The Top 50

#7 - Tim Duncan

Timmy D's been on the butt-end of severe hatred over his career. A perennial All-Star and title contender his entire time in the league, Duncan's systematic dominance has drawn the ire of many dynasty-hating NBA fans outside of San Antonio, essentially just because he's so damn good. His game may not be flashy but few have ever been as effective as Dr. Fundamental, and even fewer (specifically no) power forwards in the game's annals could claim to be on his level.

What likely fuels so much of the hatred is his nonchalance; the way he's cold-heartedly murdered so many helpless victims over the years without raising an eyebrow. His execution so flawless; so textbook, that the envy of the masses seems almost natural. He's a strong, long, reasonably athletic 7-footer who walks softly and carries career averages of 21/12/3/2.5 blocks. His offensive arsenal is better equipped than any big man around; he's equally comfortable working you in the post or face-up 15 feet out. He brushes aside double-teams with textbook passing and has to be mentioned among the best post defenders in league history.

His is the kind of legacy that transcends his inevitable aging (which confirms that he is, in fact, human after all). Even though his numbers have fallen and the Spurs aren't as feared as they once were, Duncan still has to be respected among the league's best. He doesn't do it as automatically as he once did but his ability to take over the game on both ends still inspires awe and envy. The Haterade's showered him almost as much as championship confetti, but 4 ittles and 2 MVPs speak for themselves, and say more than any words ever could about Tim Duncan.