Legends are defined by the past. Their longevity transcends the life cycles of mere mortals. Their excellence sets a high bar for which future generations will aim to vaunt.
In the NBA, the undisputed dynasty of our time is the San Antonio Spurs, headed up by four immutable legends in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and head coach Gregg Popovich.
The Spurs' much-heralded exploits are familiar to millions. Since drafting Duncan 18 seasons ago, San Antonio has recorded a combined record of 1005-423 (70.4 win percentage), good for 17 50-win seasons and five championships across parts of three decades. No franchise - save for the Los Angeles Lakers - has come close to matching their success over the past 20 years.
That's what makes their Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers bittersweet. After 18 seasons, countless heartbreaks (Derek Fisher's miraculous three comes to mind, now Chris Paul's game winner) and many more triumphs, the dynasty of the Spurs may finally be drawing to a close, starting with the exit of Duncan and Ginobili.
Both Duncan and Ginobili were mum about retirement following their loss on Saturday.
If this is to be the end, it will be on their own terms. They're past their primes, sure, but they can definitely still play. Duncan led the Spurs in PER at 22.6 and Ginobili ranked fifth at 16.2. They're a step slower, but their wits are sharper than ever. Their success this season, in pushing the Spurs to 55 wins, proves as much.
But Father Time is relentless. Duncan and Ginobili have successfully parried his attacks for almost a decade (remember when people thought they were done after 2007? And then 2011?), but debt builds over time. Duncan is 39 and Ginobili is 37. Duncan hobbled around on one good leg and Ginobili could barely will his body to attack the paint against the Clippers. After 18 years for Duncan and 13 for Ginobili, maybe their time has finally come.
Moreover, their contracts are up and it might be time for the Spurs to pull off yet another timely reload. The Spurs lucked into Duncan just as David Robinson's career drew to a close, which led to a title. Father Time nearly caught up to Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, had Kawhi Leonard not emerged as a two-way star last season, which again led to a title. With 10 contracts coming off the books and names like LaMarcus Aldridge on the market, the Spurs have the opportunity to dodge death once more.
If this is to be the last we see of Duncan and Ginobili, then it's time for us to tip our caps and recognize greatness. Let all that they accomplished - the five titles, the 17 combined All-Star appearances, the unparalleled run of loyalty and professionalism, the beautiful style of unselfish basketball - let all that serve as the collective high bar for greatness for future generations.
If this is to be the end, let their legacies forever live on like the living legends that they are.
