Is Duncan in Decline?

Moderator: G R E Y

mikem1
Ballboy
Posts: 25
And1: 0
Joined: Sep 11, 2010
Contact:

Is Duncan in Decline? 

Post#1 » by mikem1 » Thu Sep 16, 2010 7:59 pm

I know he's a step slow and can't finish like he used to, but is Duncan really in decline? I found this article that discusses Duncan's career trajectory, and it's pretty interesting. At least, statistically, he's still got it .... maybe not as dominant, but he's still got it.

http://3gotgame.com/kshiz/archives/1059
Inside the Games Within the Game:
http://www.nba-analytiks.com
TAI8
Banned User
Posts: 7,205
And1: 5
Joined: May 14, 2005

Re: Is Duncan in Decline? 

Post#2 » by TAI8 » Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:04 pm

He's still really really good. He's just getting older so he's saving his body for as long as possible. Who gives a **** about stats? Stats are meaningless if your best guy goes down because he wanted to put up shiny numbers.
User avatar
Donald Kaufman
General Manager
Posts: 8,409
And1: 602
Joined: Aug 10, 2004
 

Re: Is Duncan in Decline? 

Post#3 » by Donald Kaufman » Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:04 pm

He's 34 years old. He ages like the rest of humanity. Of course he's never going to replicate his MVP seasons anytime soon.

So by definition, and because he's a human like everyone else, he is in decline.

The biggest dropoff IMO is his defense. It's noticeably less effective than it was even two years ago. His offense is basically as good as it ever was.
DWadeno3
RealGM
Posts: 11,430
And1: 2,951
Joined: Nov 27, 2009

Re: Is Duncan in Decline? 

Post#4 » by DWadeno3 » Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:53 pm

At age 34, he's still amongst the elite of the NBA and that tells you a lot about his greatness. Is he still the player he used to be? No of course not. Does he still get a ton of respect anytime we face you guys? Oh yeah. Everybody knew he'd age well due to his great fundamentals and his high basketball iq but to be honest with you, he's doing it better than I expected him to. I barely know a big I'd rather have on my team now due to Duncan's efficiency on both ends of the court, yes even on defense.

Just look at the other high picks and star players from his draft. The no.2 pick, Keith van Horn, isn't even active anymore. T-Mac has fallen off dramatically due to injuries and he's younger than Duncan. In fact the only guy from his class who still play on a high level considering their abilities are Billups, Stephen Jackson and Anthony Parker.

With that being said, if you guys can stay healthy this season (especially Parker and Ginobili) another finals appearance is more than realistic and even a Tim Duncan on the decline will still be able to make a difference.
Image

#HeatLifer
BFrizzy
Sophomore
Posts: 229
And1: 1
Joined: Apr 04, 2010
Location: Down Under

Re: Is Duncan in Decline? 

Post#5 » by BFrizzy » Sat Sep 18, 2010 3:58 am

+1 Dwade. Everything will have to go right for the Spurs this year to make the finals but it's definitely possible, especially if TP has the year I think he is going to :D

Return to San Antonio Spurs