It has been a big month in the world of sports.
Serena Williams captured her 22nd title, a new fierce five in gymnastics. Portugal had a stunning victory in the Euro 2016 tournament. And now more recently… San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan announced he is retiring.
#ThankYouTD, for everything.https://t.co/tsjN4go8Rk
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 11, 2016
Duncan, who has become a staple in the basketball world since 1997, said he knew this was the moment to call a time-out on his career.
“I can still do this. I could probably still play,” Duncan said in an interview with ViVid Streaming. “But when it’s time, it’s time. It’s time. I started not enjoying myself. It wasn’t fun at times. And I always said when that point comes when it’s not fun anymore then I’m done.”
The legacy of his leadership and talent will clearly be missed by the NBA and fans alike.
Legend of the game. Sad to see him retire. One of the greatest power forwards/centre to play the game. #TimDuncan pic.twitter.com/KqRGtlMrGZ
— Darren Bent (@DarrenBent) July 11, 2016
After 19 years in the NBA, he retires with having five championships and 15 all-star game appearances. Duncan is sixth in blocks and 14th on the National Basketball Association’s all-time scoring list. He now joins Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Robert Parish as the only players to win 1,000 games. From his remarkable career, Duncan has become known for his example and his competitiveness.
Retiring in the same season as fellow legend Kobe Bryant, Duncan led the Spurs to 19 playoff appearances. Additionally, in this season alone, Duncan averaged 8.6 points per game, grabbed 7.6 rebounds, and averaged 1.7 blocks per game. Duncan sat on the bench for his last game as the Spurs were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2016 Western Conference semifinals.
10 Rings. 2 legends. Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/WhJuDdDcXq
— Ballers Ambition (@BalIersA) July 17, 2016
At the young age of 21, Duncan came into the league with a caliber of skills and talent that many hadn’t been seen in years. During his career, he played alongside many admirable players and was mentored by David “Admiral” Robinson. The duo was even known as the “Twin Towers.” He also played with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and his coach Gregg Popovich.
Amid his great accolades, Duncan is also known for his selflessness. For instance, he took a massive pay cut to make sure the Spurs can get the best players in free agency and in the draft. He has also been credited with helping to groom and support new teammate, LaMarcus Aldridge.
Off the court, Duncan supports the American Cancer Society and donated $247,000 to the San Antonio 1000 Cancer Genome Project. Additionally, Duncan has his own foundation and once raised $60,000 for the San Antonio charity, ChildSafe, by raffling off his Punisher-themed car.
With Duncan’s retirement, Kevin Garnett is now the only player left from the legendary class of late 90’s NBA greats. This class of greats includes: Grant Hill, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Paul Pierce, as well as many others.
Duncan is the epitome of a team-focused player. He has always done whatever is needed to help his team win and has consistently championed them along the way.
His retirement represents a new era in San Antonio Spurs basketball. Now the Spurs are being led by star Small Forward Kawhi Leonard, and Power Forward Aldridge it’s now their team. Both of those players have big shoes to fill with the retirement of Duncan.
Images courtesy of Giphy
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