Nugg Love
Fansided

Nugg Love’s top 10 defensive players in NBA history

By Michael Longhofer

Phoenix Suns v Utah JazzSALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot by Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)Getty ID: 918398032
Phoenix Suns v Utah JazzSALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns blocks the shot by Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)Getty ID: 918398032 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 11
Next
New Orleans Pelicans v San Antonio Spurs SAN ANTONIO,TX – DECEMBER 18: Former San Antonio Spurs stars Tim Duncan listens to the speeches during the ceremony honoring and retiring of Tim Duncan number after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on December 18, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. Behind Duncan are the five NBA Championship trophies that were won by the Spurs while Duncan was part of the team. Ceremony took place after game against the New Orleans Pelicans. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) Getty ID: 630229478
New Orleans Pelicans v San Antonio Spurs SAN ANTONIO,TX – DECEMBER 18: Former San Antonio Spurs stars Tim Duncan listens to the speeches during the ceremony honoring and retiring of Tim Duncan number after the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on December 18, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. Behind Duncan are the five NBA Championship trophies that were won by the Spurs while Duncan was part of the team. Ceremony took place after game against the New Orleans Pelicans. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) Getty ID: 630229478 /

Tim Duncan: DWS: 106.34

“Still good on the block, Timmy Duncan” ~ Problem

The only other player to post a DWS of 100 or more, Timmy D gets the nod at the top spot.  Why him over Russell?  It really boils down to quality of competition.  While Russell had Wilt and the Logo (Jerry West) to contend with but Tim bridged two eras of dominating Centers/PF that included many of the top all-time front court players.

For consideration:

5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003)
15× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011, 2013, 2015)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000)
10× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007, 2013)
3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008, 2009)
2× All-NBA Third Team (2010, 2015)
8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008)
7× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
NBA Shooting Stars champion (2008)
NBA Teammate of the Year (2015)
No. 21 retired by San Antonio Spurs
USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2003)
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2003)
National college player of the year (1997)
2× Consensus first-team All-American (1996, 1997)

Duncan had one of the most prolific careers in NBA history.  He cemented the Spurs and Popovich’s place in history and wound down his storied career after tacking on one more Championship over the LBJ-led Miami Heat in 2013-14.

Loved by players and fans alike, Duncan will be remembered as a defensive stalwart and one of the most likeable players in NBA history.

Next: How the rest of the Nuggets season shapes up

Well, there it is, feel free to comment, add stories or disagree!