CHAMPION

The numbers speak for themselves…

He began his career with 13 consecutive seasons being named All-NBA and All-Defensive team, six more than anyone else in league history.

He is a 3X NBA Finals MVP and a 2X NBA MVP.

He has been an All-Star 14X.

His team has a winning percentage of .693 during his time in the NBA, which is the best of any player during a 16 year-span. By comparison, Bill Russell, widely considered the best winner ever, had a .705 winning percentage over a 13 year-span, and the Lakers have had a .644 winning percentage during the 17 year Kobe era.

During his time in the NBA, no team in the four major pro sports, have had a better winning percentage.

As you probably know by now, I am talking about Timothy Theodore Duncan, aka Timmy.

When it is time for him to hang up his sneakers he will leave a culture of selflessness, coachability, and hard work that players like Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, and Danny Green will surely carry on.

The quiet superstar has made more noise than any player since MJ, yet you won’t see him as the pitchman for shoes, beats, or soft drinks. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul all make considerably more money “off the court”.

Tim Duncan famously said, “The time when there is no one there to feel sorry for you, or to cheer for you, is when a player is made.” I’d say he’s “made” it.

While Duncan isn’t as ego-oriented as MJ, as ruthless as Kobe, as charismatic as Magic, or as gritty as Bird, when it’s time for Duncan to walk away he may be a bigger winner than all of them when it’s all said and done.

Last night, Tim Duncan earned his 5th NBA ring, by scoring and racking up rebounds. There will be a parade, additions to his jewelry collection, and heaps of accolades. Yet, for some reason I get the sense that Tim Duncan isn’t done. After all, the quiet superstar known as the “Big Fundamental” has more winning to do.