According to what Kornet recently said—reported by Nate Ryan—he decided to wear Duncan’s number with the Spurs in hopes of one day becoming the kind of player Duncan was at the center position, one of the most important roles on the court.

“Spurs big man Luke Kornet cracks that he chose #7 because he wants to be a third of the player Tim Duncan was. Added that he loves multiples & factors,” Ryan wrote following Kornet’s comments.

What exactly is one-third of Tim Duncan’s Spurs career?

For starters, Duncan played 19 seasons in San Antonio. So for Kornet to hit one-third of that, he’d need to play 6.33 years with the franchise. In terms of games, that’s around 463. He’d also need to rack up roughly 5.33 MVP nominations, since Duncan earned 16 during his career—just to name one stat.

But more importantly, to become one-third of Duncan, Kornet would need to stack up some championship hardware. Duncan won five NBA titles, which means Kornet would need at least 1.66 rings—let’s round it up to two, unless we start counting a Finals loss as half a championship.

So what has Kornet done so far?

His eight seasons with the Celtics produced a respectable 5.2 career PPG, while Duncan, in his first eight seasons, was averaging 22.5 points per game—although back then, Duncan was a power forward before eventually transitioning to center, where he averaged 16.3 PPG.

Kornet’s numbers don’t come close, but he does have a championship ring and 43 career playoff games under his belt. That kind of experience could prove useful to a young Spurs squad. He’s played for five different teams, but finally found some stability in Boston.

During his podcast, The Draymond Show, Green engaged with fans in a lively Q&A session. When asked to name his top five defenders in NBA history, his response sparked considerable discussion. “My top five in no particular order is myself, Ben Wallace, Tony Allen, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon,“ he expressed.

Despite the Warriors’ veteran showing deep respect for legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, he left them off his list. He explained that he never saw them play. Relying only on statistics, he said, does not fully capture a player’s greatness. He added that watching someone play offers a better sense of their true impact.

Tim Duncan’s selection sparked little debate among NBA fans. The San Antonio Spurs legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in league history. A two-time MVP and 15-time All-Defensive Team selection, Duncan built a legacy as one of the most fundamentally sound and dominant big men to ever play the game.

Ben Wallace’s case was very different. Many fans disagreed with his inclusion, as they mostly saw him as a physical enforcer. However, Wallace won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. That success placed him among the most dominant defenders of his era. Despite the controversy, he became a game-changer for the Detroit Pistons.

Hakeem Olajuwon, like Duncan, drew little criticism. Fans remember ‘The Dream’ as a player ahead of his time, effortlessly blending size, skill, and finesse. He led the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1993–94 and 1994–95, earning Finals MVP honors both years while showcasing one of the most refined post games the league has ever seen.

Tony Allen holds a special place in league history. Over 14 years, he played in 820 NBA games. He became a role model for modern defenders. Many players studied his defensive intensity and discipline. Even Kobe Bryant once called him the toughest defender he ever faced, during a BodyArmor press conference.

“The first time I saw Timmy, I was like, man, I was kind of impressed,” Parker admitted in a January 2025 interview on the Knuckleheads podcast. “Obviously, I knew he was a superstar—multiple All-Star, MVP of the All-Star Game—I knew he was the franchise, basically. So, I knew that if I wanted to have a chance to be the point guard of that team, I had to earn Tim’s respect.“

Tony arrived in San Antonio after being selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2001 Draft. At the time just 19 years old, the point guard had played two standout seasons with Paris Basket Racing, earning Best Young Player and Most Improved Player honors in the French league—but he still had to prove himself in the NBA.

Looking back on those early days with the Spurs, Parker acknowledged that Duncan didn’t make it easy for him. “He made it tough on me like the whole first year,” said the guard. “People think I joke when I say this, but it’s true. He didn’t talk to me the whole first year. I don’t think he believed that a little Frenchie could be his point guard for the next 10 years, you know.”

That’s surprising considering Parker made an immediate impact on the team. In fact, during his rookie season he played in 77 of 82 games and started in 72 of them. That showed how much head coach Gregg Popovich valued him from the start—but Duncan held a higher standard.

“It’s not until I played great against GP (Gary Payton) in the playoffs that he finally talked to me,” recalled the French star. He was referring to the first-round series of the 2001–02 Western Conference playoffs, when the Spurs defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 3–2. In that series, Parker started all five games and averaged 29.5 minutes per game, putting up 17.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

According to Tony, that was the turning point in how Duncan viewed him. “He was like, ‘Man, if he can play good against Gary Payton, I think we have something,’” the guard speculated. “But I didn’t back down. Mentally I was ready, my dad did a great job to prepare me and I was ready for my rookie season and my first year with the Spurs, Timmy won MVP of the NBA.”

That year, the Spurs were eliminated in the semifinals by the Los Angeles Lakers, but it laid the groundwork for the following season. With Ginobili now part of the squad, San Antonio went on to win the championship in the 2002–03 season, and Tony Parker firmly established himself as a key piece of the team, playing in all 82 games and forming the ideal partnership with Duncan, who won league MVP for a second straight year and also claimed Finals MVP honors.

Bobby Portis Jr. appeared this week on Run It Back, where he was asked about the rumors surrounding a potential move by Antetokounmpo to another NBA team. “Giannis bleeds green,” the power forward said, referring to the Bucks’ signature color.

“I think he bleeds loyalty,” Portis added. He then suggested that the Greek superstar may be aiming to mirror the careers of a select group of basketball legends. “I think he wants that Tim Duncan, Kobe-esque, Steph Curry-type career where they play with one franchise.”

Portis Jr. explains why Giannis is unlikely to leave

Expanding on his thoughts about Antetokounmpo’s future, Bobby Portis Jr. offered another reason—besides Giannis’ connection to Milwaukee—that makes it unlikely he’ll leave for another NBA team anytime soon.

“Obviously, it sounds really, really good that Giannis leaves and goes to another team,” he acknowledged. “But realistically, you trade for him, obviously he’s going to make, what, $58–$60 million. I mean, you gotta trade your whole team, right? You gotta trade your whole team.”

And the challenges wouldn’t end there for any team hoping to acquire him: “Then, being able to get him, you still have to put players around him to compete for a championship, right? So, it looks like whoever — if you do make a move, you might be in the same position that the Bucks are in… You got to put guys around him to compete, guys that fit around him, that can help him compete.”

Giannis means everything to Milwaukee

Antetokounmpo has been the face of the franchise in Milwaukee for years, earning that status through his steady rise since entering the league. Since his NBA debut in 2013, he has consistently elevated his game to become one of the most dominant power forwards in league history.

With Giannis leading the way, the Bucks won their second championship ever in 2021, ending a 50-year title drought. He solidified his superstar status with back-to-back league MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, a Finals MVP in 2021, a Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2020, and nine All-Star selections.

During an appearance on NBA Today, Perkins didn’t hold back in his admiration for the two-time MVP. “In my eyes, Giannis is the second-greatest power forward of all time behind Tim Duncan,” Perkins said. “He makes everyone around him better at an elite level. Every time I look up, Giannis is putting up a triple-double. This postseason is his chance to remind the world—he’s still one of the best, if not the best, player in the game.”

Antetokounmpo is putting together another MVP-caliber year, averaging a career-high 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 60.3% from the field. His presence continues to anchor a Bucks team aiming to bypass last season’s early playoff exit.

With the Bucks looking locked in and Giannis playing some of the best basketball of his career, Milwaukee appears poised to make another deep postseason run—and perhaps, add another chapter to Antetokounmpo’s already legendary career.

Giannis on the playoff mentality: “you don’t just become Michael Jordan”

Following the Bucks’ dominant 136–111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night—Milwaukee’s sixth straight victory—Antetokounmpo addressed the growing hype around the team’s form heading into the postseason.

“It’s different in the playoffs,” Giannis said. “The intensity is higher. The attention to detail is different. The physicality is different.” He pushed back against the idea that playoff greatness can simply be switched on.

“Just because it’s the playoffs, you’ll become Michael Jordan—I don’t think it works that way,” he said. “You have to build habits throughout the regular season—every single day, week, and month—so when you get to the playoffs, you’re ready to help your team at the highest level.”

Asked what makes the NBA postseason so unique, Antetokounmpo put it simply: “If you’ve never been in the playoffs, there’s nothing I can say to help you understand what it feels like. You’ve got to play.”

Like many others in the GOAT debate, which often features these three players, opinions are split, with some leaning toward Jordan and others backing LeBron. However, Duncan’s answer, which was both respectful and unexpected, left fans surprised.

During an appearance on The Richard & Larry Show in 2024, Duncan shared his thoughts on the hypothetical scenario of choosing between LeBron, Jordan, and Kobe. “First of all, I refuse to answer that question,” Duncan laughed. “Second of all, I would start all three of them, and I’d bench and cut myself,” he added with a chuckle.

Duncan’s response is a testament to his humility, despite being regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. It also reflects the lasting impact these athletes have had on the game over the years, regardless of who claims the title of the best.

Duncan’s response to start, bench, cut dynamic with former teammates

When asked to choose between his former San Antonio Spurs teammates in a “start, bench, cut” scenario, Duncan didn’t hesitate. The three players in question were Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and David Robinson.

“I’ll start with David, bench Manu, and cut Parker,” Duncan stated, acknowledging his deep respect for all three players’ careers. Despite the light-hearted nature of the question, Duncan emphasized that each of his former teammates had made invaluable contributions to the Spurs’ success. “If I could do it again, I would,” Duncan admitted, but noted that the decision was final.

Duncan reflects on his best NBA memory

After 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016), Duncan was asked about his best memory in the NBA. His response highlighted the joy of winning multiple championships with his team.

“My favorite NBA memory was holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy multiple times,” Duncan shared. “I have vivid memories from the first championship, like riding the bus with my teammates; carrying my kids after one of the titles; and standing on stage, confetti raining down. I’ve accumulated so many great memories throughout my career.”

As debates about the GOAT in various positions, including the NBA‘s greatest of all time or their starting five, continue to captivate fans, Miller chose to focus on the power forward position. Having played 18 seasons with the Pacers, Miller faced some of the best players in NBA history, including Rodman.

When it comes to the debate over the GOAT in every position or even in NBA history, Miller’s comments often spark buzz. In this case, when discussing the greatest power forward of all time, Miller brought up a name that has nearly been forgotten: San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan, instead of Malone.

“People forget about Tim Duncan. Is he the greatest ever? He is the greatest power forward ever. Five rings, three MVPs, 10+ years as an All-Defensive player,” Miller said during an appearance on The Mark Jackson Show in 2024. “Who else are you naming with those records? Wilt? He only won two rings.”

Tim Duncan’s historic career

Spurs star is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court. Over his 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, alongside legendary teammates like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, Duncan built a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

A two-time MVP and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Duncan’s numbers speak for themselves. He posted career averages of over 50% in shooting from the field, beyond the arc, and on two-point shots. His regular season scoring average stood at 19 points per game.

Duncan’s dominance extended to the playoffs, where he played in 215 games across 18 of his 19 seasons. He was named Finals MVP three times and posted an impressive 20.6 points per playoff game, along with 11.4 rebounds. He also maintained shooting percentages of more than 50% on both three-pointers and two-point field goals.

Miller’s legacy

Spending his entire career with a single franchise, Miller was more than a legend for the franchise. Drafted by the Pacers in 1987, he didn’t leave and stayed for 18 seasons, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise’s history. As he was one of the team’s legends, the Pacers decided to retire his jersey.

“If Michael Jordan ever would have called me and tried to sway me to come to Chicago, I would have told him to go [expletive] himself… I’ll be down to see you. I never came close to going anywhere else,” Miller said when asked about leaving the franchise, if the one and only Michael Jordan have called him.

“Competitive,” Curry emphasized. “I’ve seen different scenarios. Everybody talks about Kobe and his last years. From my vantage point, I’m comparing it to guys that only played for one franchise. Dirk [Nowitzki], Tim [Duncan], Kobe in our era. You think about, like, you don’t want to be in a situation the Lakers were in those last three years. I know he came off the Achilles injury, but they were a lottery team, and it became more about how many points Kobe could score down the stretch of his career. I don’t want to be in that scenario.”

While Curry acknowledged that “there’s probably not a move or scenario where you’re going to walk into a series as the perennial favorite,” his focus remains on staying competitive. That objective is something Golden State is striving to achieve amid their roster and strategic challenges.

Kobe Bryant’s grueling farewell

Bryant‘s final years with the Los Angeles Lakers were marked by individual brilliance but collective struggles. After his devastating Achilles injury in 2013, the Lakers fell into disarray, failing to make the playoffs in his last three seasons. Despite memorable moments — including an unforgettable 60-point farewell game — the Lakers remained a lottery team, often relying solely on Bryant to carry the offensive load amid an unstable roster.

Tim Duncan’s smooth exit strategy

On the other hand, Tim Duncan‘s closing years with the San Antonio Spurs painted a picture of stability and ongoing success. As his individual production waned, Duncan seamlessly adapted to a reduced role under Gregg Popovich‘s system, helping the Spurs remain championship contenders. In 2014, he won his fifth NBA title at the age of 38, and even in his final season in 2016, the Spurs remained dominant, finishing with 67 wins and reaching the Western Conference semifinals.

Duncan’s graceful adaptation and sustained success stand as a blueprint that Curry openly admires. His ability to remain a valuable contributor while allowing the team to evolve around him was key to San Antonio’s continued competitiveness.

Golden State’s roadmap forward

For the Warriors to avoid the decline that plagued the Lakers during Bryant’s final years, maintaining a strong supporting cast and making prudent roster moves is essential. Curry’s leadership, combined with a commitment to smart team-building, can help Golden State remain in the title conversation.

Curry’s desire to chart a path more aligned with Duncan and Nowitzki underscores his focus on both loyalty and competitive integrity. His mindset offers valuable insight not just for the Warriors, but for NBA superstars seeking to navigate the final stages of their careers while remaining relevant contenders.

Wembanyama is a unique player, a basketball unicorn as we had never seen before. He’s — perhaps — the most perfect prospect to ever set foot on a basketball court.

But as great as he is, there’s still a long way to go for him to even be good at the next level. That’s why Gregg Popovich doesn’t want to hear anything about the comparisons with Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or anyone else.

Gregg Popovich Doesn’t Want To Compare Victor Wembanyama

“Because of all the hype, he’ll have a target on his back. More than O’s and X’s to begin with, we’ll be most interested in setting a framework, an environment where he’s comfortable. Where he can be Victor. He’s not LeBron or Tim or Kobe or anybody else, he’s Victor and that’s who we want him to be,” the coach said.

That’s one of the many reasons why the Spurs were the perfect organization for him. Popovich will keep the main thing first and won’t be distracted by all the outside noise.

Every player has a different path to stardom. The Spurs have a long track record of success developing players, but there are no guarantees when it comes to the NBA Draft.

In the end, however, it was Nikola Jokic the one who stood tall among the rest. Not only did he improve his metrics from his first MVP season but he also single-handedly led the Denver Nuggets to the playoffs.

And while the outcome of the season was far from what he expected, he still got the praise and recognition he deserved. Moreover, he joined an exclusive club featuring the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and not many more; becoming a back-to-back MVP winner.

NBA MVP: All Players Who Won Consecutive NBA MVPs

+ Bill Russell: 1960-61, 1961-62, 1962-63
+ Wilt Chamberlain: 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68
+ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1975-76, 1976-77
+ Moses Malone: 1981-82, 1982-83
+ Larry Bird: 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86
+ Magic Johnson: 1988-89, 1989-90
+ Michael Jordan: 1990-91, 1991-92
+ Tim Duncan: 2001-02, 2002-03
+ Steve Nash: 2004-05, 2005-06
+ LeBron James: 2008-09, 2009-10 / 2011-12, 2012-13
+ Stephen Curry: 2014-15, 2015-16
+ Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2018-19, 2019-20
+ Nikola Jokic: 2020-21, 2021-22

Jokic led the league in nearly every single advanced stat. Also, the fact that his two co-stars missed most of the season (or all of it) due to injury and he still led the Nuggets to the playoffs spoke volumes of his impact on the court.

As you can tell, the only two players whonever won a championship on this list are Steve Nash and Jokic. Fortunately for him, he still has plenty left in the tank to change that and add an even bigger accolade to his already impressive résumé.