Can we call Tim Duncan a PF already?

[duncan228]

He wants to be called Merlin.

November 1997.

Duncan's unusual hobby and more unusual request

Tim Duncan has a couple of obsessions not usually equated with today's hip-hop NBA: Renaissance fairs, samurai swords, and most importantly, Dungeons and Dragons. Known as "D&D" among afficinados, the fantasy role playing game engages players' imaginations as they trek through the imaginary world of GreyHawk. Along the way, players encounter friendly and hostile dragons, elves and a variety of otherworldly beings.

"It's a great escape from the rigors of the NBA," Duncan said while rolling his lucky 20 sided die while casting a spell of invisibility.

"I got hooked on D&D at Wake (Forest). Me and some buddies would play for hours at a time until I had to go to practice. My character is a 13th level lawful evil sorceror named Merlin (after the magician from Arthurian legend). Today, he has 98 hit points and an armor class of 2. My Charisma is 21. That's perfect."

The game's jargon aside, Duncan has made a more permanent commitment to his love of D&D.

"I have a tattoo of Merlin. He's like my alter-ego."

D&D's traditional player community is often labelled as "nerdy," but that doesn't faze Duncan.

"If playing D&D and dressing up in my purple sorcerors hat, velvet cape and magic wand is nerdy, call me a nerd. Though I'd prefer you called me Merlin," he grinned.

His obsession with Merlin and the black arts led to Duncan's quiet feud with the NBA this off-season. Wanting the back of his jersey to read, "Merlin," instead of his last name, Duncan sought the help of the NBA Players Association. Citing the NBA uniform code, Duncan's unusual request was rejected by the league.

Though the NBA and Duncan officially have no comment on the situation, sources close to Duncan say that this is not a closed matter.

[TIM DUNCAN!]

November 1997.

Duncan's unusual hobby and more unusual request

Tim Duncan has a couple of obsessions not usually equated with today's hip-hop NBA: Renaissance fairs, samurai swords, and most importantly, Dungeons and Dragons. Known as "D&D" among afficinados, the fantasy role playing game engages players' imaginations as they trek through the imaginary world of GreyHawk. Along the way, players encounter friendly and hostile dragons, elves and a variety of otherworldly beings.

"It's a great escape from the rigors of the NBA," Duncan said while rolling his lucky 20 sided die while casting a spell of invisibility.

"I got hooked on D&D at Wake (Forest). Me and some buddies would play for hours at a time until I had to go to practice. My character is a 13th level lawful evil sorceror named Merlin (after the magician from Arthurian legend). Today, he has 98 hit points and an armor class of 2. My Charisma is 21. That's perfect."

The game's jargon aside, Duncan has made a more permanent commitment to his love of D&D.

"I have a tattoo of Merlin. He's like my alter-ego."

D&D's traditional player community is often labelled as "nerdy," but that doesn't faze Duncan.

"If playing D&D and dressing up in my purple sorcerors hat, velvet cape and magic wand is nerdy, call me a nerd. Though I'd prefer you called me Merlin," he grinned.

His obsession with Merlin and the black arts led to Duncan's quiet feud with the NBA this off-season. Wanting the back of his jersey to read, "Merlin," instead of his last name, Duncan sought the help of the NBA Players Association. Citing the NBA uniform code, Duncan's unusual request was rejected by the league.

Though the NBA and Duncan officially have no comment on the situation, sources close to Duncan say that this is not a closed matter.

This has to be a fake article. Right? Call me a naive Houston Rockets fan but if it's real then I have a new best friend.

[duncan228]

It's real. From the Express-News, November 30, 1997. The Merlin tattoo is true too.

[nikegirl]

This topic is worse then the trade ginobili threads.

Then don't open it.

[nikegirl]

The only two things he cares about is winning championships and being labeled a power forward. Considering that he might be the lowest maintenance superstar in sporting history, I think the least Spurs fans can do is support his lone wish.

This is exactly what I've been trying to say.
And it's not ridiculous considering this is Duncan we're talking about.

[sabar]

He's a Forward/Center

[DAF86]

He's a Forward/Center

He's a bigman.

Instead of guards, forwards and centers the NBA should start categorizing players among Point guards, wings and bigmen.

[Spursmania]

Duncan can be called whatever he damn wants. He's Duncan.

[RodNIc91]

I got to watch him for his entire pregame workout amd got his autograph as he left the court when he was done.

My story, and more pics, is here:

http://www.nba.com/spurs/features/09...spursgame.html


Sharing it with ST made it even sweeter.

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116579

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118712

How awesome was this? I became a spur fan mostly because of Tony, but Ive grown so much on Timmy! The best PF ever

How is it that you know so much about him?

[nikegirl]

Duncan can be called whatever he damn wants. He's Duncan.

Exactly.

[nikegirl]

How awesome was this? I became a spur fan mostly because of Tony, but Ive grown so much on Timmy! The best PF ever

How is it that you know so much about him?

She's like the biggest Duncan fan ever. And that's saying a lot coming from me as most of my friends know me as the biggest Duncan fan where I'm from.

[duncan228]

How awesome was this?

It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

How is it that you know so much about him?

Duncan is my specialty. I was in Rhode Island when he was considering Providence College before he decided to go to Wake. He was on my radar early. I don't miss much on him. I respect who he is on, and off, the court.


I'm going to take the opportunity to pimp:

For anyone that doesn't know, or hasn't joined: SpursTalk has a Duncan Mini Forum. We're all Duncan, all the time. Click on 'Mini Forums' in the navigation bar at the top of the page and join us.

[SamoanTD]

this thread

[nikegirl]

this thread

If you don't like it don't open it. And this is not a debate on whether he is a center or pf (in reference to the beating the dead horse emoticon). It's really trying to make people just respect his preference.

[duncan228]

She's like the biggest Duncan fan ever. And that's saying a lot coming from me as most of my friends know me as the biggest Duncan fan where I'm from.

From one Duncan fan to another.

[nikegirl]

From one Duncan fan to another.

Also, can I just say what a great piece that article you wrote about your first Spurs and Tim Duncan encounter is? Congrats!

It's also my ultimate dream to get to see him play but I don't think it's ever gonna happen as I am from somewhere else. Hoping to come visit the US and watch him before he retires but seems impossible at the moment. I'll just watch him on youtube and on TV.

[SamoanTD]

If you don't like it don't open it. And this is not a debate on whether he is a center or pf (in reference to the beating the dead horse emoticon). It's really trying to make people just respect his preference.

i can post watever i want 2 and to the beating of the dead horse emotion this thread has really been dne like litrally thousands of times and i get wat u mean bt i think everyone already respects mr.duncans wishes

[slick'81]

what mr.duncan wants he gets.

[nikegirl]

i can post watever i want 2 and to the beating of the dead horse emotion this thread has really been dne like litrally thousands of times and i get wat u mean bt i think everyone already respects mr.duncans wishes

Nope, what's been done numerous times is the c/pf argument. So this is a first in which I ask people to be united in respecting Duncan's wishes. If you look at some of the threads, people are always divided where some call him a center and some call him a power forward. Just wanted to make that clear.

[duncan228]

Also, can I just say what a great piece that article you wrote about your first Spurs and Tim Duncan encounter is? Congrats!

Thanks. It was a special night.

It's also my ultimate dream to get to see him play but I don't think it's ever gonna happen as I am from somewhere else.

Hold on to your dream. I never thought I'd get to see him play. Things can happen.

[SamoanTD]

Nope, what's been done numerous times is the c/pf argument. So this is a first in which I ask people to be united in respecting Duncan's wishes. If you look at some of the threads, people are always divided where some call him a center and some call him a power forward. Just wanted to make that clear.

i got u bt think even if they argue about that theres no doubt that he is the greatest PF ever and everyone respects that and respects him cuz he is da GREATEST

[nikegirl]

Agreed. That's why I want everyone to be on the same page. We all have to agree he's a PF in order to call him the greatest PF right?

[HarlemHeat37]

He wins the le in 2010, and he'll be known as the undisputed "greatest player of his generation"..much better than "greatest PF" IMO, since he isn't a pure PF..

[nikegirl]

He wins the le in 2010, and he'll be known as the undisputed "greatest player of his generation"..much better than "greatest PF" IMO, since he isn't a pure PF..

I dunno, for me it seems like these two are equal in terms of magnitude. greatest pf of ALL TIME is as great as greatest player of HIS GENERATION for me.. get what i mean? but i do respect your opinion.

[rayray2k8]

What the ? He's always been a PF, you dumbass.