T. Duncan: "We can be as good as anyone"

Special guest on the Tony Parker Show, Tim Duncan spoke with his Spurs’ teammate about the upcoming season. The 13-time All-Star can’t wait to be back on the court and think San Antonio can still be a championship contender.

Are you happy that the NBA started? And are you excited for the first game of the season against Memphis ?

Yes, I'm really happy it started. The offtime was as good thing for me. I got in shape and got to spend time with my family. The first game of the seaon will be great for us, to get right back on the horse and try to beat the guys that took us out last year.

Physically, how do you feel?

I feel great. I'm in good shape, my body feels really good. I've been running and shooting the ball well. I’m just waiting for the season to start.

You're going to play 66 games in four months, does it scare you ?

It's going to be rough, for sure, but it's the same for everybody. So there's nothing to do about it. Just play.

You were drafted in the first round in 1997. What do you think about the evolution of basketball?

We've got less and less big men. They also are a lot more athletic. And everybody is looking for big men nowadays. It's a bit different, the talent is increasing, the athleticism is increasing, that's just the evolution of basketball.

It's the last year of your contract. Do you think it's your last season or do you wanna play some more ?

If I keep feeling as good as I do right now, I'd like to play a couple more years but only time will tell.

You've played 14 years with the Spurs. If you wanted to play for another team, which team would it be?

At this point, I wouldn't want to play for anybody else. I don't know if there is another team able to put together the system that we have here. I love my teammates, I really like playing with Manu (Ginobili) and Tony. And playing for Popovich is great.

What do you think about the Spurs' chances to win the championship ? And what is your opinion on the Clippers and the big trade ? (Chris Paul was traded from New Orleans to the LA Clippers last week.)

The Clippers are a very good team now. Chris Paul will have a lot of fun playing with Blake (Griffin) and DeAndre (Jordan). As for us, I think we are in the same position than last year. If we manage to stay healthy and if we play well at the right time, we can be as good as anyone.

Last question, what is your top 5, position by position, in the history of the NBA ?

That’s a difficult question. I will go with Wilt Chamberlain or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at center. Karl Malone at 4. I’ll make Michael Jordan the 3. And of course, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker at 2 and 1!

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