Against the Grain: Duncan’s Silent Revolution
9/21/2003
Spurs News Editor
Felix Wright
It certainly came as no shock--to me anyway--driving down highway 281 in San Antonio, Texas, to see a black Hummer H2 cruising in the right lane. He was going about 55 MPH, with cars passing swiftly to his left. The driver? None other than Tim Duncan--the reigning two-time MVP of the National Basketball Association. It didn’t matter that the speed limit was 60 MPH, Duncan was steadily on his way to somewhere, not making a scene or drawing attention to himself, just as he does on the court.
In an NBA world of selfishness, greed, and scandal. Tim Duncan is the anti-NBA, if you will. And the general public is beginning to take notice.
“Everyone in the League loves him, players, coaches, GM’s, everyone,” says Seattle Sonics assistant Bob Weiss.
NBA fans are…were a different story.
“They hesitated to attach themselves to Duncan because he refused to fall into the NBA’s soap opera trap,” said Weiss.
Now, instead of racing to the mall to get a Tracy McGrady or Allen Iverson jersey, fans are opting for the silver and black’s #21. And the wagon continues to grow.
Who else puts up 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight blocks--in an NBA Finals game? If anyone in the pro-sports world deserves his max contract, it’s Tim Duncan.
Sean Elliott said the League wasn’t ready for a two-time MVP. Ready or not, the NBA has one, and rightfully so. And three straight is not out of reach--which is a scary thought, since Duncan seems to get better every year.
Duncan’s mini-revolution has kids raising the rim back to 10’ and practicing bank shots instead of trying 360 windmill dunks.
And who cares if he’s not a media darling? Tim doesn’t need to talk about how good he is after he dominates a game--that’s what we have Shaq and Iverson for. Besides, Duncan would rather go home and play video games than discuss another 25-15-5 night on the floor.
The game’s MBP (Most Boring Player) continues to play at a level above his peers. No current player is as consistent as Duncan, in all facets of the game.
Just look at the Olympic qualifying tournament. The highlights were all about Iverson’s three-point barrage, Vince Carter’s dunks, and Jason Kidd’s behind-the-back passes. But the backbone for Team USA was Duncan, and everyone knows it.
But Duncan wouldn’t have it any other way. Take care of business on the floor, put on a casual T-shirt after the game, and slip out without too much media attention.
Done.
A new shoe contract with Adidas confirms Duncan’s emergence into the mainstream. But Timmy won’t change because of an endorsement deal; he’ll do it his way--the Duncan way.
Which begs the question:
Is it cool to be boring?
Only if you’re Tim Duncan--the best player in the NBA.
