When Tim Duncan officially announced his retirement from the San Antonio Spurs, many wondered what the next step would be for both Timmy and the team. How can you replace a sure-fire Hall of Fame big man? San Antonio tried by signing Pau Gasol and also inking a deal with David Lee but that’s still not enough. You can’t replace Tim.
Coach Pop knows that and he hasn’t completely removed himself from Duncan. Timmy can still be spotted at Spurs practices and he’s been given an official role as coach of ‘whatever he feels like’. It seems like a great gig and top of that, the communication has never been better between Duncan and Pop. It even includes some great emoji exchanges.
Following from Melissa Rohlin of the San Antonio Express-News.
One guy remained shooting at the Spurs’ practice facility long after all of the other players cleared out.
It was Tim Duncan, the team’s former superstar power forward, who hung up his jersey last summer after 19 seasons and five NBA championships with the Spurs.
Spurs’ Coach Gregg Popovich said he and Duncan are still really close. Super close, actually.
“We’re like in love, we text all of the time,” Popovich said.
Do you use emojis?
“Only the ones where you blow kisses,” Popovich said.
Popovich then broke out in laughter.
“You guys, you make me say these things,” he said, laughing.
I mean, do you really expect the relationship between Pop and Timmy to be any different. These guys have been close for about two decades now. I’m sure they will find a way to spend parts of the holiday season together and exchange some gifts over a bottle of wine. Tale as old as time.
