If Tim Duncan were to retire this offseason quietly among the Kevin Durant hoopla, it would be the most Tim Duncan thing ever. Very little attention on him, no farewell tour, nothing, just quietly step away…
One of the NBA’s all-time icons – San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan – is leaning strongly toward retirement, a decision that would end an illustrious 19-season NBA career, league sources told The Vertical.
Duncan has left team officials, close associates and friends with a strong belief he’s preparing to make an announcement in the near future on his departure, sources said.
Duncan recently elected to exercise the $5.6 million player option on his 2016-17 contract – a payment the Spurs could still make to Duncan regardless of whether he plays or retires.
Duncan – a five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP and two-time regular-season MVP – would be remembered as one of the great winners and leaders in NBA history.
For his career, Duncan has averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds. In 61 games last season, he averaged 8.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in a little more than 25 minutes a night.
Duncan has continued to be the Big Fundamental throughout his career but has slowed down due to lingering trouble with his left knee. With the new powerhouses formed in the NBA, it’s unlikely the Spurs will compete significantly.
