The Big Fundamental Will Now Be Coaching Fundamentals in the Association

Apparently, Tim Duncan just couldn't stay away.

The future Hall of Famer and ultimate template for consistency retired in 2016, predictably vanishing from public life for the most part.

However, he has returned to snap off crisp chest passes and school young bigs on appropriate low-post footwork in an official capacity.

He'll be doing these things as an assistant to Gregg Popovich, his partner in NBA title-hoarding for the better part of two decades.

 

Yeah, we think so as well.

The interesting part is that dude could literally do anything he wants, particularly if it involves the Spurs, but is choosing to become a full-time assistant coach.

This tells us that Duncan clearly missed the routine and even the grind of it all.

But hey, this is pure speculation on our part.

 

The point is, dude misses his hoops.

 

See, he just has to be around it.

According to reports, Manu Ginobili was actually approached first about this role, but declined, thus denying future Spurs the opportunity to add a pinch of nutmeg to their hoops diet.

However, he did react to the news with some solid troll work at the expense of his former teammate:

 

So the joke here would be that Manu only mentioned the other new assistant coach and not his pal Timmy.

 

It remains to be seen if Duncan will be forced to consume wine with Coach Pop while teaching the art of defensive rotation and back side help.