Spurs unsure what to expect from stoic Duncan at jersey retirement ceremony
Tim Duncan became known throughout his 19-year career not just for his extraordinary two-way play, but for his unflappable calm (give or take a few incredulous, bug-eyed stares) and stable emotional center.
With the San Antonio Spurs set to hoist his No. 21 jersey to the rafters Sunday night, that famed stoicism will be put to the test as Duncan faces an avalanche of sentimentality. His teammates, past and present, aren't quite certain what to expect.
"It depends on what you expect to see from an emotional Tim," Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili told Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. "Just because he holds them inside doesn't mean he doesn't have them. I assume that it's impossible not to feel things when something like this happens."
Related: Popovich hopes he won't cry when Spurs retire Duncan's jersey
Duncan will take the microphone at some point during the ceremony, and opinions are split on how long he'll hold onto it for. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich estimated that Duncan will speak for two minutes, but former teammate - and current Spurs color commentator - Sean Elliott thinks that's a stretch.
"If it goes over a minute," Elliott told McDonald, "we'll all be shocked."
Duncan's onetime backup Sean Marks, now the general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, doesn't expect the speech to be wrought with any frills.
"Probably the same as always," Marks said of how Duncan will receive the honor. "With the humility he's always shown throughout his entire career. Not wanting a farewell, not wanting anything. It's never been about him."
It will be on Sunday, though. And while even those close to him are curious to see how he'll react, they're mostly just happy he'll get to experience a moment that belongs entirely to him.
"He accomplished some unbelievable things," Ginobili said. "It's going to be a great opportunity to close it the way he deserves."
"What could be better than to honor Timmy, with what he's meant to the franchise and the way he's conducted himself?" Popovich said. "It will be a special night. We'll try not to embarrass him too much."