In todays NBA the GSW would destroy them. Remember what the Sonics did against the rockets. Multiply that by 4 and you have the warriors.
So I guess Lebron is a system player too. Miami was able to win in 2006 without him. They were still good this year without him and when they get a big name free agent they will contend to win the east again. When Duncan was the best player on his team they won 4 titles. When he was just good but no longer the best, they won 1 with the emergence of Kawhi. In 2000, when Duncan was out for the playoffs they should have easily beat the Suns in the first round right? Since he's a product of the system and all. Nope. They lost 3-1. That 2003 team that Duncan led won 60 games and the title with a washed up David Robinson, second year Parker( who they wanted to get rid of for kidd), first year ginobili, and Stephen Jackson as third best player (basically a poor mans 2016 Trevor Ariza)
When was he not the best player on his own tea when he won a ring? Maybe once Barkley was more athletic, but he also never put in the work to win at the rate Duncan did (plus his defensive effort was often lacking). Duncan was absolutely better than him As for Malone, I don't acknowledge him in rankings, he is a scumbag and a rapist. He can go **** himself as far as i'm concerned.
Timmy is a legend but if there is a draft with 20 year old Duncan, Malone, KG, Barkley, i'm not sure i'd take Duncan over any of them. Maybe over Chuck. I definitely would still draft David Robinson over Duncan too.
Duncan has been one of the best to ever play the game and easily the least selfish, going back to his college days. Had he been a bit more self-centered, his place in basketball history would not be arguable. But it's why so many of his peers have no doubt of his place amongst the ever greats.