#Tim duncan number professional

While the Spurs played Popovich’s way, Duncan made Popovich’s job easier. When you see certain scenarios, now it’s more about, ‘OK, I see that I’m going to be held to a certain standard even before you have a conversation.’ ” “Either you’re going to sink or swim in this environment because if you’re not a worker and you see he’s a worker, you’re at odds already. As you come in and see the top dog putting in the work, it sends a message immediately. I would see him in his own little world putting in the work, putting in the work. “No one can say they saw Tim take nights off as far as the work is concerned. “It’s at practice where you really get a chance to see what someone is about,” ESPN analyst and former teammate Bruce Bowen said. Behind that stoic face, was an intense competitor who wanted to win and wanted his teammates to contribute no matter their role. Beyond his talent, Duncan worked hard and provided leadership, establishing an ethos that permeated throughout the organization. The Spurs were one of the NBA’s few elite franchises during Duncan’s run. On a personal level, I love the guy.” Setting an example for teammates

#Tim duncan number professional

Longtime Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was brief and direct in his admiration: “On a professional level, no Duncan, no championships. “It’s all a combination of a competitiveness on my own part, a love for playing the game, hating losing – that’s a big one, I don’t think gets enough credit – and an organization committed to putting the best things in place to give a city, a team, a player like myself to win year in, year out,” Duncan told in the only interview he gave before his mandatory Hall of Fame press conference.ĭuncan is a first-ballot Basketball Hall of Famer and will be inducted Saturday with Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tamika Catchings, Rudy Tomjanovich, Kim Mulkey, Barbara Stevens, Eddie Sutton and Patrick Baumann in what might be the best Hall class ever. He evolved as a player and person over a remarkable career that lasted nearly two decades, but those core values never wavered as Duncan developed into one of the best power forwards in basketball history.ĭuncan – a force offensively and defensively - averaged 19 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists and 2.2 blocks in 19 seasons that included five NBA titles, 15 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA selections, 15 All-Defensive teams, three Finals MVPs, two regular-season MVPs and rookie of the year. Tim Duncan exited the NBA the same he entered it – as a starter for the San Antonio Spurs with a selfless, team-first commitment to winning and an aversion for the spotlight.

Watch Video: San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan retires after 19-year NBA career