The NBA World lost one of its most iconic figures on Monday. In a press release sent out by the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan announced he would not be returning to play professional basketball.
Duncan is, of course, one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen. His legacy as the almost unanimous “best power forward ever,” a defensive juggernaut with sweet post moves, and above all, a career-winner may never be matched by another player.
So it makes sense that in the hours following Duncan’s somewhat surprising announcement, players from across the league took to social media to give their thanks to a basketball legend.
The praise first heaped in from Duncan’s former teammate, Manu Ginobili. The shooting guard who was expected by some to retire as well is returning next season. But he and Tony Parker will be the only remnants of one of the greatest trios of all time.
Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 11, 2016
Duncan’s former teammate and current Warriors head coach Steve Kerr added his thoughts – namely on Duncan’s legacy as an all-time player and teammate. Boris Diaw, now with the Jazz, had a similar message.
Congrats to Tim Duncan. Probably a top 5 all time player and undoubtedly a top 5 all time teammate. Wow, what a career.
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) July 11, 2016
Dear Tim Duncan. Thank you for the impact you had on the game of Basketball and playing next to you was a great experience. #Respect21
— Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) July 11, 2016
When we think about Duncan, we think of an old-school game. Not only was this his 19th season in the league, but his style of play resembled something out of a basketball textbook. No flash, no gravity-defying dunks. But despite the style of play, Duncan was revered by all, including some of the game’s youngest players:
Had every pair of Timmy's shoes growing up. Wanted to be just like him. True professional and champion. Thank you for 19 years of excellence
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) July 11, 2016
ThankYouTimDuncan
Class act,true professional, and a living legend to our beloved game #mogul pic.twitter.com/7slkaxdRy9— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) July 11, 2016
Tim Duncan #Legend
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) July 11, 2016
I remember growing up watching Tim Duncan play dreaming one day I could emulate hisgame.ThegreatestPFever#ThankyouTD pic.twitter.com/MXdThPFjin
— Donatas Motiejunas (@DonatasMot) July 11, 2016
Congrats Tim Duncan on an amazing career!! Quiet and humble, but a killer and a champion on the court! #TheBigFundamental
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 11, 2016
But the real praise came from those who competed against Duncan many times. Despite Timmy’s lowkey nature, he was one of the league’s biggest competitors. And he was respected as such by many.
Salute to the greatest power forward to ever play the game of basketball. #TimDuncan #Legend
— Paul Millsap (@Paulmillsap4) July 11, 2016
Timmie D! Congrats on an Unbelievable career! Thanks for inspiring us all with just your PLAY! #GreatestPowerforwardtoeverplaythisgame
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 11, 2016
Congrats to a great competitor and champion. Incredible career. Pure class and the GOAT!! #ThankYouTD
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) July 11, 2016
Shaquille O'Neal (@SHAQ) to ESPN on the retirement of longtime rival Tim Duncan: "Greatest power forward ever. Unbreakable power forward."
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2016
Dirk Nowitzki to ESPN on Timmy: "He was always about winning, never about making a brand out of himself. That's what I appreciated the most"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2016
Timmy D. Say it ain't so!!! Greatest power forward ever!
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) July 11, 2016
And of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who retired earlier this year, is perhaps Duncan’s biggest rival. Through the pair’s years of success at the top of the league, their individual accomplishments raised them to new heights. The rivalry was filled with respect and competitiveness. Now, we are guaranteed to see both of these legends enter the Hall of Fame, together.
Kobe Bryant tells me of frequent foe Tim Duncan: "More cutthroat than people give him credit for. I loved everything about him on the court"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2016
Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 11, 2016
