Tough Decision to Replace Tim Duncan Looms Ahead
By Jonathan Brannon
@jbrannon89
Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs have been riding Tim Duncan for a portion of three decades now, winning a championship in each one.
The Big Fundamental has proven to be the foundation for one of the nation’s best and most successful sports organizations. It’s definitely not a coincidence that the Spurs became such a good organization once Duncan got to San Antonio.
For the last few years (or more), however, fans and media and everyone else have awaited the five-time NBA champion’s retirement from the league. Although his minutes may have dropped, his production is right where it’s always been. Duncan has now been a leader and driving force in the Spurs’ five championships.
At 38 years old and in the last year of his contract, the moment so many predicted to have happened years ago might finally arrive at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season.
The Spurs have always reacted well to changes within the organization, finding random gems overseas like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. San Antonio has also made hard decisions for the betterment of the team like trading the beloved PG George Hill to the Indiana Pacers for the now reigning Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard. Through all of this success, the Spurs have always had Duncan as a base.
But what happens when Timmy leaves?
There are a number of options after this season. Paul Millsap, Brandon Bass, Al Jefferson, Brook Lopez, Anderson Varejao, Greg Monroe, Roy Hibbert and Marc Gasol, just to name a few, are all options. And then there’s always the grand prize, like LaMarcus Aldridge.
Time will tell what the Spurs’ front office will do to replace arguably (sort of) the best power forward of all time, but one thing is certain: San Antonio will never be the same.
Jonathan Brannon is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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