Tim Duncan

Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976 in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) is an NBA basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs, playing at the power forward position. He is noted for his poise, scoring and positioning ability in the offensive post, and effectiveness using some of the most basic and fundamental basketball moves. With three NBA championships and three NBA Finals MVP Awards, he could very well be the greatest basketball player of the post-Michael Jordan era.

NBA career

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Statistics As of July 2005

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NBA career totals Per-game averages

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• Points: 13,204
• Rebounds: 7,139
• Assists: 1,839
• Blocks: 1,488

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• Points: 22.5
• Rebounds: 12.2
• Assists: 3.1
• Blocks: 2.5

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He was drafted with the first pick of the 1997 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs and immediately had an impact, averaging 21.1 points per game his first season. The Spurs were able to pick Duncan (the first senior to be selected first overall since Larry Johnson) due to the fact that they were coming off a 20-62 season.

Related Topics:
1997 NBA Draft - San Antonio Spurs - Larry Johnson

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During the lockout shortened 1999 NBA season, Duncan and David Robinson formed the Spurs "Twin Towers" and both led the Spurs to the franchise's first NBA Finals victory. They almost swept the New York Knicks, winning the finals in just five games that season.

Related Topics:
1999 - David Robinson - NBA Finals - New York Knicks

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In the 2001-2002 season, Duncan was named the league's MVP, joining teammate David Robinson as Spurs members who have earned this award. After 2002-2003, Duncan was named MVP for the second season in a row. Duncan and his Spurs teammates made it to the NBA finals once again, defeating the New Jersey Nets 88-77 in Game Six to win the NBA championship. Duncan was named Finals' MVP, and he and Robinson shared Sports Illustrated magazine's 2003 "Sportsmen of the Year" award. His lifetime averages in points, blocks, assists, and rebounds are higher in the playoffs than in the regular season. In the last game of the 2002-2003 NBA finals, Duncan was two blocks away from a quadruple double, finishing with 21 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. In 2005, Duncan came up big in Game 7 of the finals with 25 points and 11 rebounds to defeat the Detroit Pistons. Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win three Finals MVP awards.

Related Topics:
2001 - 2002 - The league's MVP - David Robinson - 2003 - New Jersey Nets - Sports Illustrated - Sportsmen of the Year - NBA Finals MVP Award - Michael Jordan - Shaquille O'Neal - Magic Johnson

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Duncan is famous for his graceful finesse on the court and for his low key demeanor. Possessing a sound all-around game, he has been dubbed "The Big Fundamental" by fellow NBA player Shaquille O'Neal. He has also been called "Groundhog Day" by now NBA analyst for TNT Charles Barkley because of his ability to produce very consistently on a day-to-day basis. His signature offensive moves are his smooth footwork and his accurate bank shot. Duncan scored 53 points in an NBA game on December 26, 2001 in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Related Topics:
Shaquille O'Neal - Groundhog Day - NBA - TNT - Charles Barkley - December 26 - Dallas Mavericks

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Duncan has been voted to an All-NBA Team and All-Defensive Team for the past 8 years.

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Duncan ranked #55 on SLAM Magazine's Top 75 NBA Players of all time in 2003.

Related Topics:
SLAM Magazine - 2003

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