Olajuwon and all-time great power forward for the Spurs, Tim Duncan, are hard to pick between in terms of the better player in NBA history. Both Duncan and Olajuwon hold their own places in the NBA Hall-of-Fame and record books. The latest top 50 players of all-time list fro Clutchpoints has Duncan ranked above Olajuwon, granted not by much.
But it’s hard to argue with the pedigree and consistency that Duncan brings to the table compared to any other big man in the modern era of basketball. Duncan fit the very definition of a team-centered player that the coaching staff could rely on without a doubt night in and night out.
Jim Boylen did coach Duncan for much less time than he did “The Dream”. But the Chicago Bulls can remember Boylen for coaching two all-time great big men while he was with two of the three NBA franchises in the state of Texas. While Boylen was coaching up Duncan with the Spurs, the 15-time All-Star power forward was in the twilight of his career.
Duncan was also a 15-time All-NBA honoree, three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time NBA MVP, and five-time NBA Champion. He was there every step of the way for the Spurs winning a number of NBA Titles under Popovich. Boylen was present for one of those titles and two All-Star selections for this legendary forward.