5 best moments from Tim Duncan’s jersey retirement ceremony
1. Pop Look
Gregg Popovich’s time on the mic was the most heartfelt, must-watch TV of the entire evening.
He was curt and brash as ever, explaining why Duncan made such a good leader for the rest of his teammates, no matter who was on the roster:
Gregg Popovich on Tim Duncan: "If your superstar can take a hit every now and then, everyone else can shut the hell up and fall in line."
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 19, 2016
He told a hilarious story about the time Duncan almost considered leaving the Spurs for the Orlando Magic in free agency, making Pop sweat it out as long as possible before breaking the happy news that he’d be staying:
You remember that time Tim Duncan almost went to Orlando? Duncan made Gregg Popovich sweat it out#thankyouTD pic.twitter.com/Oqx46C5zBm
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) December 19, 2016
But amidst all the funny stories and typical Pop-isms, it was the head coach’s heartfelt, emotional side that caught us by surprise and made us feel all of the feels.
At one point, Popovich got choked up looking at his former superstar player, needing to take a moment to compose himself as he teared up.
SERIOUSLY. FIND SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO LOOKS AT YOU THE SAME WAY POP LOOKS AT TIMMY:
— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) December 19, 2016
Popovich praised Duncan, paying him the ultimate compliment to close out his speech in honor of the late Mr. and Mrs. Duncan:
"That man right there is exactly the same person now as he was when he walked in the door."
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 19, 2016
Pop talking about his soul mate #ThankYouTD
And of course, no tribute speech would’ve been complete without the final hug that made it a bit dusty up in the AT&T Center
WE’RE NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING.
Next: Gregg Popovich reacts to Craig Sager's death (Video)
You can check out Pop’s entire speech here.