Tim Duncan isn't completely leaving the San Antonio Spurs just yet. There were reports that the recently retired legend would be around the organization in an official capacity this season, and coach Gregg Popovich confirmed it at media day on Monday.
Pop said Tim Duncan has an official position with the Spurs, asked to elaborate, he said he's the coach of whatever he feels like.
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) September 26, 2016
Coach of whatever he feels like. That's an enviable job title, and it sounds right for a guy who gave the franchise whatever he had for 19 seasons, helping San Antonio set the standard for long-term excellence in the NBA.
Popovich added that Duncan "won't be on the bench," per the San Antonio Express-News' Jim Lefko. This is not surprising -- he's earned a break from all the travel involved in an 82-game schedule, plus the playoffs.
Duncan is synonymous with the Spurs and their culture. As long as he's living in San Antonio, there is no reason for the relationship to end. Even if he didn't have an official role, he would obviously be welcome to visit the team whenever he wanted. His mere presence will be helpful to the team as it tries to recruit players and teach them how to approach the game, and if Duncan wants to be in the front office or a coach one day, there's no better place for him to learn.
