Tim Duncan has retired, so we’ll probably never see him again

Good morning. Sorry for the unprompted absence on Tuesday. I’ll bring a doctor’s note to the office. Let’s basketball.

GOODBYE, BIG FUN: Tim Duncan announced his retirement. This wasn’t a total shock; as he wandered through the Spurs’ series against the Thunder, it became apparent the game was leaving him behind. I wrote my farewell back then. There have been some more good ones this week. Gregg Popovich had perhaps the best. Many former teammates and rivals bid Big Fundamental adieu on social media. Kevin Arnovitz waxes on the true lesson of the Duncan era. 538’s Neil Paine deems Duncan the best two-way player of the modern era. The writers of The Ringer mourn Duncan’s defeated foes. Jack McCallum, a legend himself, says goodbye to TD. Tim Cato wonders if the Spurs can still be The Spurs without Duncan.

NOW YOU TELL US: Adam Silver reiterates that the league as a rule does not like superteams. Speaking of the bosses, the league also announced tweaks to rules affecting intentional fouling. Upshot: get ready for somewhat fewer free throws by bad shooters.

WHAT’S MY AGE AGAIN: The Bucks believe and believe in Thon Maker, and that’s all that matters right now.

WHERE I’M FROM: Bismack Biyombo hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. That’s why he continues to send money to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

AWESOME: Rajon Rondo is serving as a mentor to 10 Chicago middle-school boys. Half of me thinks this is part of a plot to create a championship-level math club coached by Rondo, who will become the Phil Jackson of math club coaches. Jokes aside, this is really excellent initiative from Rondo.

I GUESS? Did the Warriors’ proto-dynasty start in 2012 Summer League? I mean ... sure? (When is the Kangz’ proto-dynasty based on the 2014 Summer League coming?)

HMM: Interesting Jason Patt analysis of the Knicks’ moves, which were clearly made with an eye on competing now without wagering the future. My disagreement would stem from the bevy of four-year deals the team made. If/when this version of the Knicks fails, you’re still paying older players exorbitant salaries. Even in the new NBA that’s not great.

PRESENTED WITHOUT COMMENT: Four Minneapolis police officers working security at a Minnesota Lynx game walked off the job because players wore t-shirts asking for accountability and justice and honoring those high-profile gun deaths from last week (including local school employee Philando Castile). The leader of the police union stoked the bad feelings by making fun of the Lynx’s crowds.

SOMETIMES YOU WIN, SOMETIMES YOU LOSE: On Monday I handed out some hardware for the winners, losers and New York Knicks of NBA free agency. Zach Lowe has his winners and losers, too. I am preparing the welcome committee on Lockout Island for his arrival!

MORE FREE AGENTS: I must say I’m not sitting around with bated breath waiting for announcements like Luis Scola joining the Nets or Sasha Vujacic re-upping with the Knicks. But until a few more big-name restricted free agents ink offer sheets, that’s where we are. Check out the tracker.

Happy Wednesday. See you next time.