Nobody tuned into to watch see what Duncan would do. He didn’t have the pizzazz and cache that AI or Kobe did. For that reason, and his ability to stay out of the news, he never really connected with the people.

For the record, I prefer players like Duncan. Guys who came in and dominated on the floor every night and then went home and kept quiet.

AI for a brief time had the b-ball world on its toes and kids all over the world emulated him. Few can emulate Shaq because the one thing Shaq had going for him was that he was a 350lbs 7’ tall monster. He was no doubt electrifying but there also wasn’t anyone like him.

He certainly connected with the people due to his personality but he bounced around the league which IMO made him look like a bad guy that wasn’t committed to his teammates and fans. That’s not meant to be a knock on him, just the perception he created because he left three teams under controversy.

AI with the 76ers for a short time there shook the b-ball world and brought an Eastern Conference nemesis to challenge Kobe. They were the most electrifying ballers during that time and two guys that people credit for keeping b-ball alive post Jordan.