NBA – Legend Tim Duncan’s harsh take on the current game : «I hate that they do this»

Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif

The greatest power forward of all time, Tim Duncan, retired nearly a decade ago. The game has evolved enormously since then… but not all in a good way, as the Spurs legend admitted in an interview.

Even today, nine years after his last game on an NBA court, it’s hard to see a power forward surpassing him in the rankings. In 19 seasons in the league, Tim Duncan established himself as the absolute benchmark at his position, despite the fact that he had no shortage of competition in his era. But even icons such as Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki couldn’t match the five-time champion.

By averaging 19 points, nearly 11 rebounds, and more than two blocks per game during his career, the Big Fundamental became immortal in the Spurs jersey, with whom he also became a two-time regular season MVP and three-time Finals MVP. A titanic achievement that obviously earned him induction into the Hall of Fame after his retirement, while his jersey proudly flies under the roof of the AT&T Center.

Tim Duncan not thrilled with the current post game dynamics

The former big man hasn’t completely stepped away from the game, as he was even part of Gregg Popovich’s staff for a time. He’s had plenty of time to witness the evolution of the NBA and the way basketball is now played there. He gave his very honest opinion on the subject in 2021, to The Ringer:

There’s a lot of things I like and enjoy about it and there’s a lot of things I hate about it. I hate the way the game is being officiated at times. How they have underpowered the effect of a post player… You’re allowed to beat the crap out of a post-player. It overpowers primitive players that are away from the basket and it underpowered post players who use their bodies and their physicality around the basket. So, it’s a weird dynamic.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the best period of TD’s career, the half-court game, and more specifically the post game, was essential. The pace wasn’t as furious than today, with slower offenses, and it relied primarily on the big men. It wasn’t necessarily aesthetically pleasing, but it led to some formidable battles under the rim.

Having shone in this format, it’s no wonder Duncan misses this era, given that excessive spacing has changed virtually everything since the three-pointers became more widespread. Fortunately, some stars continue to carry on this legacy and prove monstrous with their backs to the basket. Joel Embiid comes to mind, and here’s hoping Victor Wembanyama follows a similar path in San Antonio.