The casual NBA fan may not notice, let alone care. It is not like he would ever tell the media. For a man with 24,904 career points, we have probably heard him say 20,000 fewer words. Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs is a living basketball icon. He is also a tired one.
The later years for ‘The Big Fundamental’, appreciating the elegance and mastery of his game, has become easier for fans who once dubbed his style of play and the San Antonio Spurs as ‘boring’. Perhaps the reason illuminates because he ranks as the franchise’s best player, having long since eclipsed the likes of Spurs legends David Robinson and George ‘The Iceman’ Gervin. Better yet, perhaps it is because Duncan is one of the 12 best players to ever don a jersey in the NBA.
Understand Duncan’s 17-year dominance in San Antonio has produced 16 50-win seasons. The lockout-shortened 50-game campaign in 1998-99 is the culprit for the lone blemish. The New York Knicks have had 13 in their 68-year existence. Meanwhile, 26 NBA teams have fewer than 15 all-time.
Yet, for Duncan, the elder statesman in the NBA’s most experienced core, 2014 could be the final chance to return to basketball’s mountaintop. Missed free throws, a miraculous Ray Allen three pointer, a Chris Bosh block and a linchpin LeBron James Game 7 performance last summer are what separates Duncan from a suddenly elusive fifth NBA title.
More importantly, the ghost of his own crunch time blunders in Game 7 continue to haunt one of the game’s all-time greats. This is why he subjected his body, sore from years of basketball blunt-force trauma, to another 82-game boot camp. Duncan and the Spurs realise nearly 20 years among American sports’ elite is the rarest of air.
The real journey begins Sunday for Duncan, a two-time league MVP and three-time NBA Finals MVP. For however long the Spurs remain in play-off contention, Duncan will see familiar faces along the way. The opening round benefits Dirk Nowitizki and the Dallas Mavericks. The next, maybe Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets and after that, possibly Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pending both teams survive to see 5 June, a third and final grudge match against James in the NBA Finals could one way or the other pen the final chapter in Duncan’s career.
Whatever and whomever stand in Duncan’s path, he understands the quest ahead will be a bloody, emotional and rugged course. As for basketball fans, our only obligation is respecting what we are watching. Tim Duncans do not grow on trees. Appreciate the present and live in the moment. This could be the last two months we are afforded to watch No. 21 play basketball.
Then again, we said that four years ago, too.
Justin Tinsley is a writer based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. His work has been featured in SLAM Magazine, LA Weekly, The Score and more. You can follow him on Twiter @JustinTinsley