Kobe Bryant became the face of the National Basketball Association when Michael Jordan announced his final retirement. His nickname, after all, is “The Big Fundamental”. His signature shot was a midrange jumper that banked in with a ruthless efficiency.
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He was more than happy to let his game do the talking, and it easily picked up the slack.
Tim’s understated selflessness made him the ultimate team-mate.
” ADAM SILVER, NBA commissioner, praising “one of the most dominant players in NBA history”.
Prior to the NBA, Duncan enjoyed a successful career at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
‘He’s one of the 10 best players of all time. With nearly two decades in the league and the team, he surely spent a lot of time with the Spurs’ coach.
In his 19 seasons in the NBA, Duncan was a five-time NBA Champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time NBA MVP and 15-time NBA All-Star.
In a league where players often change teams, Duncan was an anomaly – he remained with the Spurs for 19 seasons, a mark tied by Laker great Kobe Bryant, who retired this season, and retired Utah Jazz guard John Stockton.
National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver said that Duncan’s understated selflessness made him the best teammate to have and his talent and devotion to the game made him one of the most dominating players ever to play in the National Basketball Association.
San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) shoots the ball over Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at AT&T Center.
The Spurs selected him with the first overall pick in 1997, and he kicked off what undoubtedly will be a Hall of Fame career by winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1997-98.
Duncan, teaming with head coach Gregg Popovich and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, was the backbone for the franchise’s championship run. Their win total was 1,001.
The three players hold the National Basketball Association record for most wins by three players in both the regular season (575) and postseason (126). And when the game was over, Duncan waved to the visiting crowd and pointed a finger toward the roof as he headed to the locker room, a rare signal from one of the league’s most stoic superstars.
Over the 19 seasons Duncan played with the Spurs, the team’s regular season record was 1,072-438.
Last season, Duncan was hobbled by a sore right knee and played in only 61 games, averaging 8.6 points and 7.3 rebounds.
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There were hints in that game of Duncan’s plans, even though he later exercised a contract option to clear the way for his return.
