Tim Duncan, 19-year NBA player, Retires

The 2016-17 NBA season is approaching quickly. This month, the league showcases its up-and-coming first and second year players in the annual NBA Summer League. And teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers are counting on their top draft picks, Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, to turn around their fortunes. Other big storylines heading into this upcoming season are Kevin Durant and Dwayne Wade playing for new teams, having chosen to leave Oklahoma City and Miami, respectively. Durant signed a two-year contract with the Golden State Warriors, a perennial NBA dynasty, to team up with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Wade chose to go home to Chicago and play for his hometown Bulls, who are not expected to make much noise in the Eastern Conference.

However, no headline has gotten more attention than the announcement made by San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, who decided to call it a career after 19 seasons in the NBA, all with San Antonio. Duncan’s career accomplishments include: “Three-time NBA Finals MVP, 15-time All-Star, five NBA championships, and Rookie of the Year honors in 1997-98.” These accolades are proof that Duncan will be a Basketball Hall of Famer. He has had the same coach in all 19 seasons, Gregg Popovich. And during Tim’s tenure in San Antonio, the team had never had a losing season. He has had a great career. His impact on the NBA should not be forgotten.

Yet, there are those close to the Spurs organization that believe Duncan will not stray permanently away from the league. R.C. Buford, San Antonio’s General Manager, said recently that “he wouldn't be surprised if Duncan embraced some sort of leadership role next season.” Essentially, Buford and the organization desire for Duncan to not venture too far from the NBA landscape, meaning that he has potential of being an assistant coach or a front office consultant. But it is Tim’s choice. It is not the media’s decision. It is not the Spurs’ decision. It is Duncan’s decision. The standards he set during his career, both on and off the basketball court, should serve as an example to all the young men who want to play professionally. Duncan’s contribution to the San Antonio community should not go unnoticed. He has dedicated himself over the years to be the best power forward/center he can be, but more importantly, he challenged himself to be the best human being he could be. He didn’t want the glamour and celebrity status that other athletes coveted; rather, Duncan chose to keep a low profile and become one of pro basketball’s biggest stars. He will be missed dearly.