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Clippers players react to Tim Duncan’s retirement

By Tom West

Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) go for a loose ball during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) go for a loose ball during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Everyone around the NBA is saddened to see Tim Duncan retire and privileged to have experienced his career. Of course, members of the Los Angeles Clippers shared their reactions to the news.

The retirement of Tim Duncan has hit the basketball world hard. It was fairly expected after a difficult showing against the hyper-athletic Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs and him gradually approaching his 41st birthday, but the quiet reveal of the decision still comes as a shock. In the most Timmy-like way possible, an official announcement rather than a joyous farewell tour or even a flashy press conference, 19 historic years were over. And like everyone else, the Los Angeles Clippers shared their reactions.

The Clippers’ last playoff matchup against the Spurs came in a thrilling seven-game series in 2015, coming down to a penultimate final second when Chris Paul buried an awkward shot off the backboard over none other than Duncan himself.

In that series, Blake Griffin played some of the best basketball of his life. While facing off against a frontcourt rotation featuring Duncan, Boris Diaw, and the player obliterated by a trio of Blake’s dunks, Aron Baynes, Griffin averaged 24.1 points, 13.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.

He put on a clinic with his total skill set and undoubtedly appreciated the chance to compete against the best power forward of all time in Duncan.

Paul shared several photos, ranging from a childhood photo, two images showing their shared experienced playing at Wake Forest during their college days, to a photo from the 2015 All-Star game.

Austin Rivers took to Instagram to praise Duncan, honouring his devotion to team as everyone always will.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHup1f0De42/

As for Jamal Crawford? He went straight to the point by saying Duncan is the greatest power forward ever.

J.J. Redick referenced the record of Duncan winning 50 games in every season he was with the Spurs, with the only exception being the 1999 lockout season when they went 37-13 and won the championship, while losing only two games in their entire playoff run.

In fact, Duncan and his retirement had such a heartfelt impact on so many around the league that even Doc Rivers, who has only tweeted nine times in his life, took to Twitter to express his reaction.

Fans, players and coaches alike have done nothing but admire Tim Duncan over his 19-year Spurs career. Five championships, becoming the only player in history to win a title in three different decades, recording a win percentage of at least 60 in every season he played (the record for the most consecutive seasons with a win percentage that high in the four major sports), receiving 15 All-NBA honors (tying the record) and 15 All-Defensive Team honors (breaking the record) — those numbers and accolades barely scrape the surface of what he’s achieved.

Next: Celtics still interested in Blake Griffin trade

When thinking of a player that’s universally respected and admired for both their talent and character, Duncan is who you’ll think of. He’ll be sorely missed and the Spurs will never be the same again.

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