Tim Duncan retires from Spurs, NBA after 19 seasons
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Tim Duncan has decided to retire from the NBA after 19 years in the league.
In the same year that saw Kobe Bryant retire from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwyane Wade spurn the Miami Heat for the Chicago Bulls, Kevin Durant sign with the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James finally bring a title home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Duncan's retirement symbolizes the end of a storied chapter in NBA history. For the past 19 seasons, The Big Fundamental has been as much a staple of the game as free throws and slam dunks. His bankers off the top of the glass consistently left defenders in helpless awe, while his defensive wizardry in the paint led the Spurs to 50+ wins every single season he was in the league. Perhaps more than anything else, it was Duncan's approach to the game, and the way with which he embodied the concept of a true consummate athlete, that caused so many to admire and cherish him. Looking ahead, Pau Gasol will likely provide solid fantasy value while replacing Duncan in the frontcourt for San Antonio.
An automatic first ballot Hall of Famer and the beginning of any "greatest power forward ever" discussion, Duncan averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 blocks and 0.7 steals per game for his career on a .507 effective field goal percentage. He was voted Most Valuable Player in the league twice, while also being named Finals MVP in three of his five championships win.
- Chicago's Andre Drummond (ankle) active on Wednesday April 17th, 2024
- Atlanta's Bruno Fernando operating in bench role on Wednesday April 17th, 2024
- Hawks starting Clint Capela (rest) on Wednesday, Bruno Fernando to second unit April 17th, 2024
- Javonte Green coming off Chicago's bench on Wednesday April 17th, 2024
- Bulls starting Ayo Dosunmu (quad) on Wednesday, Javonte Green to bench April 17th, 2024
- Chicago's Ayo Dosunmu (quad) available on Wednesday April 17th, 2024
- Spurs' Zach Collins (thumb) starting for injured Victor Wembanyama (ankle) Sunday April 14th, 2024
- Zach Collins (thumb) questionable for Spurs on Sunday April 13th, 2024
- Keldon Johnson (foot) remains out Sunday for San Antonio April 13th, 2024
- San Antonio's Malaki Branham (concussion) inactive on Sunday April 13th, 2024
- Victor Wembanyama (injury management) ruled out for Spurs on Sunday April 13th, 2024
- Zach Collins playing in second unit role for Spurs on Friday night April 12th, 2024