NBA fans are having a range of reactions to Bill Simmons stating that Tim Duncan is ranked above Kobe Bryant in the GOAT debate. In a recent podcast episode, Simmons can be seen getting plenty defensive when his co-host states that Duncan and Bryant are probably on the same level.
However, Simmons feels that Duncan is a way better player and that Bryant is ranked “10th or 11th all-time.” Fans are calling out Simmons mercilessly for the outrageous ranking, especially since many hail Bryant as the GOAT in the game, long after his passing.
“I have Kobe like 10th or 11th all-time…But Duncan has to be…Duncan’s seventh. And I don’t think it’s debatable.” Bill Simmons said.
Bill Simmons has Tim Duncan ranked over Kobe Bryant all-time and thinks it’s ‘outrageous’ when people say Kobe is better
(🎥 @ringer )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 3, 2025
“This was the consensus before he died. Kobe death has him in convos he has no business being in”, one fan pointed out.
“This is why you can’t have these sport convos with these people. Duncan never went back to back. 85% of Kobe’s playoff runs were against 50 win teams (the most all time btw by FAR) I don’t mind people saying one over the other. But to say it’s NOT debatable is a joke. Because I can go on forever”, another fan reasoned.
“This whole conversation is ridiculous. Kobe is next to MJ. Period”, one more fan felt.
NBA Fans Also Agree With Bill Simmons’ Remarks About Tim Duncan & Kobe
On another note, there are many NBA fans who actually agree with Bill Simmons’ statements about Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. While there are a number of reasons for this as put out by these fans, the fact that Duncan was named MVP more times is being held as solid evidence that he deserves a higher ranking than Bryant.
“Kobe and Duncan each have 5 rings. Duncan has more MVPs, more Finals MVPs, more winning seasons, more 50-win seasons, never missed the playoffs, and did it all without a playe close to as good as prime Shaq”, One fan highlighted.
“Timmy is one of the best two way players of all time. Just because his game wasn’t as flashy don’t mean he wasn’t as dominant.” Another fan said.
“Tim is top 5 all time. Kobe ain’t even top 10”, one more fan echoed.
Nevertheless, as to who is higher than the other, fans collectively disagreed with Bill Simmons saying that this topic is hardly debatable. Both Duncan and Bryant are undoubtedly great players and have left a legacy in the league after their time on the court.
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