Why has Duncan aged better than KG?

[jade88]

I've always been one of the guys who thought that regardless of rings, KG is better than Tim Duncan. I know alot of me would disagree, probably even alot of Celtics fans, but why are they on different levels at this stage of the game right now?

Timmy is still an ALL NBA player and KG is declining worse every year. Is it health?

I'd love some feedback on this.

[Who]

Up until last year, I thought it was KG who was aging better than Duncan.

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 -- those years.

[BudweiserCeltic]

You've vastly exaggerated KG's decline and Duncan's current playing level.

Yes, KG has struggled this season, but honestly who hasn't in Brooklyn?

And KG was quite good last year.

And yes, health affects everything, including Duncan's.

[greg683x]

Tim Duncans game never revolved around athleticism, so getting older didnt really have a huge effect on his game.  I dont believe hes also ever suffered any kind of major knee injury


KG was an amazing athlete for a guy his size, take that away and hes still a smart defensive player but hes really only a jump shooter and an opportunistic player at times in the paint.

[PhoSita]

Better talent around him means he hasn't had to carry as large a load.

Duncan has also just been healthier.  KG's knee injury in 2009 has contributed a lot to his decline.  Maybe Duncan has taken better care of himself, but I doubt it -- KG seems pretty fanatical about keeping himself in shape.

To me, the biggest thing is Duncan's nickname: Mr. Fundamental.

Tim Duncan has always had better fundamentals.  While both players were imbued with unreal physical gifts in their prime, Duncan has never had to rely as much on his athleticism in order to play his game.

KG also is much more reliant on his jumpshot in order to score, whereas Duncan has a much better inside game.  So even when Duncan is tired and his legs aren't there for a jumpshot, he can get inside and get a shot or get fouled.

[Who]

I think Garnett is the guy you would expect to age better because of his physique and his style of play. Those scrawny but strong body types seem to age well. His high post game and reliance on jump-shooting is a style of play that also ages well.

Whereas more physical low post players, power players, struggle with the physical beating they take night after night as they get older. One of the main reasons Duncan has posted up less and played more in the high post over the last few years. Less bump and grind. Easier to stay healthy.

[kozlodoev]

Garnett has player 6,000 more NBA minutes. Also, Duncan hasn't had a devastating knee injury in his mid-30s.

[Donoghus]

Garnett has player 6,000 more NBA minutes. Also, Duncan hasn't had a devastating knee injury in his late 30s.

This. 

KG came straight outta high school while Duncan had the college tenure. 

KG has a lot of NBA wear & tear on those tires.

[manl_lui]

Garnett has player 6,000 more NBA minutes. Also, Duncan hasn't had a devastating knee injury in his late 30s.

This. 

KG came straight outta high school while Duncan had the college tenure. 

KG has a lot of NBA wear & tear on those tires.

also better minute management by coaches

[Donoghus]

Garnett has player 6,000 more NBA minutes. Also, Duncan hasn't had a devastating knee injury in his late 30s.

This. 

KG came straight outta high school while Duncan had the college tenure. 

KG has a lot of NBA wear & tear on those tires.

also better minute management by coaches

Part of that has to do with the supporting casts each have had over their careers.

[j804]

Duncan is more fundamental type game while KG used to just sky over everybody...those knees took beatings

[JBcat]

I want to put one theory out there.

Remember a couple years back after the all star break KG went from playing PF to C, and that seemed to rejuvenate him some not having to guard the quicker PFs anymore?  He has now gone back to playing mostly PF next to Lopez, and I just wonder if it's a really bad fit for him individually, and the Nets overall making them a very slow team. 

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Garnett has player 6,000 more NBA minutes. Also, Duncan hasn't had a devastating knee injury in his late 30s.

This. 

KG came straight outta high school while Duncan had the college tenure. 

KG has a lot of NBA wear & tear on those tires.

also better minute management by coaches

hmmmn ya don't say??     

[Jailan34]

Even though Duncan has consistently had better teams, I still think hes been the better player/had the better career. Maybe there have been seasons where KG has been better, but part of greatness is consistency, and TD remains an all nba big man.

Either way it's very close, both tremendous players, but I'd have to give the nod to Duncan as I imagine most would.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Genetics.