldgoat.jpg

[BillMc]

http://www.troop730.com/jpegs/oldgoat.jpg

:lol:bobo

[Fireball]

:worthy:

[SupremeGuy]

GOAT PF, best player of his generation, etc...

:worthy::worthy::worthy::worthy:

[BatManu20]

Timmy the Gawd. Well deserved.

[spursistan]

He has been too unselfish, tbh. :lol .would love if he gets an individual award a decade later..

[SpursforSix]

He'd probably never do it but I'd like to see him actually announce his retirement before he plays his last season (assuming he knew). I doubt he'd care much about the fanfare and farewell tour, but as a fan, I'd like to see the ovations and respect he would get from around the league.

[Lostwingman]

This guy is such an anchor it's unbelieveable.

[BatManu20]

He'd probably never do it but I'd like to see him actually announce his retirement before he plays his last season (assuming he knew). I doubt he'd care much about the fanfare and farewell tour, but as a fan, I'd like to see the ovations and respect he would get from around the league.

I can almost guarantee you he won't do it. He'll just retire without saying a word.

[bic50]

It's funny how the kobe fanatics will likely be completely oblivious to what tim is still doing today. All they can throw out there are 81points and back to back championships but tim is what every gm/coach wants on their team to build around.

[SpursforSix]

I can almost guarantee you he won't do it. He'll just retire without saying a word.

I agree. And really, he probably wouldn't know a year in advance anyway.

But I'd still like to see it.

Of all the true NBA stars that have been great for so long and have had none of the drama, contract disputes, ego, etc. that usually accompanies that level of player.
Can't think of anyone close to his level with anything near his humility.

[Proxy]

https://49.media.tumblr.com/de5bab8462ba66cfb1244cf97b735d08/tumblr_nxvxj7JqGJ1s3gys4o1_400.gif

[TXstbobcat]

Greatest Power Forward Of All Time!!! Best player Player of his generation!!!

[SpursforSix]

https://49.media.tumblr.com/de5bab8462ba66cfb1244cf97b735d08/tumblr_nxvxj7JqGJ1s3gys4o1_400.gif

classic. I wish I could find it but years ago there was some play where an entry pass bounced off Duncan's hands into the basket. He made a funny expression coming back down the court that was LOL.
But it's not so great without the clip.

[T_L_P]

He'll probably end up 10th or somewhere really stupid again in the DPOY standings.

People (voters) can't see good defense unless it's BPG or a wing sticking close to his man.

[bic50]

https://49.media.tumblr.com/de5bab8462ba66cfb1244cf97b735d08/tumblr_nxvxj7JqGJ1s3gys4o1_400.gif

Looks like he's listening in on the other team coach drawing up plays from the other side of the court. Hell that's probably exactly what's he's doing.

[Phenomanul]

:tu well deserved...

[benefactor]

http://www.troop730.com/jpegs/oldgoat.jpg
:tu

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Sometimes you watch Timmy and he does seem too slow, his PnR defense is suspect and guards seem to duck around him easy sometimes. Then you watch some of these other teams' bigs and realize they all suck and a slow, 40 year old Duncan is still way better than they are at defense.

[NameLess Scrub]

He'd probably never do it but I'd like to see him actually announce his retirement before he plays his last season (assuming he knew). I doubt he'd care much about the fanfare and farewell tour, but as a fan, I'd like to see the ovations and respect he would get from around the league.

If the team was tanking like the Lakers, wouldn't be that bad.

If people in every NBA arena can cheer and thank Kobe, they can sure cheer for Timmy (who would still be a good player)
Could create some great moments.

[will_spurs]

The San Antonio Spurs (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) are in the midst of a defensive renaissance, allowing 93.4 points per 100 possessions, which would be the best by any team over the last decade and the fourth-best over the last 30 seasons (behind two other Duncan-led Spurs teams and the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/det/detroit-pistons)).

:wow:wow:wow

[Arcadian]

:lol A 39 year-old man is defensive player of the month...all other big men in the league should be ashamed.

[tmtcsc]

Timmy's reaction to the news:

https://31.media.tumblr.com/e28d4f7c31c5501c390e4ccefb5e2646/tumblr_nfifkaR8Sx1rf8t0io6_r1_400.gif

[Richie]

a sort of lifetime achievement DPOY for Timmy is fitting in 2016..You have Gobert out of the race apparently..Kawhi/Draymond/Whiteside are the other legit candidate..Kiwi wouldn't mind TD geting one and our league leading team D should be taken into consideration..

The problem is that most fans would write it off as a 'lifetime achievement award' when in reality he has a good argument for being the best defensive player in the league this year.

[EVAY]

Great for Timmy!!!!!

[urunobili]

I still dream TD getting a DPOY award TBH :depressed

[HI-FI]

:wow respect.
http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Chris-Farley-Sunglasses-Flip-Shock.gif

[Silver&Black]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tim-duncan-dwight-howard.gif

[BillMc]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tim-duncan-dwight-howard.gif
:lol Timeless gif.

[TXstbobcat]

Feel lucky to get the opportunity to spend almost 20 years watching the greatest power forward of all time. :worthy:

[Kool Bob Love]

There will NEVER be another Timmy Duncan. :worthy:

[Cry Havoc]

I'm very seriously considering this alteration for my all-time list:

1. Jordan
2. Duncan
3. Kareem

[SAGirl]

Looks like we got another long dick nigga in town :smokin
:flag:

[Seventyniner]

So Tim is the best defensive player in the league and Kobe is the worst offensive player in the league.

All is right with the world.

[silverblackfan]

So Tim is the best defensive player in the league and Kobe is the worst offensive player in the league.

All is right with the world.


:lol

[Mouth is Bleeding]

Greatest defender ever?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tsl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=team_totals&lg_id=NBA&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&c1stat=def_rtg&c1comp=lt&c1val=95&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=wins

[Mouth is Bleeding]

Looks like he's listening in on the other team coach drawing up plays from the other side of the court. Hell that's probably exactly what's he's doing.

:lol this made me laugh

[100%duncan]

Greatest of His Time :worthy:

[tholdren]

Sometimes you watch Timmy and he does seem too slow, his PnR defense is suspect and guards seem to duck around him easy sometimes. Then you watch some of these other teams' bigs and realize they all suck and a slow, 40 year old Duncan is still way better than they are at defense.
best sig

[TDfan2007]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tim-duncan-dwight-howard.gif

I'll never get tired of this gif :lol

[aal04]

I'm very seriously considering this alteration for my all-time list:

1. Jordan
2. Duncan
3. Kareem

I dun give a chit what people say.

Tim is my number 1. better than MJ.

He won 4 different ways including the 2003 solo effort, twin towers, big 3 and the team ball.

And thats with playing Goat level defense. Just ask Harden how hard it is to play D and O

[exstatic]

I dun give a chit what people say.

Tim is my number 1. better than MJ.

He won 4 different ways including the 2003 solo effort, twin towers, big 3 and the team ball.

And thats with playing Goat level defense. Just ask Harden how hard it is to play D and O

Why would I ask someone that who's never played D a day in his life? :lol

[Russo21]

http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/12/3/9846438/tim-duncan-defensive-real-plus-minus-nba-san-antonio-spurs?_ga=1.265758863.1624010859.1446738441

Crazy good stuff from old man riverwalk

[Nathan89]

Tim's numbers would've been so sick if he was playing in this modern style of basketball his whole career. At the same time he would be anchoring the best defense.

[YGWHI]

There aren't enough words in the world to describe Tim Duncan :flag:

[Leetonidas]

This is what happens when spurs aren't relying on him offensively at all and he can focus primarily on defense.

[BatManu20]

672600727651540992

[BatManu20]

672475467841216515

[BatManu20]

672488008524759040

[DenialTwist]

Watching Duncan block shots tonight was amazing. He still has it! And he is the best defender.

[Kidd K]

Greatest defender ever?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tsl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&type=team_totals&lg_id=NBA&year_min=&year_max=&franch_id=&c1stat=def_rtg&c1comp=lt&c1val=95&c2stat=&c2comp=gt&c2val=&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=wins

Here's another stat you might like:

http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/def_rtg_career.html


Career best players in Defensive Rating:




1.
Gar Heard (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/heardga01.html)
95.30


2.
Tim Duncan (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duncati01.html)
95.49


3.
Dave Cowens (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cowenda01.html)*
95.52


4.
David Robinson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robinda01.html)*
95.65


5.
Ben Wallace (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallabe01.html)
95.76


6.
Clifford Ray (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/raycl01.html)
96.26


7.
Wes Unseld (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/u/unselwe01.html)*
96.31


8.
Sam Lacey (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laceysa01.html)
96.45


9.
Jim Ard (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/ardji01.html)
96.53


10.
George Johnson (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnsge02.html)
96.67


11.
Paul Silas (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/silaspa01.html)
96.77


12.
Elvin Hayes (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hayesel01.html)*
97.36


13.
George McGinnis (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcginge01.html)
97.61


14.
Kim Hughes (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hugheki01.html)
97.66


15.
Hakeem Olajuwon (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/olajuha01.html)*
97.89


16.
Connie Hawkins (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hawkico01.html)*
98.08


17.
Bob Lanier (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/laniebo01.html)*
98.40


18.
Jim Brewer (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/breweji01.html)
98.51


19.
Marcus Camby (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cambyma01.html)
98.53


20.
Steve Mix (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mixst01.html)
98.72




And yes DRob is 4th, and somehow manages to go underrated as a defensive force by fans today.

[wildbill2u]

Not bad for a guy that hasn't been able to jump over a matchbook for most of his career. :downspin:

[Thomas82]

I still dream TD getting a DPOY award TBH :depressed

+1 He should have about 4 of them.