End of an Era

image from here

Well, it's official.  Tim Duncan, basketball forward for the San Antonio Spurs, announced his retirement today (article here).  He wracked up impressive all-time numbers over his 19-year career:
- 14th  in scoring (26,496)
- 6th all-time in rebounding (15,901)
- 5th all-time in blocks (3,020)
- 7th in regular season games played (1392)
- 2nd in playoff games played (251)

His teams won 5 championships in 6 NBA finals appearances, winning it all in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.  He was successful as an individual player and as a teammate, but what I liked most was his attitude.

Tim didn't make waves in the newspapers, the way many professional superstars do.  He didn't get into trouble, he didn't make outrageous statements . . . he just played the game.  Nicknamed 'the Big Fundamental,' he played basic basketball well . . . and that's about it.  No drama, no selfishness.  He knew his role- whether it was big or small- and he did his job.  In an age that appears to desire drama almost more than playing the game,* he broke the mold.  He played selflessly and encouraged others to do the same, helping to create an others-centered culture.  The results were phenomenal.

He ended his career in low-key fashion by not announcing his retirement until after the season was over.  Some superstars announce their last season ahead of time; Tim didn't need or want the fanfare that accompanied the others as they rode off into the sunset.  I can learn a thing or two from him.

I got to see him play in person only twice during his career- an exhibition game at Penn State in the late '90s, and during the regular season vs. the Wizards (when Jordan played for them) in the early '00s.  Two photos taken during the exhibition are below.

Take care, Tim, and may you continue to be a shining light to those around you.


*The Spurs weren't preferred Finals participants, as TV ratings consistently went down.  People want drama.