The headline is going to make sense in a second. Promise.
Jared Zwerling of Bleacher Report gained what had to be unprecedented access to the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, taking a deep dive into him as a man, player and…car-shop owner.
That’s right: Duncan owns BlackJack Speed Shop in San Antonio and is apparently really into awesome cars. Who’d have guessed?
There are a lot of great anecdotes within Zwerling’s piece, which is worth at least one thorough read-through, but one story in particular is worth sharing. Not on a super-serious level; more like an “Oh my god I can’t believe this is true but at the same time I totally can” level.
Duncan’s shop apparently hooks up a vast array of his Spurs brethren, from longtime teammate Manu Ginobili, to Spurs GM R.C. Buford, to newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge, among others. You’ll notice Gregg Popovich isn’t among them, and that’s not an accident.
From Zwerling:
Amid the backdrop of Texas’ big truck culture, the shop has done well enough to open a second branch across town, heading toward Austin. BlackJack’s appeal also comes from many of Duncan’s current and former teammates who are clients.
Currently, the shop is working on LaMarcus Aldridge’s next car, a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle, which will resemble Duncan’s classic creations (same exterior, new chassis). Aldridge is the latest Spur to work with BlackJack, joining the likes of Boris Diaw, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills, David Robinson and even GM R.C. Buford.
As for Gregg Popovich?
“We’ve done tires for Pop. That’s about all we’re allowed to do,” says Duncan, laughing.
Pop gon’ pop.
To be fair, it’s tough to envision Popovich gleaning much from Duncan’s venture. I mean, is there really any point in decorating or souping up a 1994 Buick Roadmaster station wagon, which I can only assume is what Pop drives? Exactly.
On the other side of all this, I find myself wondering what kinds of cars Duncan’s other Spurs clientele drive.
Is Kawhi Leonard cruising in an electric orange GTR that in no way reflects his on- and off-court demeanor?
Does Manu Ginobili have a Smart Car with flames decals and 19-inch rims?
Is Boris Diaw rolling around in a Honda Civic coupe with a Lamborghini body kit?
What are the chances R.C. Buford drives a 1970s Mustang that’s been painted to look like a Spurs jersey and, somewhere on the body, reads: Builder of Championship teams.
One can only imagine. And while we’re all letting our imaginations run wild, it’s equally appropriate to hope that Duncan and his car-shop crew have found ways to liven up Coach Pop’s whip with some sick-looking oversized wheels and tires.
