He's the greatest player of his generation but won't get that kind of credit. He was never so arrogant to demand that moniker. He simply went to work and put up results. 5 rings, 3 Finals MVPs, 2 league MVPs, never missed the playoffs and never won fewer than 50 games a season.
It's absolutely crazy to reach this point, and to have a TD enshrinement speech tbh, time flies! Now it's officially Tim Duncan, the past legend and HOFer. Absolute paragon as a teammate, player, dominator, first round pick, star first opion, Power Forward and leader. He never hogged labels and so he doesn't get his credit as the best player of the 2000s as he clearly was.
@@MrJaydubb87 Which is crazy considering he joked his whole career, led not only by example but especially by talks and the TD-Spurs dynamics (but the rest of the Spurs Big 3 too) was literally the funniest and most dynamic interaction of the league besides Shaq. TD might be one of the most active players ever. The notion that Duncan is some Kawhi Leonard is crazy and couldn't be more wrong.
People often call him quiet and unenthusiastic, but Timmy is so well spoken, and can get really emotional. Plus he has a good sense of humor. I hope he decides to go back to coaching soon, he is The Big Fundamental after all!
I think he figured out coaching wasn't for him. Either that, or he wanted Becky to take over the reins when Pop retires. Glad he's still at Spurs practices often though
@@joesloadeddiaper3007 Go back to the 50s, dawg. If men are allowed to coach women's sports, women should be allowed to do the same. Becky has shown tremendous skill in coaching - she's won the Summer League chip for them at least once. The players respect her. I don't think it'll be such a big deal.
@@bdictjames actually I don't think men should coach women's sports either. Men should coach in the NBA and women should coach in the WNBA. Tim would make a fine successor to Pop. I'm sure Becky would make a great coach in the women's league.
@@joesloadeddiaper3007 I have to respectfully disagree dawg. :) Women can bring a lot to a men's game. As great a sport basketball is, it shouldn't have any barriers cast on it - Gender, race, age - I am hoping as many people can partake on it as they can. And sorry for my previous comment hahah.
@@raitaylor Really believe had Pop not pulled Duncan for that play, Miami would not have pulled down the rebound that ended up in Allen's hands. Most devastating loss I've suffered as a fan. Next year didn't make up for it all the way, but it sure helped.
@@mariomanningfan as a Spurs fan, the way we deslmolished the Heat in 2014, more than made up for what happened in 2013. After all, that's what Spurs represent, never giving up and coming back.and to be honest, imo this team's most impressive feat was coming back after this devastating loss at game 6 and almost winning Game 7. I can't prove it but i am sure no other team in Sports history could do that. After losings in such a way, in less than 48 hours regrouping and almost winning an away game 7 against an all time great team. That's Spurs basketball.
Tim Duncan is the greatest PF to ever play the game of basketball. 4 year degree from Wake Forest in psychology. Extremely high basketball IQ. Never got too high. Never got too low. And it won 5 rings. A true champion. 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
@@schuylersavage276 most of the champs have some good psychology honestly. Bill Russell and Kareem are very intelligent Men besides being great basketball players.
In an era of flashy superstars and selfish divas with huge egos, Tim Duncan dominated with pure class and by being humble and down to earth.Thank you for showing us one can be great without being full of himself. To me the only modern day athlete that's worth being a role model.
Duncan said, "i lost my mom at 14 and in her place, my sisters stepped up to be my mom. My sisters, my best friends Cheryl and Tricia thank you. Thank you for all that you brought to me, for being there for me no matter it was and it just... I love you and thank you"! (Before Greg even exist in his life, the 14 yrs old boy lost his mom. In that situation, im so proud to hear his sisters stepped up & comfort him! Family 1st as always...)
Lots of young greats in MJs last years and the post Jordan era. Those guys you said, Vince, LeBron, etc. But only Shaq, Tim and Kobe really had the game on lock for the whole decade of the 2000s. So much great basketball.
Those 19 years were far, far beyond anything I could have hoped for as a Spurs fan since 1982. I'll probably reminisce about those years, especially 2014, on my deathbed. Thanks Timmy.
Took the words outta my mouth. If we never reach the mountain top again i will be FOREVER grateful i had to the chance to witness GREATNESS for 2 decades. Thank you spurs. Thank you tim duncan.
@@MJBrabantNZL Happy for Pop. He's got an interesting project to work on for his last years in the league. It's a different era, a different basketball. But Victor is a very decent kid, i can tell you that, i believe he is going to become an outstanding man in the years to come. The talent is unbelievable. There are similarities with Duncan. We'll see.
I love RC. If you've never met him he's an incredibly personable down-to-earth kind of guy. I sat next to him on a Southwest Airlines flight about 6 years ago.
If there was ever a role model or a pair of role models in the NBA, it was definitely Tim Duncan and David Robinson. David Robinson has always been one of the most stand up guys.
Couldn't agree more. We should all follow their lead - good people, hard working, team focused, humble... This is how legends are made, but more importantly this is how to be a great human beings.
Tim Duncan greatest power forward of all time. This speech is now in the discussion of probably one of the greatest of all time for the HOF. When he started talking about Popp I’m not gonna lie a few tears where shed. An fwiw I’m a die hard Lakers fan who just loves basketball.
Die-hard Lakers fan, since we drafted Magic; and, Timmy is OFFICIAL, and one of the coolest, classiest cats, to EVER grace the court...RIP, to KING KOBE...
I feel, I'm a die hard dubs fan but this spurs dynasty man, they were something else with Parker, Manu and TD. I love the way TD talked about Pop, easily the greatest coach of all time. It hurts hella not seeing any of them play but so so happy for TD who is one of the most deserving hall of famers of all time.
the modern defenses are the best ever. Period. fuckers gotta guard dudes like Steph Curry and Dame launching 3's from 34 feet out as step backs and making them, whilst having to also deal with paint finishers like Giannis and Jokic (who btw has far better efficiency than prime shaq to show how insane he is in the paint). On top of everybody being better at scoring, they're also far more advanced in terms of their ball handling ability, the refs make it harder to play defence in certain ways, and guard both types of scorers whilst the mid range threats like KD, DeRozan, and Booker still exist. Duncan is the best defender ever, but even he was struggling to keep upin his final 2 years in the league with how rapid offense had exploded
@@deloittecanada7083 no? Besides what I said is just echoing stuff that guys like Pat Riley and Jerry West have said, the league is and always will be better with time
@@taylorb7191 no wonder US got hit hard by covid and many bad things, its in your mentality and lack of discipline. Always feel privileged, ignorant and didn't consider how the rest of the people suffer in different places. Always think like the govt is conspiring something to remove your rights instead of emphatizing with people who lost loved ones bec they are unlucky.
I was living in a downtown apartment in San Antonio in 1999, with my Father who was a lifetime Spurs fan. He passed away in 2015, right after Timmy got us another one.
Tim Duncan. Man what a career and player. As a Lakers fan and LA native. I hated your guts but that's because everyone knew how great you were. So many special memories and battles playing against the Spurs and later on watching the Spurs do their thing later on against Miami. Timmy, you were so special. Thank you for doing it your own way. Much love and respect. Congrats on your well deserved enshrinement.
I remember when my Grizzlies played the Spurs in the WCF...we were all pumped up for how the Spurs were gonna be out for revenge for knocking them out previously. Grizz fans were ready for war and Z-Bo was playing angry throughout the playoffs. And Timmy and the Spurs killed us with kindness. Duncan's was helping Zbo up off the floor and patting him on the back. It totally destroyed the Grizzlies aggressive mentality and we got swept. Well played Spurs. Congratulations Timmy from a Grizzlies fan.
Tony and Manu have nothing to worry about. They first ballot HOFers and it's not even close. Manu especially. He was the heart and soul of the Gold medal winning Argentina Olympic team.
This year's hall of fame is so melancholy... I'm so sad. Everyone still feels the hurt of Kobe and the only other emotion is just gratefulness and appreciation. It hurts my heart to watch this year. Such a legendary HOF Class
Duncan class act stayed at wake forest all 4 years excelled in college learned the system there then entered the nba as a quick learner and hard worker and finished as a legend with hof career. Thanks for playing with dignity and respect for the love of the game not team hopping or trying to win elsewhere
It's no longer enough to call Tim Duncan the greatest power forward of all time; that was already set after his first decade in the league. He's one of the greatest players ever. Thank you, Tim. Thank you for showing us that the true asset of a basketball player is getting the basics and the fundamentals on point, because that's what we all need, and not just in basketball, but in life as well.
With all due respect to Kobe, Tim Duncan is the class and the greatest player of his generation. He's just not so arrogant as to need to remind people of that fact everyday. He just quietly won 5 championships, 3 Finals MVPs and 2 league MVPs while never once missing the playoffs.
A last of his kind: a legendary, 1st pick, franchise-changing superstar who just happened to complete all four years before the draft. Not going to see a player like Tim Duncan soon with young guys dominating atop of draftboards in the last decade and a half.
Closest player (as far as attitude, humility, and leadership) is Steph Curry. Even Steve Kerr said that Steph reminds him in many ways of Tim Duncan -- the ultimate compliment!
@@peteperic5822 Kind of in Wemby, but it's the era of one-and-done in the draft, especially atop the lottery. Tim Duncan is a product of four years of college and contributed right away - All NBA First Team player, Rookie of the Year, and 30+ wins turnaround in his rookie season.
The big fundamental was my fav player growing up. He was never flashy or outspoken but the true definition of everyday professional and a true legend. What a HOF class this was.
So humble..how could he not remember how he played in the pick up game with zo and the other pros and later got recruited by wake forest. He damn sure knew he dominated but chose not to praise the slightest of himself.
Timmy, your approachable humility shows in your speech. Always a class act, your children will be proud to know how much you did on & off the court in the communities that you’ve been involved with. You sir, are a model in life for young athletes to use as inspiration on what he/she can become in life! 21 fan for life!
A beautiful speech from a beautiful person. Thank you for everything you did for the Spurs, the NBA, and the world of basketball on and off the court, Tim. GO SPURS GO!!!!!!
Me too. I never expected this hairstyle from him. I was taken aback yet really impressed with the style.. but tats how life is. U nvr know how things wud go
I've been rocking with Tim since he was at Wake Forest, and I became a Spurs fan when he went there. He is my all time favorite baller, and I'm glad I got to watch him play and succeed.
A true legend. Tim Duncan is the embodiment of fundamental basketball. Never the most athletic guy on the court, but always the most fundamentally sound. You’re an inspiration.
Great player, great teammate, very unselfish in terms of leadership and guidance, took pay cuts in order for the team to recruit more players to give a better chance to the Spurs to compete 19 seasons of his career in the playoffs. He's hands down one of the all time greats to play the game of basketball.
"Parker drives to the basket, gets it to Duncan -- Timmy with a jumper... that's good!!" Damn!! Good old days! I was 8 years old when I started watching you! Congratulations TD!!
Greatest PF to ever play the game. I remember watching a game between the "Dream Team" 3 and a selection of college players in Detroit just before the '96 Olympics (1AM in the morning in France) and I was amazed to see how good that guy would be. He had a great carreer without making any noises. Humble and modest. He was a true superstar.
GOAT that man. Doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Well brother you will always get it from me. Thank you for so many amazing memories and being an amazing role model to watch growing up in San Antonio. Thank you thank you thank you! Go Spurs Go!
Timmy gave us 5 NBA Championships. Such excitement I doubt we’ll see again in SA. Timmy will always be our GOAT, period! Gotta love this guy’s sincerity and greatness. ❤️
Easily has an argument for a top 5 player of all time. Had a great peak (very underrated peak), a great career, was successful from the beginning of his career to the end, was never a liability and was unselfish. The perfect player in my opinion
Such an awesome guy. So articulate and humble. A great example of how a real Man is both on and off the court. He makes me proud to be a lifelong Spurs fan. Thank you Tim.
Duncan really was the greatest all around power forward and there were so many greats . Duncan did it all and he was so quiet doing it . Seeing this is bittersweet because we'll never see players like Duncan or Robinson again . I especially enjoyed watching the Spurs *THROTTLE* Lebron and the arrogant Heat as Tim and the other "old timers" showed the youngsters how it's done .
Unless already mentioned here, that Wake Forest alum is Chris King, a former NBA journeyman in the 1990s. He went overseas and played in the Philippines' most popular ballclub (1997), whom he led for its first title in six years. Less than two months later, TD played his first NBA game.
I watched Tim Duncan since he was drafted and hearing this speech had me floored. I never heard him speak more than two words prior to this lol. I love what he said about coach Pop though. Beautiful speech!
Tim Duncan was an amazing basketball player and is a legitimate good guy! He had a career with everything achieved: 5 chips, 2 MVPs, Rook of year, 8 defensive teams, etc... Also, a rival in Dirk Nowitzki, who Duncan was always compared to and motivated him to higher achievements (Tim surpassed Dirk at just about everything in NBA!). Duncan was also highly respected around the NBA and has done some great humanitarian stuff post retirement. Best of all, Duncan always been cool, calm, collected, versatile, humble, quiet, and respectful. I was lucky to watch him play live a few times in Texas. Great player!
I wasn’t even this torn up the year all three of them retired but now bringing it all back, this is a hard revelation, these three guys were my generations icons
That's the BEST POWER FORWARD EVER right there folks... just very happy to watch you play, after you retire i just became a casual basketball fan... Legend........ Tim Duncan💪🏀☝️
