Tim Duncan’s resume reads like exactly what he is: The greatest power forward ever to play the game.
• Five time NBA champion
• Three time Finals MVP
• Two time NBA MVP
• 15 times All-NBA team
• 14 times NBA All-Defensive team
• 15 time All-Star
• Rookie of the Year
• The Spurs won 71 percent of their games in his 19 NBA seasons.
The numbers don’t do his impact justice, but he gets overlooked because chose not to be a brand, he wanted to guard his time and his private life. The most Duncan thing ever may be that the Spurs will have a Duncan retirement press conference on Tuesday and he’s not going to be there (just Gregg Popovich).
The tributes to Duncan have poured in since the announcement was made. This is a fraction of them.
“Tim Duncan is one of the most dominant players in NBA history,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “His devotion to excellence and mastery of the game led to five NBA championships, two regular-season MVP awards and a place among the all-time greats, while his understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate. For two decades Tim represented the Spurs, the city of San Antonio and the league with passion and class. All of us in the NBA family thank him for his profound impact on the game.”
“It has been an honor for all of us to watch Tim Duncan’s remarkable 19-year career,” said Michelle Roberts, NBA players’ union executive director. “Since his entrance into the NBA in 1997, he has been a model for excellence. Tim will be remembered as a true leader, dedicated teammate and an icon in the San Antonio community. As a five-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, he has etched his place among the best players in league history and ranks among the greatest power forwards to have ever played our game.”
Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 11, 2016
Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 11, 2016
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Congrats to Tim Duncan, fellow #WFU alum on his #NBA retirement! You really put in work big fella pic.twitter.com/US1FUxSxdg
— Tyrone Muggsy Bogues (@MuggsyBogues) July 11, 2016
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BHuhRnFDOG0/?taken-by=nazrmohammed[/embed]
19 seasons. 2x #NBA MVP, 15x All-Star & 5x #NBA Champion. Congrats, Tim Duncan, on an incredible career! #ThankYouTD pic.twitter.com/hkrlyAtIsX
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 11, 2016
Congratulations on a legendary career, Tim Duncan. See you in Springfield. #ThankYouTD
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 11, 2016
21 on 21 through the years. #ThankYouTD pic.twitter.com/v5inXGzg64
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) July 11, 2016
Congrats to the best power forward to ever play the game. It was truly an honor. Winner above all else. #thankyouTD pic.twitter.com/cXAxvKk8z4
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) July 11, 2016
Wow man one of the best teammates I've ever had and the best PF of all time has just retired #21 #TD #GOAT https://t.co/8jhFDK1kC6
— Austin Daye (@Adaye5) July 11, 2016
Congrats to a great competitor and champion. Incredible career. Pure class and the GOAT!! #ThankYouTD
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) July 11, 2016
Got a chance to play against Duncan for 10years and every time I played against him I was in amazement!! Congrats on a great career!!
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) July 11, 2016
Salute to the greatest power forward ever! Illustrious career!! Much respect Timmy D.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 11, 2016
#ThankYouTD pic.twitter.com/Lw1Dw14dQ2
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) July 11, 2016
A young All-Star and an all-time legend. #ThankYouTD pic.twitter.com/Dk0nFhyk8f
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) July 11, 2016