View source for Tim Duncan

{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1976)}}
{{other people}}
{{pp-pc}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Tim Duncan
| image = File:Tim Duncan Walks Verizon Center's Floor (cropped) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Duncan with the [[San Antonio Spurs]] in 2009
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|4|25}}
| birth_place = [[Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands|Saint Croix]], U.S. Virgin Islands
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 11
| weight_lb = 250
| high_school = [[St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School|St. Dunstan's Episcopal]]<br/>(Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
| college = [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball|Wake Forest]] (1993–1997)
| draft_year = 1997
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 1
| draft_team = [[San Antonio Spurs]]
| career_start = 1997
| career_end = 2016
| career_position = [[Power forward]] / [[Center (basketball)|center]]
| career_number = 21
| coach_start = 2019
| coach_end = 2020
| years1 = {{nbay|1997|start}}–{{nbay|2015|end}}
| team1 = [[San Antonio Spurs]]
| cyears1 = {{nbay|2019|full=y}}
| cteam1 = San Antonio Spurs (assistant)
| highlights = * 5× [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]] ([[1999 NBA Finals|1999]], [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]], [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]], [[2007 NBA Finals|2007]], [[2014 NBA Finals|2014]])
* 3× [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ([[1999 NBA Finals|1999]], [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]], [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]])
* 2× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|2001|end}}, {{nbay|2002|end}})
* 15× [[List of NBA All-Stars|NBA All-Star]] ([[1998 NBA All-Star Game|1998]], [[2000 NBA All-Star Game|2000]]–[[2011 NBA All-Star Game|2011]], [[2013 NBA All-Star Game|2013]], [[2015 NBA All-Star Game|2015]])
* [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game co-MVP]]{{efn|along with [[Shaquille O'Neal]]}} ([[2000 NBA All-Star Game|2000]])
* 10× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1997|end}}–{{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}})
* 3× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Third Team]] ({{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}})
* 8× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive First Team]] ({{nbay|1998|end}}–{{nbay|2002|end}}, {{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}})
* 7× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] ({{nbay|1997|end}}, {{nbay|2003|end}}, {{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}})
* [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] ({{nbay|1997|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie First Team]] ({{nbay|1997|end}})
* [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]]
* No. 21 [[San Antonio Spurs#Retired numbers|retired by San Antonio Spurs]]
* [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]] (2003)
* [[Sportsman of the Year|''Sports Illustrated'' Sportsman of the Year]] (2003)
* [[List of U.S. men's college basketball national player of the year awards|National college player of the year]] ([[1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1997]])
* 2× Consensus first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1996]], [[1997 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1997]])
* [[Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award|Chip Hilton Player of the Year]] (1997)
* 3× [[NABC Defensive Player of the Year]] (1995–1997)
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders|NCAA rebounding leader]] (1997)
* [[ACC Athlete of the Year]] (1997)
* 2× [[Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|ACC Player of the Year]] (1996, 1997)
* 3× First-team [[List of All-Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball teams|All-ACC]] (1995–1997)
* No. 21 [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons]]
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 26,496 (19.0 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| stat2value = 15,091 (10.8 rpg)
| stat3label = [[Block (basketball)|Blocks]]
| stat3value = 3,020 (2.2 bpg)
| HOF_player = tim-duncan
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2017
| medal_templates = {{Medal|Sport | Men's [[basketball]]}}
{{Medal|Country|the {{USA}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{Medal|Bronze| [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Athens]]| [[United States national basketball team|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[FIBA Americas Championship]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[FIBA Americas Championship 1999|1999 San Juan]] | [[United States national basketball team|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[FIBA Americas Championship 2003|2003 San Juan]] | [[United States national basketball team|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Goodwill Games]]}}
{{Medal|Bronze| [[1994 Goodwill Games|1994 St. Petersburg]] | [[United States national basketball team|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[Summer Universiade]]}}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1995 Summer Universiade|1995 Fukuoka]] | [[United States national basketball team|Team]]}}
}}
'''Timothy Theodore Duncan''' (born April 25, 1976)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamduncan.com/about-qa.php|title=Tim Duncan Q&A|publisher=slamduncan.com|access-date=January 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209055530/http://www.slamduncan.com/about-qa.php|archive-date=December 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> is an American former professional [[basketball]] player and coach. He [[List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise|spent his entire 19-year career]] with the [[San Antonio Spurs]] in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). Nicknamed "'''the Big Fundamental'''", he is widely considered to be the greatest [[power forward]] of all time and one of the greatest players in NBA history,{{refn|<ref name="ap_07122016">{{cite news|date=July 12, 2016|title=Tim Duncan's prolific career draws praise from NBA stars|website=CBC.ca|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/tim-duncan-retires-1.3674268|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111040708/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/tim-duncan-retires-1.3674268|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=gaither_07112016/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105801/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-10-1|title=Ranking the top 74 NBA Players of all time: Nos. 10–1|date=May 13, 2020|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119203144/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29105801/ranking-top-74-nba-players-all-nos-10-1|url-status=live}}</ref>}} and was [[San Antonio Spurs#1997–2016: The Tim Duncan era|a central contributor to the franchise's success during the 2000s and 2010s]].<ref>*{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=David J. |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Tim Duncan: Career retrospective |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/tim_duncan_career_retrospective/s1__37879692 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223224324/https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/tim_duncan_career_retrospective/s1__37879692 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}
*{{Cite web |last=Resnick |first=Steven |date=May 30, 2009 |title=Forget Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan Is the NBA's Best of the Decade |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/189183-tim-duncan-best-of-this-decade-not-kobe-bryant |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223224327/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/189183-tim-duncan-best-of-this-decade-not-kobe-bryant |url-status=live }}</ref> He was inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2020 and named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]] in 2021.

Born and raised on [[Saint Croix]] in the [[United States Virgin Islands|U.S. Virgin Islands]], Duncan initially aspired to be a competitive swimmer, but took up basketball at 14 after [[Hurricane Hugo]] destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized pool. In high school, he played basketball for [[St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School|St. Dunstan's Episcopal]]. In college, Duncan played for the [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball|Wake Forest Demon Deacons]], and in his senior year, he received the [[John Wooden Award]] and was named the [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] and the [[USBWA College Player of the Year]].

After graduating from college, Duncan was the [[NBA Rookie of the Year]] after being selected by San Antonio with the [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|first overall pick]] in the [[1997 NBA draft]]. In his second season, he became the third player (alongside [[Magic Johnson]] and [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]) to win [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player|NBA Finals MVP]] in his first two seasons after being drafted, guiding the Spurs to the [[1999 NBA Finals|1999 NBA title]]. Known as a strong post defender, Duncan was selected to one of the two [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive teams]] each of the first 13 seasons of his career, an NBA record. As part of the Spurs' [[Big Three (San Antonio Spurs)|Big Three]] with guards [[Tony Parker]] and [[Manu Ginóbili]], Duncan won four additional NBA championships and collected three Finals MVP trophies. He primarily played the power forward position and also played center throughout his career. He is a five-time [[NBA champion]], a two-time [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA MVP]], a three-time [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]], a 15-time [[NBA All-Star Game|NBA All-Star]],<ref name="stats">{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duncati01.html|title=Tim Duncan|work=Basketball-reference.com|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014031903/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duncati01.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the only player to be selected to both the [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA]] and [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive Teams]] for 13 consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_earns_allnba_100506.html|title=Tim Duncan Earns All-NBA And All-Defensive Team Honors For 13th Straight Season|work=NBA.com|date=May 6, 2010|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213023928/https://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_earns_allnba_100506.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early life==
Duncan was born on April 25, 1976, and raised in [[Saint Croix]], [[U.S. Virgin Islands]]. He is the son of immigrants from [[Anguilla]]: Ione, a professional [[midwife]], and William Duncan, a [[Bricklayer|mason]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=S. I. |title=SLAM DUNCAN TIM DUNCAN OF WAKE FOREST HAS BURST ONTO THE COLLEGE SCENE WITH ALL THE FORCE OF A TWO-HAND JAM |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1995/11/27/slam-duncan-tim-duncan-wake-forest-has-burst-college-scene-all-force-two-hand-jam |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref> He has two older sisters, Cheryl and [[Tricia Duncan|Tricia]],<ref name=kernan/> and an older brother, Scott, who became a [[film director]] and [[cinematographer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Meet-Tim-Duncan-s-big-brother-Scott-Duncan-6537689.php |title=Meet Tim Duncan's Big Brother Scott Duncan |date=September 29, 2015 |access-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-date=April 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412212344/https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Meet-Tim-Duncan-s-big-brother-Scott-Duncan-6537689.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Cheryl was a champion swimmer before she became a nurse, and Tricia swam for the [[Virgin Islands at the 1988 Summer Olympics|U.S. Virgin Islands]] at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]] in [[Seoul]].<ref name=kernan>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/19 19]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/19}}</ref>

In school, Duncan was a bright pupil and dreamt of becoming an Olympic-level swimmer like Tricia.<ref name="jockbio">[https://web.archive.org/web/20170222032620/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Duncan/Duncan_bio.html Tim Duncan Biography], jockbio.com. Retrieved April 19, 2007.</ref><ref name="slamduncanP11">{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/11 11]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/11}}</ref> His parents were very supportive, and Duncan excelled at swimming, becoming a teenage standout in the 50-, 100-, and 400-meter [[freestyle swimming|freestyle]] and aiming to go to the [[1992 Summer Olympics|1992 Olympic Games]] as a member of the United States Team.<ref name="jockbio"/>

In 1989, after [[Hurricane Hugo]] destroyed the island's only Olympic-sized swimming pool, Duncan was forced to swim in the ocean instead, and his fear of sharks ruined his enthusiasm for the sport.<ref name="jockbio"/> He was dealt another emotional blow when his mother died of [[breast cancer]] on April 24, 1990, the day before his 14th birthday.<ref name="jockbio"/> On her deathbed, she made Duncan and his sisters promise that they would graduate from college, going a long way in explaining Duncan's later refusal to leave college early for the NBA.<ref name="21Q">[http://www.slamduncan.com/news-21questions.php Questions with Tim Duncan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105052444/http://www.slamduncan.com/news-21questions.php |date=January 5, 2012 }}, slamduncan.com. Retrieved January 13, 2008.</ref>

Duncan never swam competitively again, but his brother-in-law inspired him to turn to basketball.<ref name="21Q"/> Initially, Duncan had difficulties adapting to the game he thought would help relieve his pain and frustration. St. Croix Country Day School athletic director Nancy Pomroy has said, "[Duncan] was so huge. So big and tall, but he was awfully awkward at the time."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|pages=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/20 20–21]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/20}}</ref> He overcame his awkwardness to become a standout for the [[St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School]], averaging 25 points per game as a senior. His play attracted the attention of several universities.<ref name="nbabio">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/bio.html |title=Tim Duncan&nbsp;– Bio |work=NBA.com |access-date=August 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814200345/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/bio.html |archive-date=August 14, 2007}}</ref> [[Wake Forest University]] basketball coach [[Dave Odom]], in particular, grew interested in Duncan after the 16-year-old allegedly played NBA star [[Alonzo Mourning]] to a draw in a 5-on-5 pick-up game.<ref name="jockbio"/> Odom was searching for a tall, physical player to play near the basket.<ref name="jockbio"/> Given the weak level of basketball in the Virgin Islands, Odom was wary about Duncan at first, especially after first meeting him and thinking him inattentive; Duncan stared blankly at Odom for most of the conversation.<ref name="Kernan2831">{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|pages=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/28 28–31]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/28}}</ref> But after the first talk, Odom understood that this was just Duncan's demeanor and discovered that he was not only a talented athlete but also a quick learner.<ref name="Kernan2831"/> Eventually, despite scholarship offers by the [[University of Hartford]], the [[University of Delaware]], and [[Providence College]], Duncan joined Odom's Wake Forest Demon Deacons.<ref name="jockbio"/>

==College career==
In the year before Duncan's arrival at [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball|Wake Forest University]], the Demon Deacons had reached the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|Sweet 16]], but then lost leading scorer [[Rodney Rogers]], who entered the [[1993 NBA draft]].<ref name="jockbio"/> In the [[1993–94 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1993–94 NCAA season]], Coach [[Dave Odom]] was considering [[redshirt (college sports)|redshirting]] Duncan, but was forced to play him after fellow freshman big man [[Makhtar N'Diaye (basketball)|Makhtar N'Diaye]] violated [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] rules and eventually transferred to [[Michigan Wolverines men's basketball|Michigan]].<ref>Crothers, Tim, [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1007467/4/index.htm "Slam Duncan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033418/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1007467/4/index.htm |date=December 3, 2013 }}, ''Sports Illustrated'', November 27, 1995. Retrieved November 21, 2011.</ref> Duncan wore No. 21 at Wake Forest in honor of his brother-in-law, Ricky Lowery, who had taught him to play basketball and had worn the same number when he was in college. He would continue to wear this number throughout his entire professional career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How a hurricane helped get Tim Duncan to Wake Forest and into basketball history |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/how-a-hurricane-helped-get-tim-duncan-to-wake-forest-and-into-basketball-history |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> Duncan struggled with early transition problems and was even held scoreless in his first college game, but as the year progressed, he and teammate [[Randolph Childress]] led the Deacons to a 20–11 win–loss record.<ref name="jockbio"/> Duncan's style of play was simple yet effective, combining an array of [[Low post|low-post]] moves, mid-range [[Bank shot (basketball)|bank shots]], and tough defense. He was chosen to represent the U.S. in the 1994 [[Goodwill Games]].<ref name="jockbio"/> Meanwhile, Duncan worked towards a degree in psychology and also took classes in [[anthropology]] and Chinese literature.<ref name="Kernan2831"/> Despite his heavy focus on basketball, Wake Forest psychology department chairperson [[Deborah L. Best|Deborah Best]] said, "Tim ... was one of my more intellectual students. ... Other than his height, I couldn't tell him from any other student at Wake Forest."<ref name="Kernan2831"/> Duncan also established his reputation as a stoic player, to the extent that opposing fans taunted him as "[[Spock|Mr. Spock]]", the prototype of a logical, detached character from ''[[Star Trek]]''.<ref name="Kernan2831"/>

In the [[1994–95 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1994–95 NCAA season]], the sophomore was soon called one of the best prospects among those eligible for the NBA, along with peers [[Joe Smith (basketball)|Joe Smith]], [[Rasheed Wallace]], and [[Jerry Stackhouse]].<ref name="jockbio"/> [[Los Angeles Lakers]] general manager [[Jerry West]] suggested that Duncan might become the top pick in the [[1995 NBA draft]] if he went early; however, Duncan said that he had no intention of [[professional sports|going pro]] before graduation, despite the NBA's plan to add a rookie [[salary cap]] in 1996. Though it meant passing up a large amount of money, Duncan was loath to deviate from his determination to stay in school.<ref name="jockbio"/> In that season, he led the [[1994–95 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|Demon Deacons]] into the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] (ACC) [[ACC men's basketball tournament|championship]] game against the Rasheed Wallace-led [[1994–95 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team|North Carolina Tar Heels]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/05/sports/duncan-and-wake-trample-unc.html|title=Duncan and Wake Trample U.N.C.|last=Jacobs|first=Barry|date=January 5, 1997|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=November 7, 2020|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209214908/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/05/sports/duncan-and-wake-trample-unc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During that game, Duncan neutralized Wallace, while Childress sealed the win with a [[Jump shot (basketball)|jump shot]] with four seconds left in [[overtime (sports)|overtime]].<ref name="jockbio"/> In the [[1995 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|NCAA tournament]], the Demon Deacons reached the Sweet 16. Playing against [[1994–95 Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball team|Oklahoma State]], Duncan scored 12 points to go with 22 rebounds and eight blocks, outplaying [[Bryant Reeves]], but Wake Forest still lost, 71–66. Duncan ended the season averaging 16.8 [[point (basketball)|points]] and 12.5 [[rebound (basketball)|rebounds]] per game, was named Defensive Player of the Year, and became the third-best [[block (basketball)|shot-blocker]] in NCAA history with 3.98 blocks per game.<ref name="jockbio"/> He was also voted All-ACC First Team, a feat he would repeat in his two remaining years at Wake Forest.<ref name="usabio"/>

During the [[1995–96 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1995–96 NCAA season]], Wake Forest lost Childress, who had graduated the previous season and entered the NBA. In Childress's absence, Duncan led the team to a 12&ndash;4 ACC record, and a 26&ndash;6 record overall.<ref name="jockbio"/> The Demon Deacons won the ACC Finals again,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/03/11/duncan-misses-free-throws-but-rebounds-to-lift-wake/89884ff4-b41b-4396-8bd4-a5d91cb83002/|title=Duncan Misses Free Throws, But Rebounds To Lift Wake|last=Braunsdorf|first=Douglas|date=March 11, 1996|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=November 7, 2020}}</ref> but in the Sweet 16, Duncan came down with the flu, and his team missed the [[Final Four]]. His season averages of 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game led to another ACC Defensive Player of the Year award and his first [[Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|ACC Player of the Year]] award.<ref name="usabio"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.greensboro.com/duncan-seasons-top-player-in-acc/article_6574f125-4f27-59b2-b861-1cd80d781e6f.html|title=Duncan Season's Top Player in ACC|last=Foreman|first=Tom Jr.|date=March 11, 1996|website=greensboro.com|publisher=News & Record|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704173717/https://www.greensboro.com/duncan-seasons-top-player-in-acc/article_6574f125-4f27-59b2-b861-1cd80d781e6f.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the Wake Forest star was now rumored to be entering the [[1996 NBA draft]], he stayed in college.<ref name="jockbio"/>

In the [[1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1996–97 NCAA season]], new {{height|ft=7|in=1}} Demon Deacon and future NBA player [[Loren Woods]] eased the pressure on Duncan close to the basket. The [[1996–97 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|1996–97 team]] won their first 13 games, but then came a slump, and they failed to win a third ACC title.<ref name="jockbio"/> On January 12, 1997, Duncan scored 26 points and 14 rebounds in an 81–69 win against [[Duke Blue Devils men's basketball|Duke]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-01-12-1997012168-story,amp.html|title=No.2 Wake dunks Duke for 9th straight time Duncan inside, Goolsby outside help extend Cameron mastery, 81–69|last=Markus|first=Don|date=January 12, 1997|publisher=[[Baltimore Sun]]|access-date=November 8, 2020|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628142914/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-01-12-1997012168-story,amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 24, 1997, Duncan scored 16 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks in a 65–62 victory over [[Clemson Tigers men's basketball|Clemson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/24/sports/wake-gets-its-wish-respect-at-clemson.html|title=Wake Gets Its Wish (Respect) At Clemson|last=Jacobs|first=Barry|date=January 24, 1997|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=July 24, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724174723/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/24/sports/wake-gets-its-wish-respect-at-clemson.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, during the NCAA tournament, [[Stanford Cardinal men's basketball|Stanford University]], led by future NBA [[point guard]] [[Brevin Knight]], eliminated Wake Forest with a 72–66 win.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-03-17-1997076100-story,amp.html|title=Stanford cuts down Duncan, Wake Forest Deacons center gets no help in 72–66 loss|last=Murray|first=Ken|date=March 17, 1997|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628135938/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1997-03-17-1997076100-story,amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Duncan finished his senior season with career high averages of 20.8 points, 14.7 rebounds and 3.2 [[assist (basketball)|assists]] per game while shooting .606 from the [[field goal percentage|field]] and winning the Defensive Player of the Year for a third straight season. He earned first-team [[All-America]]n honors for the second time and was a unanimous pick for both the [[Oscar Robertson Trophy]] and [[Naismith College Player of the Year]].<ref name="jockbio"/> Duncan was first in the 1996–97 NCAA Division I in rebounding, tenth in blocked shots (3.3 bpg), and 28th in scoring (20.8 <abbr title="points per game">ppg</abbr>).<ref name="usabio">{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/tim_duncan_bio.html |title=USA Basketball Bio: Tim Duncan |publisher=usabasketball.com |access-date=September 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531193516/http://www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/tim_duncan_bio.html |archive-date=May 31, 2007}}</ref> He was voted ACC Player of the Year again and, based on the votes of sportscasters and newswriters, won the 1997 [[John R. Wooden Award|John Wooden Award]] as the NCAA's best overall male player.<ref name="adid">[http://www.adidas-group.com/en/pressroom/archive/2003/2003-04.aspx adidas signs Superstar Tim Duncan] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130410043624/http://www.adidas-group.com/en/pressroom/archive/2003/2003-04.aspx |date=April 10, 2013 }}, adidas-group.com, February 7, 2003. Retrieved March 21, 2013.</ref>

In contrast to contemporary [[NBA high school draftees|prep-to-pro]] players like [[Kevin Garnett]], [[Jermaine O'Neal]], [[Tracy McGrady]], and [[Kobe Bryant]], Duncan stayed in college for a full four years. During that period, he was a two-time ACC Player of the Year and a three-time [[NABC Defensive Player of the Year]]. The center also made the All-ACC Tournament between 1995 and 1997 and the All-ACC First Team between 1995 and 1997. In 1996, he led the ACC in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and blocked shots, becoming the first player in conference history to lead all four of those categories.<ref name="usabio"/> That same year, he was also named [[Most Valuable Player]] of the ACC Tournament. Overall, Duncan led his team to a 97–31 win–loss record and finished his college career as the [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career rebounding leaders#Post-1973 era|all-time leading rebounder]] in NCAA history in the post-1973 era (a mark later surpassed by [[Kenneth Faried]]). Duncan left college as the all-time leading shot-blocker in ACC history with 481 blocks—[[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders|at the time second in NCAA annals]] behind [[Colgate Raiders men's basketball|Colgate]]'s [[Adonal Foyle]]—and third on the ACC career rebounding list with 1,570 rebounds.<ref name="usabio"/> He is also tied with [[Armando Bacot]] for the second-most [[Double-double|double-doubles]] in NCAA history with 87.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NCAA Men's Basketball Records |url=http://fs.ncaa.org.s3.amazonaws.com/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/D1.pdf |access-date=April 25, 2025 |website=NCAA}}</ref>

In college, Duncan co-authored a chapter in the social psychology book ''Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors'' with [[Mark Leary]].<ref name="aversive">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zY1ivEwlHP4C&q=Aversive+Interpersonal+Behavior+tim+duncan&pg=PA111 |title=Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors |chapter=6: Blowhards, Snobs and Narcissists: Interpersonal Reactions to Excessive Egotism |page=111 |last1=Leary |first1=Mark R. |author-link1=Mark Leary |last2=Bednarski |first2=Richard |last3=Hammon |first3=Dudley |last4=Duncan |first4=Timothy |editor1-last=Kowalski |editor1-first=Robin M. |date=July 31, 1997 |publisher=[[Plenum Press]] |location=New York |series=The Springer Series in Social Clinical Psychology |isbn=9780306456114 |quote=Few interactions are as annoying, exasperating or unpleasant as those with people whom we perceive as behaving egotistically. |access-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210114237/https://books.google.com/books?id=zY1ivEwlHP4C&q=Aversive+Interpersonal+Behavior+tim+duncan&pg=PA111#v=snippet&q=Aversive%20Interpersonal%20Behavior%20tim%20duncan&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://people.duke.edu/~leary/trivia.html#famous |title=Mark R. Leary Personal Trivia! |access-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-date=June 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622022858/http://people.duke.edu/~leary/trivia.html#famous |url-status=dead }}</ref> After earning his college degree in psychology,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Eisenberg |first=Daniel |date=June 16, 2003 |title=The Big Fundamental's Big Future |magazine=Time |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,459011,00.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922183819/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,459011,00.html |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |issn=0040-781X}}</ref> Duncan entered the [[1997 NBA draft]].<ref>{{cite news|last=El-Bashir|first=Tarik|title=Spurs Win the Tim Duncan Sweepstakes|work=The New York Times|date=May 19, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/sports/spurs-win-the-tim-duncan-sweepstakes.html|access-date=June 29, 2023|archive-date=June 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629125924/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/sports/spurs-win-the-tim-duncan-sweepstakes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, Duncan was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame/tim-duncan/110|title=Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame: Tim Duncan (2009)|website=GoDeacs.com|publisher=[[Wake Forest Demon Deacons]]|access-date=April 30, 2021|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720050503/https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame/tim-duncan/110|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)===

===="Twin Towers" (1997–2003)====
{{further|Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)}}
In the 1997 NBA draft, the [[San Antonio Spurs]] drafted Duncan with the first draft pick.<ref name="stats" /> The Spurs were coming off an injury-riddled [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]]; their best player, [[David Robinson]]—himself a number one draft pick [[1987 NBA draft|in 1987]]—was sidelined for most of the year, and they finished with a 20–62 win–loss record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19961997.html|title=1996–97 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125024632/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/19961997.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98 season]], Duncan and Robinson became known as the "[[Twin Towers (San Antonio Spurs)|Twin Towers]]". The duo earned a reputation for their exceptional defense close to the basket.<ref name="jockbio" /> From the beginning, Duncan established himself as a quality player: In his second road game, he grabbed 22 rebounds against [[Chicago Bulls]] [[List of players in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall-of-Fame]] power forward [[Dennis Rodman]], a multiple rebounding champion and [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/47 47]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/47}}</ref> Duncan was voted to the [[1998 NBA All-Star Game]] by coaches. Later, when Duncan played against [[Houston Rockets]] Hall-of-Fame power forward [[Charles Barkley]], Barkley was so impressed he said, "I have seen the future and he wears number 21."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/13 13]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/13}}</ref> In his rookie season, Duncan lived up to expectations of being the first draft pick, starting in all 82 regular season games, averaging 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, and earning All-NBA First Team honors.<ref name="stats" /> His defensive contributions ensured that he was chosen for the [[NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] and was also named [[NBA Rookie of the Year]], having won the NBA Rookie of the Month award every single month that season.<ref name="nbabio" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Duncan/Duncan_numbers.html|title=Facts|work=Jockbio.com|access-date=February 20, 2008|archive-date=January 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116162021/http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Duncan/Duncan_numbers.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Spurs coach [[Gregg Popovich]] lauded Duncan's mental toughness, stating his rookie's "demeanor was singularly remarkable", Duncan always "put things into perspective" and never got "too upbeat or too depressed."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/25 25]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/25}}</ref> Center Robinson was equally impressed with Duncan: "He's the real thing. I'm proud of his attitude and effort. He gives all the extra effort and work and wants to become a better player."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/44 44]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/44}}</ref>

The Spurs qualified for the [[1998 NBA playoffs]] as the fifth [[Seed (sports)|seed]], but Duncan had a bad first half in his first playoff game against the [[Phoenix Suns]], causing Suns coach [[Danny Ainge]] to play Duncan with less defensive pressure. The rookie capitalized on this by finishing Game 1 with 32 points and 10 rebounds<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980423.html |title=San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, April 23, 1998 |work=Basketball-reference |access-date=August 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001003847/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980423.html |archive-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> and replicating the performance in Game 2,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980425.html |title=San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, April 25, 1998 |work=Basketball-reference |access-date=August 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001043831/http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/PHO19980425.html |archive-date=October 1, 2007}}</ref> contributing to a 3–1 victory over the Suns.<ref name="jockbio"/> However, the Spurs lost in the second round to the eventual Western Conference champions, [[Utah Jazz]].<ref name="jazz98">{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1998.html|title=1998 NBA Playoffs|work=Basketball-reference|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807235647/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1998.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Duncan Cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Duncan at the [[free throw]] line in 2005]]
During the [[lockout (industry)|lockout]]-shortened [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99 season]], the Spurs started with a lackluster 6–8 record and Popovich came under fire from the press.<ref>{{cite news |last=McDonald |first=Jeff |date=January 13, 2023 |title=San Antonio Spurs: Remembering 50 Years of Epic Wins and Historic moments |url=https://www.expressnews.com/projects/2023/spurs-anniversary/ |work=[[San Antonio Express-News]] |location=[[San Antonio]] |access-date=January 20, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118212957/https://www.expressnews.com/projects/2023/spurs-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Duncan and Robinson stood behind their coach and finished the season with a 31–5 run.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/65 65]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/65}}</ref> The sophomore averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 blocks in the regular season, making both the [[All-NBA]] and All-Defense First Teams.<ref name="stats"/> In the [[1999 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs defeated the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] 3–1, swept the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] and the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] 4–0, and defeated the [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella]] [[New York Knicks]] 4–1 in the [[1999 NBA Finals|Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19981999.html|title=1999 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=April 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411143151/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19981999.html|archive-date=April 11, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In this series, a large contingent of Virgin Islanders flew over to support their local hero,<ref name="Kernan7376">{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|pages=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/73 73–76]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/73}}</ref> and were not disappointed. In the first two games, the "Twin Towers" outscored their Knicks counterparts [[Chris Dudley]]/[[Larry Johnson (basketball, born 1969)|Larry Johnson]] with 41 points, 26 rebounds, and nine blocks versus five points, 12 rebounds, and zero blocks.<ref name="Kernan7376"/> After a Game 3 loss in which Duncan was held scoreless in the third quarter and committed three [[turnover (basketball)|turnovers]] in the last quarter, Duncan bounced back with 28 points and 18 rebounds in a Game 4 win,<ref name="Kernan7376"/> and in Game 5, the Spurs protected a 78–77 lead seconds from the end with the ball in the Knicks' possession. [[Double team]]ed by Duncan and Robinson, Knicks [[swingman]] [[Latrell Sprewell]] missed a last-second desperation shot,<ref name="Kernan7376"/> and after closing out the series with a strong 31-point, 9-rebound showing in Game 5, Duncan was named [[NBA Finals MVP|Finals MVP]], bringing San Antonio their first-ever NBA championship.<ref name="firsttitle">{{cite magazine |date=June 28, 1999 |title=Duncan, Robinson lead San Antonio to first NBA title |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/spurs_knicks_game5/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120051700/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/spurs_knicks_game5/index.html |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |access-date=April 29, 2007 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> ''Sports Illustrated'' journalist and retired NBA player [[Alex English]] added: "Duncan came up big each time they went to him with that sweet turnaround jumper off the glass. He was the man tonight [in Game 5]." And Popovich later said to losing coach [[Jeff Van Gundy]]: "I've got Tim and you don't. That's the difference."<ref name="firsttitle"/>

In the [[1999–2000 NBA season|1999–2000 season]], Duncan further cemented his reputation. He averaged 23.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game, earning another pair of All-NBA and All-Defense First Team nods.<ref name="stats"/> However, the Spurs had a disappointing postseason. Duncan injured his [[Meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]] shortly before the end of the regular season and was unable to play in even one postseason game.<ref name="nbabio"/> Consequently, the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the [[2000 NBA playoffs]], losing 3–1 to the Phoenix Suns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19992000.html|title=2000 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420013344/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19992000.html|archive-date=April 20, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following offseason, Duncan nearly joined the [[Orlando Magic]] in free agency, but stayed with the Spurs after Magic coach [[Doc Rivers]] refused to allow Duncan to bring his family to fly on the team plane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-21 |title=Bruce Bowen: Tim Duncan would've left Spurs for Magic in 2000 if Doc Rivers allowed family on flights |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/bruce-bowen-tim-duncan-wouldve-left-spurs-for-magic-in-2000-if-doc-rivers-allowed-family-on-flights |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2000–01 NBA season|next season]], Duncan averaged 22.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. He was again named to the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams.<ref name="stats"/> In the [[2001 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs eliminated the Timberwolves 3–1, defeated the [[Dallas Mavericks]] 4–1, but then bowed out against the Lakers (led by superstars Shaquille O'Neal and [[Kobe Bryant]]) in four straight games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20002001.html|title=2001 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615070828/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20002001.html|archive-date=June 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Sports Illustrated'' described the series as a "[m]erciless mismatch", and Duncan was criticized as "silent when the Spurs need him most".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/25/spurs_lakers_ap/|title=Bryant, Shaq keep Lakers rolling past|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=May 2, 2001|access-date=August 24, 2007|archive-date=October 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221401/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2001/playoffs/news/2001/05/25/spurs_lakers_ap/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the back of two consecutive playoff disappointments, Duncan improved statistically in the [[2001–02 NBA season|2001–02 season]]. He averaged career highs in scoring (25.5 points per game, including a league-leading 764 field goals and 560 attempted free throws) and rebounding (12.7 boards per game, and his accumulated 1,042 boards again led the league), and also averaged 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game, both career highs.<ref name="stats"/> Coupled with another pair of All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team nods, he was named the [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|league's Most Valuable Player]], joining teammate David Robinson as one of only two Spurs players in history to have earned the honor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Badger|first=T.A.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm|title=It's official: Duncan captures MVP award|work=[[USA Today]]|date=May 10, 2002|access-date=August 13, 2007|archive-date=December 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221093023/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> On the other hand, Duncan's team struggled with the fact that the aging Robinson was no longer able to sustain his level of performance, and backup center-forward [[Malik Rose]] had to step in more often.<ref name="jockbio"/> In the [[2002 NBA playoffs]], the Spurs were again outmatched by the Lakers. Up against star center O'Neal once more, the Spurs were defeated 4–1 by the eventual champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20012002.html|title=2002 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523130855/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20012002.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan, who managed 34 points and a franchise-high 25 rebounds in Game 5, stated his frustration: "I thought we really had a chance at this series. The Lakers proved to be more than we could handle. Again, we had a (heck) of a run at it. We had opportunities to win games and make it a different series, but that's just the way the ball rolls sometimes."<ref name="lakers2002"/> Nevertheless, NBA.com praised Duncan as "phenomenal" and criticized his supporting cast.<ref name="lakers2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/SASLAL/recap.html|title=Lakers Roll Past Spurs, Eye Clash With Kings|work=NBA.com|date=March 14, 2002|access-date=January 13, 2008|archive-date=March 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330095309/http://www.nba.com/games/20020514/SASLAL/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Spurs White House.jpg|thumb|right|Duncan (middle) and the Spurs at the [[White House]] after winning the [[2003 NBA Finals]]]]
In the [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]], the Spurs began play at the [[SBC Center]] on November 1 by defeating the [[Toronto Raptors]] 91–72. In that game, Duncan recorded 22 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Spurs.<ref name="databasebasketball.com">{{cite web|url=http://databasebasketball.com/teams/boxscore.htm?yr=2002&b=20021101&tm=SAS |title=Game Story |publisher=databasebasketball.com |access-date=May 19, 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708233730/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/boxscore.htm?yr=2002&b=20021101&tm=SAS |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> He averaged 23.3 points, a career-high 12.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 blocks per game, and earned All-NBA and All-Defensive First Team recognition, resulting in his second NBA Most Valuable Player Award.<ref name="stats"/><ref name="jockbio"/> At age 37, Robinson had announced that the season would be his last; his playing time was cut by coach Popovich to save his energy for the playoffs.<ref name="jockbio"/> The Spurs qualified easily for [[2003 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], concluding the regular season as the Western Conference's number one seed with a 60–22 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html|title=2002–03 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=August 28, 2007|archive-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523134756/http://www.nba.com/history/standings/20022003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Western Conference Semifinals against the Lakers, Duncan dominated forward [[Robert Horry]]<ref name="lakers2003">{{cite web |date=May 15, 2003 |title=Spurs, Tim, Dunk Lakers, Head to Conference Finals |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20030515/SASLAL/recap.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030602205100/http://www.nba.com/games/20030515/SASLAL/recap.html |archive-date=June 2, 2003 |access-date=June 17, 2007 |work=NBA.com}}</ref> and closed out the series in style; Duncan finished Game 6 with 37 points and 16 rebounds.<ref name="lakers2003"/> The Spurs made it to the [[2003 NBA Finals|finals]], and defeated the [[New Jersey Nets]] 88–77 in Game 6 to win another NBA championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20022003.html|title=2003 Playoff Results|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523142703/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/20022003.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Helped by an inspired Robinson, Duncan almost recorded a [[quadruple double]] in the final game,<ref name="williams">{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Bryan|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2003/game6_030615.html|title=Feels Like the First Time|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2003|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918123743/http://www.nba.com/finals2003/game6_030615.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was named the NBA Finals MVP.<ref name="nbabio"/> Following this successful Spurs campaign, Robinson and Duncan were named ''Sports Illustrated''{{'}}s 2003 "[[Sportsman of the Year|Sportsmen of the Year]]".<ref name="x931">{{cite web | last=McCallum | first=Jack | title=Twice Blessed Drafted No. 1 by the Spurs a decade apart, David Robinson and Tim Duncan led the franchise to a second NBA title in five years while making ever greater contributions to the Alamo City | website=Sports Illustrated Vault | date=2003-12-15 | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2003/12/15/twice-blessed-drafted-no-1-by-the-spurs-a-decade-apart-david-robinson-and-tim-duncan-led-the-franchise-to-a-second-nba-title-in-five-years-while-making-ever-greater-contributions-to-the-alamo-city | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref>

====Leader of the Spurs (2003–2007)====
[[File:Duncan Wallace.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Duncan backing down [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]] in a 2005 game]]
On July 16, 2003, Duncan signed a seven-year, $122 million contract with the Spurs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2003 |title=Duncan agrees to seven-year deal with Spurs |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2003/0716/1581549.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619030542/http://www.espn.com/nba/news/2003/0716/1581549.html |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2021 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Before the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]] began, the Spurs lost their perennial captain David Robinson to retirement. Embracing the lone team leader role, Duncan led a reformed Spurs team which included [[Slovenia]]n center [[Rasho Nesterović]], defensive stalwart [[Bruce Bowen]], Argentinian shooting guard [[Manu Ginóbili]] and young French point guard [[Tony Parker]]. Coming off the bench were clutch shooting power forward [[Robert Horry]], versatile [[Hedo Türkoğlu]] and veterans Malik Rose and [[Kevin Willis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003-04 San Antonio Spurs Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2004.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329013851/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAS/2004.html |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In retrospect, Robinson commented that at first, Duncan was reluctant to step into the void, still needing some time to truly develop his leadership skills.<ref name="espn2007finals">{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |date=June 18, 2007 |title=Duncan says his fourth ring finest of all |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2905018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071301/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2007/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=2905018 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Statistically though, Duncan remained strong; after another convincing season with averages of 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.7 blocks,<ref name="stats"/> he led the Spurs into the [[2004 NBA Playoffs|Western Conference Semifinals]]. There, they met the Los Angeles Lakers again, split the series 2–2, and in Game 5, Duncan made a toughly defended jump shot which put the Spurs ahead by one point with 0.4 seconds left to play. Despite the little time remaining, Lakers point guard [[Derek Fisher]] hit a [[buzzer beater]], giving his team the win.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2004 |title=Spurs file protest, say clock was 'late' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240513024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211081823/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240513024 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=240513024|title=Box Score: Lakers at Spurs 74–73|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 13, 2004|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071304/https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=240513024|url-status=live}}</ref> In the end, the Spurs lost the series 4–2, and Duncan attributed the strong Lakers defense as one of the reasons for the loss.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 2004 |title=L.A. awaits Wolves-Kings winner |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240515013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211082346/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=240515013 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

Duncan and his Spurs looked to re-assert themselves in the next [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]]. Despite their new captain's slight statistical slump (20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks per game),<ref name="stats"/> the Spurs won the second seed for the [[2005 NBA playoffs]] by winning 59 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/standings/2004/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html|title=2004–05 Standings|work=NBA.com|access-date=September 6, 2007|archive-date=September 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905155736/http://www.nba.com/standings/2004/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round, the Spurs eliminated the [[Denver Nuggets]] four games to one, and met the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in the semi-finals. After splitting the first four games, Duncan led his team to two decisive victories,<ref name="jockbio"/> setting up a meeting with the [[Phoenix Suns]], known for their up-tempo basketball. The Spurs managed to beat the Suns at their own game, defeating them 4–1<ref name="jockbio"/> and earning a spot in the [[2005 NBA Finals]] against the [[Detroit Pistons]]. In the Finals, Duncan was pitted against Detroit's defensively strong frontcourt anchored by multiple [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year]] [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]]. After two convincing Game 1 and 2 wins for the Spurs, the Pistons [[double team]]ed Duncan and forced him to play further from the basket.<ref name="jockbio"/> Detroit won the next two games and the series was eventually tied at 3–3, but Duncan was instrumental in Game 7, recording 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs defeated the Pistons.<ref name="dethrone">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html |title=Spurs Dethrone Pistons To Take Third NBA Title |work=NBA.com |date=June 23, 2005 |access-date=April 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219212308/http://www.nba.com/games/20050623/DETSAS/recap.html |archive-date=February 19, 2009}}</ref> NBA.com reported that "with his unique multidimensional talent, Duncan depleted and dissected the Pistons... He was the fulcrum of virtually every key play down the stretch", and coach Popovich added: "[Duncan's] complete game is so sound, so fundamental, so unnoticed at times, because if he didn't score, people think, 'Well, he didn't do anything'. But he was incredible and he was the force that got it done for us."<ref name="dethrone"/> Pistons center Ben Wallace remarked: "He put his team on his shoulders and carried them to a championship. That's what the great players do."<ref name="dethrone"/> Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining [[Michael Jordan]], Shaquille O'Neal, and [[Magic Johnson]] as the only players in NBA history to win it three times.<ref name="nbabio"/>

[[File:TD shooting over Andrew Bynum.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Duncan going up for a shot over the [[Los Angeles Lakers|Lakers]]' [[Andrew Bynum]]]]
During the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06 season]], Duncan suffered from [[plantar fasciitis]] for most of the season,<ref>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Marque|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/doc/prognosis_060313.html|title=Prognosis Spurs: Plantar Fasciitis|work=NBA.com|date=March 13, 2006|access-date=August 12, 2007|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111020531/http://www.nba.com/spurs/doc/prognosis_060313.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which was at least partly responsible for his sinking output (18.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 blocks per game), and also for his failure to make the All-NBA First Team after eight consecutive appearances.<ref name="stats"/> The big man came back strong in the [[2006 NBA playoffs]] against the Dallas Mavericks, where he outscored rival power forward [[Dirk Nowitzki]] 32.2 to 27.1 points, with neither Nowitzki nor Mavericks center [[Erick Dampier]] able to stop Duncan with their man-to-man defense.<ref name="damp">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html|title=Nowitzki, Mavericks Outlast and Dethrone Spurs|work=NBA.com|date=May 22, 2006|access-date=May 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321160024/http://www.nba.com/games/20060522/DALSAS/recap.html|archive-date=March 21, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> But after splitting the first six games, Duncan became the tragic hero of his team in Game 7. Despite scoring 39 points in regulation time and fouling out both Dampier and [[Keith Van Horn]], Duncan only made one of seven field goal attempts in overtime against Mavericks reserve center [[DeSagana Diop]], and the Spurs lost Game 7.<ref name="damp"/>

The [[2006–07 NBA season|following season]], however, was another championship year for Duncan and the Spurs. Duncan averaged 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.4 blocks per game in the regular season,<ref name="stats"/> and was selected as a Western Conference starter for the [[2007 NBA All-Star Game]], his ninth appearance in the event. In the [[2007 NBA Playoffs]], he led the Spurs to a 4–1 series win over the Denver Nuggets in the opening round, a 4–2 win over the Phoenix Suns in the second round, and a 4–1 win against the [[Utah Jazz]] in the Western Conference Finals, setting up a meeting with the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in [[2007 NBA Finals|the Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/index.html|title=At a Glance 2007|work=NBA.com|date=June 14, 2007|access-date=October 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123045352/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/index.html|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> There, the Spurs swept the Cavaliers 4–0, earning Duncan his and San Antonio's fourth ever championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html|title=Parker, Spurs Close Out Cavs for Fourth Title|work=NBA.com|date=June 15, 2007|access-date=June 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111015439/http://www.nba.com/finals2007/series/index.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan proclaimed that that championship was "the best" of his four championships; however, he also acknowledged he played "sub-par" and thus received only one vote for NBA Finals MVP from a panel of ten.<ref name="espn2007finals" /> His colleagues were more appreciative of Duncan; among others, ex-teammate David Robinson referred to the Spurs titles as the "Tim Duncan era", and lauded his leadership. Coach Popovich also praised Duncan: "Tim is the common denominator. He's [had] a different cast around him [in] '99, '03 and '05. He's welcomed them all. ... But he is that easy to play with, and his skills are so fundamentally sound that other people can fit in."<ref name="espn2007finals" /> Then-NBA commissioner [[David Stern]] added: "[Duncan] is a player for the ages. I'm a tennis fan, and [[Pete Sampras]] is one of the greats. OK, he wasn't [[Andre Agassi]] or [[John McEnroe]]. He just happens to be one of the greatest players of all time. You take great players as you find them."<ref name="espn2007finals" />

====Playoff disappointments (2007–2013)====
During the [[2008 NBA All-Star Weekend]], Duncan was a member of the San Antonio team that won the [[NBA All-Star Weekend Shooting Stars Competition|Shooting Stars Competition]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA All-Star Shooting Stars Winners|date=August 24, 2017|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/history/all-star/shooting-stars#/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224155543/http://www.nba.com/history/all-star/shooting-stars|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> For the season, he played 78 games and posted his typical 20/10 numbers,<ref name="nbastat">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/career_stats.html |title=Tim Duncan&nbsp;– Career Stats and Totals |work=NBA.com |access-date=September 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013114615/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/tim_duncan/career_stats.html |archive-date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> San Antonio concluded the [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–08]] regular season with a 56–26 record, finishing behind the Lakers and [[New Orleans Hornets]] in the Western Conference and setting up themselves for a first-round contest against the Suns. The Suns—defeated by the Spurs in three of the past four seasons of playoffs—were out for revenge and featured a new player in four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal. In Game 1, Duncan set the tone with a 40-point game and a rare [[three-pointer]] that sent the game into double overtime.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Elizabeth|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080419/PHXSAS/recap.html|title=Duncan Scores 40 to Lead Spurs to Game 1 Win Over Suns|work=NBA.com|date=April 19, 2008|access-date=May 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110222/http://www.nba.com/games/20080419/PHXSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The trio of Duncan, Ginóbili and Parker continued playing to form for the remainder of the series, and the Spurs eliminated the Suns in five games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s3.html|title=Spurs KO Rattled Suns to Close Out Series|work=NBA.com|date=April 30, 2008|access-date=May 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430130731/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2008/series/series_w1s3.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the first game of the next round against the [[Chris Paul]]-led Hornets, San Antonio was badly defeated 101–82 as Duncan played one of the worst playoff games in his career, recording only 5 points and 3 rebounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080503/SASNOH/recap.html|title=West, Hornets Sting Spurs in Game 1|work=NBA.com|date=May 4, 2008|access-date=May 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110227/http://www.nba.com/games/20080503/SASNOH/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Spurs dropped the next game as well, but recovered in Games 3 and 4, with Duncan putting up a team-high 22 point/15 rebound/4 block performance in the game that tied the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080511/NOHSAS/boxscore.html|title=Hornets at Spurs Game Info|work=NBA.com|date=May 11, 2008|access-date=May 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111120803/http://www.nba.com/games/20080511/NOHSAS/boxscore.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Duncan then recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 6,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280515024|title=Ginobili, Duncan dominate as Spurs force Game 7|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 15, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071305/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280515024|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Spurs relied on their experience to seal the series in Game 7.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280519003|title=Spurs outlast youthful Hornets, win Game 7 to advance to conference finals|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=May 26, 2008|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021005209/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=280519003|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, arch-rivals [[Los Angeles Lakers]] defeated San Antonio in five games in the Conference Finals, and the Spurs once again failed to capture back-to-back NBA championships.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/recap.html|title=Bryant Leads Lakers past Spurs, into NBA Finals|work=NBA.com|date=May 29, 2008|access-date=June 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111120807/http://www.nba.com/games/20080529/SASLAL/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Tim duncan vs wizards 2009 cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|Duncan with the ball in 2009]]
Duncan started the [[2008–09 NBA season|2008–09 season]] with strong showings in points and rebounds per game. However, by mid-season, his performance declined and he was subsequently diagnosed with chronic knee [[tendinosis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3934515|title=Duncan out with quad tendinosis|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=July 18, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071259/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3934515|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Duncan having problems with his knee and the team losing the services of shooting guard Ginóbili for most of the season, San Antonio qualified for [[2009 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] as the third seed with a 54–28 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html|title=2008–09 NBA Season Summary|publisher=Basketball-reference|access-date=April 16, 2009|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203051/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2009.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2009pred">{{cite web|last=Hollinger|first=John|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090417|title=PER Diem: April 17, 2009|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=April 17, 2009|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022012220/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090417|url-status=live}}</ref> Coupled with an aging supporting cast (Bowen, [[Michael Finley]] and [[Kurt Thomas (basketball)|Kurt Thomas]] were all in their late 30s), however, the Spurs were only considered fringe contenders for the championship.<ref name="2009pred"/> As it turned out, Duncan and Parker were not enough to help the Spurs avoid a 4–1 defeat by Dallas, and the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000.<ref>{{cite web|last=Weber|first=Paul|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20090428/DALSAS/recap.html|title=Mavericks oust Spurs from playoffs with 106–93 win|work=NBA.com|date=April 29, 2009|access-date=April 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111101309/http://www.nba.com/games/20090428/DALSAS/recap.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

With the Spurs looking to provide a more solid supporting cast in the [[2009–10 NBA season|2009–10 season]], they acquired [[Richard Jefferson]], [[Theo Ratliff]], [[Antonio McDyess]], [[DeJuan Blair]], and [[Keith Bogans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2009 |title=Bogans to join 5th team in 7 seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4495600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071302/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4495600 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> The team got off to a 5–6 start, but a series of double-double performances by Duncan gave them a 9–6 record by the end of November. Duncan was subsequently named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the last week of November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_potw_091130.html|title=Tim Duncan Named Player Of The Week|work=NBA.com|date=November 30, 2009|access-date=December 4, 2009|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111171822/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/tim_duncan_potw_091130.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Even at 34 years of age, he remained a constant 20–10 threat, being only one of three players in the league at the mid-season to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. On January 21, 2010, Duncan was named as the starting forward for the West for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/news/story?id=4846991|title=All-Star starters announced Thursday|publisher=ESPN|date=January 21, 2010|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801181836/https://www.espn.com/nba/allstar2010/news/story?id=4846991|url-status=live}}</ref> After securing yet another 50-win season,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jochnau |first=Garrett |date=April 5, 2013 |title=Celebrating 14 San Antonio Spurs 50-Win Seasons and Counting |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1593539-celebrating-14-san-antonio-spurs-50-win-seasons-and-counting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922183819/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1593539-celebrating-14-san-antonio-spurs-50-win-seasons-and-counting |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |access-date=September 22, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref> the Spurs qualified for the [[2010 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] as the seventh seed, and defeated Dallas 4–2 in the first round, only to lose 4–0 to Phoenix in the next round.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 NBA Playoffs Summary|website=Basketball-reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html|access-date=September 22, 2019|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622072749/http://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File: Tim Duncan.jpg|alt=Duncan in a red shirt|thumb|upright|left|Duncan in February 2011]]
Eleven games into the [[2010–11 NBA season|2010–11 season]], Duncan became the Spurs' all-time leader in points scored and games played.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aragon|first=Andrew|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20101119/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|title=Jazz-Spurs notebook|work=NBA.com|date=November 20, 2010|access-date=November 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123131234/http://www.nba.com/games/20101119/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Along the way, the Spurs compiled a 12-game winning streak to go 13–2 after 15 games. On November 30, 2010, Duncan recorded his third career [[triple-double]] against the [[Golden State Warriors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=301130009|title=Tim Duncan's 15–18–11 leads Spurs to rout of Warriors|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071301/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=301130009|url-status=dead}}</ref> 12 days later, in a game against the [[Portland Trail Blazers]], Duncan became the [[List of National Basketball Association career games played leaders|94th player in NBA history to play 1,000 games]]. Through his 1,000th game, the Spurs have been 707–293; only [[Scottie Pippen]] (715–285) had a better record with his team through his first 1,000 games.<ref>{{cite web|last=Monroe|first=Mike|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/12/duncan%E2%80%99s-1000th-game-brings-707th-win/|title=Duncan's 1,000th game brings 707th win|work=Spurs Nation |publisher=blog.mysanantonio.com|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=December 13, 2010|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111141138/http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2010/12/12/duncan%E2%80%99s-1000th-game-brings-707th-win/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs were 29–4 after 33 games—one of the ten best starts in NBA history<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310101024|title=Spurs turn up D to stymie Kevin Durant, Thunder in romp|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|date=January 1, 2011|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703105600/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=310101024|url-status=dead}}</ref>–and led the league at 35–6 halfway through the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/reportcard/midseason/2011/spurs/?ls=iref:nbahpt1|title=San Antonio Spurs Report Card|work=NBA.com|access-date=January 20, 2011|archive-date=January 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122055512/http://www.nba.com/reportcard/midseason/2011/spurs/?ls=iref:nbahpt1|url-status=live}}</ref> Although Duncan produced career lows in points and rebounds per game, the Spurs ended the regular season as the first seed in the West for the [[2011 NBA playoffs]], and were second in the league (to Chicago). Despite finishing with a 61–21 record, however, the Spurs could not avoid being upset in the first round, 4–2, by the eighth-seeded [[Memphis Grizzlies]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2011 |title=Memphis Grizzlies eliminate No. 1-seeded San Antonio Spurs {{!}} NBA playoffs |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/memphis-grizzlies-eliminate-no-1-seeded-san-antonio-spurs-nba-playoffs/ |access-date=28 July 2025 |website=seattletimes.com}}</ref>

[[File:Tim Duncan All-Star 2011.jpg|alt=Duncan in a red shirt|thumb|upright|left|Duncan as an All-Star for the West in 2011]]
The Spurs again finished the [[2011–12 NBA season|2011–12 season]] as the number one seed in the West—it was a lockout-shortened 66-game season—tying with the Chicago Bulls for a league-best 50–16 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=2011–12 NBA Season Summary|work=Basketball-reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2012.html|access-date=May 21, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212070926/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 24, 2012, head coach Gregg Popovich decided to give Duncan a night off by listing him on the official scorecard as "DNP-OLD", poking fun at his 36-year-old body.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dwyer|first=Kelly|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html|title=Tim Duncan missed Sunday night's Spurs game because he's 'old,' officially|work=Yahoo.com|publisher=Yahoo Inc.|date=March 26, 2012|access-date=May 4, 2012|archive-date=March 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312142740/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Overall, Duncan's numbers remained at par with the previous season. The triumvirate of Duncan-Parker-Ginóbili entered the [[2012 NBA playoffs]] well-rested and healthy, and the Spurs swept the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers 4–0 in the first two rounds. On May 31, 2012, in the third game of the Western Conference Finals against the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]], Duncan set the record for most career blocks in playoffs history, surpassing [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. The Spurs' playoff run came to an end when the Thunder defeated them 4–2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weinrich |first=Mark |date=1 June 2012 |title=Tim Duncan becomes all-time NBA playoffs blocks leader |url=https://www.si.com/si-wire/2012/06/01/tim-duncan-nba-playoffs-blocks-spurs?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=28 July 2025 |website=si.com}}</ref>

On July 11, 2012, Duncan agreed to re-sign with the Spurs. Helped by a supporting cast comprising [[Danny Green (basketball)|Danny Green]], [[Tiago Splitter]], [[Gary Neal]] and [[Kawhi Leonard]] that had been maturing steadily over the last two seasons, Duncan and the Spurs would again make the [[2013 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]] with a 58–24 regular season record. Duncan also returned to the All-Star line-up and was named to the All-NBA First Team. He finished the regular season with 23,785 career points, which broke [[George Gervin]]'s record for most points in a Spurs uniform (23,602). In the playoffs, the Spurs swept the Los Angeles Lakers, beat Golden State in six games and defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Finals in a 4–0 sweep to reach the NBA Finals. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, Duncan recorded his 500th playoff block, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach that milestone, although the NBA did not track blocks prior to the 1973–74 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Favale |first=Dan |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Tim Duncan Becomes 1st Player in NBA History to Record 500 Playoff Blocks |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1648046-tim-duncan-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-500-playoff-blocks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611151449/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1648046-tim-duncan-becomes-first-player-in-nba-history-to-record-500-playoff-blocks |archive-date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=May 22, 2013 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120711_spurs_sign_tim_duncan|title=Spurs Re-sign Tim Duncan|work=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2012|access-date=April 21, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113212011/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120711_spurs_sign_tim_duncan|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs met defending NBA champions [[Miami Heat]] in the [[2013 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] in a tightly contested series. Miami had home court advantage, but San Antonio took the first game and headed into game 6 with a 3–2 lead. In that game, Duncan scored 25 points in the first half,<ref>{{cite news|first=Beckley|last=Mason|title=Spurs Stick to the Plan, With Devastating Results|date=June 19, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/sports/basketball/spurs-stay-with-decisions-that-got-them-to-finals.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref> his biggest haul in a half of an NBA Finals game.{{Cn|date=November 2024}} However, the Spurs lost the game in overtime, and then lost the deciding seventh game.<ref>{{cite news|first=Matthew|last=Tynan|title=Do-Over Week: Leave Tim Duncan in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals?|date=May 7, 2020|work=The Athletic|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1778421/2020/05/07/do-overs-week-leave-tim-duncan-in-game-6-of-the-2013-nba-finals/|url-access=subscription|access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref>

====Fifth championship (2013–2014)====
On December 2, 2013, Duncan became the oldest player to record a 20–20 game in NBA history, finishing with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and the game-winning jump shot against the [[2013–14 Atlanta Hawks season|Atlanta Hawks]].<ref name="m950">{{cite web | last=DelVecchio | first=Steve | title=Tim Duncan hits game-winner, becomes oldest player to record 20-20 game | website=Larry Brown Sports | date=2013-12-03 | url=https://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/tim-duncan-game-winner-oldest-player-20-20/212642 | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref> The Spurs went on to conclude the [[2013–14 NBA season|2013–14 regular season]] with a league-best 62 wins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013-14 NBA Season Summary |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Spurs defeated Dallas in seven games in the first round of the [[2014 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]], Portland in five games in the conference semifinals, and Oklahoma City in six games, where game 6 went into overtime, as the Spurs won, 112–107.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference First Round - Mavericks vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-first-round-mavericks-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference Semifinals - Trail Blazers vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-semifinals-trail-blazers-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Western Conference Finals - Thunder vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-western-conference-finals-thunder-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They set up a Finals rematch against the Miami Heat, which they won, 4–1, setting a record margin for a win in the NBA Finals, for games 3 and 4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 NBA Finals - Heat vs. Spurs |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2014-nba-finals-heat-vs-spurs.html |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Along the way, the Duncan-Ginóbili-Parker trio broke the record for most wins in NBA playoffs history.<ref name="a551">{{cite web | last=Patt | first=Jason | title=Spurs' Big 3 sets NBA playoff record | website=SBNation.com | date=2014-05-22 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/5/22/5741036/tim-duncan-tony-parker-manu-ginobili-nba-playoff-record-wins | access-date=2024-07-29}}</ref> After winning the Finals in five games, Duncan joined [[John Salley]] as the only players to win a championship in three different decades.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2014 |title=Spurs shake early deficit to snuff out Heat and win 5th NBA title |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617112010/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400559378 |archive-date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

====Late career (2014–2016)====
On June 23, 2014, Duncan exercised his $10.3 million player option for the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/140623_tim_duncan_exercies_player_option|title=Tim Duncan Exercises Player Option|work=NBA.com|date=June 23, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2014|archive-date=September 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924075920/http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/140623_tim_duncan_exercies_player_option|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11124946|title=Tim Duncan exercises $10.3M option|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|date=June 24, 2014|work=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630081533/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11124946|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 14, 2014, Duncan scored his 25,000th point in the first half of the Spurs' 93–80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the 19th player in NBA history to reach the milestone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141114/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |title=Spurs rout Lakers 93–80 for 3rd straight win |work=NBA.com |date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117070307/http://www.nba.com/games/20141114/SASLAL/gameinfo.html |archive-date=November 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On February 19, 2015, he passed [[Alex English]] to move into 16th place on the [[List of National Basketball Association career scoring leaders|NBA's all-time scoring list]] with 30 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150219/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |title=Clippers hang on to beat Spurs 119–115 in tight 4th quarter |work=NBA.com |date=February 19, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220020334/http://www.nba.com/games/20150219/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |archive-date=February 20, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On March 4, he recorded six rebounds against the Sacramento Kings, breaking his tie with [[Nate Thurmond]] for ninth in career rebounding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150304/SACSAS/gameinfo.html |title=Home cooking: Spurs return to their court, beat Kings 112–85 |work=NBA.com |date=March 4, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307042648/http://www.nba.com/games/20150304/SACSAS/gameinfo.html |archive-date=March 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two days later, he recorded three blocks against the Denver Nuggets to surpass [[Patrick Ewing]] for sixth overall in career blocks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150306/DENSAS/gameinfo.html |title=Leonard and Parker lead Spurs, 120–111 |work=NBA.com |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=March 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304164014/http://www.nba.com/games/20150306/DENSAS/gameinfo.html |archive-date=March 4, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On April 12, he played his 1,330th career game against the Phoenix Suns, which passed [[Moses Malone]] for 11th all-time. He also scored 22 points and passed [[Kevin Garnett]] to move into 14th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/tim-duncan-moses-malone-games-played-kevin-garnett-career-points-nba-history-spurs/xetyg26azr0b1ch1gwgu21vsj |title=Tim Duncan moves up in record books as Spurs beat Suns |work=Sportal.com.au |date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=April 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910134227/http://www.sportal.com.au/nba/tim-duncan-moses-malone-games-played-kevin-garnett-career-points-nba-history-spurs/xetyg26azr0b1ch1gwgu21vsj |archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref> The Spurs finished sixth in the Western Conference after 82 games and faced the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. Their quest for back-to-back championships was ended May 2 as they lost to the Clippers in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150502/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |title=Paul lifts Clippers past Spurs, 111–109 in Game 7 |work=NBA.com |date=May 2, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516055641/http://www.nba.com/games/20150502/SASLAC/gameinfo.html |archive-date=May 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Duncan was later named to the All-Defensive second team on May 20 for the seventh time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release/ |title=Spurs' Leonard, Warriors' Green and Clippers' Jordan make debuts on NBA All-Defensive First Team |work=NBA.com |date=May 20, 2015 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523010236/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/05/20/2014-15-nba-all-defensive-team-official-release |archive-date=May 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 9, 2015, Duncan re-signed with the Spurs to a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-re-sign-tim-duncan|title=Spurs Re-Sign Tim Duncan|work=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2015|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127235454/https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-re-sign-tim-duncan|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 2, 2015, in a win over the New York Knicks, Duncan recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in his NBA-record 954th victory with one team, surpassing John Stockton's 953 wins with the Utah Jazz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151102/SASNYK/gameinfo.html|title=Spurs beat Knicks 94–84, give Duncan milestone win|work=NBA.com|date=November 2, 2015|access-date=November 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105112057/http://www.nba.com/games/20151102/SASNYK/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 5, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 11, he pulled down the 14,716th rebound of his career against the Portland Trail Blazers to pass [[Robert Parish]] for seventh place on the [[List of National Basketball Association career rebounding leaders|NBA's all-time rebounding list]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bohlin|first=Michael|url=http://spurs.247sports.com/Bolt/Tim-Duncan-passes-Robert-Parish-on-the-all-time-rebounding-list-41013757|title=Tim Duncan passes Robert Parish on the all-time rebounding list|work=247sports.com|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114154009/http://spurs.247sports.com/Bolt/Tim-Duncan-passes-Robert-Parish-on-the-all-time-rebounding-list-41013757|archive-date=November 14, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 14, in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Duncan had five blocked shots to become the Spurs' franchise leader with 2,955 blocks, surpassing former teammate David Robinson's career total of 2,954. Duncan also moved into [[List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders|fifth all-time on the NBA's blocks list]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20151114/PHISAS/gameinfo.html|title=Aldridge's double-double lifts Spurs over 76ers|work=NBA.com|date=November 14, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112211834/http://www.nba.com/games/20151114/PHISAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=November 12, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> After missing the Spurs' last three games of December due to rest and right knee soreness, Duncan returned to action on January 2, 2016, against the Houston Rockets. In his return game, Duncan was held scoreless for the first time in his 19-year career;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160102/HOUSAS/gameinfo.html|title=Duncan scoreless for 1st time but Spurs beat Rockets 121–103|work=NBA.com|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105222547/http://www.nba.com/games/20160102/HOUSAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=January 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> giving him the most consecutive games with at least one point, at 1,359.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright|first=Michael C.|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14489757|title=Tim Duncan held scoreless for first time in 1,360-game career|publisher=ESPN|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630200743/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14489757|url-status=live}}</ref> Four days later, Duncan scored a then-season high 18 points in a 123–98 win over the Utah Jazz, helping the Spurs extend its franchise-record home winning streak to 30 straight regular season games dating to 2014–15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160106/UTASAS/gameinfo.html|title=Duncan scores 18, Spurs rout Jazz to move to 21–0 at home|work=NBA.com|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704130607/http://www.nba.com/games/20160106/UTASAS/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 10, he returned to the starting lineup after missing eight games with a sore knee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160210/SASORL/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard lifts Spurs to 98–96 win over the Magic|work=NBA.com|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-date=February 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213144002/http://www.nba.com/games/20160210/SASORL/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 27, in a win over the Houston Rockets, he became the fifth player in NBA history to reach 3,000 blocks. In addition, with six rebounds in the game, Duncan reached 14,971 for his career, surpassing Karl Malone (14,968) for sixth place in league history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160227/SASHOU/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard leads Spurs to 50th win, 104–94 over Rockets|work=NBA.com|date=February 27, 2016|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228104531/http://www.nba.com/games/20160227/SASHOU/gameinfo.html|archive-date=February 28, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 10, Duncan became the sixth player in league history with 15,000 rebounds, completing the feat midway through the first quarter of the Spurs' 109–101 win over the Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160310/CHISAS/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard, Aldridge lead Spurs past Bulls, 109–101|work=NBA.com|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310195444/http://www.nba.com/games/20160310/CHISAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=March 10, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 19, he came off the bench for only the third time in his career to counter the smaller lineup of the Golden State Warriors. With a win over the Warriors, the Spurs recorded their 35th straight home win of the season and their 44th straight at home dating to 2014–15, tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history with the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160319/GSWSAS/gameinfo.html|title=Spurs beat Warriors in showdown, stay perfect at home|work=NBA.com|date=March 19, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320105105/http://www.nba.com/games/20160319/GSWSAS/gameinfo.html|archive-date=March 20, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 5, in a win over the Utah Jazz, he became the third player with 1,000 victories in the regular season, following [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]] and [[Robert Parish]]. Duncan extended his mark as the NBA's career leader in victories with one team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160405/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|title=Leonard scores 18, Spurs beat Jazz for Duncan's 1,000th win|work=NBA.com|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404060654/http://www.nba.com/games/20160405/SASUTA/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 8, he scored a season-high 21 points in a losing effort to the Denver Nuggets. Having already locked up second seed in the West with a franchise-best record (65–13 prior to Nuggets game), all four of Duncan's starting teammates were rested.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/games/20160408/SASDEN/gameinfo.html|title=Tim Duncan, depleted Spurs fall to Nuggets 102–98|work=NBA.com|date=April 8, 2016|access-date=April 9, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410082510/http://www.nba.com/games/20160408/SASDEN/gameinfo.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spurs went on to lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/400875656|title=Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook go for 65 as Thunder oust Spurs|publisher=Associated Press|via=ESPN.com|date=May 13, 2016|access-date=January 31, 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Timmy behind.JPG|alt=Duncan from behind on the court|thumb|Duncan's 21 jersey was retired months after he stopped playing.]]
On June 28, 2016, Duncan opted into his $5.6 million contract for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stein |first=Marc |date=June 28, 2016 |title=Source: Tim Duncan exercises $5.6M option, still mulling future |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16599633 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630174712/https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/16599633 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> However, on July 11, 2016, he announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons with San Antonio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/spurs/tim-duncan-announces-retirement|title=Tim Duncan Announces Retirement|work=NBA.com|date=July 11, 2016|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118173338/https://www.nba.com/spurs/tim-duncan-announces-retirement/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2016, coach [[Gregg Popovich]] indicated that Duncan would have a coaching role with the team in the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rohlin|first=Melissa|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2016/09/28/popovich-on-td-hes-always-been-tough-to-manage-but-especially-so-now-that-hes-retired/|title=Popovich on Tim Duncan: "He's always been tough to manage, but especially so now that he's retired."|work=MySanAntonio.com|date=September 28, 2016|access-date=September 30, 2016|archive-date=September 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929141531/http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2016/09/28/popovich-on-td-hes-always-been-tough-to-manage-but-especially-so-now-that-hes-retired/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 18, 2016, the Spurs retired Duncan's No. 21 jersey in a postgame ceremony, making him the eighth Spur in franchise history to have his jersey retired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Michael C. |date=December 19, 2016 |title=Spurs raise Tim Duncan's jersey to rafters in emotional ceremony |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18308889 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701231224/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18308889 |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==National team career==
In 1998, Duncan was selected as one of the last two players for the [[United States men's national basketball team|United States national team]] for the [[World Basketball Championship]]. However, this team was later replaced with [[Continental Basketball Association|CBA]] and college players because of the [[1998–99 NBA lockout|NBA lockout]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nba-stars-locked-out-of-team-usa/|title=NBA Stars Locked Out Of Team USA|work=CBS News|publisher=CBS|date=July 7, 1998|access-date=August 28, 2008|archive-date=January 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111123255/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/07/07/archive/main13393.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Duncan's first chance at playing for the national team came in 1999 when he was called up to the Olympic Qualifying Team. He averaged 12.7 ppg, 9.1 <abbr title="rebounds per game">rpg</abbr> and 2.4 <abbr title="blocks per game">bpg</abbr> and led the team to a 10–0 finish en route to a qualifying berth for the [[2000 Sydney Olympics]], but a knee injury forced him to stay out of the [[Olympic Games]] themselves.<ref name="usabio"/>

In 2003, Duncan was also a member of the USA team that recorded ten wins and qualified for the [[2004 Summer Olympics]].<ref name="usabio"/> He started all the games he played in and averaged team bests of 15.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.56 bpg, while shooting 60.7 percent from the field.<ref name="usabio"/> At the Olympics itself, the team lost three games on its way to a bronze medal.<ref name="usa2">{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/moly_2004.html|title=Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad&nbsp;– 2004|work=USA Basketball|access-date=March 26, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918162934/http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/moly_2004.html|archive-date=September 18, 2010}}</ref> The record represented more losses in a single year than in the 68 previous years combined. It was also the first time since NBA players became eligible that the U.S. men's basketball team lost a game in international competition and returned home without gold medals.<ref name="usa2"/> After the tournament, Duncan was disappointed with team's unpreparedness for the tournament and commented, "I am about 95 percent sure my [[FIBA]] career is over. I'll try not to share my experiences with anyone."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/basketball/08/28/usa.lithuania.ap/index.html|title=U.S. men's avenge loss to Lithuania, earn bronze|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=August 28, 2004|access-date=January 13, 2008|archive-date=October 12, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012221345/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/basketball/08/28/usa.lithuania.ap/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In total, Duncan was a member of five USA Basketball teams and played in 40 games.<ref name="usabio"/>

==Player profile==
[[File:Spurs vs Lakers.jpg|thumb|Duncan (No. 21) attempting to [[block (basketball)|block]] [[Kobe Bryant]]'s shot in a game against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] at the [[Staples Center]]]]
Standing at {{Convert|6|ft|11|in}} and weighing {{Convert|250|lb|0}}, Duncan was a [[power forward]] who could also play [[center (basketball)|center]]. With a [[double-double]] career average in points and rebounds, he was considered one of the most consistent players in the NBA throughout his career.<ref name="dethrone"/> Regarded as one of the league's best interior defenders, Duncan also ranked consistently as one of the top [[point (basketball)|scorers]], [[rebound (basketball)|rebounders]] and [[block (basketball)|shot-blockers]] in the league.<ref name="stats"/> At the end of his final season in 2015–16, he was ranked first in regular season point-rebound double-doubles among active players,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player=&match=career&is_playoffs=N&year_min=1987&year_max=2016&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=&opp_id=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&pos=&c1stat=trb&c1comp=gt&c1val=10&c2stat=pts&c2comp=gt&c2val=10&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pts|title=Player Game Finder|work=Basketball-reference|access-date=July 2, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051916/http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&player=&match=career&is_playoffs=N&year_min=1987&year_max=2016&age_min=0&age_max=99&team_id=&opp_id=&game_location=&game_result=&is_starter=&pos=&c1stat=trb&c1comp=gt&c1val=10&c2stat=pts&c2comp=gt&c2val=10&c3stat=&c3comp=gt&c3val=&c4stat=&c4comp=gt&c4val=&order_by=pts|url-status=live}}</ref> while he led the charts in postseason point-rebound double-doubles (158 as of 2013–14). His main weakness for much of his career was his [[free throw]] shooting, with a career average of less than 70%.<ref name="stats"/>

Apart from these statistics, Duncan has gained a reputation as a clutch player, as evidenced by his three NBA Finals MVP awards and his playoff career averages being higher than his regular season statistics.<ref name="stats"/> Eleven-time NBA champion [[Bill Russell]] further complimented Duncan on his passing ability, and rated him as one of the most efficient players of his generation,<ref name="bill">{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Bill|url=http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/news/billrussell_postseason.html|title=Quality Basketball|work=NBA.com|date=May 29, 2007|access-date=June 4, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111103422/http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/news/billrussell_postseason.html|archive-date=January 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> a view shared by 19-time NBA All-Star [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hareas|first=John|url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/03/10/kareem.20090310/index.html|title=Q&A: Kareem on teaching, the Lakers and Tim Duncan|work=NBA.com|date=March 10, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313021556/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/03/10/kareem.20090310/index.html|archive-date=March 13, 2009}}</ref> Because of his versatility and success, basketball experts widely consider Duncan to be the greatest power forward in NBA history,<ref name=ap_07122016/><ref name=gaither_07112016>{{cite news|last=Gaither|first=Steven J.|title=Why the basketball world never embraced Tim Duncan|date=July 11, 2016|work=Sporting News|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/tim-duncan-legacy-retirement-tributes-spurs-career-moments/2sz594o67xoz1g11f8z1c9ulx|quote=Ironically, that lack of a defining skill helped him become widely regarded as the greatest power forward to play the game.|access-date=April 11, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412002533/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/tim-duncan-legacy-retirement-tributes-spurs-career-moments/2sz594o67xoz1g11f8z1c9ulx|url-status=live}}</ref> while coach Popovich and teammates Parker and Ginóbili have also credited much of San Antonio's success to him.<ref>{{cite web|last=White|first=Elizabeth|url=http://www.salisburypost.com/sports/346573904041145.php|title=NBA: Duncan's calm creates confidence|work=Salisbury Post|date=June 7, 2007|access-date=June 17, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060524/http://www.salisburypost.com/sports/346573904041145.php|archive-date=September 28, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://usa.manuginobili.com/htm/especiales/temp0607/31_05_manu.htm |title=Exclusive interview with Manu|work=usa.manuginobili.com|access-date=June 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628193302/http://usa.manuginobili.com/htm/especiales/temp0607/31_05_manu.htm|archive-date=June 28, 2007}}</ref> Duncan's detractors, however, label him as "boring" because of his simple but effective style of play (thus earning him the nickname "The Big Fundamental"). Following his first championship ring in 1999, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' described him as a "quiet, boring MVP",<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/duncan_boring/|title=Duncan: A quiet, boring MVP|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=June 28, 1999|access-date=August 6, 2007|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119162828/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/playoffs/news/1999/06/25/duncan_boring/|url-status=dead}}</ref> a characterization which persists today.<ref name="bill"/>

Duncan himself commented on his "boring" image, stating, "If you show excitement, then you also may show disappointment or frustration. If your opponent picks up on this frustration, you are at a disadvantage."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/23 23]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/23}}</ref> Sports journalist Kevin Kernan commented on his ability to relax and stay focused, stating that having a degree in psychology, Duncan often not only outplays, but out-psychs his opponents.<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/21 21]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/21}}</ref> [[Shaquille O'Neal]] had high praise for Duncan's on-court demeanor. "The Spurs won because of Tim Duncan, a guy I could never break," O'Neal wrote in his autobiography. "I could talk trash to Patrick Ewing, get in David Robinson's face, get a rise out of Alonzo Mourning, but when I went at Tim he'd look at me like he was bored."<ref name="Vorkunov 2022">{{cite web | last=Vorkunov | first=Mike | title=NBA 75: At No. 9, Tim Duncan was an inexplicably subtle, dominant force and the heart of Spurs' title teams | website=The Athletic | date=February 8, 2022 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3104331/2022/02/08/nba-75-at-no-9-tim-duncan-was-an-inexplicably-subtle-dominant-force-and-the-heart-of-spurs-title-teams/ | access-date=May 20, 2023 | archive-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311003544/https://theathletic.com/3104331/2022/02/08/nba-75-at-no-9-tim-duncan-was-an-inexplicably-subtle-dominant-force-and-the-heart-of-spurs-title-teams/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Duncan has stated that he especially likes his [[Bank shot (basketball)|bank shot]], saying: "It is just easy for me. It just feels good."<ref>{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/35 35]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/35}}</ref> Additionally, Duncan's close and longstanding relationship with Spurs coach [[Gregg Popovich]] has been described as "the greatest love story in sports".<ref>{{cite web|last=Merrill|first=Elizabeth|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9394866|title=Duncan and Popovich: A Love Story|publisher=ESPN|date=June 17, 2013|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071300/https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/id/9394866|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Honors===
During his basketball career, Duncan received a number of individual and team honors, including being a two-time MVP (2002, 2003), five-time NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), and three-time NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005). As a college player, he was honored by the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r105:H26FE7-199:|title=Tribute to Tim Duncan of the Virgin Islands|location=thomas.loc.gov|access-date=December 8, 2008|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716144231/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?r105:H26FE7-199:|url-status=dead}}</ref> named the ACC Male Athlete of the Year, won the [[John R. Wooden Award]] and [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]], and was selected as the [[Naismith College Player of the Year]] in addition to player of the year honors from the [[Oscar Robertson Trophy|United States Basketball Writers Association]] (USBWA), [[NABC Player of the Year|National Association of Basketball Coaches]] (NABC) and [[Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year|''Sporting News'']] (all 1997).<ref name="usabio"/> In 2002, Duncan was named to the [[ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team]] honoring the 50 greatest players in ACC history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092602aaa.html|title=ACC 50th Anniversary Men's Basketball Team|website=TheACC.com|publisher=[[Atlantic Coast Conference]]|date=September 26, 2002|access-date=December 28, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102805/http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092602aaa.html|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> In his debut year in the NBA (1998), he was voted Rookie of the Year and elected into the [[NBA All-Rookie Team|All-Rookie Team]]. He has been named to 15 NBA All-Star teams (1997–98; 1999–2000 to 2010–11; 2012–13 and 2014–15), 15 All-NBA Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15; ten First Team nominations), and 15 All-Defensive Teams (1997–98 to 2009–10; 2012–13, 2014–15; eight First Team nominations).<ref name="stats"/> With these impressive performances, Duncan is one of only four players to receive All-NBA First Team honors in each of his first eight seasons (1998–2005), along with Hall-of-Famers [[Bob Pettit]] (ten seasons), [[Larry Bird]] (nine seasons), and [[Oscar Robertson]] (nine seasons), and is the only player in NBA history to receive All-NBA and All-Defensive honors in his first 13 seasons (1997–98 to 2009–10).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html|title=All-NBA Teams|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109062543/http://www.nba.com/history/awards_allnba.html|archive-date=January 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Duncan was also named by the Association for Professional Basketball Research as one of the "100 Greatest Professional Basketball Players of the 20th Century", and is the youngest player on that list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apbr.org/apbr100.html|title=The Association for Professional Basketball Research's 100 Greatest Professional Basketball Players of the 20th Century|work=Sporting News|access-date=May 4, 2007|archive-date=February 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210034932/http://www.apbr.org/apbr100.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2001–02 season, he won the [[IBM]] Player Award<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nba/ibmaward.html |title=IBM Award |work=Sporting News |access-date=May 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930224645/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nba/ibmaward.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> and the ''[[Sporting News]]'' (TSN) MVP Award,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nba/tsnmvp.html |title=The Sporting News NBA Most Valuable Player |work=Sporting News |access-date=May 4, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002140047/http://www.sportingnews.com/archives/almanac/nba/tsnmvp.html |archive-date=October 2, 2007}}</ref> becoming the third player to ever win the NBA MVP, IBM Player and TSN Player Awards in the same season. On February 18, 2006, he was named one of the ''Next 10 Greatest Players'' on the tenth anniversary of the release of the [[NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team]] by the [[Turner Network Television|TNT]] broadcasting crew.<ref name="next10">{{cite web|last=Martindale|first=David|url=http://www.tnt.tv/dramalounge/article/?oid=7461|title=Legends in the Making|work=TNT|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System|access-date=January 13, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230112838/http://www.tnt.tv/dramalounge/article/?oid=7461|archive-date=December 30, 2007}}</ref> In 2009, Duncan was ranked 8th by ''[[Slam (magazine)|Slam]]'' magazine in their list of the top 50 NBA players of all time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2009/06/the-new-top-50/ |title=The New Top 50 |work=Slam Magazine |access-date=December 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622072004/http://www.slamonline.com/online/the-magazine/features/2009/06/the-new-top-50/ |archive-date=June 22, 2009}}</ref> while ''Sports Illustrated'' named him its [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#National Basketball Association|NBA Player of the Decade]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Thomsen|first=Ian|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/nba.highlights.lowlights/index.html|title=2000s: The Decade in Sports; NBA: Highlights and lowlights|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=December 15, 2009|access-date=October 7, 2010|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119014813/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/03/nba.highlights.lowlights/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Duncan as the ninth greatest player in NBA history, the highest ranked power forward on the list.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vorkunov |first1=Mike |title=NBA 75: At No. 9, Tim Duncan was an inexplicably subtle, dominant force and the heart of Spurs' title teams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3104331/2022/02/08/nba-75-at-no-9-tim-duncan-was-an-inexplicably-subtle-dominant-force-and-the-heart-of-spurs-title-teams/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=March 12, 2023 |date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311003546/https://theathletic.com/3104331/2022/02/08/nba-75-at-no-9-tim-duncan-was-an-inexplicably-subtle-dominant-force-and-the-heart-of-spurs-title-teams/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 4, 2020, it was announced that Duncan would be inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] on August 29.<ref>{{cite web |title=Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Announcement presented by Fifty-Five South Ventures |url=http://www.hoophall.com/news/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-announcement/ |website=hoophall.com |access-date=April 4, 2020 |date=April 4, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404124049/http://www.hoophall.com/news/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2020-announcement/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bontemps |first1=Tim |title=Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett lead star-studded Basketball Hall of Fame class |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28994934 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=June 30, 2020 |date=April 4, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071302/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28994934 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]] in 2021.<ref name="75th NBA">{{cite web |title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |website=NBA.com |access-date=October 26, 2021 |date=October 21, 2021 |archive-date=October 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025195243/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Coaching career==
On July 22, 2019, the [[San Antonio Spurs]] announced that Duncan was named an assistant coach.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Spurs Announce Assistant Coach Updates|url=https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-announce-assistant-coach-updates|date=July 22, 2019|website=NBA.com|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213536/https://www.nba.com/spurs/spurs-announce-assistant-coach-updates|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ac">{{cite web |last1=Orsborn |first1=Tom |title=Duncan returning to Spurs as an assistant coach |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Duncan-returning-to-Spurs-as-an-assistant-coach-14114590.php |website=San Antonio Express-News |access-date=July 22, 2019 |date=July 22, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111040805/https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Duncan-returning-to-Spurs-as-an-assistant-coach-14114590.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Duncan to Join Gregg Popovich's Staff As Assistant Coach |url=https://www.si.com/nba/video/2019/07/22/tim-duncan-san-antonio-spurs-assistant-coach-gregg-popovich-nba |website=SI.com |access-date=July 24, 2019 |date=July 22, 2019 |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725010749/https://www.si.com/nba/video/2019/07/22/tim-duncan-san-antonio-spurs-assistant-coach-gregg-popovich-nba |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his debut as acting head coach on March 3, 2020, leading the Spurs to a 104–103 comeback win over the [[Charlotte Hornets]], which Popovich missed for personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orsborn |first1=Tom |title=Tim Duncan's future a hot topic after San Antonio Spurs' coaching debut |url=https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Tim-Duncan-s-future-a-hot-topic-after-San-15105988.php |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |access-date=April 4, 2020 |date=March 4, 2020 |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318232539/https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Tim-Duncan-s-future-a-hot-topic-after-San-15105988.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 12, 2020, Duncan stepped down as assistant coach of the Spurs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Michael C. |title=Tim Duncan stepping down as Spurs' assistant coach |url=https://www.nba.com/news/tim-duncan-stepping-down-as-spurs-assistant-coach |website=NBA.com |access-date=November 13, 2020 |date=November 12, 2020 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113162658/https://www.nba.com/news/tim-duncan-stepping-down-as-spurs-assistant-coach |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

===NBA===

====Regular season====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1997}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997–98 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 39.1 || '''.549''' || .000 || .662 || 11.9 || 2.7 || .7 || 2.5 || 21.1
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|1998}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| style="background:#cfecec;"|50* || style="background:#cfecec;"|50* || 39.3 || .495 || .143 || .690 || 11.4 || 2.4 || '''.9''' || 2.5 || 21.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1999–2000 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 74 || 74 || 38.9 || .490 || .091 || .761 || 12.4 || 3.2 || '''.9''' || 2.2 || 23.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2000}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| '''82''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''* || 38.7 || .499 || .259 || .618 || 12.2 || 3.0 || '''.9''' || 2.3 || 22.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2001}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001–02 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| '''82''' || '''82''' || '''40.6''' || .508 || .100 || .799 || 12.7 || 3.7 || .7 || 2.5 || '''25.5'''
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2002}}†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002–03 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 81 || 81 || 39.3 || .513 || .273 || .710 || '''12.9''' || '''3.9''' || .7 || '''2.9''' || 23.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2003}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2003–04 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 69 || 68 || 36.6 || .501 || .167 || .599 || 12.4 || 3.1 || '''.9''' || 2.7 || 22.3
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2004}}†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004–05 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 66 || 66 || 33.4 || .496 || .333 || .670 || 11.1 || 2.7 || .7 || 2.6 || 20.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2005}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2005–06 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 80 || 80 || 34.8 || .484 || '''.400''' || .629 || 11.0 || 3.2 || '''.9''' || 2.0 || 18.6
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2006}}†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 80 || 80 || 34.1 || .546 || .111 || .637 || 10.6 || 3.4 || .8 || 2.4 || 20.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2007}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007–08 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 78 || 78 || 34.0 || .497 || .000 || .730 || 11.3 || 2.8 || .7 || 1.9 || 19.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2008}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2008–09 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 75 || 75 || 33.6 || .504 || .000 || .692 || 10.7 || 3.5 || .5 || 1.7 || 19.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2009}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2009–10 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 78 || 77 || 31.3 || .519 || .182 || .725 || 10.1 || 3.2 || .6 || 1.5 || 17.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2010}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 76 || 76 || 28.3 || .500 || .000 || .716 || 8.9 || 2.7 || .7 || 1.9 || 13.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2011}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2011–12 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 58 || 58 || 28.2 || .492 || .000 || .695 || 9.0 || 2.3 || .7 || 1.5 || 15.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2012}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2012–13 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 69 || 69 || 30.1 || .502 || .286 || '''.817''' || 9.9 || 2.7 || .7 || 2.7 || 17.8
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|2013}}†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2013–14 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 74 || 74 || 29.2 || .490 || .000 || .731 || 9.7 || 3.0 || .6 || 1.9 || 15.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2014}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2014–15 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 77 || 77 || 28.9 || .512 || .286 || .740 || 9.1 || 3.0 || .8 || 2.0 || 13.9 
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2015}}
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2015–16 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 61 || 60 || 25.2 || .488 || .000 || .702 || 7.3 || 2.7 || .8 || 1.3 || 8.6 
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 1,392 || 1,389 || 34.0 || .506 || .179 || .696 || 10.8 || 3.0 || .7 || 2.2 || 19.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star
| 15 || 12 || 20.7 || .548 || .250 || .765 || 9.1 || 2.1 || .9 || .5 || 9.3
{{s-end}}

====Playoffs====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1997–98 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 9 || 9 || 41.6 || .521 || .000 || .667 || 9.0 || 1.9 || .6 || 2.6 || 20.7
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[1999 NBA playoffs|1999]]†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 17 || 17 || '''43.1''' || .511 || .000 || .748 || 11.5 || 2.8 || .8 || 2.6 || 23.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2000–01 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 13 || 13 || 40.5 || .488 || '''1.000''' || .639 || 14.5 || 3.8 || 1.1 || 2.7 || 24.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002 NBA playoffs|2002]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001–02 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 9 || 9 || 42.2 || .453 || .333 || '''.822''' || 14.4 || 5.0 || .7 || '''4.3''' || '''27.6'''
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]]†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002–03 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| '''24''' || '''24''' || 42.5 || .529 || .000 || .677 || '''15.4''' || '''5.3''' || .6 || 3.3 || 24.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004 NBA playoffs|2004]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2003–04 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 10 || 10 || 40.5 || .522 || .000 || .632 || 11.3 || 3.2 || .8 || 2.0 || 22.1
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[2005 NBA playoffs|2005]]†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2004–05 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 23 || 23 || 37.8 || .464 || .200 || .717 || 12.4 || 2.7 || .3 || 2.3 || 23.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006 NBA playoffs|2006]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2005–06 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 13 || 13 || 37.9 || .573 || .000 || .718 || 10.5 || 3.3 || .8 || 1.9 || 25.8
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[2007 NBA playoffs|2007]]†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006–07 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 20 || 20 || 36.8 || .521 || {{sort|-|—}} || .644 || 11.5 || 3.3 || .7 || 3.1 || 22.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2008 NBA playoffs|2008]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007–08 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 17 || 17 || 39.2 || .449 || .200 || .626 || 14.5 || 3.3 || .9 || 2.1 || 20.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2009 NBA playoffs|2009]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2008–09 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 5 || 5 || 32.8 || .532 || {{sort|-|—}} || .607 || 8.0 || 3.2 || .6 || 1.2 || 19.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2010 NBA playoffs|2010]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2009–10 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 10 || 10 || 37.3 || .520 || .500 || .478 || 9.9 || 2.6 || .8 || 1.7 || 19.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2011 NBA playoffs|2011]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2010–11 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 6 || 6 || 35.3 || .478 || {{sort|-|—}} || .625 || 10.5 || 2.7 || .5 || 2.5 || 12.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2012 NBA playoffs|2012]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2011–12 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 14 || 14 || 33.1 || .495 || .000 || .707 || 9.4 || 2.8 || .7 || 2.1 || 17.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2013 NBA playoffs|2013]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2012–13 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 21 || 21 || 35.0 || .470 || .000 || .806 || 10.2 || 1.9 || .9 || 1.6 || 18.1
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[2014 NBA playoffs|2014]]†
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2013–14 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 23 || 23 || 32.7 || .523 || .000 || .760 || 9.1 || 1.9 || .3 || 1.3 || 16.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2015 NBA playoffs|2015]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2014–15 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 7 || 7 || 35.7 || '''.589''' || .000 || .559 || 11.1 || 3.3 || '''1.3''' || 1.4 || 17.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2016 NBA playoffs|2016]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2015–16 San Antonio Spurs season|San Antonio]]
| 10 || 10 || 21.8 || .423 || {{sort|-|—}} || .714 || 4.8 || 1.4 || .2 || 1.3 || 5.9
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
| 251 || 251 || 37.3 || .501 || .143 || .689 || 11.4 || 3.0 || .7 || 2.3 || 20.6
{{s-end}}

===College===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1993–94 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1993–94]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1993–94 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|Wake Forest]]
| '''33''' || '''32''' || 30.2 || .545 || '''1.000''' || '''.745''' || 9.6 || .9 || .4 || 3.8 || 9.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1994-95 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1994–95]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1994–95 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|Wake Forest]]
| 32 || '''32''' || 36.5 || .591 || .429 || .742 || 12.5 || 2.1 || .4 || '''4.2''' || 16.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1995–96 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1995–96]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1995–96 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|Wake Forest]]
| 32 || '''32''' || '''37.2''' || .555 || .304 || .687 || 12.3 || 2.9 || '''.7''' || 3.8 || 19.1
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1996–97]]
| style="text-align:left;"|[[1996–97 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|Wake Forest]]
| 31 || 31 || 36.7 || '''.608''' || .273 || .636 || '''14.7''' || '''3.2''' || '''.7''' || 3.3 || '''20.8'''
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career<ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Duncan College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tim-duncan-1.html |website=College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com |access-date=April 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309204311/https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tim-duncan-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 128 || 127 || 35.1 || .577 || .321 || .689 || 12.3 || 2.3 || .5 || 3.8 || 16.5
{{s-end}}

==Awards and honors==
'''NBA'''
* 5× [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]]: [[1999 NBA Finals|1999]], [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]], [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]], [[2007 NBA Finals|2007]], [[2014 NBA Finals|2014]]
* 3× [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]]: [[1999 NBA Finals|1999]], [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]], [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]]
* 2× [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]]: {{nbay|2001|end}}, {{nbay|2002|end}}
* 15× [[List of NBA All-Stars|NBA All-Star]]: [[1998 NBA All-Star Game|1998]], [[2000 NBA All-Star Game|2000]]–[[2011 NBA All-Star Game|2011]], [[2013 NBA All-Star Game|2013]], [[2015 NBA All-Star Game|2015]]
* [[2000 NBA All-Star Game|2000]] [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game co-MVP]]
* 10× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA First Team]]: {{nbay|1997|end}}–{{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}
* 3× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Second Team]]: {{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}}
* 2× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Third Team]]: {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}}
* 8× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive First Team]]: {{nbay|1998|end}}–{{nbay|2002|end}}, {{nbay|2004|end}}, {{nbay|2006|end}}, {{nbay|2007|end}}
* 7× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive Second Team]]: {{nbay|1997|end}}, {{nbay|2003|end}}, {{nbay|2005|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}}, {{nbay|2009|end}}, {{nbay|2012|end}}, {{nbay|2014|end}}
* {{nbay|1997|end}} [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]]
* {{nbay|1997|end}} [[NBA All-Rookie First Team]]
* 2015 [[Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year]]
* 3× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week|NBA Player of the Month]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Player Of The Month - NBA Awards - RealGM |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/awards/by-type/Player-Of-The-Month/29 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=basketball.realgm.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 23× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week|NBA Player of the Week]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Player Of The Week - NBA Awards - RealGM |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/awards/by-type/Player-Of-The-Week/30 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=basketball.realgm.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]]
* No. 21 [[San Antonio Spurs#Retired numbers|Retired by San Antonio Spurs]]

'''U.S. National Team'''
* 2003 [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]]
* [[1994 Goodwill Games]] Bronze Medal
* [[1995 Summer Universiade]] Gold Medal
* [[FIBA Americas Championship 1999|1999 FIBA Americas Championship]] Gold Medal
* [[FIBA Americas Championship 2003|2003 FIBA Americas Championship]] Gold Medal
* [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Summer Olympics]] Bronze Medal

'''NCAA'''
* [[1994–95 Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball team|1995 ACC Regular Season Champions]]
* 2× [[ACC men's basketball tournament|ACC Tournament Champions]]: [[1995 ACC men's basketball tournament|1995]], [[1996 ACC men's basketball tournament|1996]]
* [[1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1997]] [[List of U.S. men's college basketball national player of the year awards|Consensus National College Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[The Sporting News Men's College Basketball Player of the Year|''The Sporting News'' Men's College Basketball Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[Oscar Robertson Trophy|USBWA College Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[Naismith College Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[NABC Player of the Year]]
** 1997 [[John R. Wooden Award]]
** 1997 [[Adolph Rupp Trophy|Adolph F. Rupp Trophy]]
* 2× Consensus First-Team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]]: [[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1996]], [[1997 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1997]]
** 2× ''[[Associated Press]]'' First-Team All-American: [[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1996]], [[1997 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1997]]
** 2× [[U.S. Basketball Writers Association|USBWA]] First-Team All-American: [[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1996]], [[1997 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1997]]
** 2× [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]] First-Team All-American: [[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1996]], [[1997 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1997]]
** [[1996 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1996]] [[United Press International|UPI]] First-Team All-American
* 1997 [[Chip Hilton Player of the Year Award|Chip Hilton Player of the Year]]
* 3× [[NABC Defensive Player of the Year]]: 1995–1997
* 1997 [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders|NCAA Rebounding leader]]
* 1997 [[ACC Athlete of the Year]]
* 2× [[Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|ACC Player of the Year]]: 1996, 1997
* 3× First-Team [[List of All-Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball teams|All-ACC]]: 1995–1997
* [[ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team|ACC 50th Anniversary Team]]
* No. 21 [[Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's basketball#Retired numbers|Retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons]]
* [[Wake Forest University|Wake Forest]] Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2009<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tim Duncan (2009) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame |url=https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame/tim-duncan/110 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Wake Forest University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

'''Halls of Fame'''
* [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2020
* [[National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2017
* [https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame] – Class of 2009<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tim Duncan (2009) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame |url=https://godeacs.com/honors/wake-forest-sports-hall-of-fame/tim-duncan/110 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Wake Forest University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>
* [https://sanantoniosports.org/microsites/hall-of-fame/ San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame] – Class of 2025 (as a member of the [[1998–99 San Antonio Spurs season|1999 San Antonio Spurs Championship Team]])<ref>{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Sean |date=2025-02-11 |title=San Antonio Sports announces new members of San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame |url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/02/11/san-antonio-sports-to-announce-new-members-of-san-antonio-sports-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=KSAT |language=en}}</ref>

'''Media'''
* 2003 [[ESPN]] American Athlete of the Year<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-16 |title=The Best American Athlete Championship Belt |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/17303175/best-american-athlete-championship-belt-best-athlete-sports-history-michael-jordan-michael-phelps-babe-ruth-tiger-woods-united-states |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[ESPY Awards]]
** 1997 [[Best Male College Basketball Player ESPY Award|Best Male College Basketball Player]]
** 2× [[Best NBA Player ESPY Award|Best NBA Player]]: 2000, 2003
* 2× ''[[The Sporting News]]'' NBA MVP: 2002, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News MVP Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_mvp.html |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 2003 [[Sportsman of the Year|''Sports Illustrated'' Sportsman of the Year]]
* 2× ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' Best NBA Player: 2002, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-20 |title=The Best Basketball Player Alive Every Year, 2000s |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2020/05/20/best-nba-player-alive-2000s |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref>
* 1998 [[The Sporting News|''Sporting News'']] Rookie of the Year<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_roy.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#National Basketball Association|''Sports Illustrated'' 2000s NBA Player of the Decade]]
* [[List of 2009 all-decade Sports Illustrated awards and honors#All-Decade Team (in eight sports)|''Sports Illustrated'' 2000s NBA All-Decade First Team]]
* ''[[Associated Press]]'' 2000s NBA All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Kobe, Shaq lead AP's 2000s all-decade team |url=https://apnews.com/article/kobe-bryant-miami-heat-los-angeles-lakers-nba-sports-51f7b23bdb0ef2690a0bda66fe0282d9 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[The Sporting News]]'' 2000s NBA All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-26 |title=The 2000s All-Decade Team {{!}} Sporting News India |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/in/nba/news/all-decade-team-the-best-guards-forwards-and-centre-of-the-2000s/l3i8xe33nlv71i4fhq810n8l8 |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-in}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:145th LRS Assists the U.S. Virgin Islands Hurricane Relief (171121-Z-ZZ999-1007).jpg|thumb|250px|Duncan with members of the [[North Carolina Air National Guard]] at [[Cyril E. King Airport]] in 2017 after unloading 77,000 pounds of food donated by Duncan following [[Hurricane Irma]] and [[Hurricane Maria]]]]
Duncan married Amy Sherrill in July 2001,<ref name="nbabio"/> and had two children before their divorce in August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Secret-hearing-marks-end-of-Duncans-union-4746926.php|title=Secret hearing marks end of Duncans' union|first=Guillermo|last=Contreras|date=August 21, 2013|website=San Antonio Express-News|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730235024/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Secret-hearing-marks-end-of-Duncans-union-4746926.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Duncan and his girlfriend welcomed their first child.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Tim-Duncan-Vanessa-Macias-just-had-a-baby-girl-11031074.php|title=Tim Duncan welcomes third child|publisher=My San Antonio|first=Madalyn|last=Mendoza|date=March 27, 2017|access-date=June 7, 2017|archive-date=June 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607052900/http://m.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Tim-Duncan-Vanessa-Macias-just-had-a-baby-girl-11031074.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2001,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/spurs/community/21_Announces_the_Tim_Duncan_F-31744-70.html|title=#21 Announces the Tim Duncan Foundation|website=San Antonio Spurs|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730232427/https://www.nba.com/spurs/community/21_Announces_the_Tim_Duncan_F-31744-70.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Duncan established the Tim Duncan Foundation to fund programs involving health awareness and research, education, and youth sports and recreation in San Antonio, [[Winston-Salem]], and the United States Virgin Islands.<ref name="nbabio"/> The foundation's major events have included the Tim Duncan Bowling for Dollar$ Charity Bowl-A-Thon and the Slam Duncan Charity Golf Classic.<ref name="nbabio"/> Between 2001 and 2002, the foundation raised more than $350,000 for [[breast cancer|breast]] and [[prostate cancer]] research.<ref name="adid"/> In those two years, Duncan was named by ''[[Sporting News]]'' as one of the "Good Guys" in sports.<ref name="adid"/> Duncan has also supported the Children's Bereavement Center, the Children's Center of San Antonio and the Cancer Therapy and Research Center.<ref name="nbabio"/> In August 2017, BlackJack Speed Shop, in partnership with The Tim Duncan Foundation, organized urgently needed supplies for victims of [[Hurricane Harvey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Tim-Duncan-BlackJack-Speed-Shop-pitch-in-to-help-12160858.php |title=Tim Duncan, BlackJack Speed Shop pitch in to help Harvey Victims |date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426214312/https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/amp/Tim-Duncan-BlackJack-Speed-Shop-pitch-in-to-help-12160858.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

Duncan cites his late mother as his main inspiration. Among other things, she taught him and his sisters the nursery rhyme "Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest/Until your Good is Better, and your Better is your Best", which he adopted as his personal motto.<ref name="21Q"/> On and off the court, he believes that the three most important values are dedication, teamwork and camaraderie.<ref name="21Q"/> He chose No. 21 for his jersey because that was his brother-in-law's college number, since he was Duncan's main basketball inspiration. Duncan also cites Hall-of-Fame [[Los Angeles Lakers]] point guard [[Magic Johnson]] as his childhood idol.<ref name="21Q"/>

Duncan was honored with the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed by the Virgin Islands territorial government, and has been celebrated in several "Tim Duncan Day" ceremonies.<ref name="slamduncanP24-26">{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|pages=[https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/24 24–26]|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern/page/24}}</ref> In 2000, [[Legislature of the Virgin Islands]] President [[Vargrave Richards]] said, "He is a quiet giant. His laid-back attitude is the embodiment of the people of St. Croix, doing things without fanfare and hoopla."<ref name="slamduncanP24-26"/>

Duncan enjoys [[Renaissance fair]]s and the fantasy [[role-playing game]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''.<ref name="briggs">{{cite news|last=Briggs|first=Jerry|title=Duncan's unusual hobby and more unusual request|work=San Antonio Express-News (Texas)|date=November 30, 1997}}</ref>

In 2015, Duncan sued his former investment adviser Charles Banks, claiming over $20 million in losses.<ref name="xnews2016">{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Guillermo |date=September 9, 2016 |title=Feds charge — and sue — Tim Duncan's former financial adviser |url=http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Feds-charge-and-sue-Tim-Duncan-s-former-9214029.php |newspaper=The San Antonio Express News |access-date=September 14, 2016 |archive-date=September 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914184210/http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Feds-charge-and-sue-Tim-Duncan-s-former-9214029.php |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2016, a federal grand jury indicted Banks on two counts of [[wire fraud]] related to the case.<ref name="xnews2016"/> In April 2017, Banks pled guilty to wire fraud in the case;<ref name="xnews2017">{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Guillermo |date=April 4, 2017 |title=Ex-adviser admits defrauding Tim Duncan |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Ex-financial-advisor-admits-to-defrauding-Spurs-11046362.php |newspaper=The San Antonio Express News |access-date=June 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142244/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Ex-financial-advisor-admits-to-defrauding-Spurs-11046362.php |url-status=live }}</ref> in June 2018, Duncan reached a settlement with Banks and received $7.5 million.<ref name="xnews2018">{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Guillermo |date=January 25, 2018 |title=Duncan gets back $7.5 million in settlement with ex-adviser |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Tim-Duncan-gets-back-7-5-million-in-settlement-12526295.php |newspaper=The San Antonio Express News |access-date=June 9, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142903/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Tim-Duncan-gets-back-7-5-million-in-settlement-12526295.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2020, Duncan offered to pay for airline tickets for college students in the U.S. Virgin Islands to travel home during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Madalyn |date=March 20, 2020 |title=Tim Duncan paying for college students in U.S. Virgin Islands to get home during coronavirus crisis |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Spurs-legend-Tim-Duncan-is-paying-for-college-15146486.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322224305/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Spurs-legend-Tim-Duncan-is-paying-for-college-15146486.php |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=April 29, 2020 |website=MySA}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of NBA career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career blocks leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career personal fouls leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA seasons played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career minutes played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff games played leaders]]
* [[List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders]]
* [[List of oldest and youngest NBA players]]
* [[List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career rebounding leaders]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|title=Slam Duncan|first=Kevin|last=Kernan|year=2000|publisher=Sports Pub |isbn=978-1-58261-179-2|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanslamdun0000kern}}
*{{cite book|title=Tim Duncan|series=Great Athletes Series|first=Jeremy|last=Byman|year=2000|isbn=978-1-883846-43-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncan0000byma}}
*{{cite book|title=Sports Great Tim Duncan|first=John Albert|last=Torres|year=2002|publisher=Enslow |isbn=978-0-7660-1766-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sportsgreattimdu0000torr}}
*{{cite book|title=Tim Duncan: Champion on And Off the Court|first=J Chris|last=Roselius|year=2006|publisher=Enslow Publishers |isbn=978-0-7660-2821-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/timduncanchampio0000rose}}
*{{cite book |last1=Leary |first1=Mark R. |first2=Mark |last2=Bednarski |first3=Dudley |last3=Hammon |first4=Timothy |last4=Duncan |title=Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors |date=1997 |publisher=Springer |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-0-306-45611-4 |pages=111–131 |url=https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4757-9354-3 |access-date=2 April 2025 |chapter=Blowhards, Snobs, and Narcissists|doi=10.1007/978-1-4757-9354-3 |author1-link=Mark Leary }}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q193020|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no|q=no}}
{{basketballstats|nba=1495|bbr=d/duncati01}}
* {{official website}}

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