“Immature” was the word Cousins used.
While there appears little doubt that Cousins is an expert on the subject of immaturity, his criticism of Elliott is a little like Harry Dunne calling Lloyd Christmas dumb.
What Cousins did was dumber.
In a way, Cousins’ naiveté is understandable. When Duncan entered the league in 1997, Cousins was seven years old.
But if Cousins decided to slightly familiarize himself with NBA history, he’d know that by the time Duncan was in his third year, Duncan had been rookie of the year, a member of two All-NBA first teams, made one All-NBA first team defense, won the NBA Finals MVP award and had one championship ring.
Cousins is in his third season. He has none of the above. His resume is more Quaylish than Kennedyish.
Duncan in 2005
Cousins, however, may have been distracted by Duncan’s age. That can happen when you are 22 and are playing against someone 36 and you know you should dominate this old man. But somehow, despite your superior athleticism, the old guy keeps making play after play and even embarrasses you, and you are so befuddled that all you can do is work your jaws.
Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated had an extraordinary interview with Duncan last season and pointed out that Kevin Garnett – another player whose accomplishments would be a nice goal for Cousins – had spent his entire career trying to discombobulate Duncan with little success.
In matchups during their careers, Duncan had averaged 20 points and 12.2 rebounds against Garnett, but more importantly, his teams had a 29-19 record against Garnett. Former teammate Malik Rose told Ballard that when Duncan was challenged in such a juvenile manner, “he f—— destroys you.”
And that seemed to be the case in Sacramento. Against Cousins and the Kings, Duncan made 9-of-12 shots, had 23 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, four assists and three steals.
Cousins was 4-of-14 from the field and had 14 points and nine rebounds.
Lesson learned?
Probably not.
The larger story, however, is Duncan. He signed a new three-year contract in the offseason and the Spurs have again latched their wagon to stalwarts Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. No rebuilding project yet.
It would seem that with a six-game loss to the Thunder in the Western Conference finals last year, and with the talent added by the Lakers – although their growth has been stunted by bad executive decisions and injuries – that a championship is no longer likely in San Antonio.
Duncan has four rings, but the last one was in 2007 and, well, Duncan was 31 years old at the time.
But while the Spurs are more likely to be a team that opponents respect and fear in a series rather than one that can win four series and a title, with Duncan, you simply never know.