Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs lost in Game 7, ultimately letting a chance to capture the franchise's fifth championship escape. Immediately after the championship loss, reporters didn't hesitate to ask Duncan if retirement wa an option, but The Big Fundamental didn't hesitate to put retirement talks to bed.
Duncan seemed confused, "Are we back for what?" when asked if the Spurs core would return. Apparently, the reporter was wondering if Duncan was planning on retiring along with possible retiree, Manu Ginobili. Duncan could only muster a Gregg Popovich-like response, "I have a contract that says I am... Not right now."
How could anybody expect Duncan to retire? Yes, he's 37, but he put up his best numbers in three years. He averaged 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. These averages all went up from the previous season and he almost doubled the amount of blocks. He might be 37, but he's still playing at a high level.
Yes, he missed a huge shot in Game 7 that would have tied the game at 90. However, his 30-point Game 6 performance has to stand out. Duncan can still dominate the league and keep equal footing amongst the new generation
Duncan is under contract for two more years. Duncan looks more than capable of playing through his contract. The good news for the Spurs is that Duncan's great production does not hinder the team from retaining or acquiring talent, unlike the New York Knicks. Duncan will earn $10 million in the upcoming season and $10.4 million in the following season.
The Spurs were in the thick last year, only to be eliminated in the Western Conference Finals after squandering a 2-0 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. It could have easily been Spurs vs. Miami Heat in consecutive years at the NBA Finals. Without a doubt, Duncan has been a huge part of their success and they wouldn't have made it that far, last year or this year, without him.
