Tim Duncan x Kobe Bryant Retirement: Imminent Comparisons

The retirement of two NBA superstars, who from the start have been through divergent paths symbolizes an end of an era, loyalty NBA as an article called it. Kobe Bryant, a 17 year old, arrogantly “takes his talents to the NBA,” drafted by New Orleans and traded to the bright lights of the city of Los Angeles while Tim Duncan, a college student, drafted from Wake Forest to the San Antonio Spurs. One year apart on draft (1996,97) and a couple months apart to retirement, these two greats have competed and been awed by their team’s most loyal fans.

Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, retired in a much deserved farewell tour suitable for a global superstar. Tim Duncan, the Big Fundamental, retired in an ever defying anti-NBA fanfare through a press release. Kobe, scrutinized, beloved and hated by the people that work for, with and opposite of him on and off the court. Through malicious scandals, the anti and pro Kobe are much polarized. Tim, quiet and less controversial star has continuously been graced as an underrated superstar. While Turkish Airlines aired cool Kobe Bryant vs Lionel Messi’s selfie contests, Tim Duncan is making awkward HEB commercials with his teammates, Tony Parker and now LaMarcus Aldridge.

Beloved by teammates, unimpressed by the press, Tim silently symbolized the epitome of selfless leader of a great basketball team. While Kobe, constantly scrutinized as a ball hog and selfish player. Kobe Bryant, through his documentaries, was able to showcase his talent, struggles and back stories. Tim Duncan simply decided his personal life was not other’s business.

Yet through it all, both have five-championships under their belt. When it really matters, they were able to get the job done. These two greats, in their respective 19 years in the industry, continually demonstrated the loyalty that may not be present in the new up and coming NBA stars.

As a Laker and die-hard Kobe fan, the long farewell tour made me miss him every night; however, as much as it pains me to say, it was dragged on until his mic finally dropped. Contrary, Tim Duncan’s press release was ripping off the band aid as quickly as he could. NBA, more so, San Antonio fans will suddenly subtlety feel amiss without Tim Duncan’s presence and quiet demeanor. As Kobe leaves, the Los Angeles scrambles to look for an emergence of a new superstar and new breath of life; Duncan leaves the core of Spurs mostly in tact, who will miss his locker room leadership but have the knowledge he has taught them through the years. As we expect to see the last of Tim Duncan, with very few appearances, Kobe Bryant is only getting started in his new spotlight.

These two greats depicted the polar opposites of the cities they represent. Both Hall of Famers with undeniable charisma, power and love for the game. Two staples in the NBA. Both love the game immensely, in their own ways.

Yes, yes I am a Kobe die hard.