Tim Duncan, by the Numbers

Tim Duncan retired today, quietly, without fanfare and without a self-absorbed “farewell tour.” His career was never defined by preening, dancing, spectacular dunks, or beating his chest. All he did was perform better than almost anyone in NBA history. Oh yeah, and he won. Here are the numbers that the 15-time All-Star known as the “Big Fundamental” put up in his career:

• 2 NBA MVP awards in 2002 and 2003
• 3 NBA Finals MVP awards, in 1999, 2003 and 2005
• 15 All-NBA selections, tied for most all-time. His 15 NBA All-Defensive Team honors is the most ever
• 157 playoff wins in Duncan’s career, the second most in playoff history
• 164 career postseason double-doubles, the most in NBA history
• .710 winning percentage for the Spurs during Duncan’s career. It is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and the best in the four major sports of any team during that time. The Patriots rank 2nd at .704. The Spurs won at least 60% of its game each of Duncan’s 19 seasons
• 1,001 wins for Duncan under Gregg Popovich, the most ever for a player-coach duo in NBA history
• 1,072-438 regular season record for the Spurs with Duncan. Only two other NBA players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parish, won more NBA games
• 17,950 regular and postseason rebounds, fourth most all-time
• 1,643 total games, 56,738 total minutes, 31,668 total points, 5 championships and 2 MVP awards

So yeah, nice career. And he did it the right way. Sadly, he could be the last of a dying breed.

Tim, you will be missed.