Any argument for Duncan as best player in 2004?

[ArbitraryWater]

Since the Spurs basically won from 2003-2005, we give that stretch to Duncan... he was undisputedly the best in '03, likely in '05, but KG had one of the greater peaks there are in 2004....

any possible argument to be made to give Duncan that year as well?

[dubnation]

I'll take KG no doubt.

[ShawkFactory]

You could make an argument for Duncan but it wouldn't have been an overly convincing one. KG ruled 2004.

[Natureland]

Didn't the Spurs have the greatest defense ever (by DRTG, and post-merger I think) in 2004? I don't have a definitive list but I swear I remember reading some thread on RGM discussing that. That's about it, I'd guess, if you want to put that on Duncan's impact. Not really sure what else could be argued ahead of Garnett that year.

[swagga]

I'll take KG no doubt.

i LOVE kg and I think people underrate the shit out of him, but he never had the offensive presence of a prime duncan. With prime timmy you got him the ball and it was 2pts, free throws or a defensive collapse. KGs advantage on D that year was smaller than duncan's advantage on O.

[Young X]

Duncan had an inferior season in almost every aspect. KG even went deeper in the playoffs. And Duncan had the best overall season in '03, but KG was similar in terms of level of play, just didn't have a good enough supporting cast. Put Cassell on the '03 Wolves and they beat LAL.

[Prime_Shaq]

Don't forget Shaq

[T_L_P]

None.

[bizil]

I think I would go with KG that year. During that season, he set THE GOLD STANDARD in terms of versatility for a 7 footer. Back then, KG could defend big swingmen all the way down to centers. He was a freakish athlete with point forward ability as well. And to top it off, he led the league in rebounds per game four straight years.

[ShawkFactory]

Don't forget Shaq

He wasn't quite your namesake anymore.

[ninephive]

Duncan had an inferior season in almost every aspect. KG even went deeper in the playoffs. And Duncan had the best overall season in '03, but KG was similar in terms of level of play, just didn't have a good enough supporting cast. Put Cassell on the '03 Wolves and they beat LAL.

Not a great comparison...the only reason Minnesota goes further is because SA had to play LA first. And let's be honest. Minnesota never had a chance. They never even led in the series. San Antonio was up 2-0 and lost game 5 on a miracle shot. I think the playoffs showed who the 2 best teams in the West were that year.

[CJ Mustard]

Not a great comparison...the only reason Minnesota goes further is because SA had to play LA first. And let's be honest. Minnesota never had a chance. They never even led in the series. San Antonio was up 2-0 and lost game 5 on a miracle shot. I think the playoffs showed who the 2 best teams in the West were that year.

The Spurs had to play them first because the Wolves had the best record in the West. Not only that, but both teams lost to the Lakers in 6 and the Wolves did it with Cassell missing most of the series (and Hudson missing all of it).

[Jlamb47]

04 i give the edge to Garnett