Tim Duncan’s retirement feels ... different. There was no big lead up, no grandiose announcement. Even though we all knew it was coming the sense of finality of not seeing Duncan play anymore is hitting everyone hard. NBA players are making sure they are paying their respects to one of the greatest.
Fellow NBA legends offered their thoughts.
Congrats TD #19yrs #GoSpursGo
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 11, 2016
Dirk Nowitzki to ESPN on Timmy: "He was always about winning, never about making a brand out of himself. That's what I appreciated the most"
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2016
Shaquille O'Neal (@SHAQ) to ESPN on the retirement of longtime rival Tim Duncan: "Greatest power forward ever. Unbreakable power forward."
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 11, 2016
Congrats to Tim Duncan, fellow #WFU alum on his #NBA retirement! You really put in work big fella pic.twitter.com/US1FUxSxdg
— Tyrone Muggsy Bogues (@MuggsyBogues) July 11, 2016
Thanks Timmie, 19 years of GREATNESS.. #QuietWarrior
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) July 11, 2016
Timmie D! Congrats on an Unbelievable career! Thanks for inspiring us all with just your PLAY! #GreatestPowerforwardtoeverplaythisgame
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 11, 2016
Duncan’s teammates made sure to say what he meant to them.
Quote from former Spurs guard Avery Johnson on Tim Duncan's retirement. @CoachAvery6 #spurs pic.twitter.com/XY3Qujt68H
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 11, 2016
Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with him for 14 seasons! #ThankYouTD
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 11, 2016
Sometimes all you NEED to say is THANK YOU........To the BEST EXAMPLE of a Leader, Brother, Friend. Looking forward to the Phase Homie!
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) July 11, 2016
Wow man one of the best teammates I've ever had and the best PF of all time has just retired #21 #TD #GOAT https://t.co/8jhFDK1kC6
— Austin Daye (@Adaye5) July 11, 2016
#ThankyouTD pic.twitter.com/0TscImubE5
— Michael Finley (@Da_Finster) July 11, 2016
I'm so blessed to be able to have the honor of playand win a Championship with the greatest… https://t.co/HDD4wTgSZY
— Nazr Mohammed (@NazrMohammed) July 11, 2016
Congrats TD - you epitomized heart, humility & class. Will never be another. The Spurs, NBA & the game will never be the same. #ThankYouTD
— Sean Elliott (@seanelliott_32) July 11, 2016
To be good is noble, but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble. Twain; for your brilliance TD... pic.twitter.com/vVhgINBQDM
— Brent Barry (@Barryathree) July 11, 2016
Even Duncan’s competitors needed to step back and give him a hand.
Got a chance to play against Duncan for 10years and every time I played against him I was in amazement!! Congrats on a great career!!
— Kyle Lowry (@Klow7) July 11, 2016
Congrats to the best power forward to ever play the game. It was truly an honor. Winner above all else. #thankyouTD pic.twitter.com/cXAxvKk8z4
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) July 11, 2016
Hands down. Congrats big fella! https://t.co/FKteERhp6Y
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) July 11, 2016
Salute to the greatest power forward ever! Illustrious career!! Much respect Timmy D.
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 11, 2016
Great memories of memorable games, thanks Tim!! Enjoy your life man!! #TD #Legend #HallOfFame #TheBigFundamental pic.twitter.com/awMmWvHHcv
— Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) July 11, 2016
Thanks Timmy D!! A1 Ambassador of the game and gave out that WORK over the years. Congrats on a great career big homie. @NBA
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) July 11, 2016
Timmy D. Say it ain't so!!! Greatest power forward ever!
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) July 11, 2016
Greatest PF to ever to step on the floor! #legend #ThankYouTD pic.twitter.com/3F1vmAOzl6
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) July 11, 2016
Even Air Bud wanted to show his appreciation.
Congratulations to Tim Duncan on a fantastic career. One of the best to ever play the game!
— Air Bud (@AIRBUD) July 11, 2016
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