So who's more important to Spurs, Duncan or Kawhi?

[nba_55]

Want to hear ISH's opinions on that.

[rmt]

IMO, a better question would be "Who's more important to the Spurs' defense, Duncan or Kawhi?" Obviously, Duncan has taken a back seat offensively and Leonard must step up offensively for the team to transition.

So, for defense, I would say that Duncan is the backbone/foundation of the defense and makes it work. Leonard makes the defense elite - especially against the Lebrons, Durants, and Melos of the league (not those speedy PGs).

[dhsilv]

Well, I guess you can argue that Duncan's replacement is a bigger drop off, but yeah unless you're talking defense it isn't remotely close. Maybe you can argue for his leadership but even then, Leonard is playing at an MVP level.

[ProfessorMurder]

They don't win without either.

[Wiltside]

IMO, a better question would be "Who's more important to the Spurs' defense, Duncan or Kawhi?" Obviously, Duncan has taken a back seat offensively and Leonard must step up offensively for the team to transition.

So, for defense, I would say that Duncan is the backbone/foundation of the defense and makes it work. Leonard makes the defense elite - especially against the Lebrons, Durants, and Melos of the league (not those speedy PGs).

100% agree.

[k0kakw0rld]

Want to hear ISH's opinions on that.

Kawhi is starting to get overrated by many.

[tsforthrees]

Spurs could still be a fully functioning contender without Kawhi imo

[Harison]

Seriously, some consider the shell of Timmy as more important than budding superstar?

[BuffaloBill]

Both are important. The Spurs require Kawhi to shoulder more of a load on offense. Duncan doesn't have that same role on offense anymore so it allows him to focus more on Defense. Also I've always felt interior defense to be worth more to a team than perimeter defense, even now. So right now I'd say Duncan is more important defensively. Also given the Spurs current roster, no one can fill Duncan's shoes while he's out.

[Prime_Shaq]

Duncan is more important but Kawhi is a better player right now.

[keep-itreal]

the future looks grim for the Spurs when Duncan retires

[ImKobe]

Spurs are still the 2nd best team in the WC without Duncan. Kawhi produces considerably more on a nightly basis and his offense alone is more valuable at this point than the 20-25 minutes of defense Duncan gives them. They still statistically have the best defense on the floor with Duncan there because he is the only legit C they have (they play Diaw, West at C when Duncan's out) but record-wise they are 9 - 2 without Duncan this season, the 2 losses are vs Warriors and Cavs.

Kawhi has a 25 PER and a 62%TS as the 1st option, leads his team in overall +/- and WS as well as WS/48. He's only a couple percent off from having a 50/50/90 season and he's shooting four 3s a game... Compare that to Duncan being 7th in PER, 8th in WS/48, 4th in total WS and him only playing 25 minutes a game..

You can't argue his impact on D but you look at their offensive production... Spurs have a 122 ORTG with Kawhi on the floor vs 108 with Duncan, who has one of the lowest on the team.

You take Leonard off the roster and they go from championship contender to fighting for a Playoff spot. You take Duncan off the roster and they are still championship contenders with the way KL and Aldridge are playing right now.