Imagine having three all-time great power forwards—Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Chris Webber—and you’re forced to trade one, bench one, and start one. It’s a tough choice for anyone, but former NBA player Stromile Swift tackled this on the Knuckleheads Podcast, surprising everyone by choosing to trade Tim Duncan, bench Chris Webber, and start Kevin Garnett. But why would anyone trade Duncan, a five-time NBA champion widely considered the greatest power forward ever?
Swift explained his reasoning in simple terms: as dominant as Duncan was, he was also “Mr. Fundamental”—a player who consistently put up 20 points and 12 rebounds in an unassuming, almost effortless way. “It wasn’t like Duncan’s just gonna come out and just kill you… it was so easy and effortless,” said Swift. Duncan’s calm, nonchalant approach on the court earned him accolades, but it also didn’t intimidate Swift in the same way as Garnett’s intense, aggressive style did. Duncan was never known for trash talk or flashy play; he was simply efficient and clinical, which ironically led Swift to put him on the trade list.
In contrast, Kevin Garnett was a complete mental and physical force on the court. Known for his aggressive style and relentless trash talk, KG brought a fiery edge to every matchup. Swift reflected on Garnett’s impact: “With KG, man… you knew he gonna put 25 on your head… every time he scored, he talking noise to you.” Garnett’s intensity wasn’t just about numbers; it was psychological warfare. Even players like Steven Adams have joked about avoiding Garnett’s verbal onslaught by pretending not to understand English. Garnett’s unique ability to combine skill with a fierce competitive spirit made him Swift’s choice to start.
Then there’s Chris Webber, a player with a slight scoring edge over Garnett and Duncan but without the championships or defensive accolades. Webber’s skills on both ends of the court were undeniable, but Garnett’s 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award and impact on team defense nudged him slightly ahead. Swift ultimately benched Webber, acknowledging his offensive prowess and versatile playmaking but still valuing Garnett’s defensive edge and leadership.
While Swift’s choices are sure to spark debate, his pick doesn’t intend any disrespect towards Duncan. He even called Duncan “the greatest power forward ever,” acknowledging Timmy’s legendary career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he consistently outperformed Garnett in direct matchups. Duncan’s head-to-head edge included 27 regular-season wins to Garnett’s 17, and Duncan led the playoffs with six wins out of their eight clashes. Statistically, the two were neck-and-neck—Duncan with 19.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game to Garnett’s 19.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.
For Swift, it ultimately came down to style and impact. Where Duncan and Garnett may be evenly matched statistically, their personalities on the court couldn’t be more different. Duncan’s quiet dominance vs. Garnett’s fierce intensity reflects two approaches to greatness—and for Swift, that intensity is what made Garnett his top choice.
So, who would you pick to start, bench, and trade? Swift’s answer may not be the only right one, but it’s definitely thought-provoking for fans who love comparing these legends.
