"If I asked you the same question every day, over and over again, would you like it?" - When Tim Duncan snapped at a reporter
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Ever since entering the NBA in the 1997-98 season, Tim Duncan was an instant star and someone who was perceived as a franchise cornerstone. The San Antonio Spurs knew that Timmy would be their anchor of the future, and with David Robinson still in the mix, TD could learn from one of the best ever to do it at his position.
Things were going pretty well for the young star on the rise, but the repeated media questions really bugged the calm Duncan, especially the ones about his relationship with Robinson.
“You all love that question, do you?…He’s done a lot for me. He’s been great for me, just because it has been an easier transition having him there, going to somebody, and being able to talk to someone about things you’re going through,” Duncan said after a huge sigh.
“If I asked you the same question every day, over and over again, would you like it? It’s not that I don’t enjoy it. It just gets repetitive. I’ve been through it for a couple of years now. I don’t think it was this intense in college, but I know I went through it, and it gets annoying after a while,” Timmy further explained his frustrations with the media.
Duncan was not your usual leader
Despite having the numbers and impact of an absolute superstar, Tim was one of the rare top dogs to shy away from the limelight. Just like his game on the court, Timmy was not flashy in any sense of the word but all about business.
That was the case since Duncan’s rookie season, in which he averaged 21.1 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 2.5 bpg to take home ROY honors. The Spurs would completely turn the culture around, becoming the champions in 1999 and establishing a dynasty that lasted for 20+ years.
David was already on his way out, but he still managed to translate all of his knowledge to the young Tim, who would absorb it and take the mantle, as he became one of the best players in the history of the game. The frontcourt duo would win it all once together in 2003, as ‘The Admiral’ decided to call it quits on a high note.
TD became an icon in SA
Robinson stepping away from the game was not the end of the Spurs run, as Duncan, along with guys like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, kept the SAS relevant all the way until 2016, when he retired at 39 years old. In the meantime, Timmy would win three more championships to add to his total as his impact and legend in the city of San Antonio became fortified.
Ultimately, Tim would end his spectacular career as a 5x-time champion, 15x All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defensive member, 2x MVP, and 3x Finals MVP. A resume that the biggest names in the history of the game would not shy away from.
Learning from a legend like Robinson certainly helped a young Duncan build such a career, but getting asked about it every day during his rookie season was not an enjoyable experience for a laid-back individual like him. Thankfully, Tim powered through it and became quite possibly the greatest power forward of all time and one of the most unique personalities in league history.