We're looking at it right now. Duncan should be constantly in the media and be hailed as one of the all-time greatest players to ever play the game. I have a feeling this is the reason why KD isn't as popular as he should be either.
just wanna point out that MJ was the most non-controversial figure in the NBA during his time. Barkley was the most controversial person.
I don't think it has anything to do with how controversial you are so much as how open you are to the media. Olajuwon's legacy was certainly hurt by his aversion to the spotlight. I think Shaq benefited from being a constant sound byte for so long. Duncan isn't necessarily someone who opens up to the camera or even likes to engage in conversation and that's why his legacy has been hurt. I would say in this day and age your legacy is more defined by who writes about you and how frequently.
I think it plays a factor in the attention they get. But I would also factor in that TD and KD play in relatively smaller market cities that also don't get much as much attention.
This. Although I will argue that Dennis Rodman was pretty controversial / talked about a lot, even though he wasn't a superstar (except for his otherworldly rebounding numbers).
