Earlier this week, the greatest power forward of all time retired. Spurs Forward Tim Duncan said goodbye to the game of basketball after 19 years, 5 NBA championships, 3 Finals MVP awards, 2 regular season MVP awards, rookie of the year award, and 15 all-star games, the game is just not fun for him anymore. After the Spurs were eliminated by the Thunder in 6 games in the Semi-Finals this year, it seemed even more sure that we had seen Mr.Fundamentals last season, and now it is true. Per Quixem Ramirez of the Express News:
Duncan: “I can probably still play but when it’s time, it’s time. And it’s time.”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
Duncan, asked about why he is retiring: “I started not enjoying myself as much. It wasn’t fun as much. When it’s not fun anymore, I’m done.”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
After his long time head coach and mentor Gregg Popovich had his exit interview about Tim Duncan, Duncan held his own with Vivid Streaming.
Duncan also penned a letter to Spurs fans and everyone in San Antonio (Via Marc J. Spears):
Tim Duncan statement pic.twitter.com/W5VxFAmev0
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 13, 2016
In the interview, Duncan touched on his whole career, from Popovich, to his early years with David Robinson and getting drafted, and also being a 40-year-old man going into retirement watching discovery channel. Here are some of the quotes transcribed:
His friend recalled his stretch from 1999-2003. Duncan quipped: “The good ole days when the knees were really good. Remember those days?”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
Tim Duncan on winning his first NBA championship in 1999. pic.twitter.com/iwNk58wjcy
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
Duncan: ” I got a chance to watch Pop’s interview yesterday and I about lost it on that one.”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
Tim Duncan on his appreciation for San Antonio. pic.twitter.com/C7nESmXaCk
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
Duncan: “Do you think I should get Facebook?”
His friend: “At this point forget it.”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
His friend on Tim Duncan’s draft night festivities: “We had the opportunity to live it up and party like it’s 1999. And we did nothing.”
— Quixem Ramirez (@quixem) July 13, 2016
