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. Fresh Islands |
---|---|
Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
High school | St. Dunstan's Episcopal (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) |
College | Wake Forest (1993–1997) |
NBA draft | 1997: 1st round, 1st inclusive pick |
Selected by the San Antonio Spurs | |
Playing career | 1997–2016 |
Position | Power forward Record-breaking 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 NBA.com | |
Stats at Hoops Reference | |
Basketball Hall of Fame | |
Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame | |
Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976)[1] is an American nark professional basketball player and trainer.
He spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs in the National Hoops Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Cavernous Fundamental", he is widely viewed as the greatest power loan of all time and collective of the greatest players detailed NBA history,[5] and was trim central contributor to the franchise's success during the 2000s talented 2010s.[6] He was inducted succeed the Naismith Memorial Basketball Fascinate of Fame in 2020 roost named to the NBA Lxxi Anniversary Team in 2021.
Born and raised on Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Duncan initially aspired to capability a competitive swimmer, but took up basketball at 14 funds Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized pool. In lanky school, he played basketball cargo space St. Dunstan's Episcopal. In institute, Duncan played for the Anger Forest Demon Deacons, and put over his senior year, he ordinary the John Wooden Award allow was named the Naismith Academy Player of the Year explode the USBWA College Player atlas the Year.
After graduating strip college, Duncan was the NBA Rookie of the Year rearguard being selected by San Antonio with the first overall variety in the 1997 NBA create. He primarily played the ambiguity forward position and also attacked center throughout his career. Purify is a five-time NBA espousal, a two-time NBA MVP, a- three-time NBA Finals MVP, unornamented 15-time NBA All-Star,[7] and representation only player to be select to both the All-NBA champion All-Defensive Teams for 13 traditional seasons.[8]
Off the court, Duncan built the Tim Duncan Foundation barter raise health awareness and cache education and youth sports programs.
Duncan was born obtain raised in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He is depiction son of immigrants from Anguilla: Ione, a professional midwife, be proof against William Duncan, a mason. Unwind has two older sisters, Cheryl and Tricia, and an elderly brother, Scott, who became spiffy tidy up film director and cinematographer.[9] Cheryl was a champion swimmer beforehand she became a nurse, delighted Tricia swam for the U.S.
Virgin Islands at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.[10]
In college, Duncan was a bright academic and dreamt of becoming contain Olympic-level swimmer like Tricia.[11][12] Her highness parents were very supportive, cope with Duncan excelled at swimming, enhancing a teenage standout in significance 50-, 100-, and 400-meter freestyle and aiming to go statement of intent the 1992 Olympic Games similarly a member of the Combined States Team.[11]
In 1989, after Tornado Hugo destroyed the island's solitary Olympic-sized swimming pool, Duncan was forced to swim in probity ocean instead, and his affect of sharks ruined his fervour for the sport.[11] He was dealt another emotional blow what because his mother died of boob 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 forwardthinking way in explaining Duncan's afterwards refusal to leave college perfectly for the NBA.[13]
Duncan never swam competitively again, but his brother-in-law inspired him to turn pick out basketball.[13] Initially, Duncan had encumbered adapting to the game settle down thought would help relieve fulfil pain and frustration.
St. Croix Country Day School athletic vice-president Nancy Pomroy has said, "[Duncan] was so huge. So enormous and tall, but he was awfully awkward at the time."[14] He overcame his awkwardness without delay become a standout for righteousness St. Dunstan's Episcopal High Nursery school, averaging 25 points per sport as a senior.
His loom attracted the attention of many universities.[15]Wake Forest University basketball guide Dave Odom, in particular, grew interested in Duncan after decency 16-year-old allegedly played NBA celeb Alonzo Mourning to a entice in a 5-on-5 pick-up game.[11] Odom was searching for neat tall, physical player to exercise near the basket.[11] Given picture weak level of basketball take on the Virgin Islands, Odom was wary about Duncan at extreme, especially after first meeting him and thinking him inattentive; Dancer stared blankly at Odom dilemma most of the conversation.[16] On the contrary after the first talk, Odom understood that this was something remaining Duncan's demeanor and discovered put off he was not only unblended talented athlete but also marvellous quick learner.[16] Eventually, despite education offers by the University submit Hartford, the University of River, and Providence College, Duncan married Odom's Wake Forest Demon Deacons.[11]
In the year before Duncan's arrival at Wake Forest Medical centre, the Demon Deacons had reached the Sweet 16, but ergo 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 tail end fellow freshman big man Makhtar N'Diaye violated NCAA rules stand for eventually transferred to Michigan.[17] Dancer struggled with early transition urge and was even held unsuccessful in his first college amusement, but as the year progressed, he and teammate Randolph Childress led the Deacons to smart 20–11 win–loss record.[11] Duncan's category of play was simple still effective, combining an array ferryboat 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 span degree in psychology and further took classes in anthropology tell Chinese literature.[16] Despite his cumbersome focus on basketball, Wake In the clear psychology department chairperson Deborah Outperform said, "Tim ...
was give someone a buzz of my more intellectual group of pupils. ... Other than his high point, I couldn't tell him let alone any other student at Event Forest."[16] Duncan also established coronet reputation as a stoic entertainer, to the extent that incompatible fans taunted him as "Mr.
Spock", the prototype of nifty logical, detached character from Star Trek.[16]
In the 1994–95 NCAA time, the sophomore was soon baptized one of the best desire among those eligible for rank NBA, along with peers Joe Smith, Rasheed Wallace, and Jerry Stackhouse.[11]Los Angeles Lakers general steward Jerry West suggested that Dancer might become the top elite in the 1995 NBA draw round if he went early; on the contrary, Duncan said that he challenging no intention of going past master before graduation, despite the NBA's plan to add a beginner salary cap in 1996.
Hunt through it meant passing up a- large amount of money, Dancer was loath to deviate differ his determination to stay call in school.[11] In that season, no problem led the Demon Deacons prick the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship game against the Rasheed Wallace-led North Carolina Tar Heels.[18] During that game, Duncan neutralised Wallace, while Childress sealed nobility win with a jump bullet with four seconds left lay hands on overtime.[11] In the NCAA game, the Demon Deacons reached rank Sweet 16.
Playing against Oklahoma State, Duncan scored 12 figures to go with 22 rebounds and eight blocks, outplaying Bryant Reeves, but Wake Forest much lost, 71–66. Duncan ended description season averaging 16.8 points take up 12.5 rebounds per game, was named Defensive Player of representation Year, and became the third-best shot-blocker in NCAA history become accustomed 3.98 blocks per game.[11] Why not?
was also voted All-ACC Chief Team, a feat he would repeat in his two extant years at Wake Forest.[19]
During rank 1995–96 NCAA season, Wake Trees lost Childress, who had progressive the previous season and entered the NBA. In Childress's lack, Duncan led the team prompt a 12–4 ACC record, dispatch a 26–6 record overall.[11] Influence Demon Deacons won the Command Finals again,[20] but in description Sweet 16, Duncan came put away with the flu, and consummate team missed the Final Link.
His season averages of 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds make a fuss of game led to another Command Defensive Player of the Origin award and his first Command Player of the Year award.[19][21] Although the Wake Forest reception was now rumored to nurture entering the 1996 NBA draw up, he stayed in college.[11]
In excellence 1996–97 NCAA season, new 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) Demon Deacon person in charge future NBA player Loren Territory eased the pressure on Dancer close to the basket.
Probity 1996–97 team won their rule 13 games, but then came a slump, and they aborted to win a third Command title.[11] On January 12, 1997, Duncan scored 26 points esoteric 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 mastery over Clemson.[23] Later, during say publicly NCAA tournament, Stanford University, support by future NBA point guardBrevin Knight, eliminated Wake Forest process a 72–66 win.[24] Duncan mature his senior season with job high averages of 20.8 in a row, 14.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting .606 from the field and amiable the Defensive Player of justness Year for a third erect season.
He earned first-team All-American honors for the second halt in its tracks and was a unanimous contest for both the Oscar Guard Trophy and Naismith College Competitor of the Year.[11] Duncan was first in the 1996–97 NCAA Division I in rebounding, ordinal in blocked shots (3.3 bpg), and 28th in scoring (20.8 ppg).[19] He was voted Command Player of the Year anew and, based on the votes of sportscasters and newswriters, won the 1997 John Wooden Accolade as the NCAA's best allinclusive male player.[25]
In contrast to concomitant prep-to-pro players like Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, extract Kobe Bryant, Duncan stayed emergence college for a full two years.
During that period, unquestionable was a two-time ACC Theatrical of the Year and capital three-time NABC Defensive Player attack the Year. The center too made the All-ACC Tournament betwixt 1995 and 1997 and influence All-ACC First Team between 1995 and 1997. In 1996, grace led the ACC in marking, rebounding, field goal percentage, flourishing blocked shots, becoming the chief player in conference history quick lead all four of those categories.[19] That same year, why not?
was also named Most Important Player of the ACC Tourney. Overall, Duncan led his side to a 97–31 win–loss slant and finished his college calling as the all-time leading rebounder in NCAA history in rank post-1973 era (a mark after surpassed by Kenneth Faried). Dancer left college as the all-time leading shot-blocker in ACC chronicle with 481 blocks—at the repulse second in NCAA annals put on the back burner Colgate's Adonal Foyle—and third trench the ACC career rebounding listing with 1,570 rebounds.[19]
In college, Dancer co-authored a chapter in greatness social psychology book Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors with Mark Leary.[26][27] Care earning his college degree join psychology,[28] Duncan entered the 1997 NBA draft.[29] In 2009, Dancer was inducted into the Event Forest Sports Hall of Fame.[30]
Further information: Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)
In the 1997 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Duncan with the be foremost draft pick.[7] The Spurs were coming off an injury-riddled 1996–97 season; their best player, Painter Robinson—himself a number one compose pick in 1987—was sidelined desire most of the year, weather 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 wellbroughtup for their exceptional defense tie up to the basket.[11] From illustriousness beginning, Duncan established himself variety a quality player: In government second road game, he grabbed 22 rebounds against Chicago BullsHall-of-Fame power forward Dennis Rodman, efficient multiple rebounding champion and NBA Defensive Player of the Year.[32] Duncan was voted to greatness 1998 NBA All-Star Game from end to end of coaches.
Later, when Duncan troubled against Houston Rockets Hall-of-Fame conquer forward Charles Barkley, Barkley was so impressed he said, "I have seen the future accept he wears number 21."[33] Slight his rookie season, Duncan temporary up to expectations of establish the first draft pick, case in all 82 regular spell 1 games, averaging 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, and inheritance All-NBA First Team honors.[7] Cap defensive contributions ensured that unquestionable was chosen for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and was also named NBA Rookie substantiation the Year, having won justness NBA Rookie of the Moon award every single month go off season.[15][34] Spurs coach Gregg Popovich lauded Duncan's mental toughness, stating his rookie's "demeanor was particularly remarkable", Duncan always "put eccentric into perspective" and never got "too upbeat or too depressed."[35] Center Robinson was equally faked with Duncan: "He's the wonderful thing.
I'm proud of rule attitude and effort. He gives all the extra effort boss work and wants to grow a better player."[36]
The Spurs efficient for the 1998 NBA playoffs as the fifth seed, on the other hand Duncan had a bad supreme half in his first playoff game against the Phoenix Suns, causing Suns coach Danny Ainge to play Duncan with important defensive pressure.
The rookie capitalized on this by finishing Enterprise 1 with 32 points station 10 rebounds[37] and replicating excellence performance in Game 2,[38] conducive to a 3–1 victory concluded the Suns.[11] However, the Spurs lost in the second revolve to the eventual Western Speech champions, Utah Jazz.[39]
During the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, the Spurs under way with a lackluster 6–8 enigmatic and Popovich came under passion from the press.[40] However, Dancer and Robinson stood behind their coach and finished the ready with a 31–5 run.[41] Integrity sophomore averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 blocks in the regular interval, making both the All-NBA person in charge All-Defense First Teams.[7] In decency 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 class Finals.[42] In this series, skilful large contingent of Virgin Islanders flew over to support their local hero,[43] and were call for disappointed.
In the first figure games, the "Twin Towers" outscored their Knicks counterparts Chris Dudley/Larry Johnson with 41 points, 26 rebounds, and nine blocks conversely five points, 12 rebounds, roost zero blocks.[43] After a Operation 3 loss in which Dancer was held scoreless in position third quarter and committed several turnovers in the last fourth, Duncan bounced back with 28 points and 18 rebounds well-off a Game 4 win,[43] captivated in Game 5, the Spurs protected a 78–77 lead hastily from the end with authority ball in the Knicks' ownership.
Lyrics innamorato gianni morandi biographyDouble teamed by Dancer and Robinson, Knicks swingmanLatrell Sprewell missed a last-second desperation shot,[43] and after closing out prestige series with a strong 31-point, 9-rebound showing in Game 5, Duncan was named Finals Participant, bringing San Antonio their first-ever NBA championship.[44]Sports Illustrated journalist person in charge retired NBA player Alex Uprightly added: "Duncan came up approximate each time they went disrupt him with that sweet turnround jumper off the glass.
Do something was the man tonight [in Game 5]." And Popovich ulterior said to losing coach Jeff Van Gundy: "I've got Tim and you don't. That's greatness difference."[44]
In the 1999–2000 season, Dancer further cemented his reputation. Inaccuracy averaged 23.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game, earning another warning of All-NBA and All-Defense Crowning Team nods.[7] However, the Spurs had a disappointing postseason.
Dancer injured his meniscus shortly once the end of the accepted season and was unable stop with play in even one postseason game.[15] Consequently, the Spurs were eliminated in the first discshaped of the 2000 NBA playoffs, losing 3–1 to the Constellation Suns.[45]
In the next season, Dancer averaged 22.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game.
He was furthermore named to the All-NBA remarkable All-Defensive First Teams.[7] In rendering 2001 NBA playoffs, the Spurs eliminated the Timberwolves 3–1, discomfited the Dallas Mavericks 4–1, nevertheless then bowed out against prestige Lakers (led by superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant) inspect four straight games.[46]Sports Illustrated alleged the series as a "[m]erciless mismatch", and Duncan was criticized as "silent when the Spurs need him most".[47]
On the rush back of two consecutive playoff disappointments, Duncan improved statistically in position 2001–02 season.
He averaged being highs in scoring (25.5 proof per game, including a league-leading 764 field goals and 560 attempted free throws) and rebounding (12.7 boards per game, contemporary his accumulated 1,042 boards brighten led the league), and very averaged 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, both occupation highs.[7] Coupled with another portentous of All-NBA and All-Defensive Culminating Team nods, he was denominated the league's Most Valuable Sportswoman, joining teammate David Robinson rightfully one of only two Spurs players in history to have to one`s name earned the honor.[48] On honesty other hand, Duncan's team struggled with the fact that probity aging Robinson was no long able to sustain his in short supply of performance, and backup center-forward Malik Rose had to footprint in more often.[11] In picture 2002 NBA playoffs, the Spurs were again outmatched by justness Lakers.
Up against star sentiment O'Neal once more, the Spurs were defeated 4–1 by justness eventual champions.[49] Duncan, who managed 34 points and a franchise-high 25 rebounds in Game 5, stated his frustration: "I go with we really had a fortune at this series. The Lakers proved to be more prevail over we could handle.
Again, surprise had a (heck) of clever run at it. We challenging opportunities to win games coupled with make it a different broadcast, but that's just the alleyway the ball rolls sometimes."[50] In spite of that, NBA.com praised Duncan as "phenomenal" and criticized his supporting cast.[50]
In the 2002–03 season, the Spurs began play at the SBC Center on November 1 by way of defeating the Toronto Raptors 91–72.
In that game, Duncan canned 22 points, 15 rebounds spell 3 blocks for the Spurs.[51] He averaged 23.3 points, unadulterated career-high 12.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 blocks per affair, and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team recognition, resulting rip open his second NBA Most Substantial Player Award.[7][11] At age 37, Robinson had announced that honesty season would be his last; his playing time was slash by coach Popovich to put on one side his energy for the playoffs.[11] The Spurs qualified easily take possession of the playoffs, concluding the common season as the Western Conference's number one seed with fastidious 60–22 record.[52] In the Pander to Conference Semifinals against the Lakers, Duncan dominated forward Robert Horry[53] and closed out the convoy in style; Duncan finished Diversion 6 with 37 points delighted 16 rebounds.[53] The Spurs indebted it to the finals, famous defeated the New Jersey Nets 88–77 in Game 6 command somebody to win another NBA championship.[54] Helped by an inspired Robinson, Dancer almost recorded a quadruple then and there in the final game,[55] extremity was named the NBA Finals MVP.[15] Following this successful Spurs campaign, Robinson and Duncan were named Sports Illustrated's 2003 "Sportsmen of the Year".[56]
On July 16, 2003, Duncan signed a seven-year, $122 million contract with the Spurs.[57] Before the 2003–04 season began, the Spurs lost their lifelong captain David Robinson to leaving.
Embracing the lone team emperor role, Duncan led a transformed Spurs team which included European center Rasho Nesterović, defensive powerful Bruce Bowen, Argentinian shooting defend Manu Ginóbili and young Nation point guard Tony Parker. Burgeoning off the bench were hold shooting power forward Robert Horry, versatile Hedo Türkoğlu and veterans Malik Rose and Kevin Willis.[58] In retrospect, Robinson commented drift at first, Duncan was unwilling to step into the error, still needing some time defer to truly develop his leadership skills.[59] Statistically though, Duncan remained strong; after another convincing season collect averages of 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 blocks,[7] he led the Spurs into the Western Conference Semifinals.
There, they met the Los Angeles Lakers again, split righteousness series 2–2, and in Play 5, Duncan made a toughly defended jump shot which bones the Spurs ahead by give someone a jingle point with 0.4 seconds weigh to play. Despite the more or less time remaining, Lakers point defend Derek Fisher hit a doorbell beater, giving his team prestige win.[60][61] In the end, justness Spurs lost the series 4–2, and Duncan attributed the arduous Lakers defense as one indifference the reasons for the loss.[62]
Duncan and his Spurs looked shout approval re-assert themselves in the closest 2004–05 season.
Despite their additional captain's slight statistical slump (20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks per game),[7] grandeur Spurs won the second tuber for the 2005 NBA playoffs by winning 59 games.[63] Discern the first round, the Spurs eliminated the Denver Nuggets yoke games to one, and reduction the Seattle SuperSonics in loftiness semi-finals.
After splitting the pull it off four games, Duncan led consummate team to two decisive victories,[11] setting up a meeting add the Phoenix Suns, known characterize their up-tempo basketball. The Spurs managed to beat the Suns at their own game, defeating them 4–1[11] and earning adroit spot in the 2005 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons.
In the Finals, Duncan was pitted against Detroit's defensively tart frontcourt anchored by multiple NBA Defensive Player of the YearBen Wallace. After two convincing Undertaking 1 and 2 wins long the Spurs, the Pistons point teamed Duncan and forced him to play further from primacy basket.[11] Detroit won the following two games and the convoy was eventually tied at 3–3, but Duncan was instrumental impossible to differentiate Game 7, recording 25 evidence and 11 rebounds as illustriousness Spurs defeated the Pistons.[64] NBA.com reported that "with his nonpareil multidimensional talent, Duncan depleted current dissected the Pistons...
He was the fulcrum of virtually all key play down the stretch", and coach Popovich added: "[Duncan's] complete game is so lock up, so fundamental, so unnoticed case times, because if he didn't score, people think, 'Well, fair enough didn't do anything'. But subside was incredible and he was the force that got burst into tears done for us."[64] Pistons heart Ben Wallace remarked: "He ash his team on his consort and carried them to clever championship.
That's what the wonderful players do."[64] Duncan won tiara third NBA Finals MVP Grant, joining Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Johnson as excellence only players in NBA version to win it three times.[15]
During the 2005–06 season, Duncan receive from plantar fasciitis for lid of the season,[65] which was at least partly responsible fetch his sinking output (18.6 entrance, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists lecture 2.0 blocks per game), near also for his failure give way to make the All-NBA First Band after eight consecutive appearances.[7] Glory big man came back annoying in the 2006 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, whirl location he outscored rival power article Dirk Nowitzki 32.2 to 27.1 points, with neither Nowitzki blurry Mavericks center Erick Dampier admirable to stop Duncan with their man-to-man defense.[66] But after last the first six games, Dancer became the tragic hero longawaited his team in Game 7.
Despite scoring 39 points effect regulation time and fouling handing over both Dampier and Keith Forefront Horn, Duncan only made single of seven field goal attempts in overtime against Mavericks kept back center DeSagana Diop, and high-mindedness Spurs lost Game 7.[66]
The pursuing season, however, was another espousal year for Duncan and justness Spurs.
Duncan averaged 20.0 mark, 10.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists famous 2.4 blocks per game limit the regular season,[7] and was selected as a Western Word starter for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, his ninth aspect in the event. In greatness playoffs, he led the Spurs to a 4–1 series try to be like over the Denver Nuggets beginning the opening round of grandeur 2007 NBA Playoffs, a 4–2 win over the Phoenix Suns in the second round, arena a 4–1 win against righteousness Utah Jazz in the Colour Conference Finals, setting up a- meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.[67] There, distinction Spurs swept the Cavaliers 4–0, earning Duncan his and San Antonio's fourth ever championship.[68] Dancer proclaimed that that championship was "the best" of his duo championships; however, he also highly praised he played "sub-par" and as follows received only one vote imply NBA Finals MVP from trig panel of ten.[59] His colleagues were more appreciative of Duncan; among others, ex-teammate David Actor referred to the Spurs laurels as the "Tim Duncan era", and lauded his leadership.
Mentor Popovich also praised Duncan: "Tim is the common denominator. He's [had] a different cast bypass him [in] '99, '03 discipline '05. He's welcomed them diminution. ... But he is turn easy to play with, innermost his skills are so for the most part sound that other people get close fit in."[59] Then-NBA commissioner King Stern added: "[Duncan] is copperplate player for the ages.
I'm a tennis fan, and Pete Sampras is one of leadership greats. OK, he wasn't Andre Agassi or John McEnroe. Agreed just happens to be reschedule of the greatest players range all time. You take unquestionable players as you find them."[59]
During the 2008 NBA All-Star Weekend, Duncan was unmixed member of the San Antonio team that won the Pointed Stars Competition.[69] For the bout, he played 78 games become more intense posted his typical 20/10 numbers,[70] San Antonio concluded the 2007–08 regular season with a 56–26 record, finishing behind the Lakers and New Orleans Hornets imprint the Western Conference and days up themselves for a first-round contest against the Suns.
Picture Suns—defeated by the Spurs bind three of the past link seasons of playoffs—were out in favour of revenge and featured a creative player in four-time NBA fighting man Shaquille O'Neal. In Game 1, Duncan set the tone tighten a 40-point game and span rare three-pointer that sent loftiness game into double overtime.[71] Representation trio of Duncan, Ginóbili elitist Parker continued playing to disclose for the remainder of goodness series, and the Spurs knocked out the Suns in five games.[72] In the first game run through the next round against ethics Chris Paul-led Hornets, San Antonio was badly defeated 101–82 significance Duncan played one of representation worst playoff games in emperor career, recording only 5 in sequence and 3 rebounds.[73] The Spurs dropped the next game orangutan well, but recovered in Jollity 3 and 4, with Dancer putting up a team-high 22 point/15 rebound/4 block performance put into operation the game that tied decency series.[74] Duncan then recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds suggestion Game 6,[75] and the Spurs relied on their experience consent seal the series in Undertaking 7.[76] However, arch-rivals Los Angeles Lakers defeated San Antonio delight five games in the Congress Finals, and the Spurs formerly again failed to capture consecutive NBA championships.[77]
Duncan started the 2008–09 season with strong showings get round points and rebounds per enterprise.
Ridhima trisal biographyOn the other hand, by mid-season, his performance declined and he was subsequently diagnosed with chronic knee tendinosis.[78] Notwithstanding Duncan having problems with dominion knee and the team loss the services of shooting marmalade Ginóbili for most of authority season, San Antonio qualified dole out the playoffs as the 3rd seed with a 54–28 record.[79][80] Coupled with an aging behind cast (Bowen, Michael Finley cope with Kurt Thomas were all pull their late 30s), however, representation Spurs were only considered ruffle contenders for the championship.[80] Gorilla it turned out, Duncan bid Parker were not enough take in hand help the Spurs avoid efficient 4–1 defeat by Dallas, vital the Spurs were eliminated boil the first round of birth playoffs for the first in advance since 2000.[81]
With the Spurs superficial to provide a more rigid supporting cast in the 2009–10 season, they acquired Richard President, Theo Ratliff, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, and Keith Bogans.[82] Character team got off to skilful 5–6 start, but a keep in shape of double-double performances by Dancer gave them a 9–6 write down by the end of Nov.
Duncan was subsequently named rendering Western Conference Player of loftiness Week for the last workweek of November.[83] Even at 34 years of age, he remained a constant 20–10 threat, glimpse only one of three turn in the league at class mid-season to average at bottom 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. On January 21, 2010, Duncan was named reorganization the starting forward for justness West for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.[84] After securing all the more another 50-win season,[85] the Spurs qualified for the playoffs type the seventh seed, and abject Dallas 4–2 in the rule round, only to lose 4–0 to Phoenix in the effort round.[86]
Eleven games into the 2010–11 season, Duncan became the Spurs' all-time leader in points scored and games played.[87] Along dignity way, the Spurs compiled copperplate 12-game winning streak to prepared 13–2 after 15 games.
Imaginable November 30, 2010, Duncan real his third career triple-double realize the Golden State Warriors.[88] 12 days later, in a operation against the Portland Trail Blazers, Duncan became the 94th actor in NBA history to caper 1,000 games. Through his 1,000th game, the Spurs have antediluvian 707–293; only Scottie Pippen (715–285) had a better record consider his team through his cheeriness 1,000 games.[89] The Spurs were 29–4 after 33 games—one declining the ten best starts lecture in NBA history[90]–and led the alliance at 35–6 halfway through honourableness season.[91] Although Duncan produced duration lows in points and rebounds per game, the Spurs puffy the regular season as rank first seed in the Westside for the 2011 NBA playoffs, and were second in distinction league (to Chicago).
Despite bias with a 61–21 record, regardless, the Spurs could not steer clear of being upset in the twig round, 4–2, by the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
The Spurs continue finished the 2011–12 season whereas the number one seed timely the West—it was a lockout-shortened 66-game season—tying with the City Bulls for a league-best 50–16 record.[92] Prior to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers slow up March 24, 2012, head omnibus Gregg Popovich decided to scan Duncan a night off soak listing him on the legal scorecard as "DNP-OLD", poking chilly at his 36-year-old body.[93] Scenic, Duncan's numbers remained at touchstone with the previous season.
Description triumvirate of Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili entered decency 2012 NBA playoffs well-rested courier healthy, and the Spurs clean the Utah Jazz and nobility Los Angeles Clippers 4–0 need the first two rounds. World power May 31, 2012, in nobleness third game of the Idyll Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Duncan set significance record for most career blocks in playoffs history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Spurs' playoff relatives came to an end like that which the Thunder defeated them 4–2.
On July 11, 2012, Dancer agreed to re-sign with birth Spurs. Helped by a manner cast comprising Danny Green, Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal and Kawhi Leonard that had been young steadily over the last bend in half seasons, Duncan and the Spurs would again make the playoffs with a 58–24 regular opportunity ripe record.
Duncan also returned permission the All-Star line-up and was named to the All-NBA Greatest Team. He finished the habitual season with 23,785 career numbers, which broke George Gervin's create for most points in ingenious Spurs uniform (23,602). In prestige playoffs, the Spurs swept birth Los Angeles Lakers, beat Gold State in six games dispatch defeated the Memphis Grizzlies upgrade the Western Conference Finals deduct a 4–0 sweep to breadth the NBA Finals.
In Endeavour 2 of the Western Word Finals, Duncan recorded his l playoff block, becoming the leading player in NBA history trigger reach that milestone, although representation NBA did not track blocks prior to the 1973–74 season.[94][95] The Spurs met defending NBA champions Miami Heat in dignity NBA Finals in a firmly contested series.
Miami had children's home court advantage, but San Antonio took the first game most important headed into game 6 industrial action a 3–2 lead. In renounce game, Duncan scored 25 way in in the first half,[96] jurisdiction biggest haul in a section of an NBA Finals game.[citation needed] However, the Spurs misplaced the game in overtime, fairy story then lost the deciding one-seventh game.[97]
On December 2, 2013, Duncan became the prime player to record a 20–20 game in NBA history, way out with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and the game-winning jump pot shot against the Atlanta Hawks.[98] Decency Spurs went on to hold the 2013–14 regular season have under surveillance a league-best 62 wins.[99] Justness Spurs defeated Dallas in digit games in the first pre-empt of the playoffs, Portland affluent five games in the convention semifinals, and Oklahoma City note six games, where game 6 went into overtime, as magnanimity Spurs won, 112–107.[100][101][102] They puncture up a Finals rematch admit the Miami Heat, which they won, 4–1, setting a top secret margin for a win imprison the NBA Finals, for party 3 and 4.[103] Along birth way, the Duncan-Ginóbili-Parker trio indigent the record for most achievements in NBA playoffs history.[104] Rear 1 winning the Finals in fivesome games, Duncan joined John Salley as the only players succeed to win a championship in duo different decades.[105]
On June 23, 2014, Duncan exercised monarch $10.3 million player option summon the 2014–15 season.[106][107] On Nov 14, 2014, Duncan scored king 25,000th point in the control half of the Spurs' 93–80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the 19th competitor in NBA history to go down the milestone.[108] On February 19, 2015, he passed Alex Nation to move into 16th substitute on the NBA's all-time marking list with 30 points be realistic the Los Angeles Clippers.[109] Certification March 4, he recorded offend rebounds against the Sacramento Kings, breaking his tie with Cessation Thurmond for ninth in lifetime rebounding.[110] Two days later, closure recorded three blocks against glory Denver Nuggets to surpass Apostle Ewing for sixth overall play a part career blocks.[111] On April 12, he played his 1,330th occupation game against the Phoenix Suns, which passed Moses Malone 11th all-time.
He also scored 22 points and passed Kevin Garnett to move into Fourteenth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.[112] The Spurs on target sixth in the Western Word after 82 games and upright the Los Angeles Clippers now the first round of class playoffs. Their quest for consecutive championships was ended May 2 as they lost to birth Clippers in seven games.[113] Dancer was later named to significance All-Defensive second team on May well 20 for the seventh put on ice in his career.[114]
On July 9, 2015, Duncan re-signed with grandeur Spurs to a two-year deal.[115] On November 2, 2015, scam a win over the Advanced York Knicks, Duncan recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds and provoke assists in his NBA-record 954th victory with one team, exceptional John Stockton's 953 wins substitution the Utah Jazz.[116] On Nov 11, he pulled down class 14,716th rebound of his calling against the Portland Trail Blazers to pass Robert Parish tend seventh place on the NBA's all-time rebounding list.[117] On Nov 14, in a win skate the Philadelphia 76ers, Duncan abstruse five blocked shots to transform into the Spurs' franchise leader secondhand goods 2,955 blocks, surpassing former colleague David Robinson's career total censure 2,954.
Duncan also moved give somebody the loan of fifth all-time on the NBA's blocks list.[118] After missing righteousness Spurs' last three games be incumbent on December due to rest remarkable right knee soreness, Duncan shared to action on January 2, 2016, against the Houston Rockets. In his return game, Dancer was held scoreless for honesty first time in his 19-year career;[119] giving him the about consecutive games with at minimum one point, at 1,359.[120] Duo days later, Duncan scored dexterous then-season high 18 points have round a 123–98 win over high-mindedness Utah Jazz, helping the Spurs extend its franchise-record home heavenly streak to 30 straight customary season games dating to 2014–15.[121] On February 10, he exchanged to the starting lineup rearguard missing eight games with a-okay sore knee.[122] On February 27, in a win over description Houston Rockets, he became rendering fifth player in NBA portrayal to reach 3,000 blocks.
Up-to-date addition, with six rebounds be sure about the game, Duncan reached 14,971 for his career, surpassing Karl Malone (14,968) for sixth worrying in league history.[123] On Tread 10, Duncan became the ordinal player in league history discharge 15,000 rebounds, completing the give in midway through the first zone apartment of the Spurs' 109–101 do something to deserve over the Chicago Bulls.[124] Opt March 19, he came fairly the bench for only excellence third time in his occupation to counter the smaller schedule of the Golden State Warriors.
With a win over decency Warriors, the Spurs recorded their 35th straight home win illustrate the season and their Ordinal straight at home dating concern 2014–15, tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history meet the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls.[125] Have a hold over April 5, in a take off over the Utah Jazz, no problem became the third player hint at 1,000 victories in the popular season, following Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading Robert Parish.
Duncan extended surmount mark as the NBA's duration leader in victories with helpful team.[126] On April 8, unquestionable scored a season-high 21 in order in a losing effort pan the Denver Nuggets. Having as of now locked up second seed snare the West with a franchise-best record (65–13 prior to Nuggets game), all four of Duncan's starting teammates were rested.[127] Depiction Spurs went on to clique to the Oklahoma City Boom in the second round be keen on the playoffs.
On June 28, 2016, Duncan opted into culminate $5.6 million contract for class 2016–17 season.[128] However, on July 11, 2016, he announced potentate retirement from the NBA make sure of 19 seasons with San Antonio.[129] In September 2016, coach Gregg Popovich indicated that Duncan would have a coaching role house the team in the 2016–17 season.[130]
On December 18, 2016, justness Spurs retired Duncan's No.
21 jersey in a postgame service, making him the eighth Urging in franchise history to take his jersey retired.[131]
In 1998, Duncan was selected on account of one of the last glimmer players for the United States national team for the Environment Basketball Championship.
However, this band was later replaced with CBA and college players because discount the NBA lockout.[132] Duncan's cardinal chance at playing for probity national team came in 1999 when he was called course to the Olympic Qualifying Band. He averaged 12.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.4 bpg take precedence led the team to tidy 10–0 finish en route acquiesce a qualifying berth for influence 2000 Sydney Olympics, but systematic knee injury forced him adjoin stay out of the Athletics Games themselves.[19]
In 2003, Duncan was also a member of say publicly USA team that recorded join wins and qualified for nobleness 2004 Summer Olympics.[19] He under way all the games he awkward in and averaged team bests of 15.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.56 bpg, while shooting 60.7 percent from the field.[19] Wrongness the Olympics itself, the order lost three games on tight way to a bronze medal.[133] The record represented more victims in a single year pat in the 68 previous combined.
It was also honesty first time since NBA choose became eligible that the U.S. men's basketball team lost copperplate game in international competition tolerate returned home without gold medals.[133] After the tournament, Duncan was disappointed with team's unpreparedness reconcile the tournament and commented, "I am about 95 percent go away my FIBA career is ice up.
I'll try not to intonation my experiences with anyone."[134] Deception total, Duncan was a 1 of five USA Basketball teams and played in 40 games.[19]
Standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Duncan was a power expand who could also play soul.
With a double-double career criterion in points and rebounds, earth was considered one of class most consistent players in distinction NBA throughout his career.[64] Viewed as one of the league's best interior defenders, Duncan besides ranked consistently as one waste the top scorers, rebounders pointer shot-blockers in the league.[7] Exceed the end of his encouragement season in 2015–16, he was ranked first in regular ready point-rebound double-doubles among active players,[135] while he led the charts in postseason point-rebound double-doubles (158 as of 2013–14).
His information weakness for much of emperor career was his free grasp shooting, with a career many of less than 70%.[7]
Apart escape these statistics, Duncan has gained a reputation as a ensnare player, as evidenced by three NBA Finals MVP brownie points and his playoff career averages being higher than his routine season statistics.[7] Eleven-time NBA winner Bill Russell further complimented Dancer on his passing ability, don rated him as one use your indicators the most efficient players drawing his generation,[136] a view merged by 19-time NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[137] Because of his obedience and success, basketball experts parts consider Duncan to be depiction greatest power forward in NBA history,[2][3] while coach Popovich advocate teammates Parker and Ginóbili be blessed with also credited much of San Antonio's success to him.[138][139] Duncan's detractors, however, label him slightly "boring" because of his impressionable but effective style of amusement (thus earning him the moniker "The Big Fundamental").
Following fillet first championship ring in 1999, Sports Illustrated described him slightly a "quiet, boring MVP",[140] grand characterization which persists today.[136]
Duncan in the flesh commented on his "boring" manifestation, stating, "If you show cheer, then you also may put on an act disappointment or frustration.
If your opponent picks up on that frustration, you are at boss disadvantage."[141] Sports journalist Kevin Kernan commented on his ability do as you are told relax and stay focused, stating that having a degree take away psychology, Duncan often not single outplays, but out-psychs his opponents.[142]Shaquille O'Neal had high praise parade Duncan's on-court demeanor.
"The Spurs won because of Tim Dancer, a guy I could not in any degree break," O'Neal wrote in wreath autobiography. "I could talk get rid of to Patrick Ewing, get pointed David Robinson's face, get spruce up rise out of Alonzo Sorrowing, but when I went draw on Tim he'd look at hold your horses like he was bored."[143]
Duncan has stated that he especially likes his bank shot, saying: "It is just easy for get your skates on.
It just feels good."[144] Also, Duncan's close and longstanding selfimportance with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been described as "the greatest love story in sports".[145]
During his basketball career, Duncan traditional a number of individual topmost team honors, including being neat two-time MVP (2002, 2003), five-time NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), and three-time NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005).
As a college player, put your feet up was honored by the Habitat of Representatives,[146] named the Command Male Athlete of the Gathering, won the John R. Xyloid Award and Adolph Rupp Laurels, and was selected as greatness Naismith College Player of justness Year in addition to entertainer of the year honors escape the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), National Association be in command of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and Sporting News (all 1997).[19] In 2002, Duncan was named to illustriousness ACC 50th Anniversary men's hoops team honoring the 50 receiving players in ACC history.[147] Shoulder his debut year in representation NBA (1998), he was preferential Rookie of the Year allow elected into the All-Rookie Lineup.
He has been named launch an attack 15 NBA All-Star teams (1997–98; 1999–2000 to 2010–11; 2012–13 predominant 2014–15), 15 All-NBA Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15; wan First Team nominations), and 15 All-Defensive Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10; 2012–13, 2014–15; eight First Kit out nominations).[7] With these impressive acta b events, Duncan is one of exclusive four players to receive All-NBA First Team honors in infraction of his first eight seasons (1998–2005), along with Hall-of-Famers Bobber Pettit (ten seasons), Larry Shuttlecock (nine seasons), and Oscar Guard (nine seasons), and is grandeur only player in NBA characteristics to receive All-NBA and All-Defensive honors in his first 13 seasons (1997–98 to 2009–10).[148]
Duncan was also named by the Concern for Professional Basketball Research primate one of the "100 Focus Professional Basketball Players of interpretation 20th Century", and is birth youngest player on that list.[149] In the 2001–02 season, significant won the IBM Player Award[150] and the Sporting News (TSN) MVP Award,[151] becoming the base player to ever win ethics NBA MVP, IBM Player forward TSN Player Awards in picture same season.
On February 18, 2006, he was named give someone a jingle of the Next 10 Preeminent Players on the tenth saint's day of the release of prestige NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Uniform by the TNT broadcasting crew.[152] In 2009, Duncan was hierarchal 8th by Slam magazine slender their list of the apex 50 NBA players of move away time,[153] while Sports Illustrated first name him its NBA Player simulated the Decade.[154] In 2022, email commemorate the NBA's 75th Saint's day The Athletic ranked their surpass 75 players of all disgust, and named Duncan as grandeur ninth greatest player in NBA history, the highest ranked administrate forward on the list.[155]
On Apr 4, 2020, it was proclaimed that Duncan would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Sport Hall of Fame on Grave 29.[156][157] He was named pre-empt the NBA 75th Anniversary Cast in 2021.[158]
On July 22, 2019, magnanimity San Antonio Spurs announced lapse Duncan was named an tender coach.[159][160][161] He made his premiere as acting head coach attention March 3, 2020, leading depiction Spurs to a 104–103 retort win over the Charlotte Hornets, which Popovich missed for exact reasons.[162]
On November 12, 2020, Dancer stepped down as assistant educator of the Spurs.[163]
GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point specialty goal percentage | FT% | Free sling percentage |
RPG | Rebounds |