Is this the Tim Duncan Farewell Tour?

[sasaint]

What comment about Kyle did I make in this thread?

Sorry, BillMc, comment was made by another poster. Then SAGirl apparently connected my comment about Tim with the stray comment about KA, and wrote her "garbage time" essay, which was a disconnect for me.

[sasaint]

I'm not sure I'm seeing this "precipitous" drop-off people are talking about.

Looking at Tim's offensive stats:

1) His true shooting percentage is down a bit from last year, but higher than '13-'14, '11-'12, '10-'11, '05-'06, or '03-'04. In fact, it's just .007 points lower than his career average, .544 vs .551.

2) Per-36, his scoring average is down to 12.3 pts, but that's on just 5.1 shots. So his pts/shot is 2.41, compared to last year when he was at 2.54. So a bit of a drop, but nothing crazy.

3) His usage is the main thing that's way down, and that's likely an intentional move to defer to LMA and Kawhi. He's down to 17.3, the only time under 20 in his career.

4) Instead of using that energy on offense, he's using it on defense... hence, leading the league in DRPM, and topping all centers in RPM.

I think Tim is very intentionally shifting his role, to still feel relevant in the new Team's structure. Not unlike what David did with him. And since he wants to play "till the wheels fall off," I think that his ability to be successful in this new role (which clearly he is) can really help him extend his career another year or two.

Year to date stats are not really relevant to the discussion. The "problem" has only really manifested itself in the last few weeks. I agree with all of your bolded remarks, I just do not see his career being extended beyond this season at this point. The fact that he will get a DNP against the Dubs for his sore knee only reinforces my concern. I fear that the wheels are, indeed, falling off.

[sasaint]

Yep, especially since he's really blossoming in his role, after a shaky start to the season..

Boris's resurgence has been huge, too, as he was pretty ty, last year..

Agreed. If Timmy really is seriously hurting. Both of those guys will be key to our championship chances - even Boban will need to step up his game/minutes some. But didn't Boris shoot threes better last year? Although I think he has been shooting better since the early season.

[HarlemHeat37]

Agreed. If Timmy really is seriously hurting. Both of those guys will be key to our championship chances - even Boban will need to step up his game/minutes some. But didn't Boris shoot threes better last year? Although I think he has been shooting better since the early season.

His shooting numbers are waaay up from last season, and so are his overall metrics..

59% True Shooting % vs. 52.6% TS from last year

[sasaint]

His shooting numbers are waaay up from last season, and so are his overall metrics..

59% True Shooting % vs. 52.6% TS from last year

Just hope he continues to play at his current high level in all phases.

[T_L_P]

This thread is shameful, tbh.

Nah, didn't you hear? Despite being one of the best defenders in the NBA and only making $5 million, while being the most selfless player in the NBA, he needs to go to the bench. We're simply better with him there, since he's no good anymore.

[Spurtacular]

Nah, didn't you hear? Despite being one of the best defenders in the NBA and only making $5 million, while being the most selfless player in the NBA, he needs to go to the bench. We're simply better with him there, since he's no good anymore.

Duncan could play at a good level for two more years after this. I think it's more likely than not that he'll play next year. Even Manu is looking re-energized and likely to play next year, imo. But guards fall off a cliff like Ray Allen did; so, we'll see.

[jdelar03]

Duncan will be the next player/coach to win the championship since bill russell. 😎

[The Reckoning]

Duncan's going to play until the wheels come off then he'll coach off the bench

[ajh18]

His shooting numbers are waaay up from last season, and so are his overall metrics..

59% True Shooting % vs. 52.6% TS from last year

Basketball Reference has his TS% at .544 this year compared to .560 last year and .551 for his career...

[HarlemHeat37]

Basketball Reference has his TS% at .544 this year compared to .560 last year and .551 for his career...

We're talking about Boris, bro..

[SAGirl]

BUMP...
TD confirming farewell tours are not his thing.
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/ti...farewell-tour/

Watching all this (Kobe Bryant tributes) from afar, another future Hall of Famer (Tim Duncan) decided that type of farewell tour is not for him.“Not my deal,” Tim Duncan said. “Not my style.”
Know this for certain: When Duncan calls it quits, there will be no long goodbye.

Not really news bc he has said this b4, but just a reminder to enjoy these guys play.

[SAGirl]

Another hindsight thread.