Has Greek Freak approached early Timmy Duncan level?

[MultiTroll]

"Early" Timmy Dunker. Calm down, i didn't say Player of his Generation Timmy Duncan.
Has Freak gotten to the point he is now early Timmy Duncan level impact?

Duncan obviously made the earlier pro impact at age 21 after 4 years at Wake.
Freak was 18, almost 19 his rookie year. Keep Primo in mind.

Discuss.

[DPG21920]

Yes. Hes the closest we have seen to a Duncan as a franchise player (all factors)

[Leetonidas]

Not just yet imo but pretty close. He wins this year and I'm ready to put him in that convo

[CGD]

He’s quite a special player. What’s more, he’s got that confidence now about him in a way that few, if any, in his age cohort have. Night and day between him and Tatum, who is also an elite talent. That only comes with being top dog on a winner at the highest levels.

[RC_Drunkford]

no, but I'm sure TV stations like ESPN will start to ask if he's the best PF ever once he wins his 2nd ring...

[tbdog]

He is closer to David Robinson than TD. And before anyone mentions that DR didn't win a championship without TD. Just fucking imagine DR playing in today's rules. He would be the greek freak but with a jumper and better shot blocking.

[TD 21]

No, he needs to do more in the playoffs. Not necessarily RINGZ so much as just proving he can elevate his game. It wasn't until the Nets series last season that he started to do so.

And I don't want to hear about superior catch all metrics. Today's players have significant advantages (less minutes, superior pace, spacing, less contact, one big lineups/teams mostly punting the offensive glass, etc.).

[BatManu20]

He’s closer to D-Rob in player comparison. But in terms of his resume, yes he has. He has a real chance to go down as a top-3 PF all time.

He’s already a 2x MVP, DPOY, & NBA Champion/FMV at age 27. Best two-way superstar the league has seen in a long time. And he’s humble and likable like Timmy was. Great franchise leader for a small-market team.

And, he’s got a lot of time to add to that resume as he’s in his prime right now and Milwaukee has done a great job of putting talent around him drafting Middleton, trading for Jrue, and signing shooters like Lopez and co. to keep them competitive for the next few years.

[CGD]

He is closer to David Robinson than TD. And before anyone mentions that DR didn't win a championship without TD. Just fucking imagine DR playing in today's rules. He would be the greek freak but with a jumper and better shot blocking.

DRob would be perfect for this era.

[Ariel]

He’s already a 2x MVP, DPOY, & NBA Champion/FMV at age 27. Best two-way superstar the league has seen in a long time. And he’s humble and likable like Timmy was. Great franchise leader for a small-market team.
I'm shocked he's not that well liked all around, he embodies everything that is right: talent + hard work + humility + loyalty... If the Spurs aren't in the picture, I'm rooting for Giannis & Bud.

[HemisfairArena]

He is closer to David Robinson than TD. And before anyone mentions that DR didn't win a championship without TD. Just fucking imagine DR playing in today's rules. He would be the greek freak but with a jumper and better shot blocking.

Spot on,,,The Greek freak is freakishly athletic like Robinson was. Duncan was never very athletic. He wasnt catlike quick or could cover all 5 positions on defense. He was the Big Fundamental for a reason,,,,he was the best at his position and perfected it,,,,he didnt try to be a PG and bring the ball up or fade out to the 3 point line and shoot 3's. The guy that reminded me more of Duncan is Deandre Ayton from the Suns but hes not even close to Duncans level yet but I think that kid is gonna be special in the coming years,,,,

[lefty]

He is closer to David Robinson than TD. And before anyone mentions that DR didn't win a championship without TD. Just fucking imagine DR playing in today's rules. He would be the greek freak but with a jumper and better shot blocking.
Minus the ball handling and the 3 pt shooting

Not saying Giannis is a great 3 pt shooter but he must better than Robinson in that aera

[R. DeMurre]

I'd say Giannis is like a hybrid version of Robinson and Pippen. He plays all five positions including point forward and guards all five positions. His three point shooting and assist totals are better than Robinson's but below Pippen's. Ultimately, he's probably more versatile than either. It drives me a little crazy when people throw around the term "positionless" basketball because they really are talking about players who are capable of slotting up or down a position-- but very few players are truly positionless. Giannis and prime LeBron might be the only ones that truly fit that description in this era.

[Dex]

Giannis had a slower uprise while Timmy basically took the league by storm. That said, Giannis in 9 seasons...

2x MVP....check

6x All Star....check

5x All NBA...check

5x All Defense...check

1x DPOY...something even Timmy never got, but he was robbed on a couple occasions

1x NBA Champion....and a good shot at another one this year

He hasn't surpassed Duncan, but he is on the trajectory of being in the convo.

[Texas_Ranger]

Imagine the athletic Tim Duncan play agains these losers big men we have today. It would be murder.

Giannis is great, but the competition he faces is dog shit most of the nights... It will be also interesting to see him in 5 years when he gets older, cause i dont think his athleticism will save him then. Just look at him when he plays for Greece. He's garbage.

[rjv]

all i know is the freak is a bad man. and the best player in basketball right now.

[tbdog]

Minus the ball handling and the 3 pt shooting

Not saying Giannis is a great 3 pt shooter but he must better than Robinson in that aera

You don't think if DR was drafted in this era, he wouldn't work in a 3 point shot?

[couchman]

I love Giannis and he would be my #1 pick right now if I could choose any one player to start a team.
The level of play Giannis has achieved lately is comparable with what Timmy did in 2001-2003 when he was an absolute monster.

The one way in which they are most similar is the mental makeup.
Both guys can dominate a game, even if their shot is not working, simply because of their intense desire to win and the ability to bring that competitive fire every single night.

The biggest difference is that TD did it over and over again for a VERY long time and won five rings
It remains to be seen if the Greek Freak will have that kind of longevity.
Ultimately that is what is likely to keep TD as the #1 PF of all time.

[lefty]

You don't think if DR was drafted in this era, he wouldn't work in a 3 point shot?

If


nobody knows

[Proxy]

Feel like Admiral is quicker that Giannis, maybe that offsets the outside shooting so that I can keep #50 above him in my personal ranked list that everyone cares about

[Poolboy5623]

Not just yet imo but pretty close. He wins this year and I'm ready to put him in that convo

He wins this year and he's already done something TD never could..

[SAGirl]

It’s the Suns time this year. I don’t think the Greek repeats.

[Chris Fall]

Giannis' game is pretty unique. I think his offense is kind of a hybrid between LeBron and Shaq. And defensively, he reminds more of KG. Bodytype and athleticism, I do like the Admiral comparison.

But style of game aside, Duncan isn't the guy I'd compare Giannis' dominance with. I think his dominance reminds me more of Shaq than Duncan. Giannis' uses superior size and physicality on offense. Awkward, not smooth, sometimes even clumsy, but efficient and extremely effective. Again style and even skill set aren't the same. But his dominance for me feels more like Shaq than Duncan.

[gambit1990]

divide stats by possessions.

timmy would put up crazy numbers with all the extra possessions.

[tim_duncan_fan]

I'm shocked he's not that well liked all around, he embodies everything that is right: talent + hard work + humility + loyalty... If the Spurs aren't in the picture, I'm rooting for Giannis & Bud.

I'm a big Giannis supporter.

And better the Bucks again than anyone else.

[SPURt]

I don’t understand the comparisons to David or Tim playing-wise because he’s a ball handling perimeter player, but he certainly is similar in terms of early accomplishments and demeanor. Like some have articulated, if I could pick one superstar in the league in a fantasy draft, he’d be my number 1 pick. I wouldn’t be mad if they rang again this year.

[KobesAchilles]

Colin Cowherd already saying Giannis is better than Duncan with a ring this year :lmao

[tonight...you]

Colin Cowherd already saying Giannis is better than Duncan with a ring this year :lmao
He's paid to say things like this.
Just wait for Perkins to say Duncan was a scrub, in retrospect.

[MultiTroll]

Game 4 loss at Milwaukee, ouch.
10 point lead late 3rd, not even 2 minutes into 4th and it's tied.

Blown out in 4th.

Part of being Timmy Dunks is inspiring your teamates. Freak is gonna have to do that because as many props as Al Horford deserves for that 4th qtr, the Celts team support blew away the Bucks players outside of Freak.

[Texas_Ranger]

Giannis is great, but is he actually making teammates better?

[Proxy]

compare him to KG before TD, sheesh. what message board are we on again?

[tbdog]

compare him to KG before TD, sheesh. what message board are we on again?

Greek Freak over KG. Greek Freak is on Dirks level. Did one big carry. He might do another. Then that's Hakeem territory.

[Texas_Ranger]

Greek Freak over KG. Greek Freak is on Dirks level. Did one big carry. He might do another. Then that's Hakeem territory.

If he wins this year it will be a big carry, but lets not act like last year was something special. That team was build to win a ring and they did. Also got lucky they faced an injured Brooklyn team. If just Harden would have been 100% they would have been fucked.

[Proxy]

Greek Freak over KG. Greek Freak is on Dirks level. Did one big carry. He might do another. Then that's Hakeem territory.

over KG sure, Dirks carry... like texas_ranger pointed to, had a fully healthy Heatles team tho tbh. Nothing Giannis can control, but like toronto beating a crippled GS team, it aint as impressive as that Dirk carry, def not Hakeem/TD

[itzsoweezee]

I love Giannis, but I can’t imagine Timmy ever letting a dude like Horford punk him like he did to Giannis in game 4.

[SpursBills]

I love Giannis, but I can’t imagine Timmy ever letting a dude like Horford punk him like he did to Giannis in game 4.

Look I'm as much of a Duncan fan as anyone else, but let's be real here - all good defenders get punked once in a while

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPmJM5-HSi0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJVsuSRiiA

[Texas_Ranger]

Look I'm as much of a Duncan fan as anyone else, but let's be real here - all good defenders get punked once in a while

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPmJM5-HSi0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJVsuSRiiA

i think theres a difference between a young LeBron dunking on you and a 36 year old Al Horford destroying you. I dont remember any 36 year old destroying Tim.

[itzsoweezee]

i think theres a difference between a young LeBron dunking on you and a 36 year old Al Horford destroying you. I dont remember any 36 year old destroying Tim.

And it wasn’t just a play or two either, old man Horford just completely outplayed Giannis in that second half

[MultiTroll]

The stare down seemed super lame.
Had Horford been doing some cheap shotting or something?

Freak still did 42/12/10/8 so while i have nothing but props for old Al in the 2nd half it was still a good game by Freak.

But ya getting punked by Al not good on Freaks resume if he wants to enter young Duncan territory.

[Ice009]

Look I'm as much of a Duncan fan as anyone else, but let's be real here - all good defenders get punked once in a while

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPmJM5-HSi0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJVsuSRiiA

I'm pretty sure I read that Lebron kept a picture of that dunk as it was a big deal to him at the time. I also recall TD blocking a dunk attempt of Lebron's in the finals that same year. That's the difference. TD didn't give a shit if he got dunked on in a random early regular season game. His focus was a different level in the playoffs, and he returned the favour on the biggest stage.

[DAF86]

No, but in an era of superstars searching for the easy way out, I will always have respect for him for staying in Milwaukee and making a championship winning franchise out of them.

[spurraider21]

No, he needs to do more in the playoffs. Not necessarily RINGZ so much as just proving he can elevate his game. It wasn't until the Nets series last season that he started to do so.

And I don't want to hear about superior catch all metrics. Today's players have significant advantages (less minutes, superior pace, spacing, less contact, one big lineups/teams mostly punting the offensive glass, etc.).
guy scored 50 last year to clinch a ring :lol

[TD 21]

guy scored 50 last year to clinch a ring :lol

I clearly alluded to longevity.

I didn't say anything about him being unable to hit that level.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

1999 Timmy? Sure, why not. Let's chat in 17 years for the career comparison.

[bdictjames]

Pretty sure Tim doesn't care, so I don't know why we Spurs fans should care either.

[Arcadian]

This comparison isn't totally preposterous, but it's still a firm no.

The perfection of Tim's career is just difficult to replicate.

[MultiTroll]

I dunno....
Down 11 with 8 minutes then down 6 at 105-99 after Ole Al Horford put down a dunk....

Freaks three pointer with a buck 40 and subsequent steal of Smart for the turnover leading to the 105-105 Jrue trey was pretty clutch.

And lets not forget that 2nd foul shot Greek missed on purpose so Bobby Portis could make the go ahead short banker. :lol

[CGD]

1999 Timmy? Sure, why not. Let's chat in 17 years for the career comparison.

Pretty much this

[Dverde]

If he rings again, definitely put him over Kevin Garnett. Still would say Duncan is better.

[MultiTroll]

This comparison isn't totally preposterous, but it's still a firm no.

The perfection of Tim's career is just difficult to replicate.
Dunkers 1999 - 2002 cast better then Freaks imo.
Particularly with Middleton out.
Of course Duncan got robbed when Juwan Coward took out Derek Anderson.
But i think even an 80% David Robinson is pretty good.

[BatManu20]

He’s likely to ring again this year. If they get Middleton back, they’re definitely favorites. Finals will likely be a rematch with Phoenix.

[DAF86]

Slightly unrelated but I got reccomended this video on youtube...

Ficds0wx8bY

...and I immediately thought of TD21 :lol

[TD 21]

:lmao At falling for Raptors propaganda (listen to a local broadcast sometime and you'll know what I mean). They've been playing this game for years.

The reality is, I don't care how high Hammond and the Bucks were on him, he was a 15th pick and a project. If the Raptors knew he was an all-time great in the making all along, I'm pretty sure they could have conjured the assets to make a trade.

[cd98]

This guy is on TD's level. He may not have Tim's longevity, but his prime is every bit elite as Tim.

[Extra Stout]

I'm shocked he's not that well liked all around, he embodies everything that is right: talent + hard work + humility + loyalty... If the Spurs aren't in the picture, I'm rooting for Giannis & Bud.Talent + hard work + humility + loyalty is not what makes one popular in American popular culture. Flash + victimhood + self-promotion + narcissism is more like it.

[MultiTroll]

Game 6 Boston over Bucks (Tatum).
Didn't see entire game but watched a good chunk. Damned if ole Al Horford didn't block Freak at the rim again.
But no way would i characterize this as a blown game by Freak. He had a ton of good plays.
Rest of Bucks are pretty seriously lacking. I believe Celtics role players doing much better then Freaks role players.

Props to Tatum, some good shooting. FFS get someone on him other then Bonnerton and George Hill.

No Middleton no Bucks win?

We'll see what Freak comes up with in Game 7 but i don't think you Freak Haters can hang your hats on Game 6.

[SAGirl]

Boston is just the better overall complete team. Milwaukee’s only advantage is Giannis and Middleton has been their closer for series like this. He’s the guy that will make the tough contested shots you need at the end when no one is open, so they need him. Giannis taking the Bucks to a game 7 against this Boston team is impressive. They are my favorite East team, but I think Boston will win at home in the end. Giannis can win this on the road. The problem is the roleplayers. We shall see it going to be a good game. I can’t completely count Giannis out.
.

[MultiTroll]

Boston is just the better overall complete team. Milwaukee’s only advantage is Giannis and Middleton has been their closer for series like this. He’s the guy that will make the tough contested shots you need at the end when no one is open, so they need him. Giannis taking the Bucks to a game 7 against this Boston team is impressive. They are my favorite East team, but I think Boston will win at home in the end. Giannis can win this on the road. The problem is the roleplayers. We shall see it going to be a good game. I can’t completely count Giannis out.
.
Exactly.
While the comparison to Timmy Duncs entire career was never made nor suggested, harken to the years Duncan allowed himself to be forced :pop: to have Matty Bon Bon or Mike Finley (2006 on Dirk + DirkRef) at the PF on the frontline or dribble dribble dribble rap entourage wanna be at the time Tony Parker.
2009 Lost 4-1 Mavs 1st round
2010 Lost 4-0 sweep to Suns in R2.
2011 Lost 4-2 Grizzleys 1st round.

Yes Parker had many an excellent playoff series, but lets not be ignorant of the times even Timmy Duncs did not have support to advance in the playoffs.

Freak did 44/20/6 in Game 6 vs Boston. Defense? Al Horford was 1-6.

[DAF86]

:lmao At falling for Raptors propaganda (listen to a local broadcast sometime and you'll know what I mean). They've been playing this game for years.

The reality is, I don't care how high Hammond and the Bucks were on him, he was a 15th pick and a project. If the Raptors knew he was an all-time great in the making all along, I'm pretty sure they could have conjured the assets to make a trade.

Dude, your obsession for discrediting anything Masai does is so weird. :lol Specially since you are an advocate of black GMs and coaches, yet you go out of your way to not give who is, likely, the best black GM in the game (if not the best. Period) any merit whatsoever.

[TD 21]

Dude, your obsession for discrediting anything Masai does is so weird. :lol Specially since you are an advocate of black GMs and coaches, yet you go out of your way to not give who is, likely, the best black GM in the game (if not the best. Period) any merit whatsoever.

Whatever man. I'm tired of explaining this to you people. Your obsession with my dislike of theirs is what's weird to me.

[Rocalcio]

He’s likely to ring again this year. If they get Middleton back, they’re definitely favorites. Finals will likely be a rematch with Phoenix.

Well done ! ��

[KingKev]

Dude, your obsession for discrediting anything Masai does is so weird. :lol Specially since you are an advocate of black GMs and coaches, yet you go out of your way to not give who is, likely, the best black GM in the game (if not the best. Period) any merit whatsoever.

haha TD21 can be astute poster which is why I have concluded Massai = DADDY but just never came back from the milk run.

[BatManu20]

Well done ! ��

There were reports that Middleton might be back for Games 6 & 7. He didn’t make it back though. MIL wins that series if he’s healthy.

[KobesAchilles]

He looked like 2001 Duncan out there. Putting up 40 and 15 with 4 blocks and still losing against a superior team. That said, Duncan would've shit all over Boston.

[daslicer]

Duncan was special and a lot of people will eventually realize it in upcoming years when many players fail to achieve what he did. He knew how to win games in so many different ways and not just scoring which is an attribute very few players have.

[MultiTroll]

In retrospect 2022 Freak playoffs certainly held his own.
Would Timmy Dunker have lead this Bucks roster and coach further then Greek did?
I dunno perhaps because he is Tim Duncan he would have. However Duncan had some 1st round outs too.

Freak did 25/20/9 in the closeout game.
Myself i do not diminish Freak for 2022.

[cd98]

The Freak is on Duncan's level. Let's give him the respect he deserves. He's a two time MVP and he threw his team on his back to beat the Suns last year. Obviously, he has to do it 4 more times to equal Tim's career, but he already has Duncan-level talent.

[RC_Drunkford]

He's not quite on Duncan's level because Duncan had no weakness in his game. None. The Greek Freak still has problems shooting the ball and making free throws.

[Drom John]

He's not quite on Duncan's level because Duncan had no weakness in his game. None. The Greek Freak still has problems shooting the ball and making free throws.

Duncan's first 9 seasons vs. Antetokounmpo's.

FT: Tim .685, Giannis .718
eFG%: Tim .506, Giannis .558
TS%: Tim .551, Giannis .604

[RC_Drunkford]

Duncan's first 9 seasons vs. Antetokounmpo's.

FT: Tim .685, Giannis .718
eFG%: Tim .506, Giannis .558
TS%: Tim .551, Giannis .604

yeah let's compare these numbers since defense was definitely played the same way now and then :lol

[scott]

The lack of Free Throw Defense in the modern game really stands out.

[Ice009]

Have a look at Tim Duncan's free throw percentage in big games and pressure situations. Despite not great free throw percentage overall, when Tim had to hit them, he did so at a decent percentage in those situations. Take the Clippers game 7 for example. Have a look at his free throw percentage.

[MultiTroll]

Welp Freak definitely does not have a GNob or Parker yet.

Watched the loss vs the Flamers a few nights ago and wow, Middleton and Jrue Holliday are lacking in the clutch big time.
Fairness to Middleton it was his 1st game back after 17 off so there's that.
Holliday seems like the success has gone to his head. Makes super risky defensive attempts that lead to the opponents getting easy hoops.
Glad for the Chip over the Suns.
Hope Holliday doesn't think the metal prize in the World Commercial Games is supposed to come anywhere near an NBA Chip as far as opponents.

[MultiTroll]

Was unable to view.

Freak bad game or support was seriously lacking? Both?

Bucks down 3-1 to Philly Beaner Heat after leading by 11 with 5 minutes to go.

WTF?!

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Not sure they'll make it out of this 3-1 hole. Giannis shouldn't be considered Top 10 until he adds a couple more rings and 8-10 more years of dominance to his resume. Not in the Duncan conversation yet, young fella.

[Ninja Roach]

Was unable to view.

Freak bad game or support was seriously lacking? Both?


WTF?!

Neither of the above, they couldn't get a handle on Jimmy Buckets down the stretch.

[MultiTroll]

Neither of the above, they couldn't get a handle on Jimmy Buckets down the stretch.
You saw it and i believe you.

Still think additionally Holliday and Bonnerton combining for 3-17 on treys in a close game is a lot to overcome.

[Ninja Roach]

While admitting I'm a biased Holiday fan, I didn't realize quite how poorly he shot this game. He had a few crucial turnovers down the finish as well. Overall though, both teams tightened up a lot in the 4th and Jimmy just took over. In my opinion he was more the cause of the win than the Bucks play was to blame for the loss, if that makes sense.

[MultiTroll]

While admitting I'm a biased Holliday fan, I didn't realize quite how poorly he shot this game. He had a few crucial turnovers down the finish as well. Overall though, both teams tightened up a lot in the 4th and Jimmy just took over. In my opinion he was more the cause of the win than the Bucks play was to blame for the loss, if that makes sense.
Is it possible Hollidays getting paid, both monetarily and in adulation by being one of the mainstays to bail out Pop in the World Commercialism Games for the Gold.....

Holiday is just not as hungry as the title year?

[Ninja Roach]

I'd certainly disagree with that statement, but again, I'm biased. If I'm gm, the only point guard I'm taking over Jrue is Luka, but even then I'd drag my feet about it. That's probably crazy, but I just appreciate the way he runs an offense.