Tim Duncan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tim Duncan

Duncan with the San Antonio Spurs in 2011
Personal information
Born	(1976-04-25) April 25, 1976 (age 49) Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
High school	St. Dunstan's Episcopal (Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Listed height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
College	Wake Forest (1993–1997)
NBA Draft	1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
Pro career	1997–2016
Coaching career	2019–2020
Career history
As player:
1997–2016	San Antonio Spurs
As coach:
2019–2020	San Antonio Spurs (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005) 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003) 15× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011, 2013, 2015) NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (2000) 10× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007, 2013) 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008, 2009) 2× All-NBA Third Team (2010, 2015) 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008) 7× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015) NBA Rookie of the Year (1998) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998) No. 21 retired by San Antonio Spurs USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2003) Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2003) NBA 75th Anniversary Team National college player of the year (1997) 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1996, 1997) Chip Hilton Player of the Year (1997) 3× NABC Defensive Player of the Year (1995–1997) NCAA rebounding leader (1997) ACC Athlete of the Year (1997) 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996, 1997) 3× First-team All-ACC (1995–1997) No. 21 retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Career statistics
Points	26,496 (19.0 ppg)
Rebounds	15,091 (10.8 rpg)
Blocks	3,020 (2.2 bpg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Bronze 2004 Athens Team FIBA Americas Championship Gold 1999 San Juan Team Gold 2003 San Juan Team Goodwill Games Bronze 1994 St. Petersburg Team Summer Universiade Gold 1995 Fukuoka Team

Timothy Theodore Duncan (born April 25, 1976) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). People called him "the Big Fundamental" because of his simple, strong playing style. Many consider him the greatest power forward ever. He was a key player in the Spurs' success in the 2000s and 2010s.

Tim Duncan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. He was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Born in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Duncan first wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. But at age 14, Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's only Olympic pool. This led him to start playing basketball. In high school, he played for St. Dunstan's Episcopal. For college, Duncan played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. In his final year, he won top college player awards.

After college, the San Antonio Spurs picked him first in the 1997 NBA draft. He became the NBA Rookie of the Year. He mostly played power forward but also center. Duncan won five NBA championships. He was twice named NBA MVP and three times NBA Finals MVP. He was also a 15-time NBA All-Star. He is the only player to be chosen for both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams for 13 years in a row.

Off the court, Duncan started the Tim Duncan Foundation. It helps with health education and youth sports programs.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Tim Duncan grew up in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. His parents were immigrants from Anguilla. He has two older sisters, Cheryl and Tricia, and an older brother, Scott. Both his sisters were champion swimmers. Tricia even swam for the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Tim was a smart student and dreamed of becoming an Olympic swimmer like Tricia. His parents supported him a lot. He was very good at swimming, especially in freestyle races. He hoped to join the U.S. Olympic team for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

In 1989, a big storm called Hurricane Hugo hit the island. It destroyed the only Olympic-sized swimming pool. This forced Duncan to swim in the ocean. But he was afraid of sharks, and his love for swimming faded. He faced another sad event when his mother passed away from breast cancer in 1990, just before his 14th birthday. On her deathbed, she made Tim and his sisters promise to graduate from college. This promise later influenced his decision to stay in college instead of leaving early for the NBA.

Duncan never swam competitively again. His brother-in-law encouraged him to try basketball. At first, he found the game difficult. He was very tall but also a bit clumsy. However, he worked hard and became a star player for St. Dunstan's Episcopal High School. In his senior year, he scored about 25 points per game. Many universities noticed his talent.

Wake Forest University basketball coach Dave Odom was very interested in Duncan. He heard that 16-year-old Duncan played well against NBA star Alonzo Mourning. Coach Odom was looking for a tall, strong player. At first, he was unsure about Duncan because basketball in the Virgin Islands was not very strong. Duncan also seemed quiet and distant. But Odom soon realized that was just his personality. He saw that Duncan was not only talented but also a fast learner. Duncan chose Wake Forest over other colleges.

College Basketball Journey

When Duncan arrived at Wake Forest University, the team had just lost a top scorer. In his first year (1993–94), Coach Dave Odom planned to have Duncan sit out. But another player had issues, so Duncan had to play. He struggled at first, even scoring no points in his first game. But he soon improved. He and teammate Randolph Childress helped the team win 20 games.

Duncan's playing style was simple but very effective. He used strong moves near the basket, mid-range shots, and tough defense. He also studied psychology in college. His professors said he was a very smart student. He was known for being calm and quiet on the court. Fans even called him "Mr. Spock" from Star Trek because he seemed so logical and emotionless.

In his second year (1994–95), Duncan was seen as one of the best young players for the NBA. Even the Los Angeles Lakers general manager thought he could be a top pick. But Duncan promised his mother he would graduate, so he decided to stay in school. This meant giving up a lot of money, but he stuck to his word. That season, he led Wake Forest to the ACC championship game. They won against a strong team, with Duncan playing a key role. In the NCAA tournament, they reached the Sweet 16. Duncan averaged 16.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. He was named Defensive Player of the Year.

In his third year (1995–96), Duncan led the team again after Childress left for the NBA. They won the ACC Finals once more. But in the NCAA tournament, Duncan got sick, and his team missed the Final Four. He still averaged 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds. He won his second ACC Defensive Player of the Year award and his first ACC Player of the Year award. Even with rumors about him joining the NBA, he stayed in college.

For his senior year (1996–97), a new tall player joined the team, helping Duncan. The team started strong, winning 13 games in a row. Duncan had amazing games, like scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds against Duke. He finished his senior season with his best averages: 20.8 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He won Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. He was also named the best college player in the nation.

Unlike many young stars who left college early for the NBA, Duncan stayed all four years. He became a two-time ACC Player of the Year and a three-time NABC Defensive Player of the Year. He led his team to a great record of 97 wins and 31 losses. He finished his college career as one of the top rebounders and shot-blockers in NCAA history. After earning his psychology degree, Duncan entered the 1997 NBA draft. In 2009, he was honored in the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.

NBA Career with the San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)

The "Twin Towers" Era (1997–2003)

In the 1997 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs chose Tim Duncan as the very first pick. The Spurs had a tough year before, with their star player, David Robinson, injured. In the 1997–98 NBA season, Duncan and Robinson became known as the "Twin Towers". They were famous for their strong defense near the basket.

From the start, Duncan showed he was a top player. In just his second road game, he grabbed 22 rebounds against Dennis Rodman, a Hall-of-Fame player known for rebounding. Coaches voted Duncan into the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. Even NBA legend Charles Barkley was impressed, saying, "I have seen the future and he wears number 21." In his first season, Duncan played all 82 games. He averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised Duncan's calm and focused attitude. Robinson also said Duncan was "the real thing."

The Spurs made the 1998 NBA playoffs. Duncan played great in his first playoff game, scoring 32 points. But the Spurs lost in the second round.

Duncan at the free throw line in 2005

The 1998–99 NBA season was shorter due to a player lockout. The Spurs started slowly, but Duncan and Robinson helped them finish strong. Duncan averaged 21.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. In the 1999 NBA playoffs, the Spurs swept the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. They then beat the New York Knicks 4–1 in the 1999 NBA Finals. Duncan was amazing in the Finals, especially in the last game where he scored 31 points. He was named NBA Finals MVP, leading San Antonio to its first-ever NBA championship.

In the 1999–2000 NBA season, Duncan continued to play at a high level. But he injured his knee just before the playoffs. Because of this, the Spurs were knocked out in the first round.

The 2000–01 NBA season saw Duncan average 22.2 points and 12.2 rebounds. The Spurs made it to the Western Conference Finals. But they lost to the powerful Lakers team led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

Duncan improved even more in the 2001–02 NBA season. He scored a career-high 25.5 points per game and led the league in rebounds with 12.7 per game. He also averaged 3.7 assists and 2.5 blocks. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player. This made him only the second Spurs player to win this award. However, the Spurs again lost to the Lakers in the playoffs. Duncan was frustrated but still played incredibly well.

Duncan (middle) and the Spurs at the White House after winning the 2003 NBA Finals

The 2002–03 NBA season was David Robinson's last year. Duncan averaged 23.3 points, a career-high 12.9 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. He won his second NBA Most Valuable Player Award. The Spurs had the best record in the Western Conference. In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, Duncan led the team to the 2003 NBA Finals. They beat the New Jersey Nets to win another NBA championship. Duncan nearly achieved a rare "quadruple-double" in the final game. He was named the NBA Finals MVP again. After this win, Robinson and Duncan were named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsmen of the Year".

Leading the Spurs (2003–2007)

After David Robinson retired, Duncan became the clear leader of the Spurs. He signed a new contract in 2003. The team changed, with new players like Rasho Nesterović, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker. Duncan continued to play strongly, averaging 22.3 points and 12.4 rebounds in the 2003–04 NBA season. The Spurs reached the Western Conference Semifinals. They faced the Lakers again. In a very close Game 5, the Lakers won with a last-second shot. The Spurs lost the series 4–2.

Duncan backing down Ben Wallace in a 2005 game

In the 2004–05 NBA season, Duncan's stats dipped slightly, but the Spurs still had a great record. They earned the second spot for the 2005 NBA playoffs. They beat the Denver Nuggets and Seattle SuperSonics. Then they faced the fast-paced Phoenix Suns and won 4–1. This set up a match against the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Finals. Duncan played against Detroit's strong defense. The series was tied 3–3. In Game 7, Duncan scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading the Spurs to another championship. Coach Popovich said Duncan was "the force that got it done for us." Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award. He joined Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win it three times.

During the 2005–06 NBA season, Duncan dealt with a foot injury. His performance dropped a bit, and he missed making the All-NBA First Team for the first time in eight years. In the 2006 NBA playoffs, he played well against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. But in Game 7, despite scoring 39 points, Duncan struggled in overtime, and the Spurs lost.

The 2006–07 NBA season brought another championship for Duncan and the Spurs. He averaged 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. He was chosen as an All-Star for the ninth time. In the 2007 NBA Playoffs, the Spurs beat the Nuggets, Suns, and Utah Jazz. They then swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 4–0 in the Finals. This was Duncan's and San Antonio's fourth championship. Duncan called it his "best" championship. David Robinson and Coach Popovich praised Duncan's leadership and how easy he was to play with.

Later Career and More Championships (2007–2016)

In the 2007–08 NBA season, Duncan continued to put up strong numbers. The Spurs had a good record and faced the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs. Duncan scored 40 points in Game 1, helping the Spurs win. They beat the Suns in five games. In the next round, they faced the New Orleans Hornets. After losing the first two games, Duncan helped the Spurs come back and win the series. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals.

Duncan defending in the key against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2008

The 2008–09 NBA season saw Duncan dealing with a knee problem. Even with an aging team and injuries to key players like Ginóbili, the Spurs made the 2009 NBA Playoffs. But they were defeated 4–1 by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. This was the first time they lost in the first round since 2000.

For the 2009–10 NBA season, the Spurs added new players to help Duncan. He continued to be a strong scorer and rebounder, even at 34 years old. He was named an All-Star starter. The Spurs made the 2010 NBA Playoffs and beat Dallas in the first round. But they lost to the Phoenix Suns in the next round.

Early in the 2010–11 NBA season, Duncan became the Spurs' all-time leader in points and games played. He also recorded his third career "triple-double" (double digits in three stats). The Spurs had one of their best starts ever, leading the league. Even though Duncan's points and rebounds were lower, the Spurs finished with the best record in the West. However, they were upset in the first round of the 2011 NBA playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Duncan as an All-Star for the West in 2011

The Spurs again finished as the top team in the West in the 2011–12 NBA season. Coach Popovich even joked about Duncan's age by listing him as "DNP-OLD" (Did Not Play - Old) for one game. Duncan, Parker, and Ginóbili were healthy for the 2012 NBA playoffs. They swept their first two opponents. Duncan also set a record for most career blocks in playoff history. But their playoff run ended when they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In 2012, Duncan re-signed with the Spurs. With a strong group of younger players like Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs made the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Duncan returned to the All-Star team and the All-NBA First Team. He also broke George Gervin's record for most points scored in a Spurs uniform. In the playoffs, the Spurs swept the Lakers and Grizzlies. They reached the 2013 NBA Finals against the defending champions, Miami Heat. It was a very close series. Duncan had a great Game 6, but the Spurs lost in overtime and then lost Game 7.

Fifth Championship (2013–2014)

On December 2, 2013, Duncan became the oldest player to have a "20–20 game" (20 points and 20 rebounds) in NBA history. The Spurs finished the 2013–14 NBA season with the best record in the league. In the 2014 NBA Playoffs, they beat Dallas, Portland, and Oklahoma City. This set up a rematch in the Finals against the Miami Heat. The Spurs won the series 4–1, playing some amazing basketball. The trio of Duncan, Ginóbili, and Parker broke the record for most wins together in NBA playoff history. By winning this championship, Duncan became one of only two players to win a title in three different decades.

Final Seasons (2014–2016)

Duncan continued to play for the Spurs. In November 2014, he scored his 25,000th point, becoming the 19th player in NBA history to reach that milestone. He also moved up in the all-time lists for scoring, rebounding, and blocks. The Spurs finished sixth in the Western Conference in the 2014–15 NBA season. They lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a tough seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.

In July 2015, Duncan re-signed with the Spurs. In November 2015, he set an NBA record for most wins with one team, passing John Stockton. He also became the Spurs' all-time leader in blocks, passing David Robinson. Duncan continued to climb the NBA's all-time lists for rebounds and blocks. On March 10, 2016, he became the sixth player in league history with 15,000 rebounds. On April 5, he became the third player with 1,000 regular season wins. The Spurs had a franchise-best record that season. However, they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.

Duncan's 21 jersey was retired months after he stopped playing.

On July 11, 2016, Tim Duncan announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons, all with San Antonio. In December 2016, the Spurs retired his No. 21 jersey in a special ceremony. This means no other Spurs player will ever wear that number again.

Playing Style

Tim Duncan was a power forward who could also play center. He was 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 250 pounds. Throughout his career, he was known for being one of the most consistent players in the NBA. He almost always averaged a "double-double" (double digits in points and rebounds).

Duncan was one of the best defenders inside the paint. He was also a top scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. He led the league in "point-rebound double-doubles" in both regular season and playoff games among active players when he retired. His main weakness was his free throw shooting, which was usually below 70%.

People saw Duncan as a "clutch player" who performed best in important moments. This is shown by his three NBA Finals MVP awards. NBA legends like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar praised his passing and efficiency. Many basketball experts believe Duncan is the greatest power forward in NBA history. Coach Popovich and his teammates Parker and Ginóbili often said Duncan was key to the Spurs' success.

Some people called Duncan "boring" because his playing style was simple but very effective. He earned the nickname "The Big Fundamental" for this reason. After his first championship in 1999, Sports Illustrated called him a "quiet, boring MVP." Duncan explained his calm approach: "If you show excitement, then you also may show disappointment or frustration. If your opponent picks up on this frustration, you are at a disadvantage." Shaquille O'Neal once wrote that Duncan was the only player he could never "break" with trash talk because Duncan always looked bored.

Duncan especially liked his bank shot, saying it felt "easy" for him. His long and close relationship with Coach Gregg Popovich is often called "the greatest love story in sports."

Awards and Honors

Tim Duncan received many awards during his basketball career.

• He was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003).
• He won five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014).
• He was named NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003, 2005).

As a college player, he was honored by the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the ACC Male Athlete of the Year and was named the best college player in 1997. In 2002, he was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men's basketball team. In his first NBA year (1998), he was voted Rookie of the Year.

He was chosen for 15 NBA All-Star teams. He was also named to 15 All-NBA Teams (10 times on the First Team) and 15 All-Defensive Teams (8 times on the First Team). Duncan is one of only four players to make the All-NBA First Team in each of his first eight seasons. He is the only player in NBA history to receive All-NBA and All-Defensive honors in his first 13 seasons.

Duncan was named one of the "100 Greatest Professional Basketball Players of the 20th Century." In 2009, Slam magazine ranked him 8th on their list of the top 50 NBA players of all time. Sports Illustrated named him the NBA Player of the Decade. In 2022, The Athletic ranked him as the ninth greatest player of all time.

On April 4, 2020, it was announced that Duncan would be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Coaching Career

San Antonio Spurs Assistant Coach (2019–2020)

On July 22, 2019, the San Antonio Spurs announced that Tim Duncan would join their team as an assistant coach. He had his first game as acting head coach on March 3, 2020. He led the Spurs to a comeback win against the Charlotte Hornets because Coach Popovich was away for personal reasons.

On November 12, 2020, Duncan decided to step down from his assistant coaching role with the Spurs.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Personal Life and Community Work

Tim Duncan married Amy Sherrill in 2001, and they had two children before divorcing in 2013. In 2017, Duncan and his girlfriend welcomed their first child.

In 2001, Duncan started the Tim Duncan Foundation. This foundation helps fund programs for health awareness, education, and youth sports in San Antonio, Winston-Salem, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The foundation has held events like bowling and golf tournaments to raise money. Duncan has also supported centers for children dealing with grief and cancer. In 2017, his BlackJack Speed Shop helped organize supplies for people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Duncan says his late mother was his biggest inspiration. She taught him a motto: "Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest/Until your Good is Better, and your Better is your Best." He adopted this as his personal motto. He believes dedication, teamwork, and friendship are the most important values. He chose jersey number 21 because it was his brother-in-law's college number, who inspired him to play basketball. Duncan also looked up to Magic Johnson when he was a child.

Duncan has been honored with the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, the highest award from his home territory. He has also been celebrated with "Tim Duncan Day" ceremonies. In 2000, a local leader said, "He is a quiet giant. His laid-back attitude is the embodiment of the people of St. Croix, doing things without fanfare and hoopla."

Tim Duncan enjoys Renaissance fairs and the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. In March 2020, Duncan offered to pay for airline tickets for college students from the U.S. Virgin Islands to travel home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Images for kids

• 

  Duncan (No. 21) attempting to block Kobe Bryant's shot in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center

• 

  Duncan with members of the North Carolina Air National Guard at Cyril E. King Airport in 2017 after unloading 77,000 pounds of food donated by Duncan following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria

See also

In Spanish: Tim Duncan para niños

• List of NBA career scoring leaders
• List of NBA franchise career scoring leaders
• List of NBA career rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career blocks leaders
• List of NBA career turnovers leaders
• List of NBA career personal fouls leaders
• List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA seasons played leaders
• List of NBA career minutes played leaders
• List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders
• List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders
• List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders
• List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders
• List of NBA career playoff triple-double leaders
• List of oldest and youngest NBA players
• List of NBA players who have spent their entire career with one franchise
• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds
• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders
• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career rebounding leaders
• List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders