Better player, 00-07 Duncan vs 81-88 Bird?

[70sFan]

By the way, it's reasonably close but I pick Duncan clearly. Despite all the question marks about 2004-06 period, it's still better than 1981-83 for Bird. Duncan was more consistent that Bird and that matters, on top of being a bit better overall to me.

[No-more-rings]

I see it like this, Duncan’s defense was more resilient than Bird’s offense in the playoffs. Outside of 84, 86 and maybe 87, Bird has a lot of questions resiliency wise. Duncan’s offense was inconsistent at times, but you always knew what you were getting on the other end at least.

[Cavsfansince84]

I see it like this, Duncan’s defense was more resilient than Bird’s offense in the playoffs. Outside of 84, 86 and maybe 87, Bird has a lot of questions resiliency wise. Duncan’s offense was inconsistent at times, but you always knew what you were getting on the other end at least.

For the most part I agree with that. Not only in terms of defense but also Duncan would consistently turn up his rebounding and shot blocking and then on top of that his offense from 02-04 was mostly great. Bird's lack of 3 pt shooting before like 85-86 also hurt his efficiency.

[OhayoKD]

Duncan winning 60 games and a title with the 03 spurs is probably more impressive than anything bird's managed and Duncan was the more consistent/resilient playoff performer I feel.

[Cavsfansince84]

Duncan winning this poll by a decent margin should show why a lot of people have him over Bird career wise because everything slants towards Duncan once we go beyond these years.

[No-more-rings]

Duncan winning this poll by a decent margin should show why a lot of people have him over Bird career wise because everything slants towards Duncan once we go beyond these years.

Yes, 08-16 Duncan is like another half career to add.

[Rich Michmond]

Bird lost with HCA in 82, 83, 85
Duncan lost with HCA in 01, 04, 06

Bird never won a series without HCA, Duncan did it multiple times. Further, Duncan won with a franchise that had never won before.

[HeartBreakKid]

Bird lost with HCA in 82, 83, 85
Duncan lost with HCA in 01, 04, 06

Bird never won a series without HCA, Duncan did it multiple times. Further, Duncan won with a franchise that had never won before.

Between this and the Hakeem/Magic thread, it's almost as if JordansBulls rules do not apply except only when he wants them too.

[AdagioPace]

Bird lost with HCA in 82, 83, 85
Duncan lost with HCA in 01, 04, 06

Bird never won a series without HCA, Duncan did it multiple times. Further, Duncan won with a franchise that had never won before.

wow rich Michmond outdoing Jordansbulls at his game. It's like ending 20 years winning streak

[Jaivl]

Despite Duncan peaking higher I take Bird here, actually. Duncan's injuries in 06 and especially 00 are big hits for me.

Duncan's career utterly ridicules Bird's outside of those years, of course.

[No-more-rings]

Despite Duncan peaking higher I take Bird here, actually. Duncan's injuries in 06 and especially 00 are big hits for me.

Duncan's career utterly ridicules Bird's outside of those years, of course.

Duncan balled pretty hard in the playoffs in 2006, why would you knock that year?

[Jaivl]

Despite Duncan peaking higher I take Bird here, actually. Duncan's injuries in 06 and especially 00 are big hits for me.

Duncan's career utterly ridicules Bird's outside of those years, of course.

Duncan balled pretty hard in the playoffs in 2006, why would you knock that year?

Ah I meant 2004

[LukaTheGOAT]

Despite Duncan peaking higher I take Bird here, actually. Duncan's injuries in 06 and especially 00 are big hits for me.

Duncan's career utterly ridicules Bird's outside of those years, of course.

Do you still give Bird good value for 85 and 88?