Didn't Derek Jeter have a drawn out, overblown final year? I'm not sure why he is mentioned here. Sure, he was fairly tight lipped about things but it is clear he likes the spotlight. Duncan is quite different.
2
This man was a quiet giant an example of life in all its aspects,much respect sir.
Seeing him walk off the court after his last game it occurred to me it seemed perfectly natural this was the way TD would go out. Understated to the end, tempting so many others to underestimate at their own expense! Farewell to one of the true greats of the game. A player whose stat line in game after game compared with few others, except perhaps the likes of players as rare as Earvin "Magic" Johnson. A class act and a true team player from day one to the end. Good luck TD!
2
I have been a Spurs fan since they moved from Dallas (ABA!). I have thoroughly enjoyed watching TD play, after having watched James SIlas, George Gervin, David Robinson, Sean Elliott. He is the quintessential professional. My son became a Spurs fan with me (probably, because of me since I made him watch and go to games, including championship close out games)--and my fondest memories are of going to games with him, and watching this team, Tim and Pop's team, play as one. Thank you, TD, and best wishes in your future career.
4
Took my son to Suns games against Spurs. We usually went to games 1 instead of games 7. I'm sure you know why.
A Long Goodbye for Tim Duncan? 'That wouldn't be him'
The retirement of Tim Duncan was the official end to an amazing career that began back in 1997. Tim Duncan's retirement is a major loss to the NBA and many basketball fans. For 19 years, Tim Duncan was the face of a franchise in a smaller market city, San Antonio, which was the perfect fit for Duncan. Perhaps the greatest power forward of all time and one of the most hard working and humble athletes to ever play the game. Tim Duncan's retirement marks the end of one of the greatest big threes ever. A five time NBA champion and all time great, Tim Duncan's retirement is a true loss for many.
The retirement of Tim Duncan was the official end to an amazing career that began back in 1997. Tim Duncan's retirement is a major loss to the NBA and many basketball fans. For 19 years, Tim Duncan was the face of a franchise in a smaller market city, San Antonio, which was the perfect fit for Duncan. Perhaps the greatest power forward of all time and one of the most hard working and humble athletes to ever play the game. Tim Duncan's retirement marks the end of one of the greatest big threes ever. A five time NBA champion and all time great, Tim Duncan's retirement is a true loss for many.
1
I don't think folks understand that TD is from the Virgin Islands. He's a swimmer at heart and his mom and dad are educated. He's an Olympian until basketball crossed his way; graduated from Wake Forrest. He does not fit the 'African American' experience and culture directly and was / is considered somewhat a misfit. As the NBA promoted more hip hop and star-individuality, the culture of the Spurs was methodic and international... Congratulation to past accomplishments and many in the future. The Big Fundamental - Island Time.
7
Tim Duncan's retirement isn't just the end of an exemplary player's exemplary career, it's also the end of the Spurs' Big Three, one of the greatest, long-running ensembles in the history of sports. Duncan was the pillar around which everything moved; Tony Parker, the darting, scurrying rabbit looking for holes in the defense; Manu Ginobili, the indescribable, unpredictable wild card. They have been the core of the finest sports franchise of our time. The model for teamwork, clean competitiveness, modesty, and success.
3
Every Celtics fan wonders what might have been had the draft lottery gone differently 19 years ago. Congratulations to a great champion.
1
I was never a Spurs fan because I grew up rooting for the Rockets. However, i always loved this guy. I wish there are more NBA players like Mr. Duncan.
3
" The Silent Assassin" ...exits...Nothing said. Nothing needed.
I've been a Spurs fan since '92-'93. Thank you NYT for this tribute. And thank you, TD. You truly are the GOATPUFF.
1
This is the nicest piece I have read in a Sports Page since Jim Murray, the LA Times' sports columnist, retired so long ago. Thank you. And no one could have been more deserving of it than Tim Duncan.
4
Seems to me Jim Murray was writing up till his death, but the only confirmation I can find is on Wiki. Can't even find articles to make it clear on the LAT site or the LAT site via the LA Public Library. Wiki: "He wrote a column from the Del Mar racetrack for the L.A. Times on the day before he died."
I was just thinking of, and missing, Jim Murray's column the other day. I'm not sure how long he lived after he finished writing but it wasn't long. He would have admired TD and put what should be obvious skills and abilities in a light where even a casual fan of the game would have gained a true appreciation.
Big person,not so big ego. Stupendous talent. Team player disguise for team leader.
When we need connections, solidarity, community, this man is the icon.
When we need connections, solidarity, community, this man is the icon.
2
What more had to be said? Harvey Araton, with his usual brilliance, just said it. I know it'll probably (and unfortunately) never happen, but I would love to read a Tim Duncan autobiography (ghostwritten, perhaps, by you know who).
5 rings, always a great teammate, consistently a class act AND a truly marvelous, one-of-a-kind talent. And now to be left with Demarcus Cousins and his ilk.
Jesus wept.
5 rings, always a great teammate, consistently a class act AND a truly marvelous, one-of-a-kind talent. And now to be left with Demarcus Cousins and his ilk.
Jesus wept.
1
Never a spurs fan but Duncan is a class act who will be missed.
Good for you, NYT, to mark the passing of a truly great player, not just in basketball, but in any sport. To understand Tim Duncan's genius and ability, you have to really understand basketball, not in its over-marketed individual focused NBA version, but deeply understand the game itself. Although it isn't often mentioned, I think that perhaps Wayne Gretzky is the best out-of-basketball comparison to Duncan. The Genius of both men was to execute with what seemed like a purely intuitive fundamental sense of where they needed to be and do. As Gretzky is famous for saying "A good hockey player plays where the puck is, a great player plays where it is going to be". Although it is seldom what the fans or the commentators focus on, Duncan's ability to position himself on the court to control the game without even touching the ball was amazing. Both men also had an uncanny grace and physical efficiency which allowed them to play much longer and at a much higher level than the vast majority of their peers. I don't think anyone in the NHL has come close to taking Gretzky's place and I don't see anyone in the NBA poised to replace Duncan. Having coached children's basketball for many years - as a team sport - the most rewarding aha moment for me is when one of my young players says - "ah, you want us to play like Tim Duncan and the Spurs not Kobe Bryant and the Lakers". Sad that Tim Duncan is now gone - but wonderful to have been able watch and admire for so many years.
9
Class act. He will be missed.
3
Here is a suggestion:
While it may be too late, since TD has indeed retired, why not invite him to be part of the US Olympic team? This would be such a win-win situation on so many levels.
While it may be too late, since TD has indeed retired, why not invite him to be part of the US Olympic team? This would be such a win-win situation on so many levels.
2
Was a fan of Duncan at WF and an even greater fan during his career with the Spurs. Definitely a quality player, and based on the manner in which he carried himself, a quality person.
I will miss his steady presence on the floor with the Spurs. All the best to you Tim.
I will miss his steady presence on the floor with the Spurs. All the best to you Tim.
1
The current ESPN blather about whether Duncan or Kobe was the better player just shows how far NBA basketball has descended into the me-first, strutting, jersey-puffing spectacle that it is. Kobe, from the moment he demanded, as an 18-year old, to be traded to LA, has been the poster boy for that descent. Thank goodness for the occasional Golden State/San Antonio type team, and thank goodness for Tim Duncan. But I'd still rather watch college (or high school) ball.
2
congrats to him. A solid man. Didn't need to go on a last tour to get a lounge chair and take 50 shots in a game.
2
I loved watching Tim play the game. His teams were so much fun to watch. 60+ years of watching basketball, and Tim is on my first team.
1
I've been a pro basketball fan for over fifty years and have never admired anyone more than Tim Duncan. And the last fifteen or so years i've been an ardent Spurs fan largely because of him and the unselfish, beautiful style of basketball they played. They reminded me of the Knicks teams of the late sixties and early seventies: move the ball, find the open man, get the best shot, play defense. And Timmy was so understated that he stood out among the screaming, preening players that dominate modern times. Charles Barkley called him the best power forward ever, but he was more than that. He was an example, a model of what a pro athlete should be.
4
As many have mentioned, Duncan was a total class act.
But so was Popovich and everybody I can think of on the Spurs Roster. Don't forget guys like Dirk, and lots of others that we seldom think of
To remember why we are even having this conversation, we have to look a the other end of the spectrum: Iverson, Rodman, World-Peace, Lambeir, & etc
To all the Kobe-Haters, #8/24 was from a group of talented trashtalkers that include Jordon, Bird, Magic, & others.
But so was Popovich and everybody I can think of on the Spurs Roster. Don't forget guys like Dirk, and lots of others that we seldom think of
To remember why we are even having this conversation, we have to look a the other end of the spectrum: Iverson, Rodman, World-Peace, Lambeir, & etc
To all the Kobe-Haters, #8/24 was from a group of talented trashtalkers that include Jordon, Bird, Magic, & others.
Not sure I understand your distinctions. Iverson was pretty darn good and doesn't belong in the same list at Bill Lambier.
Magic wasn't really known as a trash talker.
Magic wasn't really known as a trash talker.
1
Thanks for comment Dana
1) Iverson a good player? Yes, but so was Rodman, World-Peace, AND Lambeir
2) Magic-Johnson himself has said on MANY occasions that he was a trash-talker, but don't confuse that with guys that Taunt other players trying to incite something
1) Iverson a good player? Yes, but so was Rodman, World-Peace, AND Lambeir
2) Magic-Johnson himself has said on MANY occasions that he was a trash-talker, but don't confuse that with guys that Taunt other players trying to incite something
Tim Duncan was a great basketball player. Best power forward ever. He and his Spurs play(ed) the game the way it should be played - a fact the NBA fan base doesn't much appreciate. Witness the team's low merchandise sales for a hugely successful team over a pretty long period of time.
Tim also seems like a good guy, but I really don't know - or care so much.
Tim also seems like a good guy, but I really don't know - or care so much.
2
Great power forward, for sure. Greatest ever? Although it is hard to compare two contrasting approaches to the game, I'd go with "the Mailman" Karl Malone to at least come off the bench to spell him. Although he did not have the all around game TD had, they didn't call him "the Mailman" for nothing.
A Wake grad. Performs at the highest levels. Brings out the best in his associates. No fuss. Gets the job done. Embodiment of class.
Shouldn't his next team be the House of Representatives?
Shouldn't his next team be the House of Representatives?
2
Well, the model of what a professional athlete can be is there for all to aspire to. Quiet excellence. The best of teammates. Timmy has changed the entire NBA game with his temperament and results. It seems every team wants to be a version of the Spurs -- look at the former Spurs coaches and management types proliferating throughout the league. Their problem is, of course, that there is only one Timmy D to build around.
I got to watch him almost nightly on the tube, since I live in Central Texas, and it has been one of the great pleasures of my life to have a true hero perform his quiet winning feats as a matter of course and not ever brag, or preen, or act entitled. Greatness without the hype. How wonderful is that? Timmy is The Man. We're gonna miss him.
I got to watch him almost nightly on the tube, since I live in Central Texas, and it has been one of the great pleasures of my life to have a true hero perform his quiet winning feats as a matter of course and not ever brag, or preen, or act entitled. Greatness without the hype. How wonderful is that? Timmy is The Man. We're gonna miss him.
1
I am reading this with tears in my eyes . . . not because I am such a rabid sports fan, but because watching basketball might be different without this true gentleman anchoring his team. My children learned to admire the "good" and the "fair" rather than the showy and self-aggrandizing from watching Tim Duncan and the Spurs. (I hope I helped a little as well.) They are now adults and the lesson will continue. Many thanks are in order.
4
That's how you retire from the NBA.
1
The last few seasons I've watched as TD has not only lead the team on the court, but also helped to lead recruitment and development of the next generation - Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. I don't know without him if we would have them.
Thanks for 19 awesome years...you will be missed by the fans in so many ways.
Thanks for 19 awesome years...you will be missed by the fans in so many ways.
1
At Wake Forest, the psych dept shared Winston Hall with the biology dept. Every day that I was there....so was Timmy. Each and every day, Timmy rolled in....and then back out again. Always quick with a smile.....but just like a blue collar factory worker, he headed to and from the classroom without too much ado. Even then, it was hard to be the adoring fan of such a great kid when he just smiled....and shrugged.....and went about his way. Kind of the "Tao of Timmy". It was genuinely a treat to witness a career....from early to late....that just was. Thanks, Timmy! BTW.....Wake Forest is still a "Timmy" kinda town. Sure would be nice to see you squared up again Roy Williams and those dreaded TarHeels at LJVM once again. Go Deacs!
2
I remember back then saying that Duncan would be the last senior to be picked number one in the draft.
Damn fine player. He beat my team (The Detroit Pistons) in 7 games in the 2005 NBA Finals. He was a rock on Offense and Defense.
I respect the fact that you never heard of any off the field issues concerning Mr. Duncan.
He is a worthy Hall Of Fame inductee when he and Kobe Bryant enters the Basketball Hall Of Fame in a few years.
I respect the fact that you never heard of any off the field issues concerning Mr. Duncan.
He is a worthy Hall Of Fame inductee when he and Kobe Bryant enters the Basketball Hall Of Fame in a few years.
I wish more athletes were like Timmy, cerebral, more classy. I can't remember anything negative about this dude. I just hated how they destroyed my Pistons, just embarrassed them.
I have watched him since he first joined Robinson in his rookie year. In the last 20 years, after Duncan's addition, I saw the Spurs rise from the bottom of the league and become a dynasty while my beloved Lakers have hit rock bottom.
Over the years, I have watched Tim Duncan's play do all the talking while he avoided the spotlight like the plague (even avoided endorsement deals).
Calling him bland or his team bland is quiet wrong, since to a basketball purist watching the Spurs compete, and watching Duncan play is watching poetry in action.
I believe the longevity of the Spurs and their championship rings are credit to Tim Duncan's team first, no nonsense playing style and his competitive drive.
Duncan's talent, class, dignity, hard work, competitiveness and his overall team first attitude will be sorely missed.
Over the years, I have watched Tim Duncan's play do all the talking while he avoided the spotlight like the plague (even avoided endorsement deals).
Calling him bland or his team bland is quiet wrong, since to a basketball purist watching the Spurs compete, and watching Duncan play is watching poetry in action.
I believe the longevity of the Spurs and their championship rings are credit to Tim Duncan's team first, no nonsense playing style and his competitive drive.
Duncan's talent, class, dignity, hard work, competitiveness and his overall team first attitude will be sorely missed.
3
Every team including my local Warriors wished they had a humble franchise player like Duncan. After he won his first NBA championship he wished his college roommate a happy birthday.
1
Tim Duncan was a class act all the way. Thank you, sir.
Thanks for telling a great story about a great guy.
2
Tim Duncan's way was just that of a basketball player. He played the game and brought all the qualities of team sport to his team. Loyalty, respect, love of teammates and sacrifice of individual wants for the team. Others have paved that way before him- Bill Russell, both Malones', Bird, Unseld- the list is long and all can add names. What Duncan did for his last years was to stay true to those values. Players today, in general, are self centered and all their actions diminish that game of basketball. Our high school coach would say.'Don't think you'll hurt the team! Just run the plays we've practiced.'
Thanx Tim and the Spurs for maintaining that excellence.
Thanx Tim and the Spurs for maintaining that excellence.
8
He was the Bill Russell of this era - all about helping his team earn rings and not about himself. I wish him and his family nothing but the best.
18
From a former Bostonian who lived through the Russell era, you nailed it so far as basketball is concerned. Russell had a lot to say off the court, and it needed saying.
2
TIm was and is the perfect role model. He IS the essence of the example I want for my kids ...
17
Meh! You should be the role model for your kids.
The Arthur Ashe of the NBA. A true gentleman who didn't go about bragging about being a gentleman. I dream of a world where we all aspire to and achieve the status of being as boring, as dedicated, as intelligent, and as successful as Mr. Duncan. The world needs more "boring", thoughtful, and successful people sans their bullhorns.
33
I would have thought there would be more comments here. I see it is as low key as TD is. When I was in my teens and early twenties I saw this guy play and thought he was great, but the most boring player to watch. Boy was I wrong. Now I realize how big of a legend and a role model he is in and out of the court. I will miss him play ball very much. All the best TD. Thanks for what you have done for the sport.
4
We now have three great NBA stars living in our beautiful city who played most of their careers if not all of their careers here - George Gervin, David Robinson, and Tim Duncan. San Antonio a great place to live or visit!
9
I remember after the Spurs' first championship series against the Knicks David Robinson was being interviewed. He did his usual Lord and Savior speech. Then it was the rookie Tim Duncan's turn. He wished his college roommate a happy birthday. I like this young guy I thought at the time.
1
Can't wait to learn what he does in retirement. How much you wanna bet he'll be fundamentally sound and successful in whatever he chooses?
5
He will coach. He was, essentially, Pop's asst. coach.
It is always perilous to say something will never happen again, because as soon one does, it indeed happens again. However, I do wonder if the professional game will ever see a big man like Duncan again. A big man's skills take longer to develop than those of a perimeter player. The four years he spent in college allowed him to develop a much more well-rounded skill set than he would have had if he had been a one-and-done player. The combination of his work ethic and those four years of college development may be a combination that we won't see for quite some time.
If his example leads even one young man into taking the long view of his potential NBA career it will be a very positive development.
If his example leads even one young man into taking the long view of his potential NBA career it will be a very positive development.
5
Team!! Utmost dignity and humility. Thank you Tim Duncan.
8
For those of us who (once) played serious ball, it's easy to say what makes Duncan so special. In terms of basketball fundamentals, he was the player of his generation. You may think that is faint praise but, again, if you play ball, you know it is not.
Oh, and he is one class act.
Oh, and he is one class act.
15
It has been a pleasure and a privilege watching Mr. Duncan play.
He will be missed.
Wish him and his family all the best.
He will be missed.
Wish him and his family all the best.
6
Adieu Mr. Duncan. You were simply the best.
12
Here's a man our sons should look up to. Here's a man who leads from the heart and not from the ego. Here's a man who will always be remembered for is quiet confidence and persistent grace.
9
Tim Duncan is an example for everyone; do your job as well as you can and the results will speak for you.
You will be missed both as a player and a person.
You will be missed both as a player and a person.
6
Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan,
Willis Reed (sorry, I'm a Knicks fan.)
In that order, best centers ever.
Sorry, Shaq and Wilt fans, they weren't as versatile as Tim (or Willis.) Hakeem and Malone won fewer championships. Walton was way too brittle.
David Robinson would have to admit he needed Tim to get his second ring.
Willis Reed (sorry, I'm a Knicks fan.)
In that order, best centers ever.
Sorry, Shaq and Wilt fans, they weren't as versatile as Tim (or Willis.) Hakeem and Malone won fewer championships. Walton was way too brittle.
David Robinson would have to admit he needed Tim to get his second ring.
7
Entitled to your own opinion, but Duncan's skill set compared to the "The Dream's" is no comparison. Furthermore, I really wish people stop evaluating basketball, football, and baseball players based on how many rings they have. All 3 are "team" sports, therefore 1 man cannot win it alone. Case in point: Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady.
Tim McCoy .. Duncan only moved to center the last few years. In fact part of the time rotating between forward and center. If one was just to look at his #'s from playing center there is no way you can conclude he's one of the best center's ever. He only played that position really out of necessity. He is however the greatest Power Forward ever in my opinion, and many other people's as well.
Mr. Fundamental leaves in a fundamental way, without fanfare, without tears, with five championship rings. If only more ballplayers could be like him.
4
I love it.
I think about how cutting down the net has become a ritual in the NCAA…bring out the ladder, player climbs up and snips a strand. Smile!!! Next!!! Completely boring. And this farewell tour thing threatened to become another ritual.
Duncan left it all on the floor. Bam! Drop the mic and walk away.
I think about how cutting down the net has become a ritual in the NCAA…bring out the ladder, player climbs up and snips a strand. Smile!!! Next!!! Completely boring. And this farewell tour thing threatened to become another ritual.
Duncan left it all on the floor. Bam! Drop the mic and walk away.
1
And he actually graduated college---something very few "Top" draft picks can claim.
12
Be prepared to read the word 'class' over and over again in reference to Tim Duncan. He is the archetype of the word.
6
I'm 64 and have been watching basketball my whole life. Tim Duncan and the Spurs renewed my faith in pro ball. His quiet perseverance and relentless effort transcended the game, really. A role model for life and not just for basketball. Tim, thank you, thank you, thank you!
8
Duncan was the extremely rare combo of talent, effort and class. He will be missed.
51
Role model of selflessness, hard work, consistency, dignity and class
33
Tim Duncan
What a player.
What a person.
What an example for kids 'round the world.
Thank you God for Tim Duncan.
San Antonio has been so blessed.
What a player.
What a person.
What an example for kids 'round the world.
Thank you God for Tim Duncan.
San Antonio has been so blessed.
34
One of the best of all time and last of his kind. A superstar and a gentleman.
42
Good for him to go out quietly and with class. In a time of me first athletes who crave attention and adoration it's refreshing to see an athlete who eschews the obscene farewell tour with ever=more lavish gifts and ceremonies as the season goes on. Just as when he played, Mr. Duncan let his actions speak for him, well done and thank you.
51
I think that's a little harsh. After all his teammate David Robinson, who was equally classy and beloved, went out with a farewell tour. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just that it's not really Tim's style.
2
I liked Robinson. When Latrell Sprewell was asked why the Knicks lost the NBA title series to the Spurs he said,"Their front line." Duncan won four titles without Robinson. Robinson won zero without Duncan. Plus Robinson was always whacking his Bible at you. I prefer Duncan's style.
The anti-Kobe. Going to miss Timmy D. Great champion. He was perfect for a city like San Antonio. I Was hoping we could squeeze one more year with him as a role player but do think he is making the right choice. Who knows if we will see him again. Perhaps lounging on the beach in St. Croix? Happy retirement Tim.
29
Yes, but you have Kawhi Leonard, who is the very personification/reincarnation of Tim Duncan and Duncan's attributes of humility, team play, and grace. Count your lucky spurs, San Antonio!
1
Too bad we will no longer have this wonderful combination of skill and class in the game. As time passes,,and Trumplike figures dominate the NBA, we will appreciate Tim Duncan for his dedication and modesty. In a game where high fives are exchanged after every free throw, whether missed or made, a bit of calm craftmanship was always welcome.
35
trump - like figures? perhaps a bit of a stretch.
There's another guy in San Antonio you may want to look into. Goes by the name of Kawhi...
1
Thank you Mr. Duncan
19
A warm, affectionate tribute to a great basketball player. But he was akso more than that; he was a great sportsman and a wonderful representative for professional conduct that could serve as a model for so many of our young athletes.
28
Class act.
13
Tim Duncan, not Kobe Bryant, is the best and most productive player of his generation. Shouting, showboating, ranting, preening do not change the facts and statistics. The gentle giant is very much appreciated by those who see beyond the flash.
72
Class act. That's it.
27
Duncan is that very rare restrained and reticent basketball superstar that we're not likely to see the likes of again.
11
Outstanding athletic skills - check
Winner - check
Loyalty and persistence - check
True gentleman - the best!
Winner - check
Loyalty and persistence - check
True gentleman - the best!
35
I did not follow Tim Duncan into the pros—my interest started and stopped with his ACC career, which was absolutely thrilling. Even to an avid Georgia Tech fan, Tim was a terrific player, the quintessential "good sport," someone who was an admirable role model on and off the court. After four exciting years of watching him play, I'll never forget giving him a standing ovation as he came onto the court his senior year at his last game at Tech.
I'm glad to know his professional career was outstanding as well. I'm not surprised at all.
I'm glad to know his professional career was outstanding as well. I'm not surprised at all.
24
The game will miss his class
13
A legend. Well deserved retirement.
13
Thank you Mr. Tim ....
You are one of a kind sports personality....
You are one of a kind sports personality....
12
it has been an honor to watch him play his brand of basketball. nuf said
15
Duncan is the greatest power forward ever. He's probably in the top 5 of all players. And, in my opinion, he's the most boring NBA superstar ever, which is why I far prefer Bird, Magic, and Chuck.
1
He's not a boring player. You just have to have an eye for subtlety.
5
Agreed. I think Duncan is boring to someone who grew up on video games. Explosions, flashing lights, machine gun rat-a-tat. Duncan appeals to someone who enjoys sitting down and spending an evening with a great book.
One of the all time greats, player and man. Wishing he and his family the very best.
16