Tim Duncan Was Cool

Okay, maybe not cool. But as a lifelong Spurs fan and Duncan fanatic I’ve learned to appreciate the few glimpses of cool he gave us.

Contrary to popular belief, Tim Duncan was athletic. It’s just that his athleticism faded so long ago that we don’t remember it. But there was a time when he could slide onto point guards in the pick and roll, and he was too quick for almost any big man guarding him. He even did stuff like this.

He always seemed like a great teammate. Whether it was a hug, a pat on the butt or an affectionate hand on the head, he showed more love to his teammates than anyone I’ve ever seen in the NBA.

He seemed like a good father and always had his kids around, even in the tunnel before playoff games.

It might be a stretch to say that he was funny, but he never took himself too seriously.

He wore sunglasses once.

Never mind, that wasn’t cool.

He was always himself even when being weird wasn’t cool yet in the NBA. Dungeons and Dragons and wizard tattoos might not be cool, but you know what is? Being authentic to who you are as a person.

There was one thing that made Tim Duncan cooler than anyone else.

Goodbye to one of the greatest players of all time and my favorite. I’m going to miss you.