Last Updated on August 3, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are two of the best power forwards to ever play in the NBA. Here is how they compare:

1. Playing Style and Skills:

  • Tim Duncan: Though not the greatest athlete, Duncan was very strong on the offensive and defensive end of the court. He was a very good rounder, blocker, and free-throw shooter for his position. Duncan averaged considerably more blocks per game than Kevin Garnett. Duncan was nicknamed The Big Fundamental because he excelled at the fundamentals of basketball rather than relying on brute force or athleticism.
  • Kevin Garnett: Garnett could often be seen talking to himself on the court because of the constant intensity that he played with, Tracy McGrady said that Garnett was one of the biggest trash talkers, but also didn’t know if Garnett was ever talking to him or just himself. Garnett had exceptional ball-handling skills for his position; he could have created his own shot by putting the ball on the floor if required. Rebounding did not come naturally to Garnett, but in his prime years, he would eventually surpass Duncan in rebounds per game.

See Also: Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Timeline

2. Career Achievements:

  • Tim Duncan: Duncan averaged 19.0 points in 1392 games. He spent all 19 seasons playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan won Rookie of the Year (1997-1998), the NBA MVP award twice (2001-2002, 2002-2003), the Finals MVP award three times, and won five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014).
  • Kevin Garnett: Garnet played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets. He spent 12 seasons playing for the Timberwolves before being traded to the Celtics where he won the NBA championship the following year (2007-2008). Garnet and the Celtics beat the Lakers, a team Garnet wasn’t able to beat in the playoffs as a Timberwolves player, Garnett won the NBA MVP award in 2003-2004.

3. Impact on the Game:

  • Tim Duncan: Duncan was a wise and mature leader for the Spurs and was arguably the main player that contributed to the San Antonio Spurs dynasty era. Rarely did Duncan lose his temper and he didn’t rely on an overly aggressive style of play to dominate his opponent.
  • Kevin Garnett: Garnett had a bold personality on the court and was an immense physical presence on the basketball court. But he was also an intelligent player. Garnett was also very fit for his size and rarely did his play suffer from overexertion. Garnett was as reliable as they come for frontcourt players and never shied from any competition.

4. Legacy and Influence:

  • Garnett and Duncan inspired many frontcourt basketball players. Garnett was a stylish yet ferocious competitor and Duncan was professional, smooth, and highly skilled at shooting around the key.

There is no clear winner between Garnett and Duncan. Garnett had more dribbling ability than Duncan, though Duncan fans will always point to his five championships and excellent leadership as the reason he was the better player.