If ever the dictionary needed a face to place beside the word “stoic,” a suitable candidate would be San Antonio Spurs icon Tim Duncan. Despite his numerous accomplishments, which include five NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVPs, and two regular-season MVP trophies, Duncan did it all with very little flair, instead choosing to let his game do the talking.
But in the year 2000, Timmy couldn’t keep his steely facade up any longer after he injured his meniscus before the end of the regular season and was unable to compete in the NBA Playoffs. It was a time marked by uncertainty, especially since he had suited up in every game for the Spurs before that injury.
Advertisement
Timmy feared for his career
While Duncan never let his emotions show, on or off the court, talking about his knee injury brought him back to a place of vulnerability. He opened up about the physical and emotional toll it took on him, admitting that he feared he might not be able to return to the court ever again.
“Was I scared? Yes,” the Spurs big man remarked.
In his first three seasons in the NBA, after the Spurs picked him first in the 1997 NBA Draft, TD had already established himself as one of the league’s premier players. He was named to the All-Star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive Teams.
Advertisement
However, the knee issue cast doubt on his future. After all, knee injuries are always tricky, and many promising players (Brandon Roy and Penny Hardaway always come to mind) have seen their careers derailed because of them.
“I wondered if I’d be able to play again. My fear was that this was the longest period of time I’d ever gone without touching a basketball. And I really didn’t know when I was going to be able to,” Duncan revealed.
Injury was always at the back of his mind
Outside the basketball court, Duncan revealed a few things that terrified him: heights and sharks. Both raise eyebrows, especially since he grew up on a tropical island, St. Croix, where sharks were abundant. But on the court, he maintained that he only had one.
Advertisement
“Not being able to play anymore,” the Big Fundamental asserted. “Being injured again, that scares me. That scares the hell out of me.”
The summer of 2000 was pivotal for Timmy. Aside from dealing with the knee injury, he also considered moving to another team. One team in particular, the Orlando Magic, was hot on his heels and willing to break the bank to acquire his services.
If coach Doc Rivers had agreed to let Duncan’s significant other ride on the same plane as the team did during road trips, Duncan could have donned a Magic uniform and teamed up with Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill.
Advertisement
As history showed, Duncan was able to return from his injury and, for the most part, went on to play mostly injury-free throughout his illustrious 19-year career with the Silver and Black.
Injuries are always tough, especially when they involve the knee joints; regaining the confidence and mental strength to push through and continue playing at a high level is no easy feat. However, it was just another challenge for Duncan to overcome and prove his resilience as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.