Tim Duncan to play first eight games of season after giving Spurs two weeks notice

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs will have Tim Duncan in uniform for less than 10-percent of the 2016–2017 after the franchise legend submitted his two weeks notice on Monday.

“Just a really professional guy to the very end,” said Spurs general manager R.C. Buford. “For someone who has been here as long as he has, no one would have complained if he just called it quits. But there is a company policy and he’s following it. I respect the guy so much.”

Duncan said he feels he is “no different than any other employee,” plus he thinks he needs the extra two weeks to meet with HR and also transition some projects onto his replacement.

“You don’t just retire one day and the next day go on with your life,” he said. “I have to turn in my parking pass, I need to find out about my health insurance, my 401(k), all kinds of stuff. And then I need at least a week with LaMarcus Aldridge to show him some of my low post moves. Honestly, getting it all done in just two weeks will be tough.”

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said he’ll enjoy Duncan’s final two weeks with the team.

“We’ll have a big party for him on his final day,” he said. “It’s a surprise, so don’t tell him. But we’re going to get him a vanilla cake with no icing. It’s his favorite.”