"People say, 'Mother Teresa, Jesus and the Dalai Lama" - Gregg Popovich would rather have a dinner with Tim Duncan than other famous people

Yahoo

18-05-2025

Tim Duncan dedicated his entire NBA career to the San Antonio Spurs, where he thrived under the mentorship of Coach Gregg Popovich. Over the years, the two developed a profound and enduring bond that significantly influenced both their lives and careers.
In 2016, when Duncan officially announced his retirement, Popovich took the opportunity to express his deep admiration for the legendary power forward. During a media scrum, Pop reflected on the unique nature of his relationship with "The Big Fundamental" and dropped an epic yet heartfelt comment.
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While many might choose to have a dinner with someone famous or iconic, Popovich made it clear that, for him, there was no one he would rather share that experience with than Timmy.
"You know, if you have one night and you could go to dinner, go to lunch with so-and-so, who would you like to do it with?" Popovich told a group of reporters in 2016. "People say, 'Mother Teresa, Jesus. and the Dalai Lama.' And okay, I get it but… I can honestly tell you, my dinner would be with Timmy."
"And it would be because he was the most real, consistent, true person I have ever met in my life," the coach added of Duncan. "He was so genuine that it blows your mind… To spend time with Timmy is really sublime."
What Popovich liked the most about Duncan
Renowned for his extraordinary skill set, Duncan has rightfully earned his place among the greatest players in NBA history. His pivotal contributions were instrumental in securing five NBA championships for the Spurs, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful athletes in the sport. In fact, many even consider Timmy the greatest power forward to have ever played in the NBA.
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However, what truly sets Duncan apart is not just his impressive accolades or basketball prowess, but his remarkable humility. Throughout his illustrious career, the retired big man remained grounded despite his numerous achievements. His incredible humility is precisely what resonated with Popovich, who deeply appreciated Tim's ability to stay modest and focused, even in the face of immense success.
"The most important comment I can make about TD is that I can honestly say, to Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, who have passed, is that man right there is exactly the same person now as he was when he walked in the door," Pop once said of Duncan.
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Pop and Timmy built the Spurs dynasty
Gregg and Tim are the two most respected names in the Spurs franchise. Their partnership is not just a story of individual talent but a remarkable tale of collaboration that transformed a small-market team into a dynasty.
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At the core of Popovich and Duncan's success is their shared values and goals. Both individuals prioritized teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic. As the head coach, Pop emphasized the importance of fundamentals and a team-oriented approach. "The Big Fundamental," meanwhile, embodied these principles on the court. His ability to lead by example inspired his teammates, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect.
All told, the partnership between two basketball icons is a powerful example of leadership, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Their legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of Spurs history, reminding fans of the profound impact that long-lasting collaboration can have in achieving greatness.
Related: David West on playing under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio: "Like going to basketball college"