Tim Duncan or Tony Parker: Who's More Important to Spurs Postseason Success?

There is no doubt that the San Antonio Spurs are led by the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. As they continue to surge further into the playoffs, those big three will have to step up once again. 

Tim Duncan is often looked upon as one of the best power forwards of all time, and the best Spur in team history. Tony Parker has emerged this year as San Antonio's No. 1 option, and earned fifth place in the MVP voting. 

But is Duncan or Parker more important to the Spurs success during these playoffs?

In my opinion, the Spurs can only go as far Parker takes them. He is more important to the team on both the offensive- and defensive-side of the ball. 

Primarily, the Spurs no longer run the offense through the post with Parker and Ginobili taking the reigns of the offense.

While Duncan used to be the No. 1 option, Parker now runs the pick-and-roll as well as any player in the league and has the ability to find shooters such as Ginobili, Danny Green and Matt Bonner when the defense collapses. 

While Duncan is trying to play like his past self, Parker is hitting his prime and is one of the top point guards in the league. 

On the defensive end, Duncan is one of the smartest players in the league.

However, Parker is the more important defender in the next series against the Clippers. Chris Paul means everything to the Clippers on offense, and if Los Angeles is going to win the series, Paul will have to play on an MVP level.

The Spurs are sure to send multiple players at Paul, but Parker will be forced to guard him at different stretches during the series. The Spurs should be able to score against the Clippers; whether the San Antonio defense, meaning Tony Parker, can stop Chris Paul will be the big question for this series. 

Duncan has proven that he is the best Spur in NBA history, but for these playoffs, Parker is the Spurs' key to postseason success.