Comparing the Spurs’ ‘Twin Towers’ to the Cavs’ ‘Tower City’

The ever-changing landscape of the NBA

It was a little bit easier than I made it seem to compare the two frontcourt duos. Offensively especially, Duncan and Robinson were just more polished as players during that time period, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Like I said, Allen is only 23, and Mobley is only 20. However these four men are very similar on the defensive end.

Robinson was one of the best rim protectors of all-time. For his career he averaged 3.0 blocks per game, which is outlandish. On top of that, he averaged 1.4 steals per game, which is impressive for a seven-footer. As for Duncan, he was not the wizard on the defensive end that Robinson was. He wasn’t necessarily at that level; he was still outstanding, though.

Over his career he averaged 2.2 blocks per game, and 0.7 steals per game, which is again, very impressive for a forward. With all this being said, you have to take in the era these guys were playing in. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Kobe Bryant was dominating the NBA with mid-range shooting. Scorers like Allen Iverson became more crafty, and harder to block. Which brings me to our own “Tower City.”

If you look at the league now compared to then, the instincts and athleticism Mobley has makes him the best overall defender out of these four. When I’m looking at the comparison of Mobley and Allen versus Duncan and Robinson, it’s all about the way their teams play defense, and how well they play in their roles.

To be honest, Duncan and Robinson were great in their roles for the Spurs during their years together. Robinson was a rim protector, as was Duncan. However, neither one of them would be the elite rim protectors they were then, in today’s NBA. It has always been important to be tough in the painted area, and contest all shots inside. But, I would argue that in today’s game, Mobley’s ability to guard literally 1-5, is more important than Robinson’s ability to block four shots per game.

The game has evolved, and players are more creative now than they ever were. Which is precisely why Mobley being able to guard those types of players is a benefit. And the best part of it all? All Mobley has to do is funnel ball-handlers into the paint, where he can introduce them to his friend, Jarrett Allen.

The Spurs defense was great with Duncan and The Admiral; regardless, I think Mobley and Allen will eclipse them defensively, sooner than you might think.