One Player, One Rebound
Tim Duncan (photo. adidas)Let’s say Kevin Garnett has done his job, getting that one defensive stop that Team Dime needed with the game on the line. But after KG’s man forces up a brick, we still need the ball back. So who’s the right man to get that do-or-die rebound?
Check the records. Duncan ranks sixth all-time on the career list for rebounds in the postseason (behind Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq and Mailman). And since 1991, Duncan owns the NBA’s top single-game postseason rebounding performance, when he pulled down 25 boards (along with 34 points) in an ‘02 conference semis Game Five against the Lakers. And that’s just one of Duncan’s THIRTEEN 20-rebound playoff games. To no surprise, Duncan’s career rebounding average in the postseason (12.7 rpg) tops his regular season career average (11.8 rpg). Long story short: TD gets boards when it matters.
But what does history matter at this point? Dikembe Mutombo also has a jaw-dropping resume of boards and blocks, but would you bet on 42-year-old Deke to get a crucial rebound today? So let’s look at the here and now. Duncan has the size (6-11) and length you want in a rebounder. He has the instincts and fundamental skills, and his body is still young enough to react to what his mind wants to do. At 32 years old, TD is posting 10.6 boards per night this season –including three games of 15-plus boards — and currently ranks sixth in the League.
True, Dwight Howard, the NBA’s current rebounding king, jumps higher and is stronger. David Lee has more outward energy and will run through a brick wall for a loose ball. KG has just as much experience, plus he’s quicker and more athletic. But in terms of technical proficiency, positioning, footwork, instincts and simply getting it done when it has to get done, Duncan is the man.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
srb says:
no question this time at the end? no “who would you want to grab an important board?”
December 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
JCARR says:
“Mr. Fundamental”… so you’re saying TD is an uderrated rebounder?
December 12th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Phung says:
First! TD is the man.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
YOUNGFED-now that i'm a celebrity i'd like to thank all the little people (lmao) says:
I’ma go with D-Howard. He just ain’t play as many playoff games as Duncan but he’s a much better rebounder. Then I’d say KG, then Duncan.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Big Shot BOB says:
Yeah I’m going with The Centaur. They got can touch the top of the backboard without even trying. For most people getting a board is about boxing out, position and anticipation (beating your man to the spot.) But if your as athletic, tall and strong as D. Howard he’s always going to beat you by jumping higher and over powering you.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Kobeef says:
Nice call youngfed
As evidence I would like you all you review this 2007 video of Howard soaring over Duncan.
Who do you think will get the rebound when it counts?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI2rLv8Hkl4
December 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
P_Dizzle says:
I’m agreeing with your “Timmmmaaaaaayyyyyy” article. Duncan is clutch (see the 3 last year in playoffs to crush the Suns and see the shot he hit against the Lakers before Fisher hits his with 0.4). If I could pick one person to grab the rebound, I want TD!
December 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Big Shot BOB says:
Oops I meant to say - that guy.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
caeubona says:
right now it still be duncan. his instincts alone makes him the best choice. add in his fundamental soundness, footwork, technique, basketball iq… yeah, no doubt he’d get it.
in a few years though, we can make a case for dwight howard.
but ya know, as charles barkley says… just go get the damn ball.
December 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
M Intellect says:
Dwight’s tip-in was more of a dunk then his Dunk Contest Superman ‘Dunk’, I lie?
December 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Heckler says:
Austin–
change this question.
ask who would you want to get an OFFENSIVE rebound to save the game?
December 12th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
YOUNGFED-now that i'm a celebrity i'd like to thank all the little people (lmao) says:
@Post#9
The Future Is NOOOOWWWW!!! lol
December 12th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
it aint easy being green says:
Imma agree with youngfed
December 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
GEE...I tired says:
Marcus Camby just to be different.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Ian says:
duncan easyyyyyyy best hands ive ever seen for a big man he pulls everything down
kobeef im sorry but that was a play the magic run were howard got a running start for that
and no howard is no way in hell jumping over duncan like someone mentioned if timmeh boxes him out
youngfed
garnett???? really
one thing u need to mention duncan avgs less boards than howard because he plays less mns and his team plays a slower tempo than orlando. duncan has a higher rebounding percentage than howard (dont know if that sounds right in english it does in spanish)
December 12th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Ian says:
i know this article is one dudes opinion
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/37430-battle-of-the-boards-who-are-the-nbas-best-rebounders-of-all-time
but he has duncan as the third best defensive rebounder ever
not so sure about number 2 lol
December 12th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Rafa23 says:
kyle korver…
defensive wall
December 12th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Banga says:
Tim Duncan is a beast
December 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Ian says:
rafa no doubt
December 12th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Gary says:
Does anyone remember Kobe in 2001 grabbing THE rebound over DRob and Tim Duncan? or the rebound tip in during the 2000 finals when Shaq was out in OT? I’m not saying he’s the person I’d pick, but don’t leave guards out of the conversation!
December 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Rafa23 says:
@ian
why do you question feds decision to bring garnett in like its completely wrong?
for his career, kg may be the better rebounder than duncan…
timmy is slightly ahead in regular season and playoff stats, but garnett played at a young age where his stats weren’t that good.
i would take duncan also, just dont think somebody outrebounds him with the game on the line.
but garnett isn’t a dumb idea either.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Ross says:
I have noticed that at the end of close games, TD seems to always get those rebounds (and often put-backs, too) that seal the deal.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Ian says:
yo rafa i didnt say its dumb
dont make it sound like im insulting youngfed
i just asked cuz garnett and clutch dont go together thats all
besides garnett good rebounder but lets say howard duncan and skinny kg go for a board personally i think kg will get tossed aside like the bitch he is
December 12th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Ian says:
gary
guards only kidd bro
December 12th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Rafa23 says:
@ ian
didn’t want it to sound like that, sry man.
just wanted to say that garnett has a case for it.
but your right about the clutch thing.
people call out dirk, but garnett is really anti-clutch.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Ian says:
its all good bro i just didnt want youngfed to read what u posted and think that same thing lol and start the insults over nothing
u r right on garnett being a great rebounder its like u said dirk might not be clutch personally i think hes ok but garnett DAMN u said it best anti clutch.
December 12th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
isotope says:
whats next?
One player one gatorade bottle?
One player one keyboard?
One player one toilet?
December 12th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Rafa23 says:
one play one injury?
we have lots of the stars to count on…
tmac, yao, jo…
December 12th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Rafa23 says:
one playER…
December 12th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
YOUNGFED..."I'm at the call of duty but my metal gears solid" says:
@Ian and Rafa
Garnett is clutch just ask last years piston/laker teams.
@Ian
Me? Insult somebody? Now thats just crazy….lol
December 12th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Ian says:
youngfed u insult someone never my man never lol
and dont say garnett is clutch man everrr again just ask all the other teams that have played him the past 12 years other than last years piston/lakers lol
December 12th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
YOUNGFED..."I'm at the call of duty but my metal gears solid" says:
Oh almost forgot
One player….One Bum. lmao
December 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Kevin K says:
Dennis Rodman
December 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
isotope says:
1 player 1/2 a brain
December 12th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
justice(knicks fan) says:
IDK this year i got to go with Dwight, but it’s tough because Timmy is so clutch it’s retarded!!! and he has a knack for doing shytt he’s not suppose to be able to do when it matters but just because now Timmy is a little older id give it to dho… couple years ago when timmy was jumping and shytt would have been different…
yes he is super smart but Dwight is a super athletic freak i don’t thinks timmy is more smart than dwight is freak so DHO…
Garnett great rebounder but if it goes up and these 3 are there someone ends up with spike and jack….Anything is poooooooosiiible
December 12th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
srb says:
Paul Pierce
December 12th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
justice(knicks fan) says:
Rodman was both a freak athlete and he was super smart, i don’t think anyone gets a board over that guy he always found a way grab nuts step on toes whatever
December 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Ian says:
justice
i think if we go alltime id pick moses over rodman easy
December 12th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
VINNY says:
Malone(Moses) would kill rodman for a rebound!
December 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
justice(knicks fan) says:
yeah he would,how did i forget moses, barkley at 6-4 is somewhere in there too but id put him after rodman,duncan
December 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Ian says:
wow vinny justice u guys agreed i thought yall were gonna kill me cuz i picked moses as the best ever
December 12th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Ian says:
and justice dont worry about forgetting him hes the MOST UNDERRATED SUPERSTAR ever!!! its amazing i remember here we all posted a while back out top centers ever and i think i was the only one with moses on the list (2nd in my book am i overrating him now lol)
December 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Heckler says:
is it too late to add michael cage to this list?
December 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Amar says:
cage and moses were great rebounders in their day.
what about bench guys? or duos? carlos boozer and paul thrillsap sure do like their rebounds.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Ian says:
amar
duos
id go with my boys of course the admiral and timmy
December 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Austin Burton says:
Moses cracks the Top-10 of players I’d pick to get that rebound TODAY.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
isotope says:
um. duos? No one touches the original twin towers. Hakeem and Sampson.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
SayItAintSo says:
John Brockman
December 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Ian says:
well austin i think he played till last season
iso
weird u choosing the rockets duo lol
December 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Ian says:
austin
i think u r right the dude can come back at age 60 and avg 10 boards at least
December 12th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
isotope says:
ian
why u say that? lol
December 12th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Ian says:
no wait not making fun its just that we choosing duos based on the teams we like (of course we have good cases for both twin towers) the lol wasnt in a bad way
December 12th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Ian says:
i remember u a rockets fan. right iso?
December 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Austin Burton says:
About a year ago I got to interview Moses and I asked him why was it that in his day, it seemed you had to grab 15-plus boards to lead the League, but today you can do it with 12. His answer basically boiled down to, “Everybody playing today is a pussy.”
December 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
isotope says:
Yeah, i know what u meant. Even if i wasnt a Rox fan the towers would be at least top 3 of rebounding duos.
and btw Moses played 4 the Rockets too.
quoting Gee “HOUSTON UP”
December 12th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
VINNY says:
I’ll take Ewing and Oakley over sampson and akeem
December 12th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
VINNY says:
Fo, Fo, Fo- Moses had a way with words.
December 12th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Ian says:
iso
he was a spur also hehehehe
December 12th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Ian says:
vinny
i never found ewing to be as good as admiral or dream but i do think that that duo is on the same level as the rockets one but i still rather have duncan and rob.
but thats just me of course
austin that is what i liked about moses and wilt
u can ask any player (except pierce) whos the best at something and they never say themselves
if u asked wilt whos the best ever u can bet your car u r gonna get a “i am u fool” from him.
December 12th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
VINNY says:
Ian, imo opinion ewing wasnt better than Akeem, but he was better than Robinson, i am a knick fan though!
December 12th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
isotope says:
lol So if we had all players in their prime who would get it?
Dream & Ralph
vs
TD & Robinson
vs
Ewing & Oakley
vs
Moses & <>
December 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
VINNY says:
moses and bobby jones(shit moses and anyone)-from 83 title team. Man Moses was a relentless rebounder-and when he was younger he had hops!!
December 12th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Ian says:
hehehe nice ending vinny on the u a knicks fan
but comon he wasnt better
david was the best center from 90-96 hakeem for like 8 years ewing never had any years when he the best.
but ill end my post like u did
im a spurs fan
iso
heres the thing itll come down to the second player
lets take the three best rebounders of each group
duncan hakeem and oakley , duncan and hakeem are abit better than oak but its close
on the ewing robinson ralph side i gotta take david as the best of the three and ewing comes in at third.
but again this is me a spurs fan talking lol
December 12th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Ian says:
but like vinny said moses and me can prob out rebound anyone and im 6′5
December 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Ian says:
vinny btw when i said ewing comes in at third is not as a player cuz he was better than ralph
but when comparing him to david hes not just look at the impact they had from day one. one rookie took his scrub ass team to the second round and game 7 vs portland the other missed the playoffs one player made 4 all nba first teams in 6 years the other 1 one player won mvp defensive and scoring titles the other nothing, this is not even close bro
December 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
isotope says:
“david was the best center from 90-96″
Please tell me that was a typo before i start posting youtube clips and stats.
December 12th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Ian says:
iso
please hakeem had the better longer career but david ws the best from 90 til the injury what are u gonna u tube me the move from the 95 playoffs????
were david was forced to single cover hakeem because u had all those great shooters and every time david touched the ball he was tripled team because he had vinny del negro.
and pleaseeee post the stats of those seasons for hakeem and david please do
December 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Ian says:
i rank hakeem ahead of david in my alltime list because of the longer prime but not in those seasons my man. dont answer back like im crazy there are some people that think the same.(reason i say this is because i read last night the whos better whos best book lol its good and the dude kalb says the same thing and called david the best player left standing when jordan left in 94 hehehehe i liked that) u got one series but what about the overall head to head games its like 30-12 david some shit like that. again i didnt say david had a better career (came in older left younger and injuries) but he was better in that stretch and didnt retire like ewing or hakeem that was pityful
December 12th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Ian says:
iso vinny btw we shouldnt even be talking about this i mean comon a knicks rockets spurs fan tryin to convince the other of whos the better center not happening lol all we need is a magic/lakers fan to jump in.
December 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
isotope says:
Hakeem ppg rpg bpg
89-90 24.3 14 4.59
90-91 21.2 13.8 3.95
91-92 21.6 12.1 4.34
92-93 26.1 13 4.17
93-94 27.3 11.9 3.71
94-95 27.8 10.8 3.36
95-96 26.9 10.9 2.88
DRob
89-90 24.3 14 3.89
90-91 25.6 13.0 3.9
91-92 23.2 12.2 4.49
92-93 23.4 11.7 3.22
93-94 29.8 10.7 3.31
94-95 27.6 10.8 3.23
95-96 25.0 12.2 3.30
plus Hakeem got 2 rings
December 12th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Ian says:
iso david got the scoring part
the other numbers are a wash
both of them won defensive and mvp during those years
david got a scoring title and 4 all nba vs olajuwons 2
comon u gotta admit i got stuff to back my case up
wow talkin about this with u reminds me why i hate rodman so much
that bitch didnt wanna guard anyone
December 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
isotope says:
actually Robinson averaged more points in only 3 our of those 7 seasons. And averaged more rebounds in like 2 seasons. The block numbers def give Dream the edge. I’m not sure what you’re talking about. And as i said, Dream led his team to 2 NBA champs during that period. Isnt that how we judge players nowadays. And even you cant argue that MVP belonged to Hakeem. Dude averaged more points abd blocks (tied in rebs) that season. All that voter stuff is wack cuz Hakeem doesnt have the personality to sell himself so he wasnt as popular. But you can’t argue with the jewelry, the rings that is.
December 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
isotope says:
i know we can go back and forth but its a slow friday. lol
December 12th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Ian says:
well u can go with the rings
id can go like i said with one scoring title and 4 all nba 1st team
isnt the player on the first team the best player????
what are u talkin about hakeem deserved that mvp didnt david lead his team to 62 wins and better numbers overall oh and why did hakeem finish 4thh on the voting
u talked about deserving the mvp
check the numbers on the hakeem mvp season david had better numbers and finish 2nd in the voting that was his also.
david avged more pts in 4 of those seasons and thats not the way to do it avg everything out and check how it comes out. hakeem got a couple of 21 ppg seasons there.
lol its not slow for me i go to pay all my workers today u gonna make them kill me
December 12th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Austin Burton says:
I’d give Hakeem the edge because of the rings, but in some cases it’s pointless to argue numbers. If one guy is averaging 24 points and the other 27, it’s not that big a difference; could be the result of playing in a different system or having better/gunner teammates or because one plays less minutes or any number of reasons. The point is they’re both getting buckets.
December 13th, 2008 at 12:30 am
baron von faulk says:
love the duncan pick, nailed it
i will just say that hakeem played the perhaps the best playoff series ever against the admiral
i used to be a rockets fans in the 90’s and now a spurs fan since the first time i watched ginobili play in ‘03 reg season, he did some ridiculous overhand 3/4-court curveball bounce pass that hit a guy right in stride for a layup. hooked on spurs ever since