The Duncan Point

So it did happen.

After a particularly surprising beat down loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan has announced his retirement.  There is, of course, sadness all around.  While many have recognized the effects of Father Time has had on even the Big Fundamental, they see one more possible championship run in him; or at the very least, a farewell tour like fellow retiree Kobe Bryant.

Once the initial, violent sadness dissipates, tributes will come in.  Championships will be counted (Duncan won 5 NBA Titles and an Olympic Gold Medal).  Statistics will be analyzed (He is one of only two NBA players to score over 26000 points, grab over 15,000 rebounds and block 3,000 shots). Skills will be revered (He had tremendous footwork and dribbling skills for a big man and an unflappable bank shot).  His humility will be celebrated (Players and coaches alike pick him to be the best teammate and extremely coachable). His loyalty exalted (He is one of only 3 NBA players to retire after playing more than 18 seasons with 1 team).



Just like the Spurs calling for a press conference to celebrate Duncan's illustrious career, though, all of these will be missing the point.

Yes, how Duncan diving for loose balls during practice inspired former teammates like Chris Quinn or how Tim taught Washington Wizards forward Etan Thomas post moves while playing against him during the actual game or his clutch three pointer to send the game into overtime against the Phoenix Suns en route to winning their 2007 championship are all hallmarks of a great career.  Coaches Gregg Popovich and Mike Budenholzer giving credit to Duncan's humility as the main reason "locker room culture" has become as important as analytics is a testament to a legendary career. None of these, though, hit the point of Duncan's greatness.

Duncan's greatness lies not in the championships or statistics or locker room discussions.  It lies in how he always did what was needed to win.  Early in his career, the Spurs needed him to be the top scorer and defender, so he was.  Popovich needed to be able to run his team like a military drill sergeant and make people fall in line, so Duncan fell in line first.  The Spurs franchise could not survive losing Duncan in a transition year, so Duncan declined signing with the rising Orlando Magic who had offered him maximum salary and a practice facility beside his house. With the emergence of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the team needed a steady post threat to get the motion offense running, so Duncan stayed at the post.  When salary cap restrictions started to hurt the Spurs, Duncan took a pay cut.  When Kawhi Leonard emerged as new franchise player of the Spurs, Duncan, on injured knees, became the anchor on defines that the team desperately needed.

Perhaps, some would say, it was Duncan's humility that allowed him to do all of these.  Perhaps, but then again, no legend has achieved greatness on pure humility alone.  All legends, though, have been filled with a burning desire.  For some, it was to be the best player in the world or to silence the critics forever.  For others, it was to win the most, or to build a lasting legacy.  For Duncan, it was only about one thing.

It was to do what was needed.

While self help books, websites and gurus urge people to seek success or greatness in order to achieve said success or greatness, Tim Duncan has shown that it may not be the best approach.  The 15 time all star, in his 19 seasons with the Spurs, never chased accolades, stats or glory.  He did what was needed, big or small, glorious or dirty, sacrifice or not, to win.  And what is true greatness if not a dogged passion to do what is needed to achieve a goal?

That is the Duncan point.

photos courtesy of nydailynews.com, express news.com and slightlyqualified.com