Blazers’ Jusuf Nurkic Labels Tim Duncan as the Most Underrated Player in the NBA

When you talk about players who have left a mark in the league, who springs to mind? Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many more. They have etched their legacy in the sport in such a manner even people who aren’t avid NBA fans know all about them. But one player who should be part of this list isn’t there, and that’s Tim Duncan.

When the topic of the most underrated player is brought up, San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan is definitely on the top. When this question was prompted on Twitter, Portland Trail Blazers‘ star Jusuf Nurkic agreed that Duncan is extremely underappreciated.

Duncan has been a game-changer for the Spurs, throughout the two decades he has played for them. Spending his entire career in one team, he became the best power forward the NBA has ever set eyes on.

Why should Tim Duncan be a part of the list of greats?

Duncan’s resume is filled with impressive accolades. Five-time NBA champion, 2-time regular season MVP, 3-time Finals MVP, 15-time All-Star and has been part of the All-Defense team a whopping 15 times too. In just one year in the league, he won Rookie of the Year and also featured in an All-Star Game. By the time his second year ended, he had led the Spurs to a title.

If this isn’t enough to make a strong case, let’s dive into the qualities he possesses. The Spurs acquired the now 44-year-old during the 1997 NBA Draft with the No. 1 overall pick. Several players have the tendency to lose their stock when they stay in one franchise for long, but not Duncan.

Duncan’s game was always orthodox and not flashy, which is probably why he never got the recognition he deserved. He had the capability of making sure his teammates perform at the best of their potential. He also didn’t mind going through pay-cuts so that the Spurs could build a stronger core around him. The league hasn’t seen many players who are willing to do that for their organization.

Therefore, all signs point towards Duncan being a part of the greats. And like many, Jusuf Nurkic is bang on about Tim being the most underrated player. What do you think?