2 San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan is so much more skilled than the other big men in today's game. His teammates are put in the right spots to succeed around him, and he's been in the system so long that he knows how to take advantage of every little thing. As he gets older, he'll still be able to score inside, and he'll still block shots because he's smart and knows where to be in their defense. Age won't be a huge issue until he gets to the point that he's not able to run up the court as much. . . . The thing that separates Manu Gin�bili from others is his lack of ego. He doesn't care if he starts or comes off the bench. He knows he's going to be in there for the key moments, and he does everything--he plays defense, he passes it great, and he does too many other good things to mention. I can't think of anyone else in the league who compares to him. . . . Bruce Bowen knows how to trip, hold, grab and push his man and get away with it. And it's to his credit that he's learned all of those things and does them so well.

FAST FACT

Since he entered the NBA, in 1997, Tim Duncan has played in more regular-season wins (538) than any other player. Robert Horry ranks second over that span, seeing action in 502 wins for the Lakers and the Spurs.