Tim Duncan is one of those stars that often gets underappreciated by the masses. Despite having one of the best careers in NBA basketball history, his slow and modest playstyle often meant that he was overlooked for guys like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Even now, some people forget what he was able to accomplish throughout his career.
In a recent Tweet meant to recognize LeBron James, Suns announcer Eddie A. Johnson made the mistake of writing that Duncan, at age 37, was no longer relevant in the NBA. Of course, from 36 to 39 years old, Duncan earned an NBA Championship and multiple All-Star appearances.
It’s amazing how LeBron at almost 37 is still being ripped for struggling, when he has an AD in his prime and not living up to expectations. Magic, Bird, Duncan, Hakeem, and Jordan were no longer relevant at 37. That lets you know how great LBJ is. “Keep it moving”
It’s amazing how LeBron at almost 37 is still being ripped for struggling, when he has an AD in his prime and not living up to expectations. Magic, Bird, Duncan, Hakeem, and Jordan were no longer relevant at 37. That lets you know how great LBJ is. “Keep it moving”
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) December 10, 2021
Fans showed up in droves to defend Duncan here and remind Johnson that LeBron isn’t the only one to play at an elite level late into his 30s.
Lol Tim Duncan, from 36-39 years old:
NBA Champion
2x All Star
All NBA First Team
All NBA Third Team
2x All Defensive 2nd Team
Avgd 15pts and 9 rbs in <30 mins a game at 37 and 38.
🤡🤡🤡
— Alex Trevino (@alextrevino1989) December 10, 2021
Time Duncan won a championship at 37 beating Prime Lebron, D Wade and Bosh by a record margin. Leave Timmy out of this Eddie.
— Spurs Will Always Spurs (@jimmycfields) December 10, 2021
Tim Duncan, 38 years old pic.twitter.com/nBttuWaWyA
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) December 10, 2021
https://twitter.com/astroalehcat/status/1469394232611856386
Tim Duncan was first-team all-NBA at age 37. What are you talking about??? pic.twitter.com/lZJdJf10et
— Josh Too Jolly (@JoshTooJolly) December 10, 2021
By ages 37-39 Tim added another 2 NBA Finals appearances, winning one, 2x All-NBA, 2x All-Def, & 2x NBA All Star. No longer relevant is just not true. Criticism LeBron faces is stacking a team with no success to show for it (yet), not for his level of play. LeBron is still elite.
— Darren (@the_finnyboy) December 10, 2021
Tim Duncan is the oldest player in NBA history to be named to the All NBA 1st team at age 36. He as also All Defensive 2nd team that year. He beat LeBron and to win ring number 5 at age 37. AND was named all NBA 2nd Team and All Defensive 2nd team at age 38. GTFOH with that
— Andrae Martinez (@AndraeMartinez) December 10, 2021
https://twitter.com/artmoreorless/status/1469400101302980616
Johnson did admit he was wrong about including Duncan on his list, but the guy is definitely right on one thing: LeBron James’ longevity is an amazing thing to witness. At 36-years-old, the Lakers are still leaning on him to be their best player and carry them to success.
Still, that doesn’t mean he is the only one to ever do it.
While Duncan may not have been as good as James, there is no denying his dominance during that last stretch of his career. From 2012-2015, he averaged 15.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 50% shooting.
Alongside Tony Parler, Manu Ginobili, and a young Kawhi Leonard, a 37-year-old Duncan led the Spurs to a Championship in 2014 over LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
He retired just two summers later, but his legacy still stands strong today.
