Will Tim Duncan Retire? Friend And Former Teammate Says No
Tim Duncan retire? After 18 seasons? Can it be so? Not according to one of Duncan’s former teammates.
According to CBS Sports, “The Fundamental,” as Duncan is known, will be back for his 19th season. Their source? Duncan’s friend and former teammate, Antonio Daniels.
“I would be very surprised if he retired,” said Daniels. “As long as he’s staying at a level where he feels like he’s relevant and competing, I can’t see it.”
Duncan’s efforts have been exemplary this year. Many fans like to include the phrase “for a guy his age.” In retrospect, his efforts have been stellar for a guy at whatever age. He wants to continue playing at a high, superstar level, Duncan has done that. He was a leading Defensive Player of the Year candidate while eventual winner Kawhi Leonard sat for three weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his shooting hand, and Duncan came within a fingernail of blocking Chris Paul’s game-winning shot and sending game seven into overtime. The Fundamental can still play.
Now comes the big question; does he want to continue? Duncan is in great physical shape, and can play for at least two, or maybe even four years. Duncan has won five NBA titles, made tons of money, and established himself as a superstar. But, does he want to continue with the travel grind?
The Real GM is reporting that Duncan averaged 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and almost two blocks per game for the 2014-15 season. Duncan scored 27 points and 11 rebounds in that fantastic game seven.
“I continue to be amazed by Tim Duncan,” San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich said. “He was our most consistent player in the playoffs, at 39. He needed a little more help, and I feel badly he didn’t get it. It wasn’t for a lack of trying. To watch him is pretty spectacular, in itself.” Popovich should know, he has been Duncan’s only coach since Duncan came into the league in 1998.
If Duncan does decide to retire, he will have a Hall of Fame career to look back on. Coming out of Wake Forest, Duncan has won five NBA titles, two NBA MVP awards, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1998-1999 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Duncan is a 15-time NBA All-Star, and was named to the All-MVP and All-Defensive Team in each of his first 13 seasons. Duncan has stated many times that he would like to retire as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, the only team he’s ever played for professionally.
[Image courtesy of Taddler]
