"I never thought anyone should be treated differently" - Tim Duncan ensured nobody got special privileges on the San Antonio Spurs

“I never thought anyone should be treated differently” – Tim Duncan ensured nobody got special privileges on the San Antonio Spurs originally appeared on Basketball Network.

Tim Duncan set a new benchmark for the power forward position with his exceptional skill set and unique personality. His ability to effectively contribute on both ends of the floor is what made him an all-time great. Despite his reserved nature, he proved to be a great leader and inspired many of his teammates and other players around the league.

As a first pick in the 1997 draft, Duncan played all 19 of his seasons for the San Antonio Spurs. A pivotal force in the franchise’s five championships, he was named Finals MVP in 1999, 2003, and 2005. Nicknamed the Big Fundamental, he was a true student of the game.

Duncan was instrumental in helping the franchise instill a unique eam first locker room culture. Popularly known as The Spurs Way, this approach emphasized principles such as a team-first mentality, player character development, long-term stability, high work ethic, and discipline.

A pioneering ambassador of the Spurs’ culture, Duncan once revealed that players with individual mindsets were not welcome.

“I never thought anyone should be treated differently. I always assume everyone should be held to the same standard,” said Timmy, who never shied away from taking accountability.

Gregg Popovich shared insights about Duncan’s leadership

Popovich certainly holds a special status in the Spurs organization and rightly so, given their nearly three-decade-long association. He coached the team to five championships, helping groom talents like Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.

Coach Pop shared a special relationship with Duncan, given their contributions to each other’s careers. Starting on a professional front, the player-coach duo shares a close friendship today. Having observed Timmy from Day One, Popovich revealed some interesting intel about him.

“He wasn’t a big talker, but he would put his hands on somebody’s shoulder, or he would be in a timeout, and he would say something, and everybody would calm down, everybody would listen, everybody would feel more confident. He just had that effect on our whole group. Timmy is one of those people – there’s no animosity towards anyone, he is kind, and at the same time, all business. What he cared about is that at practice or game, everybody do their job,” said Popovich, who had a 1001-391 winning record with The Big Fundamental.

On or off the court, Duncan never chased the glamor and glitz of an NBA star, letting his game do all the talking. Keeping it simple, he was consistent, reliable, and durable.

No preferential treatment on the Spurs roster

This philosophy formed one of the founding pillars of their culture, with players and Coach Pop swearing by it. They never hesitated to hold each other accountable for their actions, no matter how many MVPs or titles the individual had to their credit.

Popovich once revealed how being a harsh taskmaster with the star players often helped set the precedent for the entire roster. If big names like Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili could get an earful during practices, nobody was immune.

The Spurs followed some prerequisites when it came to adding personnel to their roster. There was no space for individuality, regardless of whether a particular player was considered a generational talent. Given their success in the previous decades, the front office had somewhat understood the recipe. They were aware of the external factors that needed to be considered when competing for a title.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

“I never thought anyone should be treated differently” – Tim Duncan ensured nobody got special privileges on the San Antonio Spurs

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