Tim Duncan is the newest voice on the bench of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, but that hasn't stopped him from going back to his old habits of putting his toes on the line and running sprints at the start of training camp.
The five-time NBA champion took the sideline and ran from one end of the court to the other, considerably slower than those taking part of camp.
New Spurs assistant coach Tim Duncan, dressed out in his practice gear, runs with players after practice. He’s the guy on the far end, closest to the wall. @DavidFloresKENS pic.twitter.com/1h2bATrl9p
— David Flores (@DavidFloresKENS) October 2, 2019
Call it an act of hazing if you will, but nothing gets the respect of these players like a player of Duncan's caliber still willing to lace them up and run alongside the rest of the team.
Popovich has always made his stars accountable on the floor and has been reportedly tough on them when he had to be, so it comes to no surprise to see Duncan running sprints, even if he won't suit up in a Spurs jersey once the season starts.
The Spurs can use some of Duncan's veteran savvy and championship experience, as they face a complete overhaul now that Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the aforementioned have called it a career. Popovich should count with his point guard Dejounte Murray back in the lineup after missing the entire 2018-19 season with a torn ACL, which he sustained in a preseason game against the Houston Rockets.
Duncan's influence will help this team navigate a long regular season, and if his sprints are any indication, he'll ask players to pace themselves as they aim for a 23rd consecutive playoff appearance.
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