Tim Duncan Is an Old Man, in Basketball Years

[duncan228]

Tim Duncan Is an Old Man, in Basketball Years
SportingNews

Tim Duncan has quietly owned NBA painted areas for so many years that it’s difficult to remember a time when he didn’t. His success was instantaneous, his dominance prolonged. The man seemed like a basketball-playing robot.

As we all know, though, robots only start to break down when they become self-aware and allow themselves to decay. According to Jeff McDonald of the Express-News, that’s exactly what’s happening with the Big Fundamental right now:

Tim Duncan begins each workday by attaching a lightweight hunk of space-age plastic to his left knee. He fastens it with three Velcro straps in back and, with the help of a member of the team’s athletic training staff, swaddles the entire contraption in a black nylon wrap.

On the cusp of his 34th birthday, in the throes of his 13th season, this is Duncan’s new normal. “I’m used to it,” he says. “Just part of the process now.”

All joking aside, this is the start of a new era for the NBA in which Duncan is merely a productive big man, not a superstar. I’ve said before that he could continue his career into his 40s as a defense-oriented center and not have his reputation suffer, and I still believe that, but our expectations must change accordingly. TD is an old piece of meat, and his exceedingly high basketball IQ can’t make up for all of his diminished abilities.

It’s difficult to imagine a world in which this is the case, but just as Duncan has accepted the new reality, fans must too. The Spurs are no longer a hive-mind set of basketball warriors. They’re still effective and meant to be taken seriously, of course, but the aura is gone.

[duncan228]

Tim Duncan’s Free Fall
by Michael Pina
Hardwood Paroxysm

Tim Duncan’s brilliant career went parallel with my formative years. My first pimple, my first shave, my junior and senior prom, the day my family brought home our Bichon Frise. I grew up with Tim, and even though he’s led a life hidden from the starlight he deserves, I feel like I knew him.

Duncan was the first, truly great player in my life whose entire career I was able to monitor. The Gillete shaving cream commercials with David Robinson, and the Inside Stuff “Twin Towers” magazine cover. He was supposed to be the savior of my Boston Celtics; the great franchise’s next dominant icon. Instead he went to a Spurs team that already boasted a hall-of-fame center. I knew, at the age of 9, that San Antonio’s acquisition of Tim Duncan was borderline unethical, but with his ceiling no stronger than a spider’s web, the situation intrigued me.

Keep Reading...

http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2010...ans-free-fall/

[Sigz]

Good day.

[TIMMYD!]

I'm tired of reading all these articles.

Writers have been saying the same thing for years but I'm confident he'll pick it up like always in the playoffs.

[Killakobe81]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

[DesignatedT]

/This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

Where was ALL of this love when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with th ebest skillset this side of Hakeem?

Isnt it ironic (and atypical) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Koe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player)
Shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

word

[Thomas82]

/This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

Where was ALL of this love when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with th ebest skillset this side of Hakeem?

Isnt it ironic (and atypical) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Koe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player)
Shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

Good post!!

[duncan228]

Where was ALL of this love when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with th ebest skillset this side of Hakeem?

It is unfortunate that the media is so focused on his decline.

Duncan did get attention in his prime though, it just took some searching for. If anyone is interested, there are several great pieces spanning his career in the Duncan Forum. (It reads back-to-front, be sure to start at the first page).

Click on 'Mini Forums' in the navigation bar at the top of the page.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/group.php?groupid=7

[Killakobe81]

It is unfortunate that the media is so focused on his decline.

Duncan did get attention in his prime though, it just took some searching for. If anyone is interested, there are several great pieces spanning his career in the Duncan Forum. (It reads back-to-front, be sure to start at the first page).

Click on 'Mini Forums' in the navigation bar at the top of the page.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/group.php?groupid=7

I am not saying it's not there ...and i think even as a non spur fan but a baskeball fan ...i will take some time to read them this summer.

BUT I counted at least 5 decline articles in the past week ...and I bet if you go through that thread the only time 5 positive articles were wriiten about duncan were after each of his les. when the whoole sports media is covering him. The point being these articles should of been great stories about Tim still had a lot left ...earlier this year.

But the better story is it's so sad watching Tim crap. Even at his age Tim still has an impact some hack wrote now he just sets screens play's solid and rebounds but I had yahoos on this site argue that (plus the crazy rebound numbers) that wa senough for Rodman to be in the HOF ...

[chasky]

I.m worried about Tim, His Numbers by months this season:

[DesignatedT]

I.m worried about Tim, His Numbers by months this season:

its pretty disturbing. hope he starts to feel better.

[Killakobe81]

I think he has a few great performances left ...i dare some team to leve him single coverage come playoff time ...

[TD 21]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

Extremely well said.

I think he has a few great performances left ...i dare some team to leve him single coverage come playoff time ...

I agree.

[z0sa]

I never defend Tim Duncan. There's no reason.

[Manu-of-steel]

The old Tim Duncan just had 17 points on 8 of 12 shooting, 10 rebs, 1 blk, 1 stl, and 3 asts in 31 minutes. He's really old.

[benefactor]

I.m worried about Tim, His Numbers by months this season:

Shh. Everyone wants to stay in denial about it.

[Velo]

I just could not ignore the fact that Jeff MacDonald would bad mouth Timmy. I know what he speaks is true, that TD is on the decline, but you don't put the star franchise player and Future HOF'er in a bad light when you report on him in the city he plays for....What a Benedict...

[UnWantedTheory]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

I respect this post and your point of view very much...and not because I am a Spurs or Duncan fan. Its just good to hear from an outside person who can see something beyond their team. It is quite rare with fans to respect and understand what other players do for not only their teams, but for the NBA. I commend you my friend and your honesty. I also do agree with the idea of Kobe and TD. In my imagination though, I see Spurs jerseys, not Lakers.

[duhoh]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

[chazley]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

Great post. Much respect.

[Seventyniner]

Tim's numbers are down in March, but the Spurs finished the month 12-5 against a decently tough schedule. Tim knows when the team needs him to dominate, and is willing to defer otherwise. In the playoffs, we should see him at full force, especially if we play the Lakers in round 1.

[BillMc]

This stuf has become wayyy over the top.

They almost sound like an obituary ...I am glad to know that many great basketball fans and writers appreciate Tim but I am left with two main thoughts here?

1. Where was ALL of this love (media coverage) when he WAS the dominant big man in the NBA? Why did the frickin' media choose to harp on the Kobe/Shaq feuds or keep profiling Shaq every Christmas instead of paying homage to the big man with the best skillset this side of Hakeem?

2. Isnt it ironic (and atypical of the sports media nowadays) that his recent decline has brought out MORE articles than when he was CARRYING a bunch of underachievers EARLIER this season?

The media is so full of crap it's hilarious ...

Tim Duncan just might very well dominate the Suns, Lakers or denver's front-court this post-season ... but even if he doesnt all this attention seems to be a smack in the face for all the brilliance he has displayed.

Yes Tim did get a lot of player of the decade votes this season over Kobe, and I guess considering that Kobe is also an all-time great and a more popular (and also hated player) really shows how amazing Tim really is ...

I know for a fact if Kobe and tim had combined forces (instead of Shaq/kobe) they would of both had more rings than MJ and would probably had at least sniffed Russel's total ...

But alas they spent the bulk of their careers swapping les ...

I hope Tim drops 20 and 10 on his next opponent and shuts these mf'ers up!

Wow! Hats off to a Laker Fan!