July 02--Tim Duncan isn't ready to retire just yet.
The low-key superstar who has led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA titles announced Thursday that he will return next year for a 19th season, using a one-sentence text to the San Antonio Express-News:
"I'll be back on the court."
Those words should be enough to spark celebrations by Spurs fans hoping to keep together a wildly successful lineup that includes Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and is looking to add the services of highly coveted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.
According to the Express-News, Duncan was part of a contingent that traveled to Los Angeles on Wednesday to pitch the Spurs to Aldridge.
During the trip, the report said, Duncan had a sit-down discussion with Coach Gregg Popovich, which led to the 15-time all-star's decision to return for at least another year.
Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time league MVP, has spent his entire NBA career playing for Popovich in San Antonio. He and the Spurs are just a year removed from their most recent championship run.
