Long-time Spur and future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan recently attended the San Antonio Spurs' team practice and challenged his replacement Pau Gasol to a game of one-on-one. "It wasn't planned, just kind of happened," Gasol said, "'Why don't we just play some one-on-one?'" he added.
The 6-foot-11 Tim Duncan spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, winning five championships, 15 all-star game selections, becoming 2-time season MVP, Rookie of the Year and more. You name it, he has done it.
Meanwhile, the 7-foot Pau Gasol has been in the NBA for 16 seasons and counting, won two championships with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, has six all-star game selections and also won Rookie of the Year.
Both players have a ton of achievements to boast as individuals but both are still students of the game. They never stop learning, that's why they are who they are and they've been where they've been.
"He challenged me defensively," Gasol said. "It was a little bit unfair because he's only playing defense, and I'm only playing offense. So his stops count as a point. My scores count as a point," he added.
It's a different day and age for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA 2016-17 season. The Big Fundamental is no longer there although Greg Popovich remains the head of the snake. Gasol is still trying to learn the Spurs way and Kawhi Leonard is still learning how to be a superstar in the NBA.
Last year, the Spurs were terrific at home. This year, they've lost several games at home but lost only one on the road. No doubt they are still a legit playoff team but they haven't looked impressive even in their wins. If they want to increase their chances of contending for a title, they have to find ways to dominate opposing teams like they have for the past decade.
If you want to know how to be successful in the NBA, Duncan is one of the people you should ask. And after their one-on-one game, he gave some tips to Gasol. Not like he needed any, it was just one great to another sharing some knowledge.
"Just every time I go quick on my moves, it makes a big difference," Gasol said. "He's a great defender, he's always been. He understands what works, what hurts him and what doesn't," he added.
Gasol is an important piece for the Spurs' title hopes. If he can get it going, they will be more dangerous. He is a 7-foot center who can pass like a point guard, has the shooting touch of a shooting guard, has the footwork and quickness of a forward, and the post moves of a dominant center.
