San Antonio Spurs Hall of Fame striker Tim Duncan will accompany coach Gregg Popovich to the bench next season, the team showed off Thursday as the former assistant plans to quit full-time practice.
The resolution came here unsurprisingly within the organization, as he understood from the outset that Duncan would be Popovich, while the Spurs would move from franchise stalwarts such as Manu Gionobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard to a more youthful list, for just a while. short period, according to sources.
In addition, Popovich continually stated that Duncan “too smart” to devote himself entirely to the training profession.
It is not known whether Duncan plans to return staff after next season, but after Duncan’s retirement in 2016, the striker kept the coaches’ locker room area in the team’s facility and attended training because his non-public business: BlackJack Speed Shop: is less than a mile from the team’s amenities.
As a player, Duncan played a leading role in the five San Antonio championships in his 19 seasons with the Spurs. Duncan was identified for forming 15 All-Star groups, 15 All-NBA groups and 15 All-Defensive groups, two Kia MVP awards and two Finals MVPs before joining training staff as an assistant in 2019.
Duncan, 44, made his debut as San Antonio’s head coach in March when Popovich missed a away game against Charlotte Hornet to take over his affairs. The Spurs prevailed 104-103 in this game.
Assistants Becky Hammon, Will Hardy and Chip Engelland on staff. To take Duncan’s place, the team promoted assistant coach Mitch Johnson and increased Darius Songaila to the position of assistant coach.
Hammon has been in San Antonio training since 2014 and Engelland joined the team in 2005. The club promoted Hardy from video coordinator to assistant coach in 2016.
A leader of all time in trouble (26496), rebounds (15091), blocked shots (3020) and games played (1392), Duncan is the third player in franchise history with his jersey retired to be chosen in April from Naismith Basketball Hall. fame.
Duncan is the third player in NBA history to win 1,000 regular-season games in his career, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parish winning more in their careers.
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