On Monday, Tim Duncan announced his retirement from basketball after 19 great years. In his Duncan-esque way, there was no pageantry attached to the announcement, just a press release from the San Antonio Spurs. His peers paid their respects, and on Tuesday coach Gregg Popovich, wearing a Tim Duncan shirt, spoke from the heart about how special he was to the team. On Wednesday, the Spurs put out a statement in which Duncan said his thank yous to everyone he’s played with and played against, his friends and family and the fans who’ve been with him throughout his long career.
Tim Duncan wrote a heartfelt goodbye letter to Spurs fans
Tim Duncan statement pic.twitter.com/W5VxFAmev0
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 13, 2016
The letter:
”If asked to write a script for my career 19 years ago, there is no way I would’ve been able to dream up this journey. I stand here at the end of this ride and look back in awe of what I’ve experienced. The wins and losses will be remembered, but what I’ll remember most are the people:
The fans inside the arena and out, the staff and coaches who pushed me and held me together, the teammates (and even opponents) who will be lifelong friends, sharing my ups and downs with family and close friends, and, most importantly, the snapshots of my kids growing up and reveling in watching Dad work. That is what I will cherish the most.
Thank you to the city of San Antonio for the love and support over these years. Thank you to the fans all over the world.
Much Love Always,
Tim”
What an appropriate way for him to say thanks and goodbye.
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