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Tim Duncan is still Tim Duncan, and as such, he will continue to play like Tim Duncan.
Those are Gregg Popovich’s words, more or less, not mine.
While making an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio (h/t Project Spurs), Pop talked about the kind of game Duncan will play for the San Antonio Spurs next season, describing it as only Pop could:
“He’s going to come to the game, he’s going to score ‘x’ number of points and ‘x’ number of rebounds. He’s going to lead, he’s going to tell me what to do during the game and then we’re going to go home. It’s going to be the same routine as usual.”
Pop referred to this as the “same boring game,” which is befitting both Duncan and the Spurs, who, collectively, have been viewed as boring over the years—though not so much recently, as even the casual fan has started placing stock in their ball movement, shooting and constant motion.
None of this is surprising. It’s expected. Duncan is 39 years old and entering his 19th season. The thought of his game changing now, after all this time, when it’s already changed so much, is asinine.
It is, however, worth wondering how much he’ll play. He hasn’t averaged 31 minutes per game in five years, and the additions of LaMarcus Aldridge and David West could curb his playing time. They’re both not only much younger, but the Spurs like to play small for stretches at a time, so all three will be asked to play center extensively at one point or another.
But that’s neither he nor there. Duncan is still going to play, even if it is for 25 minutes or less per game. And when he plays, he’ll be effective.
Probably historically effective.
Last season he became the first player to average at least 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks while playing fewer than 32 minutes per game, according to Basketball-Reference. He did it while averaging 28.9 ticks a night; the next closest player is Chris Webber, who accomplished the same in 32.1 minutes during the 1993-94 campaign.
That’s not particularly boring. Nor is Duncan’s play style. He has one of the best inside-out games in the NBA, he’s a phenomenal defender who still protects the rim better than most, his use of the bank shot is just wonderful, and his playmaking abilities are among the best we’ve ever seen from a big man.
So if he continues to play as he’s basically always played, and if that’s considered playing the “same boring game,” count me among those incredibly excited to watch Duncan’s 19th NBA season unfurl.
