In a league of constant change, one thing we could count on was the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim Duncan was always going to be the Big Fundamental, effortlessly banking in shots while dominating the boards and protecting the paint. Manu Ginobili was the balding Argentinian guard with the quirky game who knew how to keep defenders off balance and drove coach Gregg Popovich crazy with his shot selection, even when they went in. Tony Parker was the speedy French guard who knew how to get into the lane and had endless tricks for making shots over taller defenders.
The Spurs’ Big Three have rewritten the NBA history books in their combined 48 years of service. They helped bring five titles to San Antonio, although only Duncan was there for the first one. They set a league record for the most career wins by three teammates. They made the Spurs a postseason fixture, with a run of playoff appearances that dates back to Duncan’s rookie season. They played the game the right way — sharing the ball, helping on defense, making the extra pass — and became an example that coaches across the world could point to. They were called boring, but the fans in San Antonio never got tired of watching them. They were classy in victory and defeat. They were dependable. They were always there.
But now they may not be.
After 67 regular-season wins, the Spurs saw their playoff run end in shocking fashion Thursday with a one-sided loss to the Thunder in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinal series. There will be no sixth title coming to San Antonio this year and no dream matchup with the 73-win Warriors. As the younger, more athletic Thunder raced past the Spurs, it felt like not just the end of the series, but the end of an era.
Duncan and Ginobili both said they will wait to make decisions on retirement. Duncan, 40, has a player option for next season worth nearly $6.4MM, including incentives. Ginobili, 38 with another birthday looming in July, has a player option at a little more than $2.9MM. Parker’s situation is more complicated, as he is signed for the next two seasons at $14,445,313 and $15,453,126. He will turn 34 this week and the Spurs may want to start rebuilding if Duncan and Ginobili don’t return. There are already rumblings that San Antonio will make a run at Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley when he hits free agency in July.
That brings us to tonight’s question: Have we seen the last of the Big Three in San Antonio? Do you expect Duncan and Ginobili to end their careers or will they take one more shot at another title? And will the Spurs try to find a taker for Parker and go in a different direction at point guard?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
plz parker&duncan&ginobili its time to retire, thnx for everything.
patty mills should be traded immediately.
Yes. The reason they lost to the thunder was because they were not fast or athletic enough against a young and talent filled thunder. Duncan and ginobili is the second oldest player in the league, and ginobili sixth. They aren’t the same players anymore. They might come back, but chances are they retire together and not suffer through another long season. And Parker is known for his speed and driving into the lane, which he can’t do as well anymore. RC and pop will make the sacrifices needed to become better, shown last year when they got lamarcus. Sad end to an era, but I expect Duncan to retire with him slowing down this season, ginobili also may feel the same way. And if they can get Conley(or durant/horford) Parker will probably be gone too. But best trio of all time, and all future hall of famers. They’ll be missed by the Spurs greatly.
Since the spurs are a well run team. I don’t think we will see much of a drop off if the big 3 aren’t back
I’m thinking that Duncan and Ginobili both retire. Think they will then sign Rondo and and a Center like Whiteside or Howard. Just my guess. Personally don’t like the Spurs but I do ass them in store for a makeover.
If they can get another big time free agent, I can see them sticking around. Conley or Durant would be great. I think Pau Gasol is more likely to come and that may be enough to keep ginobili and Duncan from retiring.