Tim Duncan has a rare case of needing to teach the game, so much so that we know from direct sources that Duncan would give opponents tips about how to play him, where to be, and what to expect.
Former NBA player Etan Thomas wrote a Facebook post about Duncan, who had just retired. He shared a story about how Duncan blocked his shot and then gave him advice about how to avoid the block next time.
Robert Swift, a 7-foot-1 center, was drafted in the first round out of high school in 2004 to the Seattle Supersonics. Swift recalls having a similar experience with Duncan, which he talked about in an extended profile on his post-playing days by Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated:
Swift buys a kick-ass truck, eats like a king. And he gets to play against his idols. The first time he guards Tim Duncan, Swift pushes up on him on the block, trying to impress him.
“Nah, nah, don’t do that,” Duncan says.
Swift is surprised. Duncan never talks to opponents. And yet…
“The ball’s going to swing to the other side, get position,” Duncan continues.
The ball swings. Swift follows orders, shuffling his feet across the lane, staying behind Duncan.
“No, further up,” Duncan says. Swift takes a half-step.
“No, a little higher, don’t let me duck in on you.”
Swift complies.
“All right, now come back,” Duncan says, moving across the lane. “The ball’s about to be swung back, but it’s not coming to me this time so don’t worry about it. But now you know how to play it.”
Duncan was passing along his knowledge while still competing. He couldn’t even help it.
