Tim Duncan Injury: Updates on Spurs Star's Knee and Return
San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan missed three games due to a knee injury, beginning on Dec. 26 against the Denver Nuggets. However, he has been cleared to return to the court.
Continue for updates.
Duncan Will Play vs. Rockets
Thursday, Dec. 31
The Spurs announced Duncan will return against the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Spurs Wise to Take Cautious Approach with Duncan
Duncan is one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA and is still a critical cog in the Spurs machine in his 19th season in the league. He is a double-double threat every time he takes the floor and likely needs to be in the lineup come playoff time if the Spurs hope to win the title.
Duncan is a 15-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA MVP, a former Rookie of the Year and a three-time NBA Finals MVP. At his best, he is a defensive force in the middle, a deadly mid-range shooter and can still control the glass on both ends. He has taken a step back at age 39, but he is still averaging nine points and eight boards a night in 2015-16.
LaMarcus Aldridge is versatile enough to play center or power forward and is one of the league's best players with five straight seasons of more than 21 points and eight rebounds a game. If Duncan is injured or out later in the season, he can help fill the void.
San Antonio's depth has proved crucial, and Duncan's return provides a major lift. Despite his incredible career, Duncan is likely nearing retirement. This season may be his last real chance to take home a title, but he needs to be on the floor with his team for that to become a reality.
