KG is slipping down that list
Ray Allen is irrelevant now, huh?
Simmons love of Duncan for some reason forces him to criticize KG. As if they both can't be all time great power forwards. Though Duncan has become a Center over the past few years, something KG hasn't so the comparison isn't straight apples to apples.
I don't think he's criticizing KG. Duncan's career has been one of maximum efficiency... he's not a leaper, he's not a sprinter, he's not running all over the court on both sides of the ball, and he's a big unathletic player without being too big to his own detriment. In other words, he gets a lot done without having to do "a lot". KG is the exact opposite. Duncan's playing style is obviously more conducive to a longer career.
First off to say Tim Duncan isn't athletic is crazy. He's very athletic. He has at this point become a pretty traditional NBA center though.
I do think it is a dig at KG when all you talk about in his entry how Duncan is better.
They are very different kinds of players. Duncan is a traditional low post man, KG is more perimeter orientated, and therefore he is less efficient offensively. He makes a bigger impact with the type of defense he plays. But the spacing he provides is also valuable.
Both players have and will age very well. By not going to the post as often as Duncan, KG will be able to maintain his high level of play for a long time. Especially on the defensive end.
Also in an earlier post you said comparing them, b/c Duncan has played more 5 lately, is not apples to apples. That is the entire point of the article though comparing players that are not apples to apples and in a larger sense when comparing any players careers.
I love KG, but alltime he is no Duncan. And everything you said is why besides the fact you are overrating KG's defense in comparison to Duncans Defensived skill set.
KG never lead Dominant defensive teams until he met up with a group of vets and Tibs. Duncan has been the anchor to a decades worth of top 5 defensive teams with all different players around him. Duncan is a far superior post defender, KG gets killed defending stronger guys in the post. KG is however one of the greatest help defenders / pick and roll defenders I have ever seen.
Offensively, you win a lot more - especially come playoffs - when you are an efficient scoring post presence then when you are a 7fter who shoots midrange and doesnt get to the line. And both are excellent passers from where they play on the floor.
Simmons isnt knocking KG, he is saying as great as KG is anywhere from 2 through probably 7 alltime power forwards TD is that much better - far and away the best.
I love KG and I love the C's but he is correct - no shame in only being one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game