Popovich may also leave after Duncan era

SAN ANTONIO – Unlike nearly half of the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan came back this season. That meant coach Gregg Popovich did, too.

But when Duncan leaves?

“It’s just a freak of nature that our contracts coincide perfectly,” quipped Popovich, dusting off a wisecrack he’s recycled for years.

Sooner rather than later, Pop’s punch line will be no joke.

Duncan enters his 13th NBA season with the end of his brilliant career squarely in sight. On paper, there are three years left on his contract. On the court, the signs are in the conspicuous brace guarding his vulnerable left knee and in his starring role getting smaller.

The player nicknamed Big Fundamental is staring down the big inevitable.

“It’s very logical, it’s very real. I’ve got a couple of years left on my career, and hopefully I can end it strong,” Duncan said. “I know the window for me is closing.”

At 23, Duncan was a prodigious talent making home movies of his first NBA title celebration because he said there was no guarantee he’d get the chance again. Now 33, Duncan is a four-time champion and perhaps the greatest power forward in NBA history, a guy Shaquille O’Neal considers his rival for claim to the greatest big man of their generation.  (AP)