Nick Young claimed that Kevin Garnett was a better player than Tim Duncan. During an appearance on the ‘Gil’s Arena’ show, Young noted that had Kevin Garnett been on the same San Antonio Spurs squad in place of Tim Duncan, he would have had the same amount of championships to his name as Duncan.
“Yes (Kevin Garnett was a better player than Tim Duncan). Tim was great, but I feel like – just because you got accomplishments and championships doesn’t always mean you’re better than that person.”
“To me, I feel like his team was better than the Timberwolves. If you put KG on that team, I think he’d have the same amount of rings.”
Josiah Johnson: "Do you think KG was a better player than Tim Duncan?"
Nick Young: "Yes… If you put KG on [the Spurs], I think he'd have the same amount of rings."
Nick Young on why Kevin Garnett is better than Tim Duncan 👀
(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/n6v9s2uqQD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 5, 2024
Young does make a strong point about the strength of Tim Duncan’s teams. In his five championship wins with the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan had an array of superstars as teammates, whether it be David Robinson, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, or Kawhi Leonard.
In fact, Duncan only won the NBA Finals MVP three times in the five championship wins, with Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard earning the award in 2007 and 2014 respectively. Whereas Kevin Garnett, at least during his time with the Timberwolves, didn’t have a co-star at the same level as any of those players.
KG’s fortunes would change when he joined the Celtics, and he could rely upon Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo. The Celtics only won one NBA championship with the big three, but a lot of that is attributed to their age. Had the trio been put together earlier, they could have had a dynasty similar to that of Duncan’s Spurs.
Kevin Garnett Or Tim Duncan: Who Is The Greatest Power Forward Ever?
When fans discuss the greatest power forwards in NBA history, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are always brought up. Both players dominated the position and achieved an incredible amount of success with their high level of play. But which of the two players is the best at their position?
From an accolades standpoint, Duncan is far ahead of Garnett. Tim Duncan won 5 NBA championships, 3 MVPs, 2 MVPs, and made 15 All-Star teams, 15 All-NBA teams, and 15 All-Defensive teams in his career. Duncan had one of the most decorated careers in NBA history.
As for Kevin Garnett, he didn’t have as many accolades as Duncan, but still had an excellent career. He won an NBA championship, one MVP, one Defensive Player of the Year award, and made 15 All-Star teams, 9 All-NBA teams, and 12 All-Defensive teams in his career.
Duncan was also a great statistical performer in his career, averaging 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. As for Kevin Garnett, he averaged 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. So even on the statistical front, Duncan beats Garnett.
From all the information above, Tim Duncan is ahead of Kevin Garnett in the race for the title of the greatest power forward of all time. While Garnett is excellent, Duncan’s career was just a level above in every facet, which allows him to earn the crown.
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