NBA 2016 News: Retirement Looming for San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan?
NBA Star Tim Duncan Could Be Retiring Before his 20th NBA Season
The world may no longer see 40-year-old NBA veteran Tim Duncan next season despite his latest decision to invoke his player option for the NBA 2016-2017 season.
Sources say that Duncan is yet to announce or confirm if he'll be returning for next year as it is noted that regardless if he retires or not, he'll still be able to purse the $6.4 million worth of player option he opted for.
After a Devastating Loss
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The San Antonio Spurs lost to Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals with the final score of 113-99. In an interview right after the game, Duncan was asked whether it was about time for him to hang his jersey. He replied, "'ll get to that after I get out of here and figure out life. That's it."
Manu Ginobili was also asked about a future retirement for him and Duncan.
"We all enjoy playing with each other. I'm so proud of having played with those guys for so many years and winning so many games, and even playing with the new guys. If there's a reason why you always want to come back and keep being part of this, [it's] because of the amazing chemistry, the good times and the good people that you play with and spend time with," Ginobili said. "It's not always about winning a game or winning a championship. But you learn from losses, and it's important to enjoy every day. Being a part of this team, I'm very proud of it, even if sometimes it doesn't go our way."
Standing Against the Test of Time
Duncan, turning 41 next April, is the only player next to Kobe Bryant to have the most seasons played for the same team. Kobe completed 20 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers while Duncan just completed his 19th season for the Spurs.
The five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP has shown a decline in his performance last year, averaging only 8.6 points and 7.3 rebounds against compared to his peak average stats of 19 points and 10.8 rebounds.
When asked about the future of the team, point guard Tony Parker said in an interview, "Every year, it's the same thing with us. TD, obviously, and Manu, it's the same question every year. They're either going to come back or not. We'll see."
Tim Duncan has until June 29 to finally decide whether or not he'll comeback for his 20th season in the league.
