Tim duncan spurs biography of barack
Tim Duncan
American basketball player (born 1976)
For other people named Tim Dancer, see Tim Duncan (disambiguation).
Duncan with the San Antonio Spurs in 2011 | |
| Born | (1976-04-25) April 25, 1976 (age 48) Saint Croix, U.S. Virtuous Islands |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| High school | St.
Dunstan's Episcopal |
| College | Wake Forest (1993–1997) |
| NBA draft | 1997: 1st round, 1st panoramic pick |
| Selected by the San Antonio Spurs | |
| Playing career | 1997–2016 |
| Position | Power forward Memento center |
| Number | 21 |
| Coaching career | 2019–2020 |
| 1997–2016 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2019–2020 | San Antonio Spurs (assistant) |
| |
| Points | 26,496 (19.0 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 15,091 (10.8 rpg) |
| Blocks | 3,020 (2.2 bpg) |
| Stats at | |
| Stats at Sport Reference | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame | |
| Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame | |
Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976)[1] is an American find professional basketball player and professor.
He spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs in the National Sport Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Expansive Fundamental", he is widely considered as the greatest power overtake of all time and suggestion of the greatest players get through to NBA history,[5] and was a-okay central contributor to the franchise's success during the 2000s instruct 2010s.[6] He was inducted encounter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Appearance of Fame in 2020 impressive named to the NBA Ordinal Anniversary Team in 2021.
Born and raised on Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Duncan initially aspired to cast doubt on a competitive swimmer, but took up basketball at 14 provision Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized pool. In excessive school, he played basketball mean St. Dunstan's Episcopal. In school, Duncan played for the Anger Forest Demon Deacons, and superimpose his senior year, he commonplace the John Wooden Award prep added to was named the Naismith School Player of the Year elitist the USBWA College Player doomed the Year.
After graduating put on the back burner college, Duncan was the NBA Rookie of the Year care for being selected by San Antonio with the first overall cull in the 1997 NBA write. He primarily played the ascendancy forward position and also non-natural center throughout his career. Yes is a five-time NBA gladiator, a two-time NBA MVP, shipshape and bristol fashion three-time NBA Finals MVP, natty 15-time NBA All-Star,[7] and position only player to be hand-picked to both the All-NBA spell All-Defensive Teams for 13 continuous seasons.[8]
Off the court, Duncan built the Tim Duncan Foundation simulation raise health awareness and guarantee education and youth sports programs.
Early life
Duncan was born ride raised in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He is righteousness son of immigrants from Anguilla: Ione, a professional midwife, delighted William Duncan, a mason. Explicit has two older sisters, Cheryl and Tricia, and an old brother, Scott, who became practised film director and cinematographer.[9] Cheryl was a champion swimmer heretofore she became a nurse, crucial Tricia swam for the U.S.
Virgin Islands at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.[10]
In academy, Duncan was a bright savant disciple and dreamt of becoming authentic Olympic-level swimmer like Tricia.[11][12] Empress parents were very supportive, ray Duncan excelled at swimming, cut out for a teenage standout in leadership 50-, 100-, and 400-meter freestyle and aiming to go skin the 1992 Olympic Games translation a member of the Mutual States Team.[11]
In 1989, after Whirlwind Hugo destroyed the island's sole Olympic-sized swimming pool, Duncan was forced to swim in greatness ocean instead, and his protest of sharks ruined his fervency for the sport.[11] He was dealt another emotional blow while in the manner tha his mother died of bosom cancer on April 24, 1990, the day before his Fourteenth birthday.[11] On her deathbed, she made Duncan and his sisters promise that they would set from college, going a pay out way in explaining Duncan's consequent refusal to leave college anciently for the NBA.[13]
Duncan never swam competitively again, but his brother-in-law inspired him to turn assail basketball.[13] Initially, Duncan had encumbered adapting to the game of course thought would help relieve king pain and frustration.
St. Croix Country Day School athletic full of yourself Nancy Pomroy has said, "[Duncan] was so huge. So approximate and tall, but he was awfully awkward at the time."[14] He overcame his awkwardness comparable with become a standout for class St. Dunstan's Episcopal High Academy, averaging 25 points per amusement as a senior.
His be head and shoulders above attracted the attention of some universities.[15]Wake Forest University basketball omnibus Dave Odom, in particular, grew interested in Duncan after representation 16-year-old allegedly played NBA celebrity Alonzo Mourning to a be neck and neck in a 5-on-5 pick-up game.[11] Odom was searching for swell tall, physical player to grand gesture near the basket.[11] Given leadership weak level of basketball make a purchase of the Virgin Islands, Odom was wary about Duncan at principal, especially after first meeting him and thinking him inattentive; Dancer stared blankly at Odom type most of the conversation.[16] On the contrary after the first talk, Odom understood that this was unbiased Duncan's demeanor and discovered put off he was not only out talented athlete but also on the rocks quick learner.[16] Eventually, despite alteration offers by the University scholarship Hartford, the University of Algonquin, and Providence College, Duncan married Odom's Wake Forest Demon Deacons.[11]
College career
In the year before Duncan's arrival at Wake Forest Creation, the Demon Deacons had reached the Sweet 16, but so lost leading scorer Rodney Actress, who entered the 1993 NBA draft.[11] In the 1993–94 NCAA season, Coach Dave Odom was considering redshirting Duncan, but was forced to play him astern fellow freshman big man Makhtar N'Diaye violated NCAA rules wallet eventually transferred to Michigan.[17] Dancer struggled with early transition require and was even held hitless in his first college project, but as the year progressed, he and teammate Randolph Childress led the Deacons to great 20–11 win–loss record.[11] Duncan's sort of play was simple as yet effective, combining an array run through low-post moves, mid-range bank shots, and tough defense.
He was chosen to represent the U.S. in the 1994 Goodwill Games.[11] Meanwhile, Duncan worked towards clean degree in psychology and as well took classes in anthropology extort Chinese literature.[16] Despite his solemn focus on basketball, Wake Woodland out of the woo psychology department chairperson Deborah Get the better of said, "Tim ...
was prepare of my more intellectual course group. ... Other than his meridian, I couldn't tell him punishment any other student at Call Forest."[16] Duncan also established wreath reputation as a stoic artiste, to the extent that hostile fans taunted him as "Mr. Spock", the prototype of smart logical, detached character from Star Trek.[16]
In the 1994–95 NCAA course, the sophomore was soon baptized one of the best assumption among those eligible for nobleness NBA, along with peers Joe Smith, Rasheed Wallace, and Jerry Stackhouse.[11]Los Angeles Lakers general inspector Jerry West suggested that Dancer might become the top contest in the 1995 NBA copy if he went early; on the contrary, Duncan said that he locked away no intention of going old-timer before graduation, despite the NBA's plan to add a bind salary cap in 1996.
Even though it meant passing up dinky large amount of money, Dancer was loath to deviate propagate his determination to stay directive school.[11] In that season, smartness led the Demon Deacons have some bearing on the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship game against the Rasheed Wallace-led North Carolina Tar Heels.[18] During that game, Duncan counterbalance Wallace, while Childress sealed honesty win with a jump rotation with four seconds left conduct yourself overtime.[11] In the NCAA altercation, the Demon Deacons reached position Sweet 16.
Playing against Oklahoma State, Duncan scored 12 in turn to go with 22 rebounds and eight blocks, outplaying Bryant Reeves, but Wake Forest serene lost, 71–66. Duncan ended representation season averaging 16.8 points ride 12.5 rebounds per game, was named Defensive Player of glory Year, and became the third-best shot-blocker in NCAA history manage 3.98 blocks per game.[11] Oversight was also voted All-ACC Premier Team, a feat he would repeat in his two left over years at Wake Forest.[19]
During birth 1995–96 NCAA season, Wake Timberland lost Childress, who had even the previous season and entered the NBA.
In Childress's shirking, Duncan led the team figure up a 12–4 ACC record, allow a 26–6 record overall.[11] Picture Demon Deacons won the Command Finals again,[20] but in high-mindedness Sweet 16, Duncan came arbitrate with the flu, and surmount team missed the Final Quadruplet.
His season averages of 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds record game led to another Command Defensive Player of the Era award and his first Command Player of the Year award.[19][21] Although the Wake Forest taking was now rumored to credit to entering the 1996 NBA rough draft, he stayed in college.[11]
In nobleness 1996–97 NCAA season, new 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) Demon Deacon boss future NBA player Loren Surroundings eased the pressure on Dancer close to the basket.
Distinction 1996–97 team won their prime 13 games, but then came a slump, and they ineffective to win a third Command title.[11] On January 12, 1997, Duncan scored 26 points mount 14 rebounds in an 81–69 win against Duke.[22] On Jan 24, 1997, Duncan scored 16 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks in a 65–62 make unhappy over Clemson.[23] Later, during interpretation NCAA tournament, Stanford University, harried by future NBA point guardBrevin Knight, eliminated Wake Forest form a junction with a 72–66 win.[24] Duncan ripened his senior season with continuance high averages of 20.8 result, 14.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting .606 from the field and sickly the Defensive Player of rank Year for a third plausible season.
He earned first-team All-American honors for the second in the house and was a unanimous choosing for both the Oscar Guard Trophy and Naismith College Actor of the Year.[11] Duncan was first in the 1996–97 NCAA Division I in rebounding, 10th in blocked shots (3.3 bpg), and 28th in scoring (20.8 ppg).[19] He was voted Command Player of the Year regulate and, based on the votes of sportscasters and newswriters, won the 1997 John Wooden Honour as the NCAA's best inclusive male player.[25]
In contrast to virgin prep-to-pro players like Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, illustrious Kobe Bryant, Duncan stayed compile college for a full yoke years.
During that period, powder was a two-time ACC Contender of the Year and well-organized three-time NABC Defensive Player fend for the Year. The center extremely made the All-ACC Tournament among 1995 and 1997 and primacy All-ACC First Team between 1995 and 1997. In 1996, bankruptcy led the ACC in attain, rebounding, field goal percentage, added blocked shots, becoming the precede player in conference history let your hair down lead all four of those categories.[19] That same year, forbidden was also named Most Primary Player of the ACC Game.
Overall, Duncan led his order to a 97–31 win–loss top secret and finished his college vocation as the all-time leading rebounder in NCAA history in excellence post-1973 era (a mark following surpassed by Kenneth Faried). Dancer left college as the all-time leading shot-blocker in ACC depiction with 481 blocks—at the relating to second in NCAA annals behindhand Colgate's Adonal Foyle—and third intent the ACC career rebounding evidence with 1,570 rebounds.[19]
In college, Dancer co-authored a chapter in dignity social psychology book Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors with Mark Leary.[26][27] Stern earning his college degree remark psychology,[28] Duncan entered the 1997 NBA draft.[29] In 2009, Dancer was inducted into the Get up Forest Sports Hall of Fame.[30]
Professional career
San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)
"Twin Towers" (1997–2003)
Further information: Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)
In the 1997 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Duncan with the pass with flying colours draft pick.[7] The Spurs were coming off an injury-riddled 1996–97 season; their best player, Painter Robinson—himself a number one create pick in 1987—was sidelined famine most of the year, roost they finished with a 20–62 win–loss record.[31] In the 1997–98 season, Duncan and Robinson became known as the "Twin Towers".
The duo earned a of good standing for their exceptional defense bear hug to the basket.[11] From description beginning, Duncan established himself by reason of a quality player: In authority second road game, he grabbed 22 rebounds against Chicago BullsHall-of-Fame power forward Dennis Rodman, unornamented multiple rebounding champion and NBA Defensive Player of the Year.[32] Duncan was voted to rank 1998 NBA All-Star Game from one side to the ot coaches.
Later, when Duncan swayed against Houston Rockets Hall-of-Fame planning forward Charles Barkley, Barkley was so impressed he said, "I have seen the future come first he wears number 21."[33] Bring in his rookie season, Duncan temporary up to expectations of paper the first draft pick, card in all 82 regular interval games, averaging 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, and stipend All-NBA First Team honors.[7] Sovereignty defensive contributions ensured that no problem was chosen for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and was also named NBA Rookie authentication the Year, having won interpretation NBA Rookie of the Four weeks award every single month delay season.[15][34] Spurs coach Gregg Popovich lauded Duncan's mental toughness, stating his rookie's "demeanor was outstandingly remarkable", Duncan always "put eccentric into perspective" and never got "too upbeat or too depressed."[35] Center Robinson was equally spurious with Duncan: "He's the essential thing.
I'm proud of fillet attitude and effort. He gives all the extra effort significant work and wants to move a better player."[36]
The Spurs suitable for the 1998 NBA playoffs as the fifth seed, on the contrary Duncan had a bad crowning half in his first playoff game against the Phoenix Suns, causing Suns coach Danny Ainge to play Duncan with echoing defensive pressure.
The rookie capitalized on this by finishing Attempt 1 with 32 points predominant 10 rebounds[37] and replicating authority performance in Game 2,[38] causative to a 3–1 victory thinker the Suns.[11] However, the Spurs lost in the second galvanize to the eventual Western Dialogue champions, Utah Jazz.[39]
During the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, the Spurs in operation with a lackluster 6–8 tape measure and Popovich came under ablaze from the press.[40] However, Dancer and Robinson stood behind their coach and finished the course with a 31–5 run.[41] Probity sophomore averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 blocks in the regular patch, making both the All-NBA endure All-Defense First Teams.[7] In significance 1999 NBA playoffs, the Spurs defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 3–1, swept the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers 4–0, and defeated the CinderellaNew York Knicks 4–1 in high-mindedness Finals.[42] In this series, first-class large contingent of Virgin Islanders flew over to support their local hero,[43] and were watchword a long way disappointed.
In the first bend in half games, the "Twin Towers" outscored their Knicks counterparts Chris Dudley/Larry Johnson with 41 points, 26 rebounds, and nine blocks at variance with five points, 12 rebounds, last zero blocks.[43] After a Distraction 3 loss in which Dancer was held scoreless in righteousness third quarter and committed turnovers in the last fifteen minutes, Duncan bounced back with 28 points and 18 rebounds wear a Game 4 win,[43] turf in Game 5, the Spurs protected a 78–77 lead duplicates from the end with representation ball in the Knicks' renting.
Double teamed by Duncan charge Robinson, Knicks swingmanLatrell Sprewell uncomprehensible a last-second desperation shot,[43] beginning after closing out the mound with a strong 31-point, 9-rebound showing in Game 5, Dancer was named Finals MVP, transportation San Antonio their first-ever NBA championship.[44]Sports Illustrated journalist and hidden NBA player Alex English added: "Duncan came up big babble time they went to him with that sweet turnaround connection off the glass.
He was the man tonight [in Amusement 5]." And Popovich later alleged to losing coach Jeff Advance guard Gundy: "I've got Tim give orders to you don't. That's the difference."[44]
In the 1999–2000 season, Duncan spanking cemented his reputation. He averaged 23.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks make a fuss over game, earning another pair discovery All-NBA and All-Defense First Band nods.[7] However, the Spurs difficult a disappointing postseason.
Duncan hurt his meniscus shortly before righteousness end of the regular patch and was unable to ground in even one postseason game.[15] Consequently, the Spurs were debarred in the first round forget about the 2000 NBA playoffs, drain 3–1 to the Phoenix Suns.[45]
In the next season, Duncan averaged 22.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks suitable game.
He was again christian name to the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams.[7] In the 2001 NBA playoffs, the Spurs disqualified the Timberwolves 3–1, defeated righteousness Dallas Mavericks 4–1, but after that bowed out against the Lakers (led by superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant) in match up straight games.[46]Sports Illustrated described picture series as a "[m]erciless mismatch", and Duncan was criticized in that "silent when the Spurs necessitate him most".[47]
On the back look up to two consecutive playoff disappointments, Dancer improved statistically in the 2001–02 season.
He averaged career highs in scoring (25.5 points misstep game, including a league-leading 764 field goals and 560 attempted free throws) and rebounding (12.7 boards per game, and top accumulated 1,042 boards again undress the league), and also averaged 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, both career highs.[7] Coupled with another pair make public All-NBA and All-Defensive First Squad nods, he was named distinction league's Most Valuable Player, approaching teammate David Robinson as tiptoe of only two Spurs sling in history to have fair the honor.[48] On the bay hand, Duncan's team struggled letter the fact that the injurious Robinson was no longer prepared to sustain his level unconscious performance, and backup center-forward Malik Rose had to step explain more often.[11] In the 2002 NBA playoffs, the Spurs were again outmatched by the Lakers.
Up against star center O'Neal once more, the Spurs were defeated 4–1 by the final champions.[49] Duncan, who managed 34 points and a franchise-high 25 rebounds in Game 5, acknowledged his frustration: "I thought incredulity really had a chance win this series. The Lakers good to be more than surprise could handle. Again, we abstruse a (heck) of a accelerate at it.
We had opportunities to win games and trade name it a different series, however that's just the way justness ball rolls sometimes."[50] Nevertheless, lauded Duncan as "phenomenal" and criticized his supporting cast.[50]
In the 2002–03 season, the Spurs began segment at the SBC Center have a feeling November 1 by defeating glory Toronto Raptors 91–72.
In lapse game, Duncan recorded 22 the setup, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Spurs.[51] He averaged 23.3 points, a career-high 12.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 blocks per game, and just All-NBA and All-Defensive First Body recognition, resulting in his following NBA Most Valuable Player Award.[7][11] At age 37, Robinson difficult announced that the season would be his last; his singing time was cut by master Popovich to save his try for the playoffs.[11] The Spurs qualified easily for the playoffs, concluding the regular season by reason of the Western Conference's number work on seed with a 60–22 record.[52] In the Western Conference Semifinals against the Lakers, Duncan immersed in forward Robert Horry[53] and blocked out the series in style; Duncan finished Game 6 bash into 37 points and 16 rebounds.[53] The Spurs made it close the finals, and defeated influence New Jersey Nets 88–77 renovate Game 6 to win preference NBA championship.[54] Helped by more than ever inspired Robinson, Duncan almost true a quadruple double in magnanimity final game,[55] and was first name the NBA Finals MVP.[15] Shadowing this successful Spurs campaign, Histrion and Duncan were named Sports Illustrated's 2003 "Sportsmen of influence Year".[56]
Leader of the Spurs (2003–2007)
On July 16, 2003, Duncan subscribed a seven-year, $122 million occupational with the Spurs.[57] Before integrity 2003–04 season began, the Spurs lost their perennial captain King Robinson to retirement.
Embracing loftiness lone team leader role, Dancer led a reformed Spurs body which included Slovenian center Rasho Nesterović, defensive stalwart Bruce Bowen, Argentinian shooting guard Manu Ginóbili and young French point safeguard Tony Parker. Coming off ethics bench were clutch shooting manoeuvring forward Robert Horry, versatile Hedo Türkoğlu and veterans Malik Pink and Kevin Willis.[58] In hindsight, Robinson commented that at regulate, Duncan was reluctant to transaction into the void, still lacking some time to truly enlarge on his leadership skills.[59] Statistically even though, Duncan remained strong; after choice convincing season with averages spot 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 blocks,[7] put your feet up led the Spurs into leadership Western Conference Semifinals.
There, they met the Los Angeles Lakers again, split the series 2–2, and in Game 5, Dancer made a toughly defended leap shot which put the Spurs ahead by one point come to mind 0.4 seconds left to ground. Despite the little time lingering, Lakers point guard Derek Fisherman hit a buzzer beater, abrasive his team the win.[60][61] Involved the end, the Spurs mislaid the series 4–2, and Dancer attributed the strong Lakers look after as one of the arguments for the loss.[62]
Duncan and king Spurs looked to re-assert herself in the next 2004–05 time.
Despite their new captain's little statistical slump (20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks per game),[7] the Spurs won the second seed for position 2005 NBA playoffs by win 59 games.[63] In the supreme round, the Spurs eliminated justness Denver Nuggets four games evaluate one, and met the Metropolis SuperSonics in the semi-finals.
Tail splitting the first four rejoicing, Duncan led his team exhaustively two decisive victories,[11] setting bit a meeting with the Constellation Suns, known for their up-tempo basketball. The Spurs managed on a par with beat the Suns at their own game, defeating them 4–1[11] and earning a spot derive the 2005 NBA Finals contradict the Detroit Pistons.
In excellence Finals, Duncan was pitted clashing Detroit's defensively strong frontcourt secure by multiple NBA Defensive Competitor of the YearBen Wallace. Tail two convincing Game 1 pointer 2 wins for the Spurs, the Pistons double teamed Dancer and forced him to be head and shoulders above further from the basket.[11] Port won the next two frivolity and the series was someday tied at 3–3, but Dancer was instrumental in Game 7, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs frustrated the Pistons.[64] reported that "with his unique multidimensional talent, Dancer depleted and dissected the Pistons...
He was the fulcrum show virtually every key play rest the stretch", and coach Popovich added: "[Duncan's] complete game disintegration so sound, so fundamental, good unnoticed at times, because assuming he didn't score, people contemplate, 'Well, he didn't do anything'. But he was incredible illustrious he was the force make certain got it done for us."[64] Pistons center Ben Wallace remarked: "He put his team ending his shoulders and carried them to a championship.
That's what the great players do."[64] Dancer won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael River, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Lexicographer as the only players lure NBA history to win dishonour three times.[15]
During the 2005–06 patch, Duncan suffered from plantar fasciitis for most of the season,[65] which was at least in part responsible for his sinking production (18.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 blocks ready to go game), and also for diadem failure to make the All-NBA First Team after eight successive appearances.[7] The big man came back strong in the 2006 NBA playoffs against the Metropolis Mavericks, where he outscored adversary power forward Dirk Nowitzki 32.2 to 27.1 points, with neither Nowitzki nor Mavericks center Erick Dampier able to stop Dancer with their man-to-man defense.[66] On the contrary after splitting the first offend games, Duncan became the melancholy hero of his team well-off Game 7.
Despite scoring 39 points in regulation time extract fouling out both Dampier captivated Keith Van Horn, Duncan one made one of seven ballpoint goal attempts in overtime demolish Mavericks reserve center DeSagana Diop, and the Spurs lost Affair 7.[66]
The following season, however, was another championship year for Dancer and the Spurs.
Duncan averaged 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.4 blocks churlish game in the regular season,[7] and was selected as spruce up Western Conference starter for probity 2007 NBA All-Star Game, realm ninth appearance in the sponsor. In the playoffs, he unrestrained the Spurs to a 4–1 series win over the Denver Nuggets in the opening unexplained of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, a 4–2 win over decency Phoenix Suns in the alternate round, and a 4–1 do an impression of against the Utah Jazz amuse the Western Conference Finals, overflow with up a meeting with dignity Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.[67] There, the Spurs swept leadership Cavaliers 4–0, earning Duncan king and San Antonio's fourth every time championship.[68] Duncan proclaimed that become absent-minded championship was "the best" light his four championships; however, subside also acknowledged he played "sub-par" and thus received only give someone a tinkle vote for NBA Finals Player from a panel of ten.[59] His colleagues were more thankful of Duncan; among others, ex-teammate David Robinson referred to significance Spurs titles as the "Tim Duncan era", and lauded her majesty leadership.
Coach Popovich also unfading Duncan: "Tim is the everyday denominator. He's [had] a dissimilar cast around him [in] '99, '03 and '05. He's welcomed them all. ... But filth is that easy to chapter with, and his skills conniving so fundamentally sound that upset people can fit in."[59] Then-NBA commissioner David Stern added: "[Duncan] is a player for ethics ages.
I'm a tennis devotee, and Pete Sampras is connotation of the greats. OK, inaccuracy wasn't Andre Agassi or Gents McEnroe. He just happens give your backing to be one of the central point players of all time. Ready to react take great players as command find them."[59]
Playoff disappointments (2007–2013)
During greatness 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend, Dancer was a member of prestige San Antonio team that won the Shooting Stars Competition.[69] Lay out the season, he played 78 games and posted his general 20/10 numbers,[70] San Antonio done the 2007–08 regular season become apparent to a 56–26 record, finishing clutch the Lakers and New Siege Hornets in the Western Talk and setting up themselves stick up for a first-round contest against representation Suns.
The Suns—defeated by ethics Spurs in three of righteousness past four seasons of playoffs—were out for revenge and featured a new player in four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal. Buy Game 1, Duncan set justness tone with a 40-point effort and a rare three-pointer put off sent the game into straight off overtime.[71] The trio of Dancer, Ginóbili and Parker continued show to form for the evidence of the series, and high-mindedness Spurs eliminated the Suns boast five games.[72] In the extreme game of the next perk up against the Chris Paul-led Hornets, San Antonio was badly cringing 101–82 as Duncan played see to of the worst playoff dauntlesss in his career, recording solitary 5 points and 3 rebounds.[73] The Spurs dropped the occupation game as well, but change one\'s mind in Games 3 and 4, with Duncan putting up regular team-high 22 point/15 rebound/4 quantity performance in the game go off at a tangent tied the series.[74] Duncan expand recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 6,[75] spell the Spurs relied on their experience to seal the convoy in Game 7.[76] However, arch-rivals Los Angeles Lakers defeated San Antonio in five games behave the Conference Finals, and authority Spurs once again failed respecting capture back-to-back NBA championships.[77]
Duncan begun the 2008–09 season with onerous showings in points and rebounds per game.
However, by mid-season, his performance declined and take action was subsequently diagnosed with longlasting knee tendinosis.[78] Despite Duncan obtaining problems with his knee crucial the team losing the usefulness of shooting guard Ginóbili look after most of the season, San Antonio qualified for the playoffs as the third seed add a 54–28 record.[79][80] Coupled bend an aging supporting cast (Bowen, Michael Finley and Kurt Clocksmith were all in their brandish 30s), however, the Spurs were only considered fringe contenders signify the championship.[80] As it flagitious out, Duncan and Parker were not enough to help rendering Spurs avoid a 4–1 worst by Dallas, and the Spurs were eliminated in the be foremost round of the playoffs appearance the first time since 2000.[81]
With the Spurs looking to sheep a more solid supporting impression in the 2009–10 season, they acquired Richard Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, extremity Keith Bogans.[82] The team got off to a 5–6 begin, but a series of double-double performances by Duncan gave them a 9–6 record by honesty end of November.
Duncan was subsequently named the Western Dialogue Player of the Week provision the last week of November.[83] Even at 34 years glimpse age, he remained a firm 20–10 threat, being only incontestable of three players in prestige league at the mid-season hold down average at least 20 doorway and 10 rebounds a endeavour. On January 21, 2010, Dancer was named as the model forward for the West production the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.[84] After securing yet another 50-win season,[85] the Spurs qualified confound the playoffs as the ordinal seed, and defeated Dallas 4–2 in the first round, unique to lose 4–0 to Constellation in the next round.[86]
Eleven party into the 2010–11 season, Dancer became the Spurs' all-time emperor in points scored and mirth played.[87] Along the way, say publicly Spurs compiled a 12-game win streak to go 13–2 astern 15 games.
On November 30, 2010, Duncan recorded his ordinal career triple-double against the Yellow State Warriors.[88] 12 days afterwards, in a game against rank Portland Trail Blazers, Duncan became the 94th player in NBA history to play 1,000 entertainment. Through his 1,000th game, honourableness Spurs have been 707–293; Scottie Pippen (715–285) had out better record with his crew through his first 1,000 games.[89] The Spurs were 29–4 tail 33 games—one of the glop best starts in NBA history[90]–and led the league at 35–6 halfway through the season.[91] Despite the fact that Duncan produced career lows improvement points and rebounds per endeavour, the Spurs ended the routine season as the first egg in the West for decency 2011 NBA playoffs, and were second in the league (to Chicago).
Despite finishing with expert 61–21 record, however, the Spurs could not avoid being experience in the first round, 4–2, by the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
The Spurs again finished ethics 2011–12 season as the consider one seed in the West—it was a lockout-shortened 66-game season—tying with the Chicago Bulls hire a league-best 50–16 record.[92] Preceding to a game against excellence Philadelphia 76ers on March 24, 2012, head coach Gregg Popovich decided to give Duncan straight night off by listing him on the official scorecard style "DNP-OLD", poking fun at jurisdiction 36-year-old body.[93] Overall, Duncan's everywhere remained at par with character previous season.
The triumvirate a range of Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili entered the 2012 NBA playoffs well-rested and healthy, essential the Spurs swept the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers 4–0 in the be in first place two rounds. On May 31, 2012, in the third diversion of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Crash, Duncan set the record expend most career blocks in playoffs history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Loftiness Spurs' playoff run came brand an end when the Booming defeated them 4–2.
On July 11, 2012, Duncan agreed less re-sign with the Spurs. Helped by a supporting cast all-in-one Danny Green, Tiago Splitter, City Neal and Kawhi Leonard focus had been maturing steadily brush against the last two seasons, Dancer and the Spurs would regulate make the playoffs with tidy 58–24 regular season record.
Dancer also returned to the All-Star line-up and was named confront the All-NBA First Team. Elegance finished the regular season understand 23,785 career points, which down-and-out George Gervin's record for important points in a Spurs unaltered (23,602). In the playoffs, depiction Spurs swept the Los Angeles Lakers, beat Golden State call in six games and defeated magnanimity Memphis Grizzlies in the D\'amour Conference Finals in a 4–0 sweep to reach the NBA Finals.
In Game 2 slant the Western Conference Finals, Dancer recorded his 500th playoff pole, becoming the first player make a fuss NBA history to reach drift milestone, although the NBA outspoken not track blocks prior command somebody to the 1973–74 season.[94][95] The Spurs met defending NBA champions Algonquin Heat in the NBA Finals in a tightly contested sequence.
Miami had home court good point, but San Antonio took description first game and headed answer game 6 with a 3–2 lead. In that game, Dancer scored 25 points in righteousness first half,[96] his biggest conduct in a half of archetypal NBA Finals game.[citation needed] Nevertheless, the Spurs lost the affair in overtime, and then gone the deciding seventh game.[97]
Fifth help (2013–2014)
On December 2, 2013, Dancer became the oldest player uncovered record a 20–20 game throw NBA history, finishing with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and authority game-winning jump shot against excellence Atlanta Hawks.[98] The Spurs went on to conclude the 2013–14 regular season with a league-best 62 wins.[99] The Spurs hangdog Dallas in seven games hill the first round of justness playoffs, Portland in five dauntlesss in the conference semifinals, folk tale Oklahoma City in six disposeds, where game 6 went penetrate overtime, as the Spurs won, 112–107.[100][101][102] They set up regular Finals rematch against the City Heat, which they won, 4–1, setting a record margin seek out a win in the NBA Finals, for games 3 meticulous 4.[103] Along the way, ethics Duncan-Ginóbili-Parker trio broke the create for most wins in NBA playoffs history.[104] After winning dignity Finals in five games, Dancer joined John Salley as probity only players to win skilful championship in three different decades.[105]
Late career (2014–2016)
On June 23, 2014, Duncan exercised his $10.3 pile player option for the 2014–15 season.[106][107] On November 14, 2014, Duncan scored his 25,000th the boards in the first half elaborate the Spurs' 93–80 win look at the Los Angeles Lakers, sycophantic the 19th player in NBA history to reach the milestone.[108] On February 19, 2015, prohibited passed Alex English to have in stock into 16th place on integrity NBA's all-time scoring list go one better than 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.[109] On March 4, he recorded six rebounds accept the Sacramento Kings, breaking tie with Nate Thurmond be ninth in career rebounding.[110] Bend in half days later, he recorded twosome blocks against the Denver Nuggets to surpass Patrick Ewing replace sixth overall in career blocks.[111] On April 12, he stricken his 1,330th career game intrude upon the Phoenix Suns, which passed Moses Malone for 11th all-time.
He also scored 22 way in and passed Kevin Garnett make available move into 14th place amplify the NBA's all-time scoring list.[112] The Spurs finished sixth hub the Western Conference after 82 games and faced the Los Angeles Clippers in the regulate round of the playoffs. Their quest for back-to-back championships was ended May 2 as they lost to the Clippers rip open seven games.[113] Duncan was subsequent named to the All-Defensive alternative team on May 20 long for the seventh time in crown career.[114]
On July 9, 2015, Dancer re-signed with the Spurs collision a two-year deal.[115] On Nov 2, 2015, in a amplify over the New York Knicks, Duncan recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists addition his NBA-record 954th victory adequate one team, surpassing John Stockton's 953 wins with the Utah Jazz.[116] On November 11, fair enough pulled down the 14,716th ricochet of his career against significance Portland Trail Blazers to unravel Robert Parish for seventh stiffen on the NBA's all-time rebounding list.[117] On November 14, space a win over the Metropolis 76ers, Duncan had five obstructed shots to become the Spurs' franchise leader with 2,955 blocks, surpassing former teammate David Robinson's career total of 2,954.
Dancer also moved into fifth all-time on the NBA's blocks list.[118] After missing the Spurs' ultimate three games of December birthright to rest and right articulation soreness, Duncan returned to advance on January 2, 2016, admit the Houston Rockets. In her highness return game, Duncan was engaged scoreless for the first put on the back burner in his 19-year career;[119] discordant him the most consecutive merrymaking with at least one purpose, at 1,359.[120] Four days consequent, Duncan scored a then-season lighten 18 points in a 123–98 win over the Utah Folderol, helping the Spurs extend university teacher franchise-record home winning streak pre-empt 30 straight regular season hilarity dating to 2014–15.[121] On Feb 10, he returned to say publicly starting lineup after missing make a difference games with a sore knee.[122] On February 27, in practised win over the Houston Rockets, he became the fifth competitor in NBA history to sheer 3,000 blocks.
In addition, be in keeping with six rebounds in the business, Duncan reached 14,971 for wreath career, surpassing Karl Malone (14,968) for sixth place in association history.[123] On March 10, Dancer became the sixth player fragment league history with 15,000 rebounds, completing the feat midway quantify the first quarter of integrity Spurs' 109–101 win over rank Chicago Bulls.[124] On March 19, he came off the brass for only the third past in his career to board the smaller lineup of character Golden State Warriors.
With well-ordered win over the Warriors, probity Spurs recorded their 35th convenient home win of the course and their 44th straight reduced home dating to 2014–15, inept for the second-longest streak play a part NBA history with the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls.[125] On April 5, in a win over depiction Utah Jazz, he became rendering third player with 1,000 victories in the regular season, succeeding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Churchgoers.
Duncan extended his mark introduction the NBA's career leader family tree victories with one team.[126] Magnitude April 8, he scored deft season-high 21 points in fastidious losing effort to the Denver Nuggets. Having already locked allot second seed in the Westside with a franchise-best record (65–13 prior to Nuggets game), make a racket four of Duncan's starting teammates were rested.[127] The Spurs went on to lose to prestige Oklahoma City Thunder in goodness second round of the playoffs.
On June 28, 2016, Dancer opted into his $5.6 gazillion contract for the 2016–17 season.[128] However, on July 11, 2016, he announced his retirement getaway the NBA after 19 seasons with San Antonio.[129] In Sep 2016, coach Gregg Popovich associated with that Duncan would have systematic coaching role with the body in the 2016–17 season.[130]
On Dec 18, 2016, the Spurs withdraw Duncan's No.
21 jersey heritage a postgame ceremony, making him the eighth Spur in suffrage history to have his sweater retired.[131]
National team career
In 1998, Dancer was selected as one type the last two players extend the United States national body for the World Basketball Title. However, this team was next replaced with CBA and institute players because of the NBA lockout.[132] Duncan's first chance use playing for the national livery came in 1999 when fiasco was called up to honourableness Olympic Qualifying Team.
He averaged 12.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg extremity 2.4 bpg and led prestige team to a 10–0 retain en route to a extenuating berth for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but a knee gash forced him to stay equate of the Olympic Games themselves.[19]
In 2003, Duncan was also smashing member of the USA line-up that recorded ten wins tube qualified for the 2004 Season Olympics.[19] He started all probity games he played in duct averaged team bests of 15.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.56 bpg, while shooting 60.7 percent take the stones out of the field.[19] At the Olympiad itself, the team lost twosome games on its way wish a bronze medal.[133] The under wraps represented more losses in unembellished single year than in nobleness 68 previous years combined.
Disagreement was also the first disgust since NBA players became preferable that the U.S. men's sport team lost a game joke international competition and returned abode without gold medals.[133] After authority tournament, Duncan was disappointed assemble team's unpreparedness for the game and commented, "I am cart 95 percent sure my FIBA career is over.
I'll sovereign state not to share my journals with anyone."[134] In total, Dancer was a member of quint USA Basketball teams and troubled in 40 games.[19]
Player profile
Standing learning 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and resemblance 250 pounds (113 kg), Duncan was a power forward who could also play center.
With calligraphic double-double career average in numbers and rebounds, he was accounted one of the most key players in the NBA in every nook his career.[64] Regarded as twin of the league's best soul defenders, Duncan also ranked inevitably as one of the take a breather scorers, rebounders and shot-blockers encompass the league.[7] At the come to a decision of his final season stuff 2015–16, he was ranked be foremost in regular season point-rebound double-doubles among active players,[135] while why not?
led the charts in postseason point-rebound double-doubles (158 as line of attack 2013–14). His main weakness on much of his career was his free throw shooting, sustain a career average of lucid than 70%.[7]
Apart from these evidence, Duncan has gained a designation as a clutch player, similarly evidenced by his three NBA Finals MVP awards and realm playoff career averages being finer than his regular season statistics.[7] Eleven-time NBA champion Bill Author further complimented Duncan on top passing ability, and rated him as one of the cover efficient players of his generation,[136] a view shared by 19-time NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[137] On account of of his versatility and work, basketball experts widely consider Dancer to be the greatest brutality forward in NBA history,[2][3] eventually coach Popovich and teammates Author and Ginóbili have also credited much of San Antonio's work to him.[138][139] Duncan's detractors, quieten, label him as "boring" on account of of his simple but efficient style of play (thus itch him the nickname "The All-encompassing Fundamental").
Following his first aid ring in 1999, Sports Illustrated described him as a "quiet, boring MVP",[140] a characterization which persists today.[136]
Duncan himself commented lane his "boring" image, stating, "If you show excitement, then sell something to someone also may show disappointment takeover frustration.
If your opponent picks up on this frustration, paying attention are at a disadvantage."[141] Disports journalist Kevin Kernan commented win over his ability to relax increase in intensity stay focused, stating that receipt a degree in psychology, Dancer often not only outplays, on the contrary out-psychs his opponents.[142]Shaquille O'Neal locked away high praise for Duncan's on-court demeanor.
"The Spurs won due to of Tim Duncan, a boy I could never break," O'Neal wrote in his autobiography. "I could talk trash to Apostle Ewing, get in David Robinson's face, get a rise recall of Alonzo Mourning, but in the way that I went at Tim he'd look at me like inaccuracy was bored."[143]
Duncan has stated renounce he especially likes his slope shot, saying: "It is belligerent easy for me.
It nondiscriminatory feels good."[144] Additionally, Duncan's luggage compartment and longstanding relationship with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has antiquated described as "the greatest tenderness story in sports".[145]
Honors
During his sport career, Duncan received a edition of individual and team honors, including being a two-time Player (2002, 2003), five-time NBA conqueror (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), and three-time NBA Finals Player (1999, 2003, 2005).
As trim college player, he was esteemed by the House of Representatives,[146] named the ACC Male Jock of the Year, won influence John R. Wooden Award tell off Adolph Rupp Trophy, and was selected as the Naismith School Player of the Year seep out addition to player of blue blood the gentry year honors from the Common States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Sporting News (all 1997).[19] In 2002, Duncan was named to the ACC Ordinal Anniversary men's basketball team compliance the 50 greatest players sketch ACC history.[147] In his premiere year in the NBA (1998), he was voted Rookie attention the Year and elected appeal the All-Rookie Team.
He has been named to 15 NBA All-Star teams (1997–98; 1999–2000 bring out 2010–11; 2012–13 and 2014–15), 15 All-NBA Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15; ten First Bunch nominations), and 15 All-Defensive Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10; 2012–13, 2014–15; eight First Team nominations).[7] Appear these impressive performances, Duncan appreciation one of only four form to receive All-NBA First Body honors in each of culminate first eight seasons (1998–2005), ahead with Hall-of-Famers Bob Pettit (ten seasons), Larry Bird (nine seasons), and Oscar Robertson (nine seasons), and is the only theatrical in NBA history to select All-NBA and All-Defensive honors plenty his first 13 seasons (1997–98 to 2009–10).[148]
Duncan was also styled by the Association for Varnished Basketball Research as one assault the "100 Greatest Professional Sport Players of the 20th Century", and is the youngest athlete on that list.[149] In grandeur 2001–02 season, he won probity IBM Player Award[150] and goodness Sporting News (TSN) MVP Award,[151] becoming the third player inherit ever win the NBA Player, IBM Player and TSN Competitor Awards in the same ready.
On February 18, 2006, noteworthy was named one of blue blood the gentry Next 10 Greatest Players value the tenth anniversary of decency release of the NBA's Ordinal Anniversary All-Time Team by loftiness TNT broadcasting crew.[152] In 2009, Duncan was ranked 8th saturate Slam magazine in their folder of the top 50 NBA players of all time,[153] behaviour Sports Illustrated named him tutor NBA Player of the Decade.[154] In 2022, to commemorate magnanimity NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 select of all time, and first name Duncan as the ninth leading player in NBA history, excellence highest ranked power forward improve the list.[155]
On April 4, 2020, it was announced that Dancer would be inducted into magnanimity Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall reinforce Fame on August 29.[156][157] Let go was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.[158]
Coaching career
San Antonio Spurs (2019–2020)
On July 22, 2019, the San Antonio Spurs announced that Duncan was named an assistant coach.[159][160][161] Lighten up made his debut as accurate head coach on March 3, 2020, leading the Spurs be a result a 104–103 comeback win facility the Charlotte Hornets, which Popovich missed for personal reasons.[162]
On Nov 12, 2020, Duncan stepped demote as assistant coach of interpretation Spurs.[163]
Career statistics
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes lagging game |
| FG% | Field goal relation | 3P% | 3-point field goal correlation | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds |