The Spurs led the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, before losing four in-a-row, which led to their exit.
For Tim Duncan, he isn't getting any younger. At 36-years-old, it looks like he doesn't have anything else to play for than just padding his stats. The Spurs dynasty could end now, one, or even two years as we know it. Who knows if San Antonio can even make it to the Finals?
For Duncan, he already has four rings under his belt, is the Spurs all-time scoring-leader, and is unarguably the greatest power forward in NBA history. He can retire with honor, because it looks the Thunder have taken over as the top team in the West.
Duncan hasn't ruled out the option of retiring, as it showed Wednesday night after the Spurs' Game 6 loss. Duncan was asked of his future, since his contract expires at the end of June.
"Bottom line is the summer is going to come. The summer is going to be here, and it is what it is. I'll figure it out when I come to it. I haven't even thought about it, and I really don't care. I'll figure it out when it happens, just like everything else," he told the San Antonio Express-News.
Duncan told reporters a few weeks ago that he will be a "Spur for life." He also says that he plans to play about two more years before considering retirement. However, it could be now.
Duncan has reported to have had issues with his left knee and he even has to wear a brace when he's not playing. He made over $21 million this past season just off his contract, and if he looks to return, he will take a paycut.
Most likely, it looks like Duncan won't consider retirement until at least a year or two. He still has sights on the Finals, as long as he still has his core of Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and head coach Gregg Popovich.
And with him taking a paycut, the Spurs can have a chance to go after some players that can help out in free agency. The Spurs found out how great their core was this year by going younger, finding guys like Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Gary Neal, DeJuan Blair, and others that helped out. Veterans Matt Bonner and Stephen Jackson also had an impact.
Duncan's new-found diet has helped him stay strong at his age. He has been more mobile and healthy with it, which has led him to still be productive.
With that, don't see Duncan retiring this year, but I'm not surprised if it's on his mind right now.
We'll see what his decision is, but it'd be shocking if he retires this off-season.
Josh Dhani is the founder of FootBasket. He also contributes at Hoops Authority and Eight Points Nine Seconds. You can read more about him at his website. Follow him on Twitter @joshdhani.
