SLAM LAST UPDATED » September 5, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Wednesday, August 16th, 2006  |  85 Comments

Starting 5: Tim Duncan Q&A

The Big Fundamental speaks on Dick Bavetta, Emeril, dirty laundry and much more…

by Lang Whitaker

Time to introduce another new bauble to SLAMonline.com. A few weeks ago, I came up with five questions. They’re simple, they’re innocuous, but they’re things I thought would generate at least mildly amusing reactions.

So, every so often we’ll post a new entry that we’ll call Starting 5. Five identical questions, several different answers, one cool player.

For our debut, today’s player is eight-time All-Star, two-time NBA MVP and three-time NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan.

(By the way, the part at the very beginning that’s sorta inaudible is when Duncan sits down and snatches my questions away from me, and I point out that he’s looking at the wrong page.)

Invite a Friend





Invite a friend    POST A COMMENT

85 Responses to “Starting 5: Tim Duncan Q&A”

Aug.16 at 6:30 pm

Bernie from Phoenix says:
Loved the direct deposit question!! That was hilarious!!!

Aug.16 at 6:48 pm

Alex says:
Thanks Lang. I seriously have wondered about that paycheck question. Good stuff.

Aug.16 at 7:00 pm

Aaron says:
From now and I think Duncan should not be referred to as the “Big Fundamental” but the “Brontosaurus” instead. No thing fits his personality and look more. Go back and watch Jurassic Park and smell what I’m cookin..

Aug.16 at 7:02 pm

Nadav says:
You didn’t just point that out to Tim, you FLAT OUT TOLD HIM!

Aug.16 at 7:45 pm

Allen says:
Tim Duncan sounds a lot like Tiger Woods.

Aug.16 at 9:00 pm

Drew says:
Da Bears! and yeah he sounds like Tiger for sure.

Aug.16 at 9:34 pm

G says:
please post a transcript of the convo’s!! it’s a bit hard to pretend you’re working with TD blaring out the speakers…

Aug.16 at 9:50 pm

Cheryl says:
Great stuff, Lang. I can totally see Timmy with the apron on flippin’ the steaks and chicken legs. Can’t wait for the next installment.

Aug.16 at 9:55 pm

Matthew says:
Lang, you’re all over it. Nice work with Tim and now… shoulda made those bets out in Vegas. I just heard the last player to be cut from USA basketball… You guessed it; Bruce “Not so Almighty after all” Bowen. Good call.

Aug.16 at 10:31 pm

Lang Whitaker says:
Well, not to say I told you so, but…

Aug.16 at 11:08 pm

Dblizzy says:
He said the money goes to his “financial people” I hope he’s checking those statements. Remember what happened to Vince Carter…

Aug.17 at 12:30 am

kdubb says:
Duncan sounds like a cool, down to earth guy. Good interview. good Q’s. more interviews!! Lang, it would be hilarious if you interviewed Isiah Thomas. You gotta do it man.

Aug.17 at 2:20 am

Froggiestyle says:
Slam 2.0 Been in effect - go get a late pass

Aug.17 at 4:14 am

bja says:
What happened to Vince Carter? I remember reading Mark Jackson’s ‘financial advisor’ stole millions from him.

Aug.17 at 2:09 pm

Brian says:
Duncan complaining about the refs is a riot. Who’s up next Wade?

Aug.17 at 2:18 pm

Vyse says:
Lmao @ Lang’s voice. Oh man. Duncan is the best man in the NBA.

Aug.17 at 5:54 pm

Laura says:
Aw, that was great! Could you possibly get Tony Parker in the future? I know how you’re friends with him.

Aug.18 at 12:06 am

Aniq says:
Tim, We know you were playing on one leg much of last year. But late in the playoffs, you seemed to come to come to life. Was the leg feeling better? Also, how much of a difference do you think an offseason will make in helping the foot heal. Thanks, Aniq.

Aug.18 at 5:25 am

timmyhero says:
SO CUTE!

Aug.18 at 5:48 pm

anthony says:
timmy your gonna win it all again this year. by the way my brother got an autograph from you at baskin robbins he’s the one that called u tony

Aug.19 at 10:52 am

Sonny says:
Go Bears and Go Spurs Go
THE ‘07 CHAMPS

Aug.19 at 11:50 am

Spursball says:
GO TIM!

Aug.19 at 1:30 pm

segun says:
hi tim,im ur greatest fan from africa.been follwing u rite 4m high school.evn sent u letter expressly deliverd.no response 4m u.wsh u all d best

Aug.19 at 4:12 pm

Gio says:
I got timmy and the next 5 to sign my 59th NBA Finals b ball in Game 2 of the finals in 05. Would of been nice of big shot rob would of got a hold of that ball. That was a one of the best series i have ever watch. both teams were a defense of team and the spurs showed they were better in those last 7 min of game 7. bowen did a hellava job on chansey.
I`ll be there this yr. i only was abel to get 1 ticket row 6 seat 5 sec 115. i think the spurs are gonna do it again this year! Everyone pray for no injuries!!!

Aug.19 at 4:14 pm

Gio says:
1 season ticket*

Aug.19 at 11:11 pm

ALVENDIA says:
tim is my favorite player i want him to shoot in three’s.

Aug.19 at 11:21 pm

jesse bermudez says:
in a commercial say fall seven times get up eight times or something. last season nobody in the nba show that more determination. TIM DUNCAN… wish you’ll win the MVP and the championship… i can see it from now 4 time NBA champions. 4 time MVP of the finals….. jesse of the philippines..

Aug.20 at 5:21 am

timmyhero says:
TIMMY,I wish you beat Mavs next season!
fans from china

Aug.20 at 9:56 am

Brandon2021 says:
Next year the Alamo City will have another River Parade cause the Spurs will go all the way, we don’t need Rasho or Nazr, they can go to their losing franchises and struggle. And for those Tim Duncan and Spurs haters, don’t be jealous just because your Dirk, Shaq, James, and Yao lack class, grace, and skill as the Greatest Power Foward (sorry Karl Malone - no ring) ever to step on the court, Tim Duncan. Oh yeah, Mavs are flukes, and so is Dirk!!!!

Aug.20 at 9:59 am

Brandon2021 says:
I meant unlinke the Greatest Power Foward, Tim Duncan!!!

Aug.20 at 4:00 pm

Julian says:
Tim,is the best Power Forward ever play the game. Mav got lucky last season vika some bad play from a key player. Best of luck this season Tim and stay healthy

Aug.20 at 6:20 pm

Denso says:
Tim Duncan the greatest power forward to play the game….
Spurs will be champions again in 07!!
Go SPURS GO
from Sydney Australia.

Aug.20 at 9:19 pm

Doris says:
Good Luck TIM and the San Antonio SPURS team. Just stay cool and focused and you’ll make IT AGAIN!!! It was a bad season, but there’s ALWAYS next year. God Bless You ALL!!! Doris
Killeen Texas

Aug.20 at 10:40 pm

carlos says:
hey tim what happen last year

Aug.20 at 11:57 pm

Ashley says:
Wow! I am impressed with all the fans. I can’t believe there are fans from all over the world. The spurs will take it again this year especially with the triple threat having ne injuries. The San Antonio Spurs have the best fans in the world and in the NBA. We are here for you Timmy, for thick and thin. Love ya and good luck this year.

Aug.21 at 1:51 am

Ramirez says:
hey the greatest power forward in the nba thats true

Aug.21 at 1:52 am

Ramirez says:
TIM DUNCAN

Aug.21 at 6:59 am

timmyhero says:
http://media.nba.com/media/sprite/cc1215_duncan_t_bb_09.avi
As a fan to you,I want another bank shot buzz like this next year

Aug.21 at 7:00 am

td forever says:
http://media.nba.com/media/sprite/cc1215_duncan_t_bb_09.avi
As a fan to you,I want another bank shot buzz like this next year

Aug.21 at 9:29 pm

piggy says:
Tim,I’m your fans from Chinese! I love you .Hope your new seasons become a good success.
And I want to know when you will come to China.

Aug.22 at 2:29 am

Bobby says:
GO SPURS GO! when u play the tha wolves up in minny know ill be there cheering yall on with my friend from argentina. and, mavs suck.

Aug.22 at 4:40 am

Erlyn Farrah says:
Hi Lang, i appreciate you choosing Tim for the debut of Starting 5. Loved it! Seriously Timmy is THE best player on the planet. fr Manila w/ luv

Aug.22 at 3:03 pm

rija says:
Hi Tim..
Hope U get better next year and, healthy, very important for the spurs. And Stay the BIG FUNDAMENTAL as you have been all your career.. You still have time to shine again and make your team the BEST, and your fans can’t wait to see you on the court for next season.
Good luck

Aug.22 at 3:35 pm

Tomas says:
che el duncan ese s un malo terrible el mejor por la mierda es ginobili, no me vengan con parker y todos los otros amargos.VAMOS GINOBILI Y ARGENTINA CARAJO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aug.22 at 5:25 pm

Stephy says:
Timmmeaaary! Love #21! Did you see him on Payback? Awesome wheels, and a great thing to do for a friend! Tim your the man, now that the Spurs and San Antonio are hungry…it’s time for some NBA grillin’!

Aug.23 at 12:38 am

uche says:
hi Tim we love the spurs here in Nigeria and you are the greatest keep it up, GO SPURS GO

Aug.23 at 4:16 am

Leng says:
Hi Tim! I’m ur #1 fan here in the Philippines. Sad ur not playing @ the Worlds. I love the Spurs. Hope u win the championship next year. Thanks Lang! Manila, Philippines

Aug.23 at 12:14 pm

Wasima says:
TIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back in the middle east, we are crazy about you… We are following you and we know that you dominate everyone else… SPURS CHAMPIONS ‘07!!!!!!!!!! Your Number 1 Fans for sure…. We have collected every item of yours since Wake Forest… GOOD LUCK!!!!

Aug.23 at 5:21 pm

Rick says:
Shaq can only beat up on tne weak Texas teams. Try Tim and the Spurs next time.

Aug.24 at 12:37 am

Nafi Simon says:
hi lang my name is nafi i just turned 6. when i grow up i want to be a good basketball player like tim. my mom is not a basketball fan but she likes tim and the spurs and tells me she wants me to grow up like him. my pops also tells me that tim is the best player in the nba yet he’s not arrogant. i love this game!

Aug.24 at 1:54 am

Nate says:
Hey Tim, Wow it is so awsome to see all the support you and the Spurs have. I’ve been following your career since Wake. The Commish for a day thing was well said. It seems some “Big Market Teams” can get away with murder. Oh, and even if your to classy to say it, Mark Cuban SUCKS! -Nate West Liberty, KY

Aug.24 at 6:51 am

erwin says:
TD is still the best player in the world. Want Miami to face the Spurs in next year’s Finals so we’ll see how TD can dismantle Shaq & Wade en route to his 4th Finals MVP.

Aug.24 at 5:57 pm

hayzel says:
Tim is really awesome! His voice was so nice.

Aug.24 at 11:34 pm

James J. Miller (Jimbo) says:
Tim, What do you think of Spurs new acquisitions for the center spot? I hope that you will not have to play the “5″ too often in ‘07. We gave up too much to the Mavs adapting to their game instead of going to a slow-down pound ‘em hard on the boards with a big front line. Bowen is a great defender, but Nowitski is too tall for him to guard effectively. It will be interesting to see who he puts on him this season. Go Timmy and Spurs. After 23 years in SA I moved to NW Fla. and now subscribe to NBALeaguePass to watch you guys. I manage one or two trips a year to see you guys now, but am still a Spuraholic. Jimbo

Aug.25 at 1:02 am

SA NATIVE says:
I dub it the even year curse, 1st it was .04 in ‘04, then it was the Ref’s “FIX” in ‘06. But the SPURS will be in basketball heaven come ‘07
GO SPURS GO!!! and soon to be !

Aug.25 at 5:20 pm

William says:
SPURS WILL WIN IN 07. Miami is lucky and I know Dallas will face a much hungrier and healthier Spur team. Remember they didn’t get exactly out skunked by Dallas. The Finals mvp is coming from San Antonio again. The new Spurs moto will be by the song Twisted Sister “We’re not gonna take it any more”

Aug.26 at 9:08 pm

Terry says:
Go get am Tim ,this might be another Championship this year .Let’s just pray and hope their will be less injuries .

Aug.27 at 8:40 am

Jam says:
NEW GAME WILL BE BENNING
TIM GO!!!!!!
THE WINER WILL BE SPURS!!THE WINER WILL BE TIM FOREVER!!!!!
I’M CHINESE WHO VERY LOVE YOU!
加油!蒂姆!

Aug.27 at 10:57 pm

Sandy says:
TIM~!
We all love you here in Taiwan.
you have numerous fans here.
and you are the only man i love through NBA!
Hope you Spurs can beat the annoying Cuban and Mavs in 07!
Though~if you visit China~please don’t forget to visit Taiwan!Thanx!

Aug.28 at 12:38 am

BEN says:
The new NBA game will start.
Tim,you will win the games.
The winner will be SPURS.And the MVP will be yours.
you are the best player in the world.
Flight Tim.Flight SPURS.

Aug.28 at 4:18 am

the best 21 says:
ADIDAS let KG and T-mac go to China this summer,why the don’t let TD to?It’s unfire for fans.
There are so many Duncan’s fans in this country.

Aug.29 at 2:15 am

BEN says:
Duncan,every fan hope you can go to China.The game will start.So we hope you can come here in 2007.

Aug.29 at 3:21 am

sean says:
Hi Timmy, Im your avid fan here in the Philippines! Hope you can visit us here.I learned to love the basketball bcoz of you. Your the best!! I miss watching your game! Go spurs!! God bless!!

Aug.29 at 7:57 pm

chinaduncan.com says:
Hi!Tim:
Hoped you have the opportunity to be able to come China ,Has in China very likes you the fan。
Prays for heavenly blessing you to have the good showing in the new season The spurs refuel! Duncan refuels!
The Chinese fans forever support you

Aug.31 at 10:13 pm

mobidik says:
Tim Duncan best player in the nba.

Sep.1 at 3:07 am

Raheem says:
Tim i hope spurs fans here in the Philippines will see more of your awesome bank shots and more of Manu’s crazy dunks. I’m looking forward to Tim the MVP next season. Bring back the Larry O’Brien trophy to San Antonio. Good luck! Thanks Lang. More power to Slam.

Sep.1 at 9:57 am

Merve says:
Thank you Tim for all the pleasure you give us while watching you play at the Spurs!!
Best wishes for this season,
Merve,
Turkey

Sep.2 at 8:19 am

Melanie says:
HELLO MR TD!!!!!!!!!
I KNOW YOU’RE QUITE UPSET LAST SEASON CONSIDERING THAT YOUR TEAM FINISH NO.1 IN WEST & YET DON’T WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.DON’T WORRY I BELIEVE THIS COMING SEASON YOUR TEAM WILL REGAIN THAT TROPHY AGAIN.HOPEFULLY THIS SEASON YOU’LL NOT BE INJURED.STAY HEALTHY!!!!I’LL ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOUR SUCCESS! HOPEFULLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE YOU VISIT PHILIPPINES COZ YOU’VE PLENTY OF FANS OUT THERE ESPECIALLY MY NIECE JUDE!!!
GOD BLESS!!!!
MELANIE,PHILIPPINES

Sep.3 at 12:05 pm

Maureen says:
Hey Timmy! I luv u! Im SAS biggest fan from Jersey :) I started following basketball because of you guys in ‘03. Cant wait to go see you again at NETS!!! (And hopefully go out to Tx and watch u guyz at home court!!!) All i have to say is 03, 05, 07 BABY! And dare i say it… lets make it consecutive this time around and go 4 da 2008!!!! THERE I SAID IT!!! Y not?… i mean.. u R the SPURS! Take care of urselves!!! Pop… u r an awesome coach! I wish you and the boyz all of the best!!!!!! CANT WAIT FOR THIS SEASON!!!! Go kick sum MAVS/HEAT booty and reclaim wats urz ;) GO SPURS GO!!!! P.S. Tony and Manu I love you!!!! As a matter of fact, Horry and Bowen and… just all of u!!!! :) Im sending lots of love to all of u from jersey!

Sep.3 at 5:32 pm

joe says:
SI DOS QUERE the spurs will once again rise to the top and show that not just duncan but the whole team will take what is ours, the 2007 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. the city of san antonio love their spurs. we love TIM DUNCAN. i love this game.

Sep.5 at 12:49 am

the best 21 says:
I love td21 forever!

Sep.5 at 6:58 am

jayJAY says:
Hi Tim! I’m a very big fan of yours from the Philippines! I love NBA bcoz of you! You’re the all-ime best power forward I ever known. I believe you gonna win 07 champ with you, manu and tony rocking the hardcourt! Stay humble and down to earth. that’s what i like the most on you! God Bless!

Sep.5 at 11:42 am

beril says:
i love you tim!! YOU ARE THE BEST MAN IN NBA!!!! LOVE YOU FOREVER!GOD BLESS U!
BIG FAN FROM TURKEY!

Sep.5 at 11:23 pm

td forever says:
TD seenms to be popular with fans of Assia

Sep.6 at 8:33 am

darryl washington says:
tim is an allsome player he needs to be in the starting 5

Sep.6 at 8:37 am

darryl washington says:
tim u are my favorite player i come to all of your games home and away and i am your biggest fan of you and the team can u email me to let me no u have got this my name is darryl. drryl_222@yahoo.com

Sep.6 at 6:01 pm

D. RITTIMANN says:
Tim, great way to answer the question about what to change in the NBA. I have been a Bears fan since I was a kid. I can tell my family and friends Tim is a fan of the Chicago Bears.
Thanks for all the great seasons, so far. Debbie

Sep.8 at 7:48 am

Pao Jia Wan says:
Hi TD, i’m the biggest fan of u and the spurs from Brunei ! I started watching and playing basketball in 2003 !!! You were the one that inspired me to play b-ball ! I felt quite upset in the last season but we will surely win the 2007 NBA chammpionship!!!! GO SPURS GO !!!!
Jia Wan Oh and please e-mail me to let me know u have received this . Ferdinand5_rocks@hotmail.com

Sep.8 at 8:18 am

Roberg says:
I love San antonio spurs team coz its some fanstatic moves….Keep the Best records…We all knows that in your is always there a “HEART of the CHAMPIONS”

Sep.11 at 2:04 am

tony mella says:
You are the best in the NBA. The best power forward of all time. I pray that you will win again another MVP this season as well as the trophy. I BELIEVE IN YOU. I’m starting to do my scrapbook about you. Thanks. Tony Mella of Philippines

Sep.12 at 5:33 am

Daniel Young says:
Hi Tim, I have been a staunch fan of the SPURS since back in the D Rob days, 15 years now infact. Basketball is growing rapidly here in NZ and your old team mate Sean Marks went to the same school as me, he is a legend. If the pattern is right you are winning a championship every two years, 2003, 2005, and all going to plan 2007 too. You are the man and I like the way you play, you get the job done, fancy superstar way of doing, just old school, and you have proven thats what it take to win championships. I am 29 and I love basketball, but my playing says are over and I just love watching NBA instead of our boring New Zealand or Australian leagues. NBA is the ultimate to watch. You have followed in D Robs footsteps of of leading by example and that the good can win ….. always. SPURS 2007 Champs, I like the sounds of that.

Sep.12 at 1:36 pm

andrew says:
tim duncan is a beast……and should move 2 cleveland so i can watch them…

Sep.24 at 9:09 am

jerry says:
tim duncan is my love !he is a batter man!I still belive !

Sep.27 at 10:55 pm

can says:
tim,i want to say something actually,but it seems that i don’t know what to say.so,one word:wish you happy!!

Sep.30 at 7:12 am

XU says:
td …i wish come to china

Comments