When Did Tim Duncan Peak?

[timvp]

Or is he still getting better?

Statistically, Duncan's best year was 2001-02 when he averaged 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and shot 50% from the field and 80% from the line. However, the Spurs didn't fair too well in the playoffs that year.

In the 1999 season, I think that Duncan's post moves were the most unstoppable. He had so many moves and was just a machine on the low block. These days he doesn't use nearly as many moves ... then again, he had a superstar David Robinson watching his back those days.

His 2003 playoffs were amazing. He averaged 24.7 points, 15.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.2 blocks while shooting 52.9% from the field. His Game 6 performance versus the Nets is one of the best playoff games ever played (21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks).

Tim Duncan isn't even 30 years old so he still has time to grow. Hakeem Olajuwon didn't peak until he was 32 years old. As a whole, big men usually peak in their early thirties.

Last playoff run Duncan played well but was obviously hampered by injury. One thing about him though is he's getting smarter each year. Early in his career he had trouble handling double teams. Nowadays, if you double him he'll find the open man 99% of the time. He's also much more of a leader now than he's ever been.




The question is has Tim Duncan already peaked or is the best still to come?

[Horry For 3!]

He can get better just needs to stay healthy.

[Kori Ellis]

Peak - NBA Finals 2006 :smokin

[Sense]

I think the Spurs will be better as the years go by, but his stats won't rise as much ..

[Obstructed_View]

Duncan's never had the kind of game that relied on incredible athletic ability. Considering he's had to rely on his brains and intestines more than ever the last two seasons, if he ever gets to go through a period without the nagging stuff it's going to be scary. He took KG to school last week and still isn't 100 percent. I think the stretch he's going through has been more debilitating than people know.

[mavsfan1000]

Duncan peaked a couple years ago. The rest of the team has improved though.

[TDMVPDPOY]

IMO he hasnt peaked yet, with the inclusion of gino and ballhog, pop has decided to let the offense spread around instead of havin duncan to carry the load. I feel that if we do get rid of one player, duncan will post up those numbers again. This team is just to damn stacked with talent.

[E20]

For Duncan to peak will be pretty hard with Manu and Tony peaking at the sametime. For all we know, Oberto could peaking too, same with Marks.

[T Park]

The best is yet to come.

When I first watched Duncan, he honestly reminded me of a young Olajuwon.

Only difference is, Duncan has had some decent support in Ginobili and Parker as opposed to Olajuwon's Sleepy Floyd and Vernon Maxwell combo.

I think, once he realizes he can't blast by guys like he used to, ALA Hakeem in 95, that he wil begin to develop a fadeaway, or combo of unguardable outside shots.

I still hink he defers way too much, but, what the hell do I know, Im just some fat slob in the stands.


IMO, Duncan peaks at 31.

After that, well, lets just say we will be in rememberance mode.


I think Duncan's motivation may go down in the next few years, dependant on championships won.

[mavsfan1000]

if he keeps beating dirk in the playoffs, i aint going to complain
He really hasn't beaten Dirk. Dirk wasn't healthy during that western conference finals matchup. I believe that is the year Duncan peaked and Dirk has gained alot since than. I don't think Dallas fears San Antonio due to their recent success against them also.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

no offense but you've got to be an absolute fool to think Duncan hasnt peaked. i honestly believe that by the time he hits 34 he'll be relegated to a D Rob type role

and by D rob role i'm talking '99 onward role

[Obstructed_View]

He really hasn't beaten Dirk. Dirk wasn't healthy during that western conference finals matchup. I believe that is the year Duncan peaked and Dirk has gained alot since than. I don't think Dallas fears San Antonio due to their recent success against them also.
Aww. Dirk had a pussyache and couldn't play. What about the dick that's stuck in Dirk's throat at the end of close games? I think Dallas fears San Antonio more than anything in the world, and so do you. Of course you already know that or you wouldn't be here with your chest puffed out talking big about how you think Tim peaked before he learned how to handle a double-team.

[Solid D]

That's pretty tough to decide right now. You might say he is in decline in his ability to jump and block shots like he used to, but he is injured and presently trying to manage the pain. It's hard to say. Is Tim taking fewer shots because he is past his prime? I don't think he is. His top season points-wise was 2001-02 (25.5 PPG) but he averaged over 18 shot attempts per game. He's averaging 15 shots per game this season. The Spurs have 3 All-Star quality threats in TP, Ginobili and Tim now. Tim's role has changed slightly, or at least the burden of scoring has been reduced slightly.

Great players adjust their game and what they do on the court can change based on what the team needs most. Tim's stats in the Playoffs versus regular season career numbers tell a story that increased minutes (almost 3 mpg more in the playoffs) doesn't diminish his play, when he needs to step up.
Career 22.2 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 2.50 bpg, 3.1 apg
Playoffs 23.8 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 2.79 bpg, 3.6 apg

Eventually, a player's career starts showing diminishing returns the more the body breaks down and the more time they are on the floor each game. Right now, Timmy still has the ability to play big minutes and play his most inspiring and effective minutes late in the game, in crunch time. To me, that says he hasn't peaked, yet.

[mavsfan1000]

I could almost say Duncan peaked in 99. He was a monster on defense that year. He had the speed of a guard. I believe he has lost some of that speed and now is more fundamentally sound with his skills. Still able to take advantage of smaller and weaker players that guard him but not at the level he once was. I think you need to replay the first meeting the mavs had with the spurs this year and how Harris and Howard was going right through the defense.

[Obstructed_View]

If he can average 19 and 11 when he's in excruciating pain and can barely jump, he should be able to do that for another 12 years or so. I'll take that.

[Obstructed_View]

I think you need to replay the first meeting the mavs had with the spurs this year and how Harris was going right through the defense.
I think you need to stop whacking off to replays of that game. It's making your brain mushy.

[Solid D]

I think a tell-tale sign that Tim is in decline is when teams no longer double, triple and quadruple team him in the post.

[Brutalis]

I could almost say Duncan peaked in 99. He was a monster on defense that year. He had the speed of a guard. I believe he has lost some of that speed and now is more fundamentally sound with his skills. Still able to take advantage of smaller and weaker players that guard him but not at the level he once was. I think you need to replay the first meeting the mavs had with the spurs this year and how Harris and Howard was going right through the defense.
R O F L

:lmao
:lol
:lmao
:lmao

1999!!!!!! kghlgjktjgh LMAOOOOO

[Brutalis]

Duncan is still in his peak years. Or, prime years. Period.

[TDMVPDPOY]

his savin it for the finals, this team is built for regular season n playoffs is when duncan shows his game.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

I don't know, watching games from 99/03 Duncan could go out and get a 20pt/20reb game, I don't think he could do that now but maybe once a season.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I don't know, watching games from 99/03 Duncan could go out and get a 20pt/20reb game, I don't think he could do that now but maybe once a season.

exactly. the dude is slowly breaking down. wether its b/c of injuries or not his best years are def. behind him

thank god for Manu!

[Horry For 3!]

I could almost say Duncan peaked in 99. He was a monster on defense that year. He had the speed of a guard. I believe he has lost some of that speed and now is more fundamentally sound with his skills. Still able to take advantage of smaller and weaker players that guard him but not at the level he once was. I think you need to replay the first meeting the mavs had with the spurs this year and how Harris and Howard was going right through the defense.
How in the hell do you peak in your 3rd year in the NBA??? :lol

[mavsfan1000]

How in the hell do you peak in your 3rd year in the NBA??? :lol
Ask Steve Francis. :lol Duncan was at his best from 99-03 but the last couple years has lost a step.

[Horry For 3!]

He didn't peak his 99 year because he put up better numbers as he went along. He put up nice numbers in 03.

[polandprzem]

Man if TD was healthy he would bring some big numbers. The inury affect hois rythym more that enything. When he is out of the rythym he can't shoot the FT or jumpers. Or he can hit one of those :) When he's hitting FT he is not making FG...

He's peak? well 1999 was grat to watch but I think that 2003 PO were realy dominant in his post presents and making everybody better. Just look with whom he won the championship. I think only Barry had such a week support but thjose two guys can do (Barry could) a team. This is a team sport and Tim is more about 'us' than 'me'. Like Bill Russell was and that's why he was succesfull.

This year if his PF won't cause him much of a trouble than others teams are in trouble.

[MI21]

2003 playoffs. He was spectacular in 2002 playoffs as well, but 2003 was historic.

[TDMVPDPOY]

I don't know, watching games from 99/03 Duncan could go out and get a 20pt/20reb game, I don't think he could do that now but maybe once a season.

duncan can do it if he wanted to, but too bad he doesnt pull a kome/AI/KG and play scrub minutes when the game is clearly over. Stats n numbers dont mean shit at the end of the game if ur team doesnt win.

[HB22inSA]

He may be a smarter player now, but his physical skills have gradually diminished.

As sad as it is, we may have seen the best of Tim Duncan. Ginobili and Parker have just helped to mask it even more.

[SequSpur]

Tim is deferring to his teammates.

that's all.

[FromWayDowntown]

I think a tell-tale sign that Tim is in decline is when teams no longer double, triple and quadruple team him in the post.

Agreed. It's obvious that the remainder of the NBA seems to think that Tim Duncan is as significant a force as he's always been. As long as guards are sitting in Tim's lap in half-court sets and teams are bringing a third guy from the weakside to deal with Tim, I'd say he's still pretty well at his peak.

It would be nice to see Tim play without a nagging injury for most of a season to remind others of just how great he is. I think sometimes to appreciate Tim Duncan, you just have to watch him play game after game after game and see all of the little things that he does so well. Tim is so selfless and devoted to winning that much of what he does isn't reflected in statistics. But it was obvious in Game 7 of the Finals that when the Spurs needed it, everyone on that team understood that Timmy is still the man to do it.

[Walton Buys Off Me]

People don't realize that injuries and health have everything to do with when a player "peaks". Duncan is injury prone- face it. Last year we said it was the Olympics, the year before it was the World Championships and the year before that, it was the sore ankle and the sore knee. The guy spent this summer playing PS2 so why the sore foot? I'll tell you why- because he's injury prone. He's man enough to play with the pain and deserves credit for that but please don't sit there and tell me that Tim Duncan hasn't peaked yet.

Unfortuntaly we've seen the best from Duncan. Like Shaquille O'Neal, he's on the decline. He knows it, Pop knows it- which is why he's handed the car keys over to Tony Parker.

[leemajors]

this would be easier to judge if he was at the end of his career, which he isn't. it's asinine to pass judgement like walton, but then again he bailed already this season.

[SoCalSpursFan]

He hasn't peaked yet.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if td is pass his prime, then why are teams still doublin/tripleing or collapse the d on him in the lane when he touches the ball, the truth is his not a selfish bastard guy and put up the shot, but defer it to another player.

[TheTruth]

The only thing that'll keep him from having a Hakeem like, early 30's renassaince are the injuries. Walton is right, when do we stop running out of excuses for why Timmy always has an injury. The guy is injury prone.

That said, give him a year injury free, and he'll show why he was considered the best player on the planet from '99 to '03.

[TheTruth]

if td is pass his prime, then why are teams still doublin/tripleing or collapse the d on him in the lane when he touches the ball, the truth is his not a selfish bastard guy and put up the shot, but defer it to another player.
Because on any given night he can take a game over. It's just that those nights are fewer and further (or is it farther) between.

[tlongII]

Who is Tim Duncan?

[themvp]

Who is Tim Duncan?
:lol

[nkdlunch]

he doesn't and will never peak. He's groudhog day, same thing everyday

[ChumpDumper]

I could almost say Duncan peaked in 99.You could almost say you knew something about basketball. Almost.

If he can get and stay healthy, the peak comes next season.

[SouthernFried]

Duncan doesn't seem to peak, or decline. I think he's one of those unique players...that plays a consistent game, year in, year out. There are always some minor peaks and valleys...but, it always looks pretty much the same. Injuries, or no injuries.

Kareem was a lot like that.

[Vashner]

Stop looking at stats and look at diamonds...

[mavsfan1000]

You could almost say you knew something about basketball. Almost.

If he can get and stay healthy, the peak comes next season.

homer. Duncan is not going to peak next season. Duncan in a couple years will be losing some of his speed and will turn into this years Shaq.

[ChumpDumper]

If Duncan's game depended on speed, I'd agree with you -- but once again your ignorance trumps any point you are trying to make.

[mavsfan1000]

If Duncan's game depended on speed, I'd agree with you -- but once again your ignorance trumps any point you are trying to make.
Who's game doesn't depend on speed? Maybe Karl Malone and a few others. Face it. Duncan's defense depends a lot on speed. He might not look super fast but for a 7 footer he has great quickness. If you expect Duncan to guard Dirk he better have speed and quickness.

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, Hakeem and Kareem were completely washed up at 30.

Put your kneepads back on.

[boutons_]

I watched Tim in 99 playoff game on NBA Hardwood Classics. It was amazing how much more aggressive and mobile he was then vs these last couple years. I'll have to watch 03 Finals to compare vs 99.

Tim's injuries, for 03/04, 04/05, 05/06 seasons, have caused him to miss 10+ games and/or play a limited game.

Tim was looking great in early November, much better than last June, and less weight, until PF killed his game.

Will next season see Tim 100% healthy for 82 games, or will next season be his 4th straight season diminished by injuries? If Tim has no injuries next season, only then can we say how his 06/07 season compares to his 02/03 season.

Is Tim getting discouraged by these injuries? A veteran of 10 NBA seasons, probably 10s of $Ms in the bank, set for life, a new baby, more babies to come?, recurrent injuries could all add up to reduce his motivation in playing at the same level as 02/03 and earlier.

[TwoHandJam]

I agree that if Tim continues to be plagued by injury then he may very well have peaked. Boutons is correct though, at the start of this season he looked like the Tim of old. He had shed a lot of weight and was very agile. He even brought back the baseline spin move that we hadn't seen in a while.

I don't expect his PF to be a chronic thing. If he can just squeeze out some more healthy seasons I think we'll see that he can get to his 2003 level again.