That is so true and consistent with SI as Duncan as player of the decade (
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...hts/index.html )- revisionists of NBA history talk about Kobe dominating the decade when he was:
1) not considered even the best player on his team for 3-4 years and at only widely regarded as the best player in the league less than 1/3 of the decade (at best).
2) had his team miss the playoffs without Shaq
3) did not return his team to the finals sans one of the most nebulous trades in NBA history with Gasol/Odom/Bynum all coming on strong.
4) career and playoff records both trail on percentage basis Duncan's.
5) never was considered a player who made others better until late in his career and even that is somewhat debatable vs. Duncan's wide acclaim in that regard.
It is either Shaq or Duncan (the consensus best players on 6 of the decades le teams) - Bryant does not deserve serious consideration.
SI made the right call:
PLAYER OF THE DECADE: Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
The greatest power forward in NBA history, Duncan was the reason San Antonio became the only team to make the playoffs every year of the decade. He was the most valuable team player of his era, an active defender who chased pick-and-rolls out to the three-point line and yet hustled back to protect the rim and control the boards. Offensively, the Spurs played through him as a passer in the post, and his dependable mid-range jumper off the backboard will be part of his highlight reel when he checks into Springfield.