Is it OK to say Garnett in 2003-04 season had nearly as much as help Duncan in had in 2002-03?

[Texas Chuck]

He clearly had more, but that doesn't fit people's narrative so instead of saying all-NBA Sam Cassell, they always describe him as 34 year old Sam Cassell.

Seeing as you're literally the only one in this thread that called him that instead of "the clear 3rd best player between both teams"... care to explain?

you've been around enough to know that's the adjective most used to describe Sam Cassell in the 03-04 season. Cool that people in this specifc thread weren't, but doesn't mean it hasn't been the previous narrative. It should be okay to discuss that he played for a really poorly ran organization his first dozen year in the league who failed him while acknowledging that in 04 they assembled a quality team with a fantastic 2nd banana.

[dygaction]

I think the Spurs talent was a little more spread out and could sustain injuries or bad play from an individual better.

Both were title contenders because of peak play from a top 10ish all time guy, but neither was likely to win in a real strong year IMO.


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Based on their respective achievements, I think of TD as a top 5ish guy but consider KG as a borderline top 15ish guy.

[LordGrim]

I dont think KG is too far off from Duncan. But I do think Duncan’s offensive impact slightly supercedes that of KG’s.

Also think Duncan was fortunate that the 03 playoff opponents were weaker.

That said, I do think both bigs are slightly overrated on realgm’s career evaluations of them.

[Laimbeer]

Duncan's game is more suited to carrying a team. He's a better, more reliable offensive hub.

[Jaivl]

Duncan's game is more suited to carrying a team. He's a better, more reliable offensive hub.

Huh, funny because I'm thinking the opposite - I'd say 2004 Garnett was a better offensive player than TD, but not as good on defense.

[NO-KG-AI]

I think the Spurs talent was a little more spread out and could sustain injuries or bad play from an individual better.

Both were title contenders because of peak play from a top 10ish all time guy, but neither was likely to win in a real strong year IMO.


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Based on their respective achievements, I think of TD as a top 5ish guy but consider KG as a borderline top 15ish guy.

I said 10ish because I figure most have Duncan 5-10 and GArnett 10-15, and honestly there isn't a ton of separation in that area.

[Showstopper21]

Duncan’s defensive support was better, while Kg’s offensively imo. Doesn’t change the fact that Duncan is a clearly superior basketball player.

[trex_8063]

Haven't read other replies, but in answer to question in the title I would say yes, it's OK to say that (particularly if not counting coaching as "help", as I'd certainly give Pop a leg up on just about anybody else)......until Cassell got himself injured in the WCF (doing the "big balls dance" in celebration, iirc ).

Once Cassell is out, then I would say NO: last legs Sprewell, Szczerbiak, Fred Hoiberg, Trenton Hassell, Darrick Martin, Olowokandi, Ervin Johnson, Mark Madsen is definitely NOT better than a cast of 2nd-year Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen, Stephen Jackson, Malik Rose, rookie Manu, last legs DRob, and Speedy Claxton.

[HeartBreakKid]

I'd say they are comparable in talent but I'd give the Spurs a talent edge, and the Spurs were much better coached and more healthy.

The Spurs didnt have anyone as good as Sam Cassell (who got injured anyway), but they had a few guys I'd take over Latrell Sprewell (who I think sucks).