Tim Duncan joins Spurs coaching staff in a surprising but welcomed move by the San Antonio franchise. The legendary power forward and five-time NBA champion will now serve as an assistant coach under longtime mentor Gregg Popovich, returning to the sidelines to help develop the next generation of Spurs talent. He was around the Spurs practice facility a lot last season, helping out informally, but now it is formal.
“It is only fitting, that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that he returns the favor,” Popovich said.
Duncan, now 43, retired in 2016 after spending all 19 of his NBA seasons with the Spurs. Over the course of his legendary career, he established himself as one of the greatest power forwards in league history, earning two league MVPs, three NBA Finals MVPs, and being named to 15 All-NBA teams. His fundamental approach to the game, quiet leadership, and unselfish play became trademarks of the Spurs’ dynastic run.
The announcement marks Duncan’s official return to the organization in a coaching capacity. While he’s maintained a presence around the team since his retirement—often seen at practices and team events—this move makes his involvement formal. His on-court presence and mentorship are expected to play a big role in guiding the Spurs’ young frontcourt players, including LaMarcus Aldridge and Jakob Poeltl at the time, and setting a tone of accountability in the locker room.
The Spurs, a team known for continuity and internal development, are facing an increasingly competitive Western Conference landscape. With stars like Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker now gone from the roster and Manu Ginóbili retired, the team has been forced to navigate a period of transition. Duncan’s presence on the bench could provide much-needed stability and reconnect the franchise to its championship roots.
In addition to the news that Tim Duncan joins Spurs coaching staff, the organization also promoted Will Hardy, a former basketball operations intern who rose through the team’s ranks, to assistant coach. Hardy is seen as a bright basketball mind and his promotion signals the team’s continued commitment to internal growth.
Duncan’s hiring brings full circle a Spurs legacy built on loyalty, development, and excellence. While fans may still be adjusting to seeing him in a polo instead of a jersey, one thing is clear: Tim Duncan is back where he belongs.
