NBA Star Player Tim Duncan Of San Antonio Spurs Returns On December 18

Timothy Theodore Duncan fondly known as Tim Duncan aka the Big Fundamental is set to return to the AT&T Center December 18, 2016 for a postgame retirement ceremony of his number 21 Jersey. The pronouncement was made Tuesday by the San Antonio Spurs as the Silver and Black will host the Anthony Davis led New Orleans Pelican 6 p.m. CST.

The Spurs former MVP and prized power forward/center retired July after playing a record of nineteen NBA seasons that led to the five NBA Chmapionships (2014, 2007, 2005, 2003, 1999), two time NBA MVP (2002, 2003), three-time NBA Finals (2005, 2003, 1999), and the NBA Rookie of the Year (1988). His first 13 seasons is decorated with a fifteen-time NBA All Star and the only player to be selected in both the All Star and All Defenisve Teams.

The San Antonio Spurs franchise to date has retired seven of its team jerseys, David Robinsons' 50, George Gervin's 44, James Silas' 13, Johnny Moore's 00, Sean Elliott's 32, Avery Johnson's 6 and Bruce Bowen's 12. Tim Duncan will be the eighth to join the roster according to NBA.

Duncan #21 is the Spurs' franchise all-time leader in points (29,496), rebounds (15,091), blocked shots (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392). The fifth in all-time in double-doubles (841) and blocks, sixth in rebounding and 14th in scoring in the league. With his final season, he became the third player to reach 1,000 career wins, and the one to achieive it in one team. He shares with Kareen Abdul-Jabbar the record of holding 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds, and 3,000 blocks as per NBA stats.

Gregg Popovich, Spurs stalwart head coach has this to say about the player, "You don't see Timmy beating his chest as if he was the first human being to dunk the basketball, as a lot of people do these days. He's not pointing to the sky. He's not glamming to the cameras. He just plays, and we've seen it for so long it's become almost mundane. But it's so special that it has to be remembered."

The sports tradition of retiring a player's jersey number is intended to honor a player emeritus or one that prematurely passed away. Upon the ceremonial sending of the jersey to the rafters, no future player of the team can use the number unless the esteemed player consents. Little known to some, Tim Duncan holds a degree in Psychology and founded the Tim Duncan Foundation that serve as catalyst to promote funding and health awareness in youth sports across the United States.

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San Antonio Spurs, Nba, Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans