Tim Duncan entered the NBA in 1997 as a first-round first-overall pick. As someone who grew up watching Michael Jordan dominate the NBA, a lot of people expected the talented San Antonio Spurs rookie to be a huge MJ fan like everyone else. But the future five-time NBA Champion proved that he is different from others in a rare 1998 interview.
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In a stunning turn of events, Tim Duncan expressed his apathy for Michael Jordan during his interview with Dan Patrick in his first season in the NBA. “I’ve always respected him but I’ve never been a fan of his,” Duncan told Patrick.
“Why aren’t you a fan of Jordan’s?” Patrick then asked. “Because everybody else is,” the Spurs star replied.
However, Duncan clarified that he is not trying to stand out by not claiming he’s a Jordan fan. He just doesn’t like MJ in general.
“I don’t like Michael Jordan because I don’t like Michael Jordan,” Duncan added.
This declaration may seem to hint at a sour relationship between the two basketball giants. However, Jordan chose to rise above the remarks and responded with an unexpected display of admiration.
His Airness praised Duncan’s exceptional fundamentals when he had the chance to, acknowledging his talents. The six-time NBA Champion also stated that the Spurs star should not be discounted just because he is not flashy like some of the other stars in the league.
The older generation of players demonstrated a different dynamic between themselves. They played with relentless intensity, engaged in spirited trash-talking, and yet maintained a profound respect for one another due to the fierce battles they fought on the court.
Jordan and Duncan went at each other in 1997
Among the many battles Tim Duncan took part in his rookie season, one particular clash with Michael Jordan stands out as an iconic moment. The young prodigy faced off against the seasoned veteran in a sequence of plays that would forever be etched in the memories of basketball enthusiasts. The two superstars engaged in an exhilarating back-and-forth.
In a display of his defensive tenacity and timing, Jordan blocked Duncan’s layup attempt. However, Duncan matched the response with equal fervor, refusing to be outdone. He swiftly reacted to a double-team on Jordan and sent the latter’s fadeaway shot out of bounds with a well-timed slash.
This remarkable exchange highlighted the sheer competitive fire that burned within both players. That’s a reason why Timmy D earned MJ’s respect.
