Tim Duncan is mostly seen as a quiet player, but he was a fantastic leader for the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Gregg Popovich appreciated his leadership, which he recognized throughout their two decades together.
From 1997 to 2016, Tim Duncan was the face of the San Antonio Spurs franchise. He was not the flashiest player, but he was extremely effective. During his tenure with the Spurs, he won five NBA championships, playing a big role as a building block in every title win.
He even earned three Finals MVPs, two regular-season MVPs, 15 All-Star Game appearances, and 15 All-NBA team nods. Duncan did not play with much flair, but he had everything one would want from an NBA superstar.
Longtime Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had a strong connection with Duncan, which even led to him being the standard for Victor Wembanyama. They stayed connected because Popovich appreciated Duncan’s leadership as a player and as an assistant coach.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesPopovich appreciated Duncan’s unique leadership
During his NBA career with the Spurs, Duncan was productive with his fundamental skills on the court. That is clear when looking at his trophy cabinet, but he also stepped up in the locker room. He had a strong presence because he led by example.
However, it also meant that it was special when he spoke up in the huddle. Duncan commanded everyone’s respect through his game, and that leadership style worked in San Antonio for two decades.
Popovich loved seeing that from Duncan because he was consistent in everything he did for the Spurs. The quiet leadership worked out for the Spurs, as they won five titles in total with Duncan as a prominent player.
“He was not a big talker. But he would just put his hand on somebody’s shoulder or be in a timeout, and say something, and everyone would calm down. Everyone will listen and feel confident,” Popovich said on the Ring of the Rowel docuseries on the Spurs’ YouTube channel.
“He is kind and at the same time, all business. What he cared about in that practice or game was everyone doing their job.”
Duncan has an unmatched legacy in San Antonio
With five championships as one of the best players, Duncan is a legend in San Antonio. No player comes close to his legacy in the city, as he is considered the undisputed best player in franchise history. Even his former teammates would agree because Duncan earned every bit of his success.
On the court, he was a stellar player who intimidated opponents through his skill. Away from it, he was a leader through and through. He was not the prototypical leader who would shout often. Duncan was the quiet type of leader who led by example and spoke when he needed to.
Popovich appreciated that kind of leadership because it was a great dynamic between head coach and star player. The longtime head coach was the loud one, as he barked orders from the bench and in huddles.
It was a perfect partnership that ended with five NBA championships. Now, all franchises want to have a strong relationship between their coaches and star players, as the Spurs did. It was a perfect storm for San Antonio, and Duncan’s leadership was a massive part of their success.