Was Russell's supporting cast any more stacked than Duncan's?
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 2:15 am
While the Celtics and Spurs played different styles, both have all time great coaches, unselfishness/buy in, etc. Looking at Duncan's supporting cast is not just about the names but recognizing the high quality brand they were playing. In the case of Russell and Duncan you can also credit both stars in large part for this culture and being larger than the sum of their parts.
Both players contended long enough that they went through a variety of eras. Not a perfect comp but:
Cousy/Sharman = Robinson (old stars)
Jones/Heinsohn = Manu/Parker (line up the best age/prime wise)
Havlicek = Kawhi (had his arguable best years after they left)
Both teams tended to have the best depth
Not sure if Russell's teammates should be considered more OP than Duncan's. Or maybe it means we should consider more whether Duncan benefitted from the excellent supporting cast of the Spurs.
Both players contended long enough that they went through a variety of eras. Not a perfect comp but:
Cousy/Sharman = Robinson (old stars)
Jones/Heinsohn = Manu/Parker (line up the best age/prime wise)
Havlicek = Kawhi (had his arguable best years after they left)
Both teams tended to have the best depth
Not sure if Russell's teammates should be considered more OP than Duncan's. Or maybe it means we should consider more whether Duncan benefitted from the excellent supporting cast of the Spurs.