“There is only one answer, Tim Duncan is the only answer” - Patrick Beverley puts an end to the all-time Power Forward debate
Patrick Beverley & Tim Duncan
© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports/© Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers Patrick Beverley is taking Tim Duncan over Kevin Garnett as the greatest power forward of all time.
The never-ending discussion
It remains one of the more long-standing and intriguing debates among inner NBA circles on whether "The Big Fundamental" or "The Big Ticket" was the superior player at the position.
Recently on his podcast, Pat Bev emphatically made his choice.
"Who is the best 4 man ever? There is only one answer. Tim Duncan is the only answer. If Kevin Garnett played in Gregg Popovich's system he would have been a stud, you can't taking anything away from KG. When you talk about being great while other greats are on the team with you, that's impressive. That's how I look at it." he said.
Beverley's comments echo the general consensus in the NBA community that Duncan was, in fact, the best ever to do it from the power forward position, but the debate is not a straightforward one.
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Garnett is a worthy name with an all-time skillset, making the argument genuine despite Beverley's sentiment.
While Duncan has a largely unblemished resume and reputation, Garnett was a contrasting talent with equal parts skill and relentless competitiveness.
The public tend to agree
The San Antonio Spurs legend won five championships during his 19-year career. He was quiet by nature, but his game was as loud as they come, being named an All-Star and All-NBA member on 15 occasions. Duncan also collected two MVP awards in 2002 and 2003.
On the other hand, Garnett, who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets, also put together an all-time resume during his career. He received 9 All-NBA honors, was an All-Star 15 times, was the league MVP in 2004, and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008.
Duncan was the model ball player- coachable, fundamentally sound, and dominant, whereas Garnett was outspoken, fierce, and downright unstoppable in his prime.
An understandably subjective choice based on personal preference and playing style, Duncan has the majority of nods, including Beverley's, for his consistency and longevity, but Garnett may be the most naturally gifted power forward of all time.
Garnett had it all on both ends, but Duncan was the Spurs' system for nearly two decades. The choice is as tough as it comes, and the debate isn't going to end anytime soon.
