Often times we feel that we have to keep all our knowledge to ourselves because if we let someone else know what we know, they might gain an advantage over us in sports; and by no means are we ever allowed to let an opponent in on our secrets. We hold our game plan close to our chest and keep it like it is a treasure only for us.
But today I came across a story about a NBA basketball player and not just any basketball player. Tim Duncan, possibly the greatest power forward in the history of the game. He has always been known as a quiet assassin. A player who shows up for work and quietly goes about his business, but in the process, he has won 5 NBA championships, one MVP and has been selected to 15 All Star games.
But for all Tim Duncan, commonly referred to as the “Big Fundamental” has achieved, this story might be the tipping point and put him in the next level as not only a great player but a great human being.
Etan Thomas, a veteran of nine NBA seasons shared a story about Tim Duncan. He stated
“Here is my Tim Duncan story. So we’re playing the Spurs and I get the ball on the post. I inside pivot and sweep to the middle for my jump hook and he blocks it. So as we are running down the court, he says to me ‘that was a good move but you have to get more into my body so you can either draw the foul or I can’t block it.’ So I didn’t know if he was just talking noise or what so I just looked at him confused and said ‘ok’. The a few plays later, I did it again and got more into his body and he couldn’t block it. I missed the shot and he looked at me and said much better and kept playing… Tim Duncan is honestly one of the nicest guys in the NBA and one of the best power forwards ever. Respect.”
This story floored me and reminded me of the Little League Pledge that stated “I will play fair and strive to win but WIN or LOSE, I will always do my best.” I know we are originally taught about the proper way to play the game. I know we are taught that how we play the game is always more important than if we win the game, but sometimes we lose that important message. In the quest for the almighty “win” – we forget what is most important.
It is great when we are reminded that the best players in the world still sometimes oblige by this pledge.
Tim “The Big Fundamental” Duncan has always stuck to his fundamentals on the court and it is great to hear that he has stuck to his fundamentals in life.
Thank you Tim.