In his 19-year career, Tim Duncan has solidified his position as one of the best power forwards of all time, if not the best. After being the 1st overall pick of the 1997 draft, he spent his entire NBA career with the Spurs, elevating the franchise to new heights. In the early 2000s, a time with no shortage of ballers, Tim stood out with his 6’11” frame.
Despite the era being dominated by Kobe Bryant’s brilliance, the “Big Fundamental” had his own fan following. One of those fans, former Heat star Norris Cole, has now come forward with a big statement about the Spurs legend.
Norris Cole lauds credits Tim Duncan’s impact during Kobe Era
Norris Cole has shown immense respect to former NBA player Tim Duncan, who dominated the league in late legend Kobe Bryant’s era. Acknowledging Duncan’s heroic on-court abilities, Cole recalled the NBA Finals in 2013 and 2014 when his former NBA team, the Miami Heat faced the veteran’s San Antonio Spurs.
Duncan was well past his prime, but his numbers stated otherwise. The Heat were successful in beating the Spurs in 2013 and winning their second championship trophy in a row. However, the Spurs came back stronger in the next campaign and acquired the championship title for themselves.
Surprised with Duncan’s performance in the series, Cole said, “He still averaged like 19 and 11 that series. He could have won Finals MVP just as well as Kawhi [Leonard].” Cole concluded by calling him amongst the greatest players in the NBA and saying, “I know people love the Kobe era, but Tim Duncan had a lot to say in that era.”
Even at the age of 37, Duncan averaged 15.4 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists in the Spurs’ Championship title-winning finals. Tim Duncan showcased his brilliance and experience on-court in both the season finals.
Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan have similar number of NBA rings
The NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan had five Championship rings to their names but the competitive Bryant once claimed that he was jealous of Duncan’s impressive career.
With Duncan leading the Spurs, they succeeded in beating Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers in the 1999 playoffs ending up with the Championship title. But the LA franchise did not give in.
Winning the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy three consecutive times, the Lakers had shown the NBA world why they were called one of the most successful teams. The Spurs did not sit quietly, they fought hard and won the title the following season. It ended with both settling with five NBA Championship titles.
Both the Hall of Famers ended their careers with a showcase full of achievements to flaunt and an eternal legacy that will be cherished by all NBA lovers.
