While the NBA Playoffs were pretty exciting for fans in Golden State, Toronto and Cleveland, the NBA Finals weren’t exactly fun for anyone outside of select fans in San Antonio.  The four-game series was pretty much over before it started, and all a lot of Cleveland fans have to show for it are some catchy-slogan t-shirts and “Witness” posters.

The Finals MVP was taken home by newlywed Tony Parker, but the big reason why the Spurs were able to take home their fourth title was The Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan.

The 10-year veteran is a lock for 20, 12 and 2 every night.  Yes, his free throw percentage is a bit rough, but don’t forget who was drafted in the first round to help build this squad.

2.8 Tim Duncan, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs

Last year, Duncan was drafted as the sixth pick in the second round.  This guy was a former top-five selection, so for him to fall to the second round was pretty big.  The rhyme and reason behind the slip was the following:

His free throw shooting stinks. In particular, this bugs short people with no hops and all they can do is shoot free throws. Hey, I’m not calling you out; I’m one of them. Maybe in roto leagues you would pass on TD here. He is still only 30. As he enters the “cagey veteran” years of his career, one can only hope and pray and hope some more that he can somehow clear at least the 70% mark.

Yes…It does.  It’s awful.  In fact, Duncan was actually worse from the line last season than the year before.  His 64% clip from the line was the third worse mark that he’s put up over his 10-year career. 

I’m not a fan of a player who can decimate one category for you, but check out the rest of his stats.

PPG: 22.2, RPG: 11.5, BPG: 3.1, APG: 3.3, FG%: 52.1%

He actually increased his rebounds per game AND blocks per game by a full point over last season.  Not bad at all. 

But the main reason that I’m alright with taking Duncan with the eighth pick in the second round is because he’s being paired with Dirk Nowitzki.  Nowitzki not only eclipsed the 90% mark from the line for the second season in a row, he gets to the charity stripe over seven times a night.  This impact on the free throw percentage should help stop the bleeding that Duncan will cause, while compiling even more scoring, field goal percentage and rebounding. 

To help the free throw shooting a bit more, we can address the weakness when the backcourt players are drafted.  After all, with Duncan and Nowitzki on the same team, it’s pretty safe to say that we have a solid front court as well as a very nice base from which we can continue to build.

Previous Picks
NOTE: Fantasy basketball mock draft teammate in bold.

1.1. Lebron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
1.2. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
1.3. Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
1.4. Kevin Garnett, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
1.5. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
1.6. Gilbert Arenas, PG, Washington Wizards
1.7. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
1.8. Amare Stoudemire, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
1.9. Dwyane Wade, PG/SG, Miami Heat
1.10. Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
1.11. Elton Brand, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
1.12. Yao Ming, C, Houston Rockets

Previous Picks this Round

2.1. Pau Gasol, PF/C, Memphis Grizzles
2.2. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets
2.3. Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets
2.4. Andre Iguodala, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers
2.5. Rashard Lewis, SF, Orlando Magic
2.6. Dwight Howard, PF/C, Orlando Magic
2.7 Josh Smith, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks