Tim Duncan is easily the greatest player to ever suit up for the San Antonio Spurs, and he remains an active member of the Spurs' community. However, he seems to really enjoy watching a Western Conference rival go to work, and the admiration goes both ways.
There's not really a player more important to a singular franchise than Tim Duncan is to the San Antonio Spurs. Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, and Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers all come to mind, although Duncan is in a class of his own.
Not only does Duncan remain in San Antonio, but he is a constant at the training facility, seemingly always willing to lend a hand despite not being officially on the coaching staff.
Just because Duncan remains enamoured with the Silver and Black, however, doesn't mean he can't adore other teams.
Tim Duncan Should Love the New Orleans Pelicans
In the Spurs' most recent loss, they were shut down by the New Orleans Pelicans' physicality. Herb Jones posted nine points and two blocks, and has become a quiet leader on the young Pelicans' roster.
After the game, Jones got high praise, comparing him to Duncan.
"He's an example guy," Pelicans' head coach James Borrego said. "And, I think, the greatest to do it here, Tim Duncan, was the same way. He led by example. Over time, though, he found a voice to lead. There’s a leadership quality in his words as well. When Tim Duncan spoke up, everyone listened. When Herb Jones speaks up, everyone listens."
Borrego coached Duncan as a part of Gregg Popovich's staff from 2003-10, and again in the 2015-16 season, the last of Duncan's career. The feeling of admiration goes both ways, as one of Duncan's favorite players suits up for New Orleans.
"Right now, I’m sitting here with my phone in my hand, and Tim Duncan just sent me a text about Derik Queen,” said Antonio Daniels on the broadcast during a November game between the Spurs and Pelicans. “He said, ‘Man, I really like Queen guy.’ Me too, bro! Me too!”
Are the Pelicans a sleeping giant in the West? No, they're one of the worst teams in the entire league, and have been for several years. However, between rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, as well as some high-level role-players, New Orleans is one reliable star player away from finally taking the next step, and Duncan has long been aware of them.