12 reasons Tim Duncan can be considered as the greatest basketball player of all time

9) Defensive stalwart

Tim Duncan rejects Russell Westbrook

Tim Duncan's work on the defensive end sets him apart from the rest of the pack. He's the only player to achieve 15 All-NBA team and 15 All-Defensive Team honours. He achieved both honours in the same 15 seasons and was able to hold his own even when his vertical leap all but deserted him.

Even towards the tail end of his career, Duncan was blocking shots by explosive players like Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook and DeMarcus Cousins. It wasn’t just his blocks, Duncan had a penchant for not getting irked by any opponent. He would methodically pick his spots and reduce the efficiency of the best players on a nightly basis.

The Spurs were a full 9.8 points better than their opponents when Duncan was on the floor. His accolades speak for themselves, but you had to see him play to fully appreciate the understated way he held the fort down.