Tim Duncan speaks about retirement, thanks Spurs fans, city with letter

Duncan speaks out for first time since deciding to retire from NBA, Spurs

(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Spurs fans in San Antonio and around the world got to hear from Tim Duncan on Wednesday for the first time since the future Hall-of-Famer announced his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons and five championships with the Spurs.

Duncan spoke to a childhood friend in a loose and relaxed interview that was streamed on ViVid Streaming and Facebook Live, saying he was grateful to everyone back home in the Virgin Islands, and the Spurs organization and fans. 

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The interview lasted nearly an hour and a half, and covered a variety of topics that included Duncan’s childhood, his college career and his time in San Antonio.

Duncan was asked about his decision to leave the NBA and said "I'm sure I'm retired.” He added he can probably still play, but he wasn’t enjoying himself and not having as much fun last season.

Duncan said the support and messages he has received from current and former teammates, fans and opponents has been overwhelming.

The interview delved into Duncan’s charitable contributions to various organizations, including many in the Virgin Islands.

Duncan said he never needed the attention because it was just "something you do” and a way to "pay it forward" what everyone back home had given him.

Duncan spoke about his early days with the Spurs and shared a story about airballing his first shot against the Bulls and Michael Jordan.

Posted by ViVid Streaming on Wednesday, July 13, 2016

When asked about being in the same breath as Jordan and the all-time NBA greats, Duncan said he didn’t pay attention to player rankings, but the accolades and honors are "above everything he thought he would be.”

Duncan spoke about how he approached his competitiveness in a different way, saying he wasn’t a "yeller or screamer,” but was always competitive since day one.

Some lighter moments included a story about Duncan making breakfast for his two children on the same day as an 2014 NBA Finals game against the Miami Heat.

Duncan simply said, "A dad’s gotta do what a dad’s gotta do.” He said his children are happy about his retirement, but sad about not seeing him play in another NBA game.

Another interesting tidbit was about Duncan inadvertently taking "the first selfie" in history in 1997.

As the interview came to a close, Duncan said he saw the emotional interview coach Gregg Popovich gave to the media on Tuesday saying, “I saw it and about lost it on that one.” 

Duncan wrapped up by thanking Spurs fans for their support, saying they are some of the best in the NBA.

His voice caught for a bit as he discussed enjoying the ride, the cheers, laughs, highlights and lowlights before saying one final “thank you.”

Moments after Duncan’s interview, the Spurs official website posted a letter from Duncan.

The letter read in part:  "The wins and losses will be remembered, but what I’ll remember most are the people. Thank you to the city of San Antonio for the love and the support over these years. Thank you to the fans all over the world."

Tim Duncan has decided to retire after an illustrious 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. The KSAT family would like to thank Tim not only for the five championships he brought to the Alamo City, but for his contributions in the community. We will miss watching Tim on the court, but want to wish him the best of luck with his future plans. Take a look back at Duncan's legacy with this video.

Posted by KSAT 12 & KSAT.com on Monday, July 11, 2016

About the Author:

RJ Marquez is co-host of KSAT News Now and reports for Good Morning San Antonio. He's been at KSAT since 2010 and covered a variety of stories and events across the San Antonio area. He also covers the Spurs for on-air and digital platforms, including his Spurs newsletter. RJ has reported stories for KSAT Explains.