Entering this season Tim Duncan was already considered by many to be the best power-forward in NBA history. Two regular season MVP awards, three finals MVP awards and four NBA championships speak volumes. Despite all these accomplishments people still question Tim's greatness.
Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Kevin McHale are some of the names used to downplay the greatness Tim displays. Barkley couldn't keep his weight down long enough to be in the conversation. Malone won zero championships during his 20 year career. McHale never had to burden the responsibility of being the guy. Now that Tim has added another prize to his trophy collection, he is undoubtedly the best at his position.
Tim is now the second player in NBA history to win a championship in three different decades. John Salley is the other. Salley was a role player during his time in the NBA. Tim's longevity is a testament to hard work and a great working relationship between he and Greg Popovich.
David Robinson was the best player in Spurs history prior to Tim. Tim was selected with the first pick of the 1997 NBA Draft. In the early 90's the Spurs were a perennial 50 win ballclub. The organization couldn't have imagined how good of player they were getting in Tim. The mid 90's opened up the floodgates for players coming out of high school. It's ironic that arguably the best player from that generation played four years of NCAA Basketball.
Not bad for an old ABA team.
For the sake of the NBA I hope Tim returns for his 18th professional season.
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