In a 106-88 victory with 11 different Spurs scoring a point, it's easy to forget about
Tim Duncan. He played only 23 minutes, after all. His performance, albeit in a limited stint, left nothing to be desired. 11 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists and 50 percent shooting. Extrapolated over 36 minutes, that's 17 points, 22 rebounds and 3 assists.
Duncan's role has been tricky to define with the new additions to the team. The other roles, while still a work-in-progress, are easier to project. Kawhi is the alpha dog, the guy who guards the best perimeter defender and runs the show. Aldridge will hoist up mid-range shots, defend, rebound, and assimilate into the Spurs system. Parker will create offense when necessary. Green's task is to defend, shoot 3-pointers and not dribble the ball too much. Manu, Diaw and Mills share the offensive burden when the starters need a break. Boban is there to be freakishly tall and take up space. When Bonner playes, he can shoot 3-pointers and space the floor for his teammates.
So what exactly is Duncan's role? We don't know, which is a credit to Duncan. He can score, though he hasn't needed to this season and likely won't shoulder much of the offensive load. He's fifth on the team in usage rate. He can rebound, pass, knock down the mid-range shot, create a fast break opportunity, operate a pick-and-pop, set a crushing pick to free his teammate, protect the rim, hug Tony Parker, whatever. Even at his advanced age, there isn't anything on a basketball court that Tim Duncan can't and will not do. There are not many better defenders than 39-year-old Duncan. That's not hyperbole, it's basketball fact.
His adjustment may take awhile longer than the rest because his job responsibility may change game-to-game depending on the opponent and the production of his teammates. He literally embodies the sports cliche of a glue guy. Whenever the Spurs need someone to step up in an area, Gregg Popovich's first option will be Tim Duncan to clean up the mess.
